EXTREMADURA Birds of prey, bustards, sandgrouse and brilliant birding Sunday 15 – Sunday 22 April 2018 HEATHERLEA EXTRA PACK Price: £1895 PP Single Supplement: £145 Deposit: £300 Leaders: Dave Pullan, joined by Toby Green with more than 7 clients. Max Group Size: 12 Morning departure from London Gatwick. Pre-flight airport hotel and lounge are INCLUDED. HEATHERLEA BIRDWATCHING THE MOUNTVIEW HOTEL, NETHY BRIDGE, INVERNESS-SHIRE, PH25 3EB T: 01479 821 248 F: 01479 821515
Transcript
EXTREMADURA Birds of prey, bustards, sandgrouse and brilliant birding
Sunday 15 – Sunday 22 April 2018
HEATHERLEA EXTRA PACK
Price: £1895 PP
Single Supplement: £145
Deposit: £300
Leaders: Dave Pullan, joined by
Toby Green with more than 7
clients.
Max Group Size: 12
Morning departure from London
Gatwick.
Pre-flight airport hotel and lounge
are INCLUDED.
HEATHERLEA BIRDWATCHING
THE MOUNTVIEW HOTEL, NETHY BRIDGE, INVERNESS-SHIRE, PH25 3EB
Extremadura and the Monfrague Natural Park are brimming with some of the
best birdwatching in Europe, featuring many of Europe’s rarest and most
endangered species.
We will enjoy truly outstanding raptor watching, with all five Spanish eagles,
Bonelli’s, Golden, Booted, Short-toed and endangered Spanish Imperial, and
three vultures, Black, Egyptian and Griffon. Sightings of these birds can be truly
exceptional, as all are located close to our vehicles, and we also often have
access to areas normally unavailable to birders. Lesser Kestrel and Black-winged
Kite are a delight in sites we know well, and we should have regular sightings of
Montague's Harrier.
The holiday begins with a transfer to our hotel, with birds of prey overhead virtually from
the start. The birding really is exceptional, with birds every few yards it seems. During our
days in the steppes, we expect to see good numbers of Great Bustard, and also look for the
spectacular breeding display as males almost turn themselves inside out and look like huge
white balls of feathers. Other sought-after specialities here are Little Bustard, Black-bellied
and Pin-tailed Sandgrouse. Other birds likely in this tremendous area include Bee-eater,
Stone Curlew, Collared Pratincole, Black Wheatear, Rock Bunting, Southern Grey Shrike,
Golden Oriole, Little Owl, Alpine Swift, Red-rumped Swallow, Calandra Lark, Woodlark,
Short-toed Lark, Tawny Pipit, Black-eared Wheatear, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Woodchat
Shrike, Crested Tit, Melodious Warbler, Rock Sparrow, Hawfinch and Penduline Tit, and we
take you to breeding places for both White and Black Stork. We expect very good views of
almost all these birds. An exceptional sighting on a recent holiday was of two melanistic
Montagu's Harriers, which flew alongside the bus for several minutes.
Around rocky pinnacles, Red-legged Chough, Blue Rock Thrush, Thekla Lark, Crag Martin
and Alpine Swift are found, and Eagle Owl can often be seen at their day-time roost. From
our elevated vantage point we can look down south onto the trees of the corkwood dehesa,
and north over the arid plains of La Serena. The dehesa holds Hoopoe, Great Spotted
Cuckoo and Azure-winged Magpie, and if we have been lucky with spring rains, will be a
carpet of dazzling colour as flowers bloom in the brief, warm spring. In the Monfrague
National Park, Azure-winged Magpie, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Purple Heron, Little Bittern,
Spanish Sparrow and Savi´s, Sardinian, Bonelli’s, Subalpine, Dartford, Spectacled, Orphean,
Melodious, and perhaps shy Olivaceous Warbler are in our sights too. A brilliant experience
brim full of birds!
Extremadura Outline Itinerary
This holiday is leisurely in pace, and most of the key birds are readily available close to our transport. This means we have often rounded everything important up by Friday, giving us a chance to concentrate on getting exceptional views of the key species once more.
Other wildlife include the large and impressive Ocellated Lizard, one unfortunate specimen of which we saw being dismantled by a very close Booted Eagle. Butterflies may include Queen of Spain Fritillary, Green-striped White and Scarce (Spanish) Swallowtail amongst others, and we also got close-up views of Spanish fighting bulls!
