Bird watching in Navarre: the best way to enjoy mother nature

Experience the pleasure of watching birds in their natural habitat. You can do so in the stunning countryside of Navarre, in northern Spain. Its geographical situation makes it a vital stop on Europe's most important migratory routes. Come and be amazed by a unique spectacle. It's easy.

Navarre has great ornithological diversity. In addition, the region has many protected nature areas to discover. This is because it is a region of contrasts where you can easily go from arid steppe to luxuriant forest.

This huge variety of habitats makes the region home to a large number of species: from residents of the steppe to birds of prey, forest and aquatic species... some 330 different types of birds can be found in Navarre.

Some recommendations

Before setting off, make sure you have binoculars unless you intend to go to completely open spaces. In this case you will need a telescope in order to see far-away birds clearly. If you do not have a pair, you can get one at the El Bordón and Pitilla Lake Observatories. Here you can also obtain the necessary documentation to recognise and distinguish the region's different birds. There are four ornithological information points around the region. Three are also Visitor Centres where you can get to know the area better through exhibitions, audiovisual presentations and information panels. They are in Lumbier, Ochagavía and Roncal.

If you are birdwatching for the first time, don't worry: Navarre has twelve, specially prepared places, with good access and varied flora and fauna. Any time of year is good to come. Nevertheless, we would recommend avoiding the hottest part of summer days. One place you will love is the Bárdenas Reales Nature Reserve. This is a semi-desert area with large canyons and cliffs. Here you can see different types of birds, depending on the time of year. In summer you will find the black kite, hoopoe and Montagu's harrier, amongst others. If you come in winter, on the other hand, species include the heron and the grosbeak.

The Señorío de Bertiz Nature Reserve offers surroundings far removed from those mentioned above - a spectacular Atlantic forest of oak and beech. If you come in summer you can see the lesser spotted woodpecker, the white wagtail and the dipper, amongst others. The honey buzzard, spotted flycatcher and the cuckoo are some of the winter stars.

If you prefer mountain landscapes then be sure to head for the Sierra de Urbasa-Andia Nature Reserve where you will find birds such as the white-backed woodpecker and the treecreeper.

On your next trip to Navarre, you can become a privileged observer of the hundreds of birds that nest in its stunning landscapes.

More information on this activity: http://www.turismo.navarra.es/esp/propuestas/observacion-aves/

If you are interested in birdwatching in Spain, we recommend you read:
Birdwatching in Extremadura