Birding in Peña Oroel and San Juan de la Peña Itinerary
On the final uphill stretch you pass the old monastery on the right, built into the rock. This is worth a stop, especially from October to April, as there is a small chance that the Wallcreeper will be around, on the rocks or even on the monastery walls.
From here drive on past the new monastery, park and walk back along open grassy area in front of the monastery to a road barrier now on the left. Walk along the track through the pine forest, where the Black Woodpecker can be seen or heard. When you emerge from the forest stop at the top of the cliffs: Black Woodpeckers can sometimes be seen on the forested slopes below, and this is an excellent spot for watching raptors, including the magnificent Lammergeier. In some years Citril Finches breed in the open wooded areas, although most successful attempts at finding these birds here are in the non-breeding season.
From the car park follow the road on to Bernués and then left to the Oroel pass. Birds that can be seen on the way include woodland and scrub birds such as Western Bonelli’s Warbler, Subalpine Warbler, Crested Tit, etc. Shortly after the pass follow the sign indicating the Parador of Oroel to the right. Park near the Parador and search the surrounding area for the Black Woodpecker if you had no luck at San Juan de la Peña.
Return to the road and follow it to the N-240. If you wish to complete the circuit turn left along the N-240 and make one or two discretionary stops along the banks of the River Aragón to see a series of birds like Dipper, Red-backed Shrike, Wryneck, Cirl Bunting, Grey Wagtail, etc.
As evening approaches you may like to try the well-known Eagle Owl site at Alastúey: taking the minor road to this village park at less than 1 km from the junction with the N-240 and with luck you will see the Eagle Owl as it shifts position at dusk readying itself for the night’s hunt. This is also a good area for finding the European Nightjar.
Further nightlife can be had in the village of Santa Cruz de la Serós, as the Scop’s Owl regularly calls from near the church.
Which hotel? BirdingInSpain.com recommends el Mirador de Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz de la Serós for this itinerary