OUTLINE ITINERARY
Enjoy your complimentary pre-flight overnight hotel before your holiday begins. Full details from our office!
Day 1 Sunday After relaxing in our complimentary airport lounge, we fly London Gatwick – Madrid. We travel to the western part of the granite Sierra de Gredos mountains with peculiar rock formations and lovely pine forest. Here we have good chances of Spanish Imperial Eagle, Black Vulture, Crested Tit and Rock Sparrow among other interesting birds. Driving from La Mancha through Extremadura, we should have several encounters with local specialities including Bee-eater and Lesser Kestrel before arrival at our base in the Monfrague area.
Extremadura Outline Itinerary
Days 2 and 3 Monday & Tuesday We explore La Serena, one of the most important areas in the world for grassland birds. It is here that we expect to see the impressive Great Bustard perform its incredible breeding display. The males almost turn themselves inside out and look like huge white balls of feathers. Here too are many other exciting species, including numerous Little Bustard, Stone-curlew, Black-bellied and Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Collared Pratincole, Short-toed Lark and Calandra Lark. We should also see Montagu's Harrier in good numbers, and watch its attractive display flight. The “sierras” around La Serena are excellent for rock loving birds, and we will walk to an old Moorish castle, now in ruins, where the views of the plains are stunning. The fabulous birds should include Golden Eagle, Bonelli´s Eagle, Black Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Rock Bunting, Southern Grey Shrike, Little Owl, Alpine Swift, and Red-rumped Swallow. Roller breed here in good numbers and are easy to find as they love to perch openly on wires by the roads. Other birds should include Serin, Woodlark, Hoopoe and Corn Bunting. Overnight in Monfrague area.
Day 4 Wednesday We visit Trujillo with its large breeding colony of White Stork, Lesser Kestrel and Pallid Swift, and then onwards to the oak woodlands - the 'dehesa' -, with good possibilities of Great Bustard, Little Bustard, Stone Curlew, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Calandra Lark, Tawny Pipit, Black-eared Wheatear, Red-rumped Swallow, Bee-eater, Roller, Hoopoe and Great Spotted Cuckoo. Birds are everywhere but in the middle of the plains we will find a spectacular spot where Cattle Egret, Little Egret, White Stork and Jackdaw breed together in “perfect harmony”. A short visit to a huge reservoir can produce interesting wildfowl, Penduline Tit and Common Waxbill. Overnight in Monfrague.
Extremadura Outline Itinerary
Days 5 and 6 Thursday and Friday
Monfrague Natural park is an area of truly dramatic scenery, and regarded by raptor
watchers as one of the most outstanding sites to see birds of prey in Europe. We will
explore the north side of the park where specialities such as Black Vulture breed, together
with Griffon and Egyptian Vulture, and eagles are well represented with Golden, Booted,
Bonelli's, Short-toed and endangered Spanish Imperial – all five Spanish breeding eagles!
Around the rocky pinnacle of Penafalcon, which holds Chough, Blue Rock Thrush, Crag
Martin and Alpine Swift, we will look for breeding Black Stork in one of the easiest sites in
Europe to watch these shy birds at the nest. Eagle Owl can often be found at their day-time
roost, and on one evening we will visit a superb area for Black-shouldered Kite, and Azure-
winged Magpie. Another evening after dinner we will explore a good area for Red-necked
Nightjar. The magical ambience in the “dehesa” before dusk will suggest how close to Africa
we are, as Scops Owl and Red-necked Nightjar delight us with their song. Overnight in
Monfrague area.
Day 7 Saturday On the south side of Monfrague Natural Park we find a reservoir well worth a visit, as we will find an interesting variety of birds such as Great Spotted Cuckoo, Purple Heron, and Little Bittern, and several raptors including Black Vulture, Spanish Sparrow and Savi´s Warbler. Driving through this Mediterranean habitat we will find an interesting variety of warblers; Sardinian, Subalpine, Dartford, Spectacled, Orphean and Melodious, and perhaps shy Olivaceous Warbler. You should also see Woodchat Shrike, Hawfinch, Azure-winged Magpie and Bee-eater. Overnight in Monfrague area.
Day 8 Sunday We return to Madrid, birding en route, for our flight home.
