In the month of autumn, the forests are not the only thing that changes appearance or is transformed. The skies, apart from having a much greater presence of clouds, clouds and precipitation, also bring with them a series of identified moving objects. An infinite number of birds travel throughout the Catalan territory, heading south due to changes in temperature and lack of food. in northern Europe.
It is true that these migrations can occur from the month of August until the end of the year and the beginning of the next, just coinciding with the transition from autumn to winter. However, during the season we are experiencing right now, Catalans will also be able to witness the periodic and seasonal movement of certain species between their breeding areas and their wintering places.
Catalonia, a perfect location for birds to make a stopover
The Autonomous Community of Catalonia is located right in the middle of one of the main migratory routes in Western Europe. The most representative example of all this is that of the birds that fly from Scandinavia, Russia or Central Europe, which begin their path passing through the Pyreneeswhere they rest in the Catalan wetlands to later continue on their way to Africa.
The two most prominent points where birds choose to make their stop are the Ebro Delta and the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà, both natural and excellent refuges for these animals.
The Catalan places where birds rest
In the first destination mentioned, the sunrises during the month of October show scenes that seem straight out of a movie. They can be observed flocks of flamingos that feed in the mists, and groups of geese and ducks that recharge their batteries before resuming their route. For its part, in the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà the afternoons are invaded by the black storks and the honeycomb falcons that roam freely through the skies Catalans from Alt Empordà. More in depth and in the interior of Catalonia, in the Estany d’Ivars i Vila-sana (Pla d’Urgell) specifically, the wetlands become home for a short period of time to lots of ducks, grebes and coots who seek tranquility.
What is the best time to see the bird migration in Catalonia during autumn?
The best time to see the autumn migration of birds in Catalonia is exactly the period we are experiencing right now. Since the end of September, the entire process has already been seen, but this will last until the end of October. The perfect time can be both when the day is going to start and when the night is going to start. during the dawnthe birds will be feeding outdoors, cool and quiet; and during the sunsetall sides proceed to group together to sleep at the same time that the skies begin to turn orange. In turn, it is recommended carry binoculars to be able to see the entire habitat in greater depth, avoid making noises that may disturb or interrupt the animals and wear neutral clothing that does not confuse the birds.