4/6/22 – Today we drove down the Fago Valley first stopping at the little village of Fago. The usual Swallows, House Martins and Swifts were flying around and above the houses. I spotted a female Blackcap on a tree, a new bird for the trip, and John found a Black Redstart, another common species around the villages. We continued down the valley stopping to admire the deep gorge and high cliffs. A Griffon Vulture flew overhead and a Chiffchaff was in a tree. Further down the valley we arrived at the flatter meadows where Corn Buntings were singing from the wires. A Buzzard was in the area and further along two Bee-eaters were on the wires.
We continued to Sigues, at the bottom of the Roncal Valley, for a coffee stop. We left Sigues and headed up the valley. The river was on our right and I spotted an unexpected Grey Heron by a bridge as well as a Grey Wagtail and a Black Kite.
Our next stop was the lovely village of Burgui where we had a walk around and saw a Booted Eagle flying overhead, being hassled by many Swifts. We had our lunch in the picnic area by the river where Black Redstarts entertained us. A White Wagtail and a few House Sparrows were around the allotments. As we walked to the bridge a Red Kite flew over and landed on a telegraph pole.
We returned along the mountain road and while we stopped to take photos of Anso a Griffon Vulture and and an Egyptian Vulture flew over.
Later that evening we spotted two mystery raptors flying overhead which have since being confirmed as Honey Buzzards. A great addition to our list.
