Indeed, as nature creates a freakish metaphor of its neighbour, with thousands of birds and some 350 species passing through each year, its not surprising that its earned a reputation as THE place for migrants in the whole of Catalunya.

Those taking their regular scheduled flights include Osprey, Booted Eagle, Great White Egret, Glossy Ibis, Furruginous Duck, White-winged Black Tern and Little Gull although by far the most memorable is the invasion of thousands upon thousands of hirundines, when all five european species including Red-rumped Swallow and Crag Martin, can be seen skimming and darting through every spare centimetre of air space.

And, of course, there are always those who miss their flight and each year ill-winds bring in a mixed bag of rare vagrants all eager to find their way home.

Migration times may produce any of a number of Raptors, including Osprey, as well as Black and White-winged Tern, but it's a mistake to assume that surprises only come in spring and autumn, with several non-breeders passing through in summer and Black-necked Grebe and Bluethroat, for instance, sometimes choosing to stay for days during the winter.

Conditions prevailing, a stroll to the 'sea-watch' viewpoint by the beach may end the day nicely with Shearwaters, Skuas and other Seabirds.

A Garraf Park - Llobregat Delta tour is also available.

An afternoon stop-off is also a possibility at the end of the Lleida Steppes tour.

It does have its quiet side though and, given an early morning, a seat overlooking the Vidala and a flask of coffee, you stand your best chance, perhaps in the whole of the Iberian Peninsular, of seeing Water Rail, Little Crake, Baillon's Crake and Moustached Warbler.

But be careful you don't miss your flight!