Winter

Mountains and rivers in winter

One of the best times of the year to observe birds in the north of Spain is the winter.
Although sometimes, bad weather and the low temperatures can be disagreeable, is without a doubt, a good moment.

Snow on the fields

The migration is without a doubt but interesting that takes place at this time, all the birds which they wintering in Africa have left, but all the birds which breeding in the north of Europe arrive in these season in great flocks.

Waders, Ducks and Gulls in the salt marsh

The best places where to see birds, are the North Coast and all the lagoons, dams, rivers… in these places arrive Divers, Auks, Waders, Gulls, Herons, Geese, and Ducks mainly.

Velvet Scoter in Santoña marshes

Inland, forests, meadow, although can seem quiet, also they maintain a good number of species those that remain the year throughout and those that arrive flocks from Thrushes, Finches, Wagtails and Pipits.
Also it is a good moment to be able to be with less habitual species, like the Wallcreeper (Tichodroma muraria) or the Lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus), of which there are records every year.
It is necessary to be kind to great flocks, between Greylag Goose (Anser anser)
, is not always difficult to find to White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons)
, or other species of Geese.

White-fronted Goose in a flock of Geese

Between flocks of Thrushes, the Fieldfare (Turdus pilaris) and the Redwing (Turdus iliacus) appear all winter to us.

Fieldfare in north fields of Burgos

Brambling (Fringilla montifringilla) usually is mixed in great flocks of Finches.

Also it is possible, that in these season, we find birds that usually do not appear of constant form, rare birds that many ornithologists strive in his looks for.