After the flight Brussels – Bilbao we will enter the Cantabrian Mountains. With a bit of luck we will still have time for an evening excursion to observe large carnivores in the mountains of Palentina.

For two full days we will be stationed near Cervera de Pisuerga; a cozy and picturesque town in the heart of the Palentina Mountains. Mornings and evenings we will always be at viewpoints where the focus is on searching for wolves and bears in the area. During the day we will look for other wild animals: wild boars, roaring red deer and foxes. With a bit of luck we will even encounter a diurnal wild cat, stoat or the endemic Castroviejoi hare! Moreover, the accommodation, where griffon vultures rule the airspace, offers an idyllic view of the surroundings!

After a final morning session in the mountains of Palentina, we move to Culebra. The wild and desolate character of the local mosaic of habitats in this mountain range, together with the abundance of prey, makes the area so wolf friendly. An impressive viewpoint near the rural inn is sought out during the evening to search for wolves!

For two full days we will be stationed near Villardeciervos in the heart of Culebra. Since the chances of seeing wolves are greatest during the morning and evening, we will have plenty of time to explore the area during the day. We will stop at ancient chestnut trees and holm oaks during a scenic drive through the impressive border area with Portugal. The nearby Villafafila is also on the programme. After all, there you will find one of the most important wetlands in the north of the Spanish peninsula. It is the best enclave for water, steppe and migratory birds in Castile-León. We will mainly look for the great bustards, birds that have made this area their habitat. But little owls, rock sparrows, gull–billed terns, harriers and kites are also quite common here. On the way back we will keep our eyes open for black-winged kites and otters. With a bit of luck we will also come across black-bellied and white-bellied sandgrouse!

After a final morning session in Culebra, we head towards Somiedo in Asturias. With its protected status, this protected area is best known for being home to one of the largest populations of free-ranging brown bears in Europe. One of the main reasons we undertake this trip! It goes without saying that a night excursion to observe the bears present in the area is on the itinerary!

Although the bears are the main focus of the program here, the Saliencia lakes offer solace during the day. This is both in terms of views and birds. A beautiful landscape with amazing views where grazing cows between turquoise and green tinted waters are part of the whole. We ourselves keep our eyes and ears open for subalpine bird species such as the rufous-tailed rock thrush, alpine accentor and alpine chough. With a bit of luck we will also spot a wallcreeper!

After a final morning session in Culebra, the journey comes to an end. If there is still time, a visit to the city of Bilbao is a possibility.

We travel back towards Brussels/Amsterdam.