The arrival and passage of phenomenal numbers of birds during Spring and Autumn, to join the already spectacular array of resident species such as Dupont's Lark, bustards, sandgrouse, Lammergeier, Wallcreeper and Eagle Owl, is of course what makes them peak seasons for birding holidays, bird watching short breaks and guided day tours.

But these transitional seasons occupy more of the year than you might think, with Spring passage stretching from February (e.g. crakes and Great Spotted Cuckoo) to mid-June (Eleonora's Falcon), and Autumn spanning the gap between late-July and early November (with the arrivals of shorebirds and Common Crane respectively).

In addition, Catalonia lies along the food-rich Mediterranean Sea and is situated within TWO major migration routes between Europe and Africa, meaning the variety of its passage-only species such as White-winged Tern, Red-footed Falcon, Red-throated Pipit and Dotterel contributes significantly to a usual 200 species in a week during peak times.

"Over the moon. Fantastic. Couldn’t fault it! If you really want quality birding then I have no hesitation in recommending Stephen and Catalan Bird Tours - his dedication and knowledge is second to none.

The whole tour was relaxed and very friendly and throughout the week the list of sightings grow and, important to my self, I was able to get clear identification (so you could see their eyes!). At the end of the week I was able to identify many species through song as well. Once again Stephen, thank you for a fantastic week.

 Hopefully I shall have the opportunity to visit you again."

"Excellent 3 days guided birding in Spain with Stephen Christopher (both Sandgrouse spp, Lammergeier, Lesser Kestrel, Audouin's Gull, 6 Lark spp inc Dupont's Lark, Rock Thrush, Citril Finch etc etc..)”

 I'd had several birding trips around Catalonia but never managed to catch up with the rarer species like sandgrouse. So it was time to ask for help! Stephen rose to the challenge during 3 excellent days of guided birding. He confidently found all my key targets but we were able to get such SUPERB views of Dupont's Lark! Next time I must have the camera ready..."

Roger Payne, UK, 18th-20th May 2009

"I had a great time. If I had a special favourite it was the Steppes, from the start your knowledge and fieldcraft enabled us to see all the major species such as both Sandgrouse, Little Bustard and Montagu's Harrier plus many more all with fantastic views - a particularly rewarding day.

I am sure that any trip that you lead for people cannot fail to provide first class birding with your local knowledge, and people from new starters to the more experienced would benefit from your expertise. 

I hope we get to go out again one day, I certainly have gaps still to fill from this great birding region.”

Michael Curry, UK, 4th-7th April 2009

“I was very pleased and impressed with Catalanbirdtours. Stephen Christopher was an excellent guide, knowledgeable about the birds and where best to find them. I’d definitely like to revisit.

He gave an excellent ‘Know your Larks’ lesson. We were surrounded by calling and singing... A really enjoyable few minutes working through them and exactly the sort of experience I was hoping for from the trip.

Considering spring migration had not really begun, I saw 153 species in three days. A pretty decent total and I had a great time, saw some excellent birds, a really enjoyable trip.

Martin Cracknell, UK, 22nd-25th March 2009

“We could not have been more delighted with our trip - a great holiday. We definitely will come back. It brought home to me the value of a guide with local knowledge.  I'm sure I would have seen much less without your help. 

Despite being a birding "widow" I thoroughly enjoyed the bird watching - I managed to see and learn so much.
Non-birders can often feel left out so thank you for taking the time to make sure I saw as much as I did. They were fantastic days which have given us some great memories. We would thoroughly recommend you to anyone who is thinking of birding in Spain (Catalonia!) and have been telling our friends how pleased we were."

Geoff and Katriona Burton, UK, 16th-18th March 2009

The Empordà is like a mini-Catalonia so this birding trip will offer a final chance to see some of Spain's most sought-after bird species such as Balearic Shearwater, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Roller, Stone-curlew, Penduline Tit, Collared Pratincole, Great Bittern and Moustached Warbler.

Red-throated Pipit, Red-footed Falcon, White-winged Tern, Common Crane and Marsh Sandpiper are regular whilst, for the photographers, the compact reserve at El Cortalet will offer chances to snap close-ups of Water Rail, Spoonbill, Wryneck and a host of warblers, waders, ducks and herons - and may be a Little, Spotted or even Baillon's Crake.

“A great day! Fascinating and enjoyable with a knowledgeable and interesting guide. Our target was Great Bustard and we got excellent views of birds on the ground and in flight. When we're back I'll be sure to get in touch.”

Julie and Chris Dawson, September 2008

"We really enjoyed the few days and (despite previous worries) felt it was time and money well spent - we would never have such a dramatic selection of locations, nor seen such a broad range of species, without your assistance and experience, even had we had much longer time to explore on our own."

Rupert and Mauvis Ormond, Scotland, 12th-15th October 2008

Of course, for those with an appetite for excitement and the thrill of the hunt, one should always save the best birding trip until last and the Catalan Pyrenees are certainly that.

Lammergeier is seen on (almost) every trip as are Griffon Vulture, Citril Finch, Alpine Chough, Green Woodpecker and Dipper but some residents - Black Woodpecker, Ring Ouzel, Golden Eagle, Marsh Tit, Wallcreeper - need a little more luck.

But to these you can add a host of woodland warblers, tits and finches, joined in Spring by Rock Thrush, Red-backed Shrike, Sub-alpine Warbler and sometimes Wryneck.