Observe the Bearded Vulture and other birdlife in Picos de Europa, one of northern Spain’s best areas for high-mountain wildlife watching. This guided birding tour takes you deep into the wild landscapes of the Cantabria to search for some of Northern Spain’s most iconic mountain birds, including the elusive Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus). Thanks to ongoing conservation efforts and habitat protection, these rugged mountains now support a rich and recovering bird community, from powerful raptors to specialist alpine species. With the knowledge of an experienced local guide, you’ll have an excellent chance to observe a wide variety of birds in their natural environment while exploring one of Spain’s most spectacular mountain regions.
The Bearded Vulture
The Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus), also known as the lammergeier, has only recently been observed in Cantabria. It became extinct in Picos de Europa National Park in the early 20th century due to poisoning and hunting. Since then, this stunning scavenger bird has only been seen in the Pyrenees.
In 2005, the Bearded Vulture Foundation (FCQ) initiated a project to reintroduce Bearded Vultures in Picos de Europa. As a result, the Bearded Vulture returned to these mountains. Part of the reintroduction efforts are the use of colored markings on their wings and radio tracking devices, which allow researchers to reconstruct the routes, feeding areas and the habits of each individual. Since 2010, young birds are released every year and adult vultures visit from the Pyrenees. Couples have recently started to lay eggs in the Picos as well!
About this Tour
Together with a local, enthusiastic English-speaking bird guide, you will go out today in search of mountain birds. The guides have extensive knowledge of the landscape, its inhabitants, and the challenges in this area in terms of nature conservation and the livability of the mountain villages. The route passes through different ecosystems, and hence, there is a chance to see a variety of bird species. You must provide your own vehicle and will follow the guide in your own car.
Other Bird Species
Depending on the season, you may also observe:
- Short-toed Snake Eagle (Circaetus gallicus)
- Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
- Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo)
- European Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus)
- Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio)
- Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)
- Eurasian Nuthatch (Sitta europaea)
- Short-toed Treecreeper (Certhia brachydactyla)
- Middle Spotted Woodpecker (Leiopicus medius)
- Alpine chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus)
- Alpine accentor (Prunella collaris)
- Wheatears (various species)
- Rufous-tailed rock thrush (Monticola saxatilis)
- and many more!
Interested in Discovering Cantabrian Birdlife with us?
Send us a message via the form below or contact us via info@intoasturias.com indicating the preferred tour date(s), which tour you prefer, the group size, and any other important details.
Note that the maximum number of persons you can book from our website is 5. Please send us a message if you want to do this tour with a larger number of people, as it is possible!
You can also book your tour via the booking form on our website*.
And… if you want to see more birds or other wildlife in Asturias and Cantabria, have a look at all our Wildlife Tours!
*Although we do our best to update the availability on our website regularly, before booking we recommend you to send us a message. This can be done via the inquiry form below or via info@intoasturias.com. Indicate the desired tour date, number of persons (adults and/or children), and whether you need transportation or not. We’ll then check the real-time availability of our guides and come back to you within 48 hours to confirm the tour date or propose another date, in case our guides are not available.
The trip costs includes:
- Private, experienced and licensed guide
- Use of binoculars and telescope
- Insurances
The trip costs excludes:
- Food and drinks
- Private Transportation
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