Extremadura
More Holiday Information:
Accommodation is in a comfortable hotel with all rooms en suite. Food Breakfast is typical of Spain, consisting of a roll with jam/cheese/ham. Fruit juice and tea or coffee are also available. Evening meals are generally local dishes, which are good but often quite simple. Vegetarian and other diets are welcome. Walking is generally light/moderate. There may be some uphill track and road walking, though generally an average level of fitness is required. Weather Typically, temperatures will range from 50F in the early morning to perhaps 80F in the heat of the day. Sunshine should be plentiful, but cloud and rain are possible. Cold weather, with temperatures as low as 40F, are rare but possible. Insects biting insects may be encountered, though not usually as a major problem. Group size is restricted to 12 clients maximum. Flights are by scheduled airline, from London Gatwick. We may be able to offer flight arrangements from another airport and/or or quote without flights so you can make your own arrangements. If you wish to add an extension either before or after your holiday, please contact us and we will be happy to arrange this for you.
What's included in your holiday price:
* Return scheduled flight from London Gatwick – Madrid, airport taxes, baggage and hand luggage up to airline included limit. * Airport transfers, ground transportation, accommodation and meals as specified. * The services of Heatherlea leader/s. * The Heatherlea Pre-Flight Service offers everything you need at the airport, including hotels, car parking, airport lounges, regional flights, and upgrades. Let Heatherlea take the strain! Pre-flight airport hotel and lounge included free of charge subject to terms and conditions.
What's not included in your holiday price:
* Travel to and from departure airport before and after holiday, in-flight meal, baggage above airline included limit * Incidental tips, expenses of a personal nature including drinks and personal insurance.
Extremadura
WHY CHOOSE HEATHERLEA?
Our overseas holidays are planned with care to offer great birding and wildlife, led by
capable Leaders who really look after you. Every holiday is run the 'Heatherlea Way', and we
hope our Overseas Adventures remind you of the quality and care so many of you enjoy in
Scotland. That means rewarding and exciting days in the field, and good quality
accommodation and meals, with a real flavour of the country we are visiting. Heatherlea
always seek to include the personal touches that make all the difference.
Heatherlea holidays are not ‘dawn to dusk’ expeditions. Our less-intensive approach is ideal
for those who want to relax whilst experiencing the best wildlife watching, and wherever
possible we organise early or late activity on an optional basis. We also take sensible breaks
when in very hot places and regular comfort breaks on every holiday whenever possible. All
itineraries are planned carefully around the best wildlife opportunities, and you won’t miss
out on memorable wildlife, whilst enjoying relaxed, informal days that are great fun.
The really important part of any wildlife holiday is the experience for you, our valued
customer. Heatherlea invest in many things to offer you the best possible service;
* We have been organising birding and wildlife holidays for over 27 years, and have a highly
experienced and capable office team. We also offer a telephone and email service outside
normal office hours.
* Heatherlea overseas holidays have a maximum of 12 clients per trip, putting the emphasis
on personal service, and helping you get the best possible experience.
* Our holidays often include things which others might invite you to pay yourself, for
instance Departure Taxes and tips to hotels.
* All elements of our holidays are sold under our own licence, ATOL 6113. Under ‘Flight-
Plus’ legislation it is a legal requirement of any tour operator to hold an ATOL licence for the
supply of any overseas holiday where a flight is involved, if that holiday includes either
overseas accommodation and/or car hire. It can be a criminal offence for an operator to
book flights as part of a package without an ATOL licence. Heatherlea also hold full Tour
Operator Insurance for your added protection.
* Heatherlea is your complete wildlife holiday provider. Our ‘Back Office’ team can organise
all your pre-flight and other travel needs. Our specialists will help you book the right
services, at the best price. Book holiday extensions through us, and your ATOL protection is
extended further. We don’t charge extra for this service.
* Heatherlea is a limited company, registered in Scotland, and registered to pay VAT
(applies to all holidays within the European Union).
HEATHERLEA PRE-FLIGHT SERVICE
WITH HEATHERLEA, YOU'RE A VIP!
ENJOY A PRE-FLIGHT AIRPORT HOTEL and LOUNGE – INCLUDED!
For Heatherlea overseas holidays which include flights as part of your package price, we include
a complimentary airport hotel and lounge. To benefit, book your next overseas wildlife holiday
with Heatherlea, the wildlife operator who gives you more!
