Route
From Altos de Barahona to Monteagudo de las Vicarias

PLACES OF INTEREST
- SPA and SCI Altos de Barahona
- Sickles of the Escalote River
- Monteagudo de las Vicarias Reservoir

REPRESENTATIVE BIRDS
Steppe, riverside, rocky and aquatic birds.

ITINERARY
The route described below runs through the south of Soria, starting in the Altos de Barahona, an area cataloged as a SPA (Special Protection Area for Birds) and incorporated into the Natura 2000 Network. Most of its surface is occupied by heaths. oro-mediterranean and calcareous alpine and subalpine meadows.

First working day
In the town of Lumías it is very easy to see griffon vultures on its rock walls. These make up an interesting 7 km route to Torrevicente. (You can also do it in reverse.) The reddish walls originated by the Talegones River surprise with contrasts and formations between poplar and oak ash trees. The springs accompany the journey and in addition to vultures it is possible to observe other birds of prey such as hawks.

The SO-P-4102 road leads the way to the walled town of Rello. This town has several possibilities, including a circular bird route that begins and ends in the same town. The Escalote river gorges (in addition to Oceca) are relief forms that appear cutting sedimentary structures from the Mesozoic. The contrast between the cliffs, which are home to rock species such as red rock thrushes, and the flat surfaces with steppe birds allows you to enjoy a great diversity of bird species.

The surrounding area is made up of moors and vacant land. These moors, almost devoid of trees and forming long plains cut by watchtowers, are an ideal place for observing steppe birds such as ortegas and curlews. The presence of a high number of little bustards gives it international importance, but without a doubt the emblematic species is the Ricotí lark. Its 2,200 pairs make the Altos de Barahona one of the best habitats in Spain for this species. From Rello a route begins towards the town of Bordecorex, a municipality through which another ornithological route "Bordecorex – Fuentegelmes" runs, visiting the most favorable places for bird watching. It is easy to observe birds such as warblers, warblers or finches. Particularly abundant is the gray nightjar and in autumn-winter jays, tits, tits, wood pigeons and thrushes provide a good supply of berries and acorns.

Second day
The route continues to Aguaviva de la Vega. In this town you can visit the "Las Cudrillas" area. The access road is in poor condition and once reached it is possible to see various birds of prey on the rocky calcareous hills. These are eroded capriciously by water, forming a characteristic landscape.

24 km from here you reach Monteagudo de las Vicarias, the end of the route. An artificial reservoir is located here, included in the catalog of wetlands of special interest and designated as a SPA (Special Protection Zone for Birds). It has an observatory and it is recommended to use a telescope to observe the numerous species that take refuge in its waters. The black-necked grebe and the ruddy duck are breeding residents and several migratory species stop over on their plate. Its importance lies in the dryness of the surrounding land, this space being practically the only wet surface in the area. In this way, the peripheral area offers a very interesting alternative for searching for steppe birds, mainly the ortega.

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Within a radius of

    Address and map location

    • Postal address Lumias (Berlanga de Duero). Soria
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