WILDLIFE

Birds

The Ebro valley is a haven for all sorts of birds, from tiny Warblers to giant Vultures.

Below I have shown some of my favourites, the raptors, I will add others as I get photos. I hope to get the hoopoe, golden oriole and bee-eater to name but a few

From early March through to late June the tree lined banks are full of Kites, both Black and Red, there are so many it almost seems there is a nest in every other tree.

In the early evening small groups can be seen soaring up high in the thermals created by the cliffs.

At the end of June the Kites get ready to migrate and can be seen in huge well over a hundred, a truly spectacular sight.

Young chick with parent

The Griffon Vulture has a wing span of over seven feet but they are only seen as a speck high up as they glide effortlessly along searching for a meal.

We had a pair of Booted Eagles nest in the cliffs below “Zacs mountain” and were lucky enough to watch them diving and twisting in their free-fall mating ritual.

We regularly see a pair of Short Toed Eagles around the “Scousers swim”. We think they nest a mile or so away from the river in a high rock formation. 

A little owl seen regularly on one of the many derelict buildings

   Eagle Owl

Storks most towns and villages in northern Spain will have a stork nesting on the top of high buildings or radio masts. This picture ken of storks on nests built on top of the church at Quinto.

The Osprey migrate through in the spring and autumn. We usually have 5-6 pairs on the stretch we fish, photo to follow

Creepy Crawlies

Just remember one thing they are more interested in avoiding you than attacking you, so you will normally have to go out of your way to see them.

The snakes are usually found close to the water, where we have seen them attacking small 1-2 inch Zander and Carp

The scorpions and tarantulas are found well up the bank away from the waters edge

We have one of these on video with loads of babies on it’s back

Yes this centipede is longer than the fag packet and they bite, Duane found one in a hose pipe in our garage. It was not very happy and bit him, lots of blood and a bit of a sting so watch out.

There are lots of lizards during the hotter months. This is a brown one about 8-12 inches long we have seen the larger green lizards these are 24-30 inches long. 

Giant grasshopper I’ve seen them up to 5-6”

We are not exactly plagued by Crayfish but you do find quite a few in the margins and the catfish are partial to one or two as well

One to look out for in the bank side vegetation is the Praying Mantis, the females eat the males whilst mating, it is supposed to give them extra stimulation

Others to look out for

Wild Boar and Deer, we very rarely see any but we are always finding tracks on the bank. We have found a couple of skulls on the bank one Wild Boar not in very good condition with small tusks and one Deer complete with full set of antlers

FURTHER PICTURES WILL BE ADDED AS WE GET THEM