Moments in Nature
In the Sierra y Cañones de Guara Natural Park you can find astonishing contrasts. From the highest point of the Tozal de Guara to the deepest chasms of the mountain range, passing through canyons and gorges. Guara is a region full of contrasts and in some long-uninhabited spots its mystery is still waiting to be discovered. The orography of the terrain, with its limestone rocks, is ideal for canyoning. Thanks to its uniqueness there are also exceptional areas for climbing, hiking and much more. The Mascún Canyon is a prime example of this. We can also find striking contrasts in conglomerate rocks such as the Huevo de Morrano, or the Huevo de Sancosme as well as all the formations in Vadiello. You will also find fossil areas in Sevil and Abiego which are the result of the passage of time and water erosion. In terms of flora, Guara has a great number of exceptional trees such as the Lecina oak tree, the forest of olive trees in Buera, the Castillo de los Santos conifer and the Las Almunias oak tree.
A rewarding activity through which we can know birds habits.
ontinuing with the uniqueness of the Sierra, on the walls of Mascún Canyon you will be able to find native flowers growing amongst the rocks including the Petrocoptis guarensis. The greatest richness of Guara's animal world is found in its birds, especially the birds of prey and scavengers. The Sierra de Guara Natural Park is a Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds. It is one of the few locations in Europe where it is possible to see Bearded Vultures, Egyptian Vultures, eagles and a large colony of Griffon Vultures. In addition to birds of prey, rock-dwelling birds such as Wallcreepers are another star of the Sierra. There are different ecosystems in which we can find different types of birds. Birds that thrive in the rocky environment that is most common in Guara include: The Bearded Vulture, which is one of the rarest birds of prey in Europe. The Sierra de Guara Natural Park protects ten pairs, one of the largest-known populations. A large colony of Griffon Vultures. Another scavenger bird, the Egyptian Vulture. It has white tail tips and appears in pairs during the first weeks of March. Kites.
All these birds are fed at different locations in the Sierra de Guara, such as the Bierge trough (about 500 metres from the hotel); Santa Cilia de Panzano, where special activities are organized for families; and in Alquezar. There are also further feeding points at different locations across Sierra de Guara and the Pyrenees. Our Birding Guara Moment is the ideal way to immerse yourself in the world of birds. It is especially for families, since it allows you to get close to the birds while Manuel from Fondo Amigos del Buitre holds them. Manuel is an expert in and a friend of vultures and birds in general. In the Natural Park there are plenty of red and black kites and different species of corvids (ravens - Corvus -, Red-Billed Choughs, crows, etc.). The speedy Peregrine Falcon shares rocks with the common kestrel. The Golden Eagle breeds on cornices and rocky walls, as does the Eagle-Owl. There are colonies of Alpine Swifts and Crag Martins. We have to highlight the presence of the Wallcreeper and the Alpine Accentor, alpine birds that frequent the rocks and are highly prized among nature lovers.
We can suggest different routes on which you are most likely to see these species of birds.
In the river ecosystem
On the banks of the rivers the Grey Heron, the King Fisher and the European Dipper can be seen. These birds are all indicators of clean, unpolluted rivers..
In the grassland ecosystem
In the Somontano area, where open landscapes dominate, important steppe ecosystems can be found: the Eurasian Stone-Curlew, the Pin-tailed Sand Grouse, the Black-bellied Sand Grouse and the Little Bustard are all examples of birds that can be spotted here. Owls nest in the earthy flat-topped mountains by rivers like the Alcanadre, and feed on the abundance of prey in the environment. The Montagu’s Harrier nests amongst the grain fields and the Kestrel finds refuge in the hollows of roofs and walls of agricultural buildings. The Sierra de Guara and the so-called Mallos Kingdom have become true paradises for the observation of rupicolous birds of prey. Egyptian Vultures, Griffon Vultures, eagles, the aforementioned Bearded Vultures and Black-winged Kites can all be found. Nocturnal birds are always accompanied by bats that appear in good weather. Experience the nature of Sierra de Guara!