Heatherlea Group relaxing before our 'Lynx and Birding' holiday in Spain, January 2014
Many of us enjoy birding and wildlife holidays overseas, but the organisation of pre-flight details
can be time-consuming and frustrating. The Heatherlea Pre-flight Service offers everything you
need, so let us take the strain! Our friendly, knowledgeable team will advise, so please call
Emma, Fleur, Kevin, Victoria or Phil.
PRE-FLIGHT HOTEL
Heatherlea select your complimentary hotel from our approved shortlist. All offer a good
standard of accommodation, with evening meals usually available, and readily available car
parking and transfers to the terminal. Arrangements are confirmed in your Final Information
Pack, issued prior to departure. If travelling with you, your Heatherlea Guide will probably be
staying in the same hotel, and may be able to join you for an informal chat the night before
travel.
If you don't need an airport hotel before you fly, please contact us before your balance due
date, and a credit* will be made from the holiday balance payable. On some holidays, where we
fly late in the afternoon or evening, you can elect to have your complimentary hotel stay on the
return leg of your holiday.
If you wish to stay at a specific airport hotel, please inform us before your balance due date, and
a credit* will be deducted from your final balance payment. You will at this point be responsible
for making your own booking of and payment for all hotel services.
PRE-FLIGHT AIRPORT LOUNGE
We want you to start your holiday early, and unwind before you fly. A busy airport terminal is
hardly the ideal place to relax! By the time you've bought food, drinks, newspapers and a
magazine to pass the time, terminals can prove expensive too. Why not prefer the comfort and
choice of an airport lounge? You can relax and spread out for up to three hours before your
flight.
Most of our lounges offer unlimited free drinks and snacks, complimentary magazines and
newspapers, WIFI, TV and comfortable seating amid quiet surroundings. Lounges offer a
secluded getaway, and save you money compared to prices outside in the terminal. Your
Heatherlea guide may be there for a chat after everyone has checked-in, and you can get to
know your fellow travellers or just sink into a comfortable armchair – the choice and comfort are
yours!
We will confirm arrangements for your airport lounge, and include any necessary admission
tickets, in your FINAL INFORMATION PACK. If our point of departure does not offer airport
lounge services, all participants will be credited with an appropriate amount from the holiday
balance payable.
If you've never used an airport lounge before, you don't know what you're missing – the only
concern is you might get too comfortable and forget to catch your flight!
We landed at Madrid airport to be greeted by sunshine, blue sky and 25C. Very nice! We got the minibuses sorted out and got on our way to Extremadura. Two Monk Parakeets quickly flew across the Madrid ring-road, but of more interest further on were a male Montagu's Harrier, Egyptian Vulture, several Black Kites, Cattle Egrets and some Crested Larks to name but a few. And Corn Buntings were also glimpsed (would we see any more?). As we entered Extremadura itself, White Storks became a regular feature with birds nesting on a variety of improbable sites. The light was fading by the time we reached our hotel close to the Monfrague National Park and the frog chorus was starting up. After a welcoming drink at reception we settled in to our rooms and then enjoyed the first of many excellent meals to come.
