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Spain - Extremadura & Gredos Mountains
Naturetrek Tour Report 5 - 12 May 2010
Naturetrek Cheriton Mill Cheriton Alresford Hampshire SO24 0NG England
T: +44 (0)1962 733051 F: +44 (0)1962 736426
E: [email protected] W: www.naturetrek.co.uk
Report and images compiled by Eric and Pam Barnes
Sword leaved Helloborine Linarea Triornthophera and Western Peony Champagne Orchid and Tongue Orchid
European Roller Azure-winged Magpie
Tour Report Spain - Extremadura & Gredos Mountains
© Naturetrek November 10 1
Tour Leaders: Eric Barnes (Tour leader & Ornithologist)
Pam Barnes (Co-leader & Botanist)
Participants: Colin Hannaford
Joyce Hannaford
Lynn Barton
Liz Anderson
Rich Jones
Nick Baelz
Day 1 Wednesday 5th May
Although the 6th Naturetrek Extremadura & Sierra Gredos tour was not too confident of good weather after the
recce team experienced a snow storm in the Gredos 36 hours earlier, we were pleased to be welcomed by
sunshine in Madrid. We were soon heading towards the Sierra Gredos with the usual Spotless Starlings, Black
Kites and White Storks in our wake.
A group of Griffon Vultures caused a slight scare when initially the first one was called as an Aquila Eagle; the
record was put straight and we carried on looking for an opportune moment to break our trip to El Milano Real.
With El Tiemblo and nearby El Burguillo Reservoir having drawn a blank on the morning recce, we were
scratching round for a suitable stop – Eric’s inbuilt bird radar system pulled us into a rather mundane looking
side road off the N403. This turned out to be the beginning of our good fortune. Serins and Crested Lark quickly
fell, more Spotless Starlings, our first Bee-eater of the trip perched on a fence wire. A particularly showy
Nightingale greeted us, a male Iberian Pied Flycatcher and a male Spanish Sparrow lined up on the fence for
scope views. The first of many Booted Eagles appeared, a group of 7 vultures rose from the surrounding plains;
6 Griffons and a Black Vulture. Hoopoe, a pair of Short toed Treecreepers, a pair of Woodchat Shrikes, Little
Ringed Plover, a fabulous Melodious Warbler…it was raining birds! We also saw a few glorious Spanish Yellow
Wagtails, a Tree Sparrow, 4 more Bee-eaters and a juvenile Montagu’s Harrier! An unexpected but delightful
botanical find of Hypecoum Imberbe (a little asymmetrical yellow poppy) in the verge was keeping the botanist
happy but we realized time was slipping away and we had to leave for our destination for the next 3 nights, El
Milano Real. We arrived with 8