This protected natural area, dominated by agriculture and livestock farming, is one of the best examples of steppe habitats in Catalonia and home to some very rare plants. Numerous species of steppe birds can be seen here, making it one of the most popular places for ornithologists. Fallow and barren land and fields grazed by sheep, and olive and almond groves are the ideal habitats for these birds.
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Mas de Melons information point
Observatories in the nature reserve (with pre-booking and payment of a fee)
Mas de Melons i Secans de Lleida Nature Reserve
Secans de Melones i Alfés (Natural Areas of Ponent)
There are many travel agencies, companies, organisations and professional guides in the Ebre-Secans-Pirineus corridor who have in-depth knowledge of the region and the bird species that can be observed and photographed
We advise you to take advantage of the services they offer to enjoy truly memorable birding experiences.
A company with over 20 years’ experience studying and teaching about the natural environment of the Pyrenees, led by two highly knowledgeable nature lovers. They offer birdwatching experiences, bird photography from hides, guided activities and educational workshops. They organise ecotourism activities in the Alinyà mountain area.
The Alinyà Mountain is the largest private estate in Catalonia. It belongs to the Catalunya – La Pedrera Foundation and offers activities managed by the company Auberria, including “Eating with vultures”, to watch these scavengers feed, and “Guard for a day”, to get closer to them. A photographers’ hide is also available.
Via the Outdoor Adventour travel agency, this company offers complete packages (with guide, meals, accommodation, transport) for one or more days, specialising in birdwatching and photography in the Boumort Reserve, one of the wildest areas of the Pre-Pyrenees. It can also provide tailor-made packages to meet customers’ needs.
Cesc is a wildlife lover who works as a guide for the Alt Pirineu Natural Park and the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park. He offers tours to observe the large birds of prey of the Boumort massif and introductory courses to learn how to identify mountain birds.
The aim of this project, led by the Espais Naturals de Ponent association, is to convert old dry stone huts and shelters into observatories for wildlife, especially birds. So far, two structures have been restored with new viewing windows, one in Castellserà and the other in Preixana. Preserving cultural heritage through birdwatching tourism.
This organisation promotes conservation, research, awareness-raising and responsible tourism. It offers several hides where photographers can observe birds of prey (in Torrebesses), the black wheatear (in Batea, Les Terres de l’Ebre), sparrowhawks (also in Batea) or aquatic birds (in Flix), as well as photography safaris in the Ebro Delta and the Secans de Lleida drylands.