Friday 7 April
Around the hotel on our first morning the birds we saw included Azure-winged Magpies, Crag Martins, Red-rumped Swallows, Spotless Starlings, Corn Buntings and a Woodchat Shrike. Already the Griffon Vultures from near-by Monfrague were airborne with an impressive 80+ high in the sky. Two Black Vultures were with them. We took this as an indication that we should be on the road and 10 minutes later we were inside the Monfrague National Park at the Penafalcon/Salto del Gitano (Gypsys Leap) viewpoint. Plenty of Griffons were still on the cliffs, with some flying low just overhead. A few Black Vultures were also present, with one of them landing on the slope opposite. Other raptors included 2 Booted Eagle sightings (1 pale morph and 1 dark morph) and a pair of very active, territorial, Peregrines. One of the Peregrines was seen chasing a Black Kite and we had fantastic close views of some of the Kites, looking down on them as they patrolled the river. Two or three Black Storks were usually on view, one of them carrying nest material in to the base of the crag and another incubating a different nest. We didn't ignore the smaller birds either. Blue Rock Thrushes sang from the outcrops, as did a male Black Redstart and a male Rock Bunting. There was a Wren and a Serin singing away, and Crag Martins and Red-rumped Swallows passed just a few feet in front of us. Flocks of Bee-eaters could be heard as they passed high overhead, while 2 Gull-billed Terns were a surprise sighting as they followed the river, presumably also on migration. As we drove further into the Park we stopped at the first bridge. Clouds of House Martins were wheeling around, but amongst them were also smaller numbers of much larger (almost falcon-like) Alpine Swifts. It was a treat to see these birds at such close-range and to actually be looking down at them rather than craning necks skywards. Black Kites were present too, every now and then spooking the feral pigeons. After a coffee-stop with nest-building Barn Swallows and car-park Crested Larks, we continued on under the cloudless blue sky. It had been a bit chilly at Penafalcon before the sun had crept around, but now it was warming up nicely. One stop led to sightings of Dartford Warblers and a singing Thekla Lark, as well as 3 Red Deer. Further on we found a picnic site with a view and some shade and settled down for lunch. As well as Black Kites, we saw 2 Egyptian Vultures and 2 distant Bonelli's Eagles. A female Red Deer with a well-grown youngster didn't seem too worried by our presence. Just before we got to the crag at Tietar we noticed a huge flock of House Martins collecting mud for nest-building at the waters edge. At the crag itself there were lots of Griffon Vultures and just a few Black Vultures drifted across too. Black Kites were common and a distant Short-toed Eagle was sighted. We stayed here for quite a while, taking advantage of some shade and waiting for a
Spanish Imperial Eagle to put in a good appearance. A Kingfisher was heard and then briefly seen as it flashed past along the river. Subalpine and Sardinian Warblers were both in the roadside bushes. Long-tailed Tits and Nightingales were heard, and singing Serin and Rock Bunting showed well. More flocks of Bee-eaters were heard flying over high, and a few were seen. A flock of over 30 fishing Cormorants worked their way along the river. There was plenty to see but then an adult Spanish Imperial Eagle appeared and showed off beautifully as it flew backwards and forwards over the crag, calling and making its presence felt. The clean white leading edge to the wing was clearly visible, and once it dived down in spectacular fashion and chased off a Griffon Vulture that was perched in the top of a tree. Its mate was located sitting on a nest with the top of its head visible. To finish off the day we left the boundary of the Park, looking for Bee-eaters and birds of the Cork Oaks. Nuthatch was heard, as well as more singing Nightingales and a singing Orphean Warbler. A couple of Black Kites sat in the treetops and a pale morph Booted Eagle came close overhead giving the best view of the week for this species. It was now time to return to the hotel and we slowly re-traced our route back through the National Park. What a great first day it had been!
Saturday 8 April
Woken by the sound of chattering Swallows and "hoo-poe-poe" –ing Hoopoes, we got ready for the day ahead. From the hotel car-park Cuckoos, more Hoopoes and Corn Buntings could be heard, and a few Azure-winged Magpies played hide and seek amongst the Oaks. Woodchat Shrike, Stonechat and Crag Martin were all close-by, and a pair of Red-rumped Swallows were collecting mud for nest-building from the edge of a tiny pool. This morning, we drove the length of Belen Plain, a very different habitat to yesterday with extensive open, mostly flat, fields. Iberian Grey Shrike was seen and we soon saw a Black Vulture on the ground, noticeably bigger than 2 Griffons alongside. Then one of the key birds for the trip, Great Spotted Cuckoo, was heard calling some way off. We stopped and scanned; 2 distant birds flew in and out of view and more calling was heard. Then things improved when they flew much closer, landing on a rock and on a telegraph wire long enough to set the 'scopes up for really good views. The crest at the back of the head and the spotting on the wings could easily be seen. One held a large caterpillar in its beak. We continued past (very common) Corn Buntings, Stonechats and the occasional Woodchat Shrike on the roadside fences. Up until today Bee-eaters had been a little bit elusive, with flocks heard only or seen flying over on migration at great height, or seen perched, at a distance. Now was the moment when all that changed. Around 20 Bee-eaters were perched on and flying around a fence right by the road. The light was perfect and the colours were outstanding. It doesn't matter how many times you see a Bee-eater, they always take your breath away. It was just fantastic to watch and listen to them for a while. A dark morph Booted Eagle passed overhead, almost unnoticed. As we made our way further along the narrow road, Common Buzzards were seen as well as some White Storks nesting in old trees by a pond. Calandra Larks were now increasingly present, singing from a great height. When closer birds flew across, the solid black underwing with a prominent white trailing edge could be seen, ruling out all other species. Zitting Cisticolas were heard "zitting" as they performed their simple display flights. We were just getting back into the minibuses when an immature Golden Eagle flew right over us, really low. Didn't see that one coming! Short-toed Eagle was also seen, and a Great Bustard gave the poorest Bustard view ever recorded. We all saw the top of its head, in the distance, in the heat haze. On the last stretch a very large Ocellated Lizard crossed the road, pausing long enough for us to get a look at it. Near Belen we had our lunch in the company of more Bee-eaters and White Storks.
In Trujillo after filling up with fuel we noticed a few Swifts flying around the rooftops and closer inspection revealed that they were mostly Pallids (at least 8) with just a couple of Commons. The next leg of our epic adventure was thwarted by some "road closed" signs, but by taking a detour we found Black-eared Wheatear, Whinchat and a flock of Cattle Egrets in amongst a flock of sheep. At least 4 pairs of Lesser Kestrels appeared to be using nest boxes not far from the road and gave great views for a while. Red-legged Partridges were also seen. After a coffee break we stopped off by the Rio Almonte where we enjoyed the sunshine along with the butterflies, including Spanish Festoon and Clouded Yellow. Some large fish (Barbel) were visible in the clear and fairly shallow water. Little Ringed Plovers, Common Sandpiper and White Wagtail fed along the rivers edge, and a Woodlark flew up from the road as we continued on to Monroy. At our last stop for the day we appreciated the shade of some pine trees where White Storks were nesting. Azure-winged Magpies were here too and a dark morph Booted Eagle was also seen.
Sunday 9 April
After watching a Hoopoe calling from the top of a Holm Oak, with its head pointing down each time it called, we drove south to Trujillo and then further south to the Zorita area. Here we had some great birding, in fact some Great Bustard birding. We counted 28 of them, this time giving real views and we watched at least 3 males through the 'scopes doing their classic displays, strutting around with the much smaller females near-by. A couple of Short-toed Larks dropped in close to where we were standing, while on the other side of the road a flock of Yellow Wagtails feeding alongside some sheep turned out to be all migrant Blue-headeds. A Red Kite drifted by and a Black Vulture came over close with about 8 Griffons. Then a Little Egret flew right overhead, dazzling white against the deep blue sky. Further south still, we found a Roller near Madrigalejo and a pair of Marsh Harriers were displaying. In a muddy corner of a field a Little Ringed Plover and another Blue-headed (Yellow) Wagtail were feeding, and a flock of Red Avadavat buzzed their way past. A Tree Sparrow was also present and more Bee-eaters showed well. At Vegas Altas a few Lesser Kestrels sat on the wires, but exploring the farm tracks between fields didn't produce anything new. We did get a good sighting of 3 Great Bustards though when they unexpectedly flew up from behind a brow. With the temperature at 29 degrees Centigrade we stopped for lunch, looking out over the rice paddies that were being prepared by modern farm machinery. Further exploration in the afternoon resulted in 2 Black-bellied Sandgrouse and a pair of Red-legged Partridges. In the Holm Oak dehesa Iberian Hare was seen and Mistle Thrushes were added to our list. A complete change of habitat was next on the agenda with a visit to the water-filled Embalse de Sierra Brava. Many of the birds were distant but out on the reservoir with our 'scopes we managed to see a fine Eurasian Wigeon, a pair of Gadwall and at least 8 Pintail. There were also several Great Crested Grebes, and at the far end 8 or more very distant Gull-billed Terns. To finish off the day we drove a short distance along the road still under construction that we had detoured on Saturday. This was well worthwhile with our first Little Bustard showing nicely, a male with its black and white neck scarf. There was also a single Great Bustard here, in nice light before it walked off. Iberian Grey Shrikes and Red-legged Partridges were in the area too.
Monday 10 April
Our first birding stop was filled with the sound of singing Nightingales, calling Cuckoos and song-flighting Subalpine Warblers. We managed to get reasonable views of a singing Orphean Warbler (with its white iris visible) and a male Sardinian Warbler put in an appearance too. The Subalpine Warblers were particularly active and we had some great views of them perched. Two or three Woodchat Shrikes also showed well, and a pair of Red-rumped Swallows were nesting under the old road bridge, sometimes perching on a wire fence. By the water’s edge a White Wagtail fed, and a migrant Green Sandpiper flew low towards the old partly-submerged bridge before changing its mind and disappearing off high into the distance. We had a coffee-stop and then drove to the wetland areas between Almaraz and Saucedilla. We parked near one of the hides and looked over a reed-lined channel where Sand Martins flew. It wasn't long before we saw a couple of female Little Bitterns, in flight and then a good perched view with the 'scopes. There was lots to interest us here so we had our lunch while searching; binoculars in one hand, sandwich in the other. Several Purple Herons gave flight views as they moved from one patch of reeds to another. A Reed Warbler could be heard chattering, a Savi's Warbler was heard "reeling" (but didn't show properly) and a Kingfisher was gone as soon as it appeared. Moorhens were present but their bigger cousins were of more interest and we managed to see Purple Swamphen through gaps in the reed stems. The biggest surprise though was finding a Penduline Tit nest in a large willow tree. At least one adult had been heard and glimpsed several times, but once the nest (like a hanging basket) had been located it was possible to line up some 'scopes and wait for the bird to come to the nest. In the afternoon, we went exploring to look for Black-shouldered Kites and check some more pools. We were in luck and were able to watch a pair of beautiful Black-shouldered Kites as they flew short distances, hovering and perching on treetops and wires. They were even seen mating. Further on at one of the pools we had some good views of Bee-eaters. There was a large flock of Cattle Egrets and a single Glossy Ibis. On the bank near the Egrets were 3 large terrapins, and in the damper ground a Snipe crouched almost unseen. Black-winged Stilts were here too and a White Stork sat on its nest on the roof of the hide! Carp gave great views as they moved along a water-filled concrete channel. More reed-bed birding back near the main road resulted in fantastic views of a male Little Bittern as it fished at the base of the reeds. There were Little Egrets and a couple of Great White Egrets and at least 1 Gull-billed Tern. Reed Warblers could be heard singing but there were also 3 Savi's Warblers reeling away. One of them was located at quite close range and we were able to line up a 'scope for everyone to get a view of it sat with beak wide open.
Tuesday 11 April
Today we ventured into the foothills north of Monfrague, but it would have been rude not to stop at the Salto del Gitano viewpoint opposite Penafalcon on our way through. It was a cloudier start to the day and quite chilly standing in the shadows cast by the crags. But the birding warmed us up! Griffon Vultures were present in good numbers on the towering cliffs, with a handful of Black Vultures too. The pair of Peregrines were very active, flying around at high speed. One of them landed high up on Penafalcon and gave good views in the 'scope. Today we located 2 Black Stork nests, with one incubating bird momentarily standing up to turn its eggs. Smaller birds were well represented too, including a singing male Rock Bunting showing exceptionally well just a few feet away. Blue Rock Thrushes were singing and so was a Black Redstart. Crag Martins and Red-rumped Swallows criss-crossed in front of us and a Subalpine Warbler flitted through the trees. A Wren sang
at full volume and Black Kites patrolled the river. So much to see by just standing in one place, it was hard to tear ourselves away. We drove out of the National Park on the north side and entered slightly different habitat, low key agriculture and small tree-lined fields. The occasional Hoopoe was spotted and good numbers of solitary Red Kites were seen along the way. A stop to photograph some classic Cork Oaks led to a field where Tongue Orchids were growing. At Monasterio de Yuste a Great Spotted Woodpecker was calling, a Short-toed Treecreeper was singing (seen well, and completing the Short-toed "Big 3": Eagle, Lark and Treecreeper) and several Nuthatches were also present. Further along the same road we stopped at an open area to scan the rocky terrain. A Black-eared Wheatear was the highlight, along with singing Blue Rock Thrush and a "yaffling" Iberian Green Woodpecker. Continuing higher into the foothills we stopped in the beautiful surroundings near Guijo de Santa Barbara. The sky was a cloudless shade of blue and the views up into the higher treeless mountains beyond were stunning. Below us was the crystal-clear water of a mountain stream and a Grey Wagtail looked very much at home. A Black Redstart sang from a treetop and a pair of Nuthatches put on an excellent show as they put the finishing touches to their mud-lined nest-hole. A variety of interesting butterflies included Nettle-tree Butterfly and Moroccan Orange-tip. This was a truly idyllic spot for us to have our lunch. As the afternoon progressed we made our way back down to lower ground and back to the east end of Monfrague National Park. A Snake laying across the road may have been a Ladder Snake - it looked to be freshly dead and a circling Black Kite obviously thought the same thing. The temperature now was at least 33 degrees Centigrade and we could really feel it as we walked along some roadside Cork Oaks looking at Bee-eaters and Azure-winged Magpies. At our next stop, we looked across the Rio Tietar where fish were swimming close to the surface. Perhaps a bit too close to the surface; a Black Kite was seen carrying a fish to its nest in a tree opposite. On the neighbouring crag, an Egyptian Vulture was incubating on its nest and another Black Stork also had a nest on the same crag. Some calling Long-tailed Tits of the Iberian race passed through, pausing long enough to show their grey backs. One more stop scanning for raptors in the big blue Spanish sky produced a Short-toed Eagle, and then it was time to head back to the hotel.
Wednesday 12 April
During the morning, we followed one of the minor roads towards Monroy. A couple of female Montagu's Harriers were seen and then a female Little Bustard, although not in a good place for us to stop. A Great Spotted Cuckoo was heard but not seen, and then we found 2 male Little Bustards. This time we were able to pull off the road and set the 'scopes up. The first one, standing at the top of the rise, had his black and white neck feathers puffed out and was looking good, but the second one which was slightly further away on the opposite side of the road started displaying. It would spread its wings revealing lots of white and do a short vertical jump with wings still spread. Whether the distinctive sound that was heard came from the bird or one of the guides will never be revealed. In the distance, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse were seen flying, not close but well enough to pick out their clean white bellies. A single Great Bustard was also seen here. Further along the same road singing Calandra Larks were found and another male Little Bustard flew past. At this spot, there were a few interesting butterflies, including Spanish Marbled White. A few miles further on we had one of the best encounters of the week. A male Montagu's Harrier flew across, but he wasn't alone - in fact there were 7 Montagu's Harrier here and they were displaying. But meanwhile, 7 Great Bustards had flown in only to fly off again shortly afterwards
(probably due to someone walking across one of the fields). And… there was a sub-adult Spanish Imperial Eagle circling over the same area! Not bad at all! After a coffee stop, from Santa Marta de Magasca we got the go ahead to drive along the very dusty road that was being newly constructed, and came to a viewpoint where we stopped for lunch. Another Great Bustard was 'scoped and an Ocellated Lizard was also 'scoped as it sat on a tree branch. This is the largest lizard in Europe and named after the eye-like markings along its body. With the temperature reaching 34 degrees Centigrade (a good 14 degrees above what would be considered normal at this time of year) we decided to spend the rest of the afternoon around the main square at Trujillo where some shade was available. A rest from birding? Well, almost. But it was hard not to notice the White Storks nesting on the rooftops. There were also one or two Lesser Kestrels and Pallid Swifts outnumbered the Common Swifts. The male Serin singing from a TV aerial was well worth a look too.
Thursday 13 April
After breakfast at the usual time we set off for Madrid, leaving the Monfrague ridge behind us. A few Black Kites, Hoopoes and White Storks were amongst the birds glimpsed along the highway, and we had our last sightings of Corn Bunting too. Normally the road is dual carriageway but today one carriageway had been coned off for most of the way in order to allow a third carriageway to carry traffic westwards and out of Madrid for the Easter holiday. It was quite a sight, nose to tail traffic moving slower than a Bustards strut, or not moving at all. Fortunately, our single lane heading for Madrid stayed free of congestion and a reasonable speed could be maintained enabling us to arrive at the airport in good time.
GUEST HIGHLIGHTS
Jim: Bee-eater, Spanish Imperial Eagle
Sue: Azure-winged Magpie, White Stork nests
Jane: Little Bittern, Little Bustard display
Steve: Hoopoe, Penafalcon Raptor Spectacular
Dave D: Great Bustards flying, Eurasian Wigeon
Sheila: Great Spotted Cuckoo, Penduline Tit at nest
Alan: Black-shouldered Kite, Little Bustard display
Heather: Spanish Imperial Eagle, 3 Purple Herons together
Bob: Great Bustard display, Montagu's Harriers (7) displaying
Harri: Great Bustards flying, Penafalcon Raptor Spectacular
