Zaragoza is one of the provinces with the greatest ornithological diversity in the Iberian Peninsula. In just 150 km, you can transition from steppe wetlands where 100,000 cranes gather to golden eagles soaring over alpine forests or Egyptian vultures in desert canyons. Here are the ten key areas for birdwatching, all located outside the city of Zaragoza.
- Laguna de Gallocanta The great sanctuary of the common crane in Western Europe. Between October and February, more than 120,000 individuals can concentrate here. At dawn and dusk, the sky is literally filled with V-shaped flocks. There is also a massive wintering of mallards, lapwings, and common geese. The observatories of El Cañizar, Bello, and Tornos are essential, along with guided night routes to hear their trumpeting.
- Embalse de La Loteta (Gallur – Boquiñeni) One of the best roosting sites for cranes in Spain (up to 40,000 birds). From the road that borders the reservoir, they can be seen perfectly at sunset entering in formation. Additionally, regular sightings of Western marsh harrier, whiskered tern, glossy ibis, and little egret in spring and summer.
- Estepas de Belchite and los Monegros Territory of emblematic steppe birds: great bustard, ortega bustard, Iberian bustard, ricotí lark, marsh lark, and calandra lark. The best areas are Plano de la Dolores, the Fuendetodos reserve, and the Codo-Muel steppes. In spring, the song of male great bustards resonates in the absolute silence.
- Sotos and galachos of the Ebro (Alagón – Sobradiel – Torres de Berrellén) Almost virgin riverside forests with one of the highest densities of kingfisher and golden oriole in Aragon. In winter, great cormorants roost in the hundreds. Also, pallid harrier and red kite year-round. Recommended route: the path of the Galachos de la Alfranca.
- Sierra de Nava Alta and Alcubierre (Farlete – Monegrillo) The realm of the Egyptian vulture and the golden eagle. Colonies of griffon vultures exceeding 200 pairs. In the rocky cliffs, the Bonelli’s eagle and peregrine falcon also nest. In the plains, occasional bustard and stone-curlew at dusk.
- Moncayo – Puerto de Cucharón and high beech forests Area of mountain forest birds: middle spotted woodpecker, blue tit, coal tit, bullfinch, and, with luck, white-backed woodpecker in mature beech forests. In the high rocky areas, alpine accentor and alpine water pipit. In winter, flocks of redwing and fieldfare.
- Laguna de Sariñena and surroundings (Sariñena – Capdesaso) Although located in Huesca, 70% of the basin and the best observatories are in the province of Zaragoza. Large colonies of black-winged stilt, avocet, canastera, and whiskered tern. During migration, waders and terns. Royal reed warbler in the reeds.
- Embalse de Moneva and La Retuerta de Pina One of the few areas where the red-crested pochard still breeds in Aragon. Also, white-headed duck, brown scoter, and red-necked grebe. In the vicinity, common lark and skylark.
- Canyons of the Martín River (Alacón – Oliete) Bonelli’s eagle, Eurasian eagle-owl, and redstart in the cliffs. In the centenary olive groves, grey bushchat and azure-winged magpie. In spring, bee-eaters on the clay walls.
- Embalse de Mezalocha and the Huerva River Surprising concentration of waterfowl less than 30 km from the capital, yet in open countryside: tufted duck, great crested grebe, purple heron, and osprey on migration. In the tamarisks, reed warbler and whiskered terns.
Practical tips
- The best general time is from October to April (cranes, steppe, and aquatic birds).
- Spring (April-May) for pre-nuptial migration and breeding of waders and steppe birds.
- Bring a telescope: many observations are at long distances.
- Always respect special protection areas and do not stray from the marked paths.
Without a doubt, the province of Zaragoza is one of the major birdwatching destinations in inland Europe. Few places offer such a variety of cranes, bustards, Egyptian vultures, golden eagles, and royal reed warblers in such a small space. A silent paradise known only to those who listen to the sky.
Photos: Birdaragon
