Observation and Bird Photography Hides in Ordesa and Monte Perdido

Observation Points for Bird Photography in Aínsa consist of unique and privileged locations for birdwatching and bird photography enthusiasts. Located in the heart of the Aragonese Pyrenees, it offers an exceptional opportunity to observe and photograph a wide variety of birds in their natural habitat. From majestic raptors like the bearded vulture and the golden eagle to small cliff-dwelling and forest birds, Aínsa is the perfect destination for those seeking an unforgettable experience in a natural environment of great beauty and diversity.

Observation Points for Bird Photography in Aínsa

Vulture Feeding Station in Aínsa

Location and Access: It is located in the urban area of Aínsa. To get there, park at the parking lot near the bus stop of the Ara River and walk along the ascending track near the Mesón de L’Aínsa hotel towards Murillo de Tou.

Geographical Coordinates: 42º 24’44.91″ N 0º 08’24.57″ E | Altitude: 534 meters.

Route Description: The approach is simple, with a distance of 1 km on foot. Upon reaching the feeding station, you will find an observation point 150 meters away, delimited by a vegetal screen of cypresses and an interpretive sign.

Ornithological Values: It is a specific feeding station for scavenger birds, with good acceptance by griffon vultures, Egyptian vultures, and red kites. Two pairs of bearded vultures visit it regularly.

Phenology of the Route: It can be visited throughout the year, but it is recommended to inquire about the days and feeding hours by calling the PBC. During winter, migratory species such as Egyptian vultures or black kites will not be present.

Special Features and Environmental Values: This feeding station offers photographic hides with spy glass, allowing you to observe and photograph emblematic scavenger birds from a distance of less than 20 meters. For observation and photography, please inquire at the PBC phone number (974 500597). A complementary visit to the Eco Museum of Pyrenean Wildlife (PBC headquarters) in the Aínsa castle is suggested, as it features a display of unrecoverable live birds of prey.

Miradores de Revilla Trail for Viewing the Bearded Vulture

Location and Access: From Aínsa, take the A-138 road towards France. In Hospital de Tella, turn left towards Tella and then left again towards Revilla. The starting point is at the interpretive sign of the trail at a sharp curve on the road, 500 meters from Revilla.
Geographical Coordinates: Starting Point: 42º 35’56.22″ N 0º 02’55.35″ E | Altitude: 1380 meters.

Route Description: The route is a 3.5 km circular trail that starts from the interpretive sign and descends towards the Yaga River canyon. Along the route, there are several viewpoints with informational panels and benches for resting. The difficulty level is low, with an elevation gain of 200 meters.

Ornithological Values: This trail is particularly notable as one of the best places in the world to observe the bearded vulture. Additionally, it is possible to spot other raptors such as the golden eagle, griffon vulture, Egyptian vulture, and red kite, as well as forest birds such as the white-backed woodpecker and wallcreeper.

Phenology of the Route: The trail is accessible year-round, but in winter there may be snow and ice in some sections. The best time for birdwatching is from April to September.

Special Features and Environmental Values: The trail is located in the Natural Park of the Canyons and Sierra de Guara, a protected area of great scenic and ecological value. The viewpoints offer spectacular views of the Yaga River canyon and the Monte Perdido massif.

River Trail of the Vero in Alquézar with Cliff and Forest Birds

Location and Access: From Aínsa, take the A-2205 road towards Barbastro. In Barbastro, turn right onto the A-1232 road towards Alquézar. The starting point is located in the parking lot at the entrance of the town of Alquézar.
Geographical Coordinates: Starting Point: 42º 10’36.65″ N 0º 01’06.87″ E | Altitude: 660 meters.

Route Description: The route is a 5 km linear trail (round trip) that runs along the Vero River canyon. It starts at the parking lot and descends through the Fuente ravine until reaching the Vero River, where there are footbridges and suspension bridges. The difficulty level is low, with an elevation gain of 100 meters.

Ornithological Values: The route is interesting for observing cliff birds such as the Alpine swift, wallcreeper, and Eurasian crag martin, as well as forest birds such as the European green woodpecker, kingfisher, and Eurasian dipper.

Phenology of the Route: The trail is accessible year-round, although there may be snow and ice in some sections during winter. The best time for birdwatching is from April to September.

Special Features and Environmental Values: The trail is located in the Natural Park of the Sierra and Canyons of Guara, a protected area of great scenic and ecological value. Additionally, the route runs through the Vero River canyon, a natural environment of great beauty and biodiversity, and allows you to visit the picturesque town of Alquézar, with its historic-artistic ensemble and the Collegiate Church of Santa María la Mayor.

