Birds for Every Month of the Year

The Way is never walked alone. Even pilgrims who travel without any visible company will be surrounded by a living presence during their journey: in addition to the other pilgrims and inhabitants in the local villages, wild fauna will also be close by.

From January through December, observant pilgrims will find living creatures of all sizes: small reptiles sunbathing, elusive red deer, one or two daring mustelids, and frogs croaking in the ponds. At night, the air is filled with the hooting of the common tawny owl and other nocturnal birds of prey. Some pilgrims may even be lucky enough to hear howling wolves.

Bird-lovers that walk this route with their eyes and ears open should be in luck: there are more than 400 different species of birds in Galicia. Some are common and easy to see and identify. Others are more elusive and rare and can only be seen occasionally.

Though they can be seen in spring, winter is a good time for spotting this bird. At this time of year, the common firecrest (Regulus ignicapilla) forms small flocks with blue tits and other birds. It is one of the smallest birds in Europe, barely weighing 0.18 ounces (5 grams). Its fiery-colored crest makes it easier to spot among the branches of pine trees and holly.

In spring, the forests come to life with a cacophony of chirping lead by robins, Darwin's finches, blackbirds, and Eurasian nuthatches. The repertoire of the song thrush (Turdus philomelos) can be heard above the others during this month, as it is in full breeding season. Even before sunrise, powerful, harmonic, and very diverse birdsong can be heard, which has inspired poets throughout the ages.

Wading birds are abundant in Galicia's coastal wetlands. They have long legs and beaks suited to moving and eating in the mire. The largest of these waders is the Eurasian curlew (Numenius arquata). They are commonly found on the coast in winter, but, in the entire Iberian Peninsula, they only breed in specific zones of the Terras do Miño biosphere reserve.

Along the Camino, particularly in the summer, various diurnal birds of prey can be spotted: kites, eagles, goshawks, kestrels, sparrowhawks, and most often, the common buzzard (Buteo buteo). It takes some practice to differentiate their profiles when these birds are in flight. This month, the Camino is visited by the lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni), a small falcon associated with human-made structures and agricultural fields. They travel north to gain weight by eating insects before leaving to spend winter in sub-Saharan Africa.

In September, Galicia becomes the focal point of many bird watchers. From coastal areas, such as Estaca de Bares, observers can spot thousands of seabirds, including terns, shearwaters, skuas, and seagulls. One of the largest of these seabirds is the northern gannet (Morus bassanus), which migrates from the British and Scandinavian islands to the Gulf of Guinea at this time of year.

Fall is a good time of year to observe waders in the coastal wetlands, such as those that surround parts of the Northern Way, Coastal Portuguese Way, and the Sea Route of Arousa on St. James' Way. Flocks of the Eurasian spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) are especially common on the Arousa estuary. Their curious bill, which is shaped like a spoon, helps distinguish them from other birds with whom they share their habitat, such as the gray heron, the little egret, and the great egret.

In November, the wetlands buzz with life as they are inhabited by a wide variety of birds that belong to the same family as ducks: the Anatidae. The smallest of the Anatidae is the Eurasian teal (Anas crecca). The males have vibrant plumage, and this bird is quite commonly seen from November onwards. The Portuguese Way runs right through the Gándaras de Budiño nature preserve, which is one of the few places on the Iberian Peninsula that this bird breeds.

In Spain, the northern lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) has always been a sign that the harsh winter is coming. This bird can be recognized by its striking plumage and crest. As the cold presses in on Europe, it can be found in the fields and grasslands that the Way winds through.