Belagua Itinerary

Starting point: Zuriza/Isaba.
Time: At least half a day.

Starting from Zuriza in Aragón, an interesting option is to follow on towards the head of the valley until the mountain refuge. After refreshments a walk along the valley may reveal Black Woodpecker, Marsh Tit and Ring Ouzel.

From Zuriza pass into Navarra and follow the road towards Isaba. Turn left at the junction if you want to visit the attractive town, or right if you want to get on with the birding. The river Belagua is a good one for Dippers, so keep a look out for this attractive species, as well as the Red-backed Shrike in the fields and pastures further up the valley.

The Rincón de Belagua itself is the area just before the first hairpin bend and the steep ascent up the mountain. Stop and take a walk through the forest, as here there is a chance of seeing Black Woodpecker, the chances increase with the distance walked from the parking area.

Back at the vehicle continue past the barracks to the Belagua refuge which is on the right. In this area and during the trajectory look out for Lammergeier, Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Griffon Vulture, Water Pipit and Rock Thrush.

From the refuge it is possible to follow the marked cross-country ski route to the Llano de Eskilzarra and into the mixed forest beyond. Species here include Black Woodpecker, European Nightjar, Tengmalm's Owl and Woodcock, and White-backed Woodpecker has also been reported.

Continue along the road to just beyond the French border, looking out for Ring Ouzel on the way. Stop at the pass before the descent and take a short walk to the right of the road. Here you may see Alpine Chough, Citril Finch and Alpine Accentor, among other species.