Stork Route in the Gallocanta Lagoon: Wetland for the Observation of Waterbirds and Steppe Birds

Location and Access: From Zaragoza, take the A-23 motorway towards Teruel. After about 100 km, take the exit towards Tornos and continue on the A-1506 road. The route starts at the interpretation center of the Gallocanta Lagoon, in the town of Gallocanta.
Geographical Coordinates: Starting Point: 40º 57’23.30″ N 1º 30’32.49″ W | Altitude: 995 meters.

Route Description: The route is a 4 km circular trail that surrounds the Gallocanta Lagoon. The path features informational panels and several bird observatories. The difficulty level is low, with little elevation gain.

Ornithological Values: The Gallocanta Lagoon is an internationally important wetland for the conservation of waterbirds and steppe birds. Here, you can observe white storks, cranes, flamingos, avocets, black-winged stilts, marsh harriers, little bustards, and stone curlews, among other species.

Phenology of the Route: The trail is accessible year-round, but the best time to observe birds is during winter and spring when the lagoon hosts thousands of cranes during their migratory route.

Special Features and Environmental Values: The Gallocanta Lagoon is the largest and deepest wetland in the Iberian Peninsula and is considered a unique ecosystem in Europe. Additionally, the surrounding area features steppe landscapes and cereal crops that support a great diversity of fauna and flora.

Observation Point in Gargantas de Escuaín – Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park

How to Get There: From Aínsa, take the A-138 road towards France. In Escalona, take the exit at the roundabout towards Puértolas and continue towards Escuaín. Approximately 100 meters before reaching the town, park near the informative signs and continue on foot along the forest track before entering the town.

Geographical coordinates

• Starting point: 42º 35´44.61” N 0º 07´42.46” E – Altitude: 1,227 m
• Observation point: 42º 36´46.71” N 0º 05´54.81” E – Altitude: 1,521 m

Route description: Follow the forest track of La Valle until reaching the place known as La Corona, located at the end of it (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes on foot, 4.8 km and 320 meters of positive elevation). The route passes through the Gargantas de Escuaín and the Sierra de las Sucas, alternating areas of meadows and old cultivated terraces with forests of Scots pine, until reaching the area known as La Valle, which is more deforested and open.

Interesting bird species: This specific supplementary feeding site for the bearded vulture is one of the first established in Aragon. Its isolation and continuous contributions from the National Park over decades have resulted in a high density of individuals of different ages. In addition, other scavenging birds such as the griffon vulture, red kite, Egyptian vulture, and occasionally the black vulture can be observed. Golden eagles, red-billed choughs, yellow-billed choughs, and chamois can also be seen.

Recommended time: Throughout the year, although there may be access issues due to snow during the winter months, especially from December to March. During these months, the park staff adapts the food supply point to accessible locations.

Special considerations: This area is within the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park, so it is subject to special protection regulations. Leaving the trail near the feeding area is not permitted, and visitors should follow the signs to a covered wooden observatory with interpretive information and a social participation system for sharing observations. In the village of Escuaín, there is an information point open from Easter to October by the National Park.

Inclusa Pass Observation Point – Mountain Birds, Tradition, and Authenticity of the Pyrenees

How to get there: From Aínsa, take the A-138 road towards France. In Salinas, take the A-2609 towards the Gistaín Valley. After crossing the three tunnels towards Plan, park your car in the widening of the first curve before crossing the bridge over the Cinqueta River.

Geographic coordinates: 42º 33´57.79” N 0º 17´27.39” E – Altitude: 1,042 m

Route description: Specific feeding site for scavenging birds, supplied by local livestock farmers, with a constant presence of necrophagous raptors. The location in a river canyon with significant cliffs makes it a frequented spot by different species, regardless of recent food supplies.

Birds of interest: Colony of griffon vultures, frequent presence of young and adult bearded vultures, a pair of Egyptian vultures, red kites, black kites, and ravens. Suitable place for observing other cliff-dwelling birds such as golden eagles, peregrine falcons, Alpine swifts, Eurasian crag martins, black redstarts, and wallcreepers (the latter outside the breeding season).

Recommended time: Throughout the year, although warm clothing is advised during the winter months as the observation point is in a shaded valley bottom. There are no fixed feeding days, so it is not necessary to consider this when visiting the site.

Special considerations: The Inclusa Pass is located in a valley that still maintains traditional livestock and agricultural activities. Its location between rocky cliffs and different mountain ranges makes it a point of great interest for observing bearded vultures of different ages. This location and the entire valley are excellent spots for observing Pyrenean mountain birds in cliff, forest, and high mountain environments.

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