Читать книгу The GR10 Trail. Through the French Pyrenees: Le Sentier des Pyrenees онлайн

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Wildlife

The Pyrenees is a Mecca for the bird-watcher. With the mountain range forming a big barrier to migrating birds, in the spring and autumn they are funnelled along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines and through the lower passes. The casual birdwatcher will be most impressed with the large number of birds of prey.

The massive Griffon vulture, with a wing-span of about 2.5m, will frequently be seen soaring on the high ridges, while the smaller Egyptian vulture, which is distinctively coloured with a white body, black and white wings, is also likely to be seen. Arguably, the most beautiful bird you will see is the red kite with its deeply forked tail. You can also expect to see black kites, buzzards and honey buzzards, as well as smaller birds of prey such as the kestrel, peregrine falcon, sparrowhawk and rarer birds such as the black-shouldered kite, the goshawk and even a migrating osprey.

One species, which seems to be thriving, is the Alpine chough, seen in large flocks. This member of the crow family is all black except for a yellow bill and red legs. Wheatear and black redstart are common and rarer small birds to look out for are the wallcreeper, crossbill, crested tit, red-backed shrike, bullfinch and Alpine accentor.