Catalunya - Coll de Pal

It's just as quick to get to the Pyrenees (and arguably cheaper) as it is to get to the Highlands in Scotland.  I just find the Pyrenees much more accessible, and of course it's in Spain, a country that I love.

The scenery is breath-taking, the drive from Barcleona relaxing, and the birdlife keeps your interest in by the minute.

Coll de Pal is around half an hour north of the small mountain town of Baga.  It was cold when I arrived, the car thermometer measuring -6C, but it was clear and still and didn't at all feel like there was a harsh chill in the air.

The road up to the top was favourable, with a few icy patches here and there but the vista that welcomes you is one where sight alone cannot behold.

Parking the car, I walked along a snow covered track opposite the ski runs on the far side of the valley.  It all appeared very calm with little bird-life.  A noisy group of birds flew over the ridge and settled nervously on the slope.  I counted around 60 Alpine Accentor in total, as small groups continued to flock together before heading further along the mountain-side.  

It seemed incredible that there was any food available to them here, but these hardy mountain dwellers are well adapted to these bleak environments.

The pine woodland held plenty of Crested Tit, which are a common site in this area.  Another bird which were common and singing from the pines were Common Crossbill, with many in song and very vocal as they flew across the tops of the tree-line.  Small groups of Fieldfare were present here as well as common finches.  Sadly no sign of any Citril Finch at this favourable site.

A couple of Raven flew over as did individuals of Griffon Vulture scanning the vast areas for carrion.  A Golden Eagle then passed through the valley as did a Sparrowhawk dashing low over the pines before heading into the valley.

Around mid-afternoon, a cloud of Alpine Chough congregated high over the mountain-top wheeling round the escarpment. 

A couple of Rock Bunting ended a really superb day.