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Fascinating birds |
Birdwatching itineraries |
BIRDWATCHING ITINERARIES
A total of 8 itineraries have been selected and designed to guide the visiting birdwatcher around the outstanding natural treasures of the Terres de l'Ebre.
Itineraris 1 i 2 Between them, itineraries 1 and 2 cover the major birdwatching sites in the Ebre Delta National Park. Declared a SPA (Special Protection Area) and listed as a Ramsar site, the Ebre Delta is a wetland of international importance with some 95 species of birds breeding there. Additionally, its variety of lagoons, dunes, beaches, bays and riparian woodlands serve as an essential stopover point for a large number and range of migratory and wintering birds, and make an excellent backdrop for birders and photographers alike.
Itineraries 3 and 4 encourage the naturalist to sample the different faces of Els Ports, a mountain range with beautiful rivers, caves, gorges, and peaks well above 1,000 m. Apart from being a refuge for the Spanish Ibex (Capra pyrenaica), there are also Wild Boar, Wild Cat, Otter, Roe Deer and 50% of the species of amphibian that can be found in Catalonia. Add to all that an exciting and varied birdlife, including a good number of large raptors, Els Ports are clearly worth discovering.
Itineraries 5 and 6 are located in the little-known Cardó and Boix mountain ranges. Here the visitor can find exceptional birds, but also much more. There are well-conserved Mediterranean forests with pine trees and fine holm oaks. There are also yew trees, some of which are believed to be more than a thousand years old. There are even ancient cave paintings, underground caves and also the characteristic Dwarf-fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis), Europe's only native palm tree. Currently two pairs of Bonelli's Eagle and some 5 pairs of Golden Eagles inhabit this enchanting massif.
Itinerary 7 is a visit to the Sebes and Flix Meander Nature Reserve. Located on the banks of the river Ebre it covers two areas separated by the Flix dam. On one side there is the wetland area of Sebes upriver from the dam, and downriver there is the meander. The reserve boasts one of the most extensive reedbeds in Catalonia, reaching over 200 metres wide. It also has well conserved riverside woodlands, with willows, white poplars, tamarisks and alders. Active conservation management of the reserve has been undertaken since 1999.
Itinerary 8 starts with an ascent to the attractive village of La Fatarella, offering incredible views over the surrounding countryside. From here the road leads down to the mouth of the River Matarranya passing through peaceful, almost deserted landscapes. These are semi-arid, pine clad lands, where man has left his mark in the shape of terraced olive groves, small vineyards and beautiful dry stone walls. Discover lonely hermitages, either perched on hilltops or concealed in valleys where only birdsong breaks the silence. The itinerary reaches its climax at the huge river cliffs on the banks of the Ebre River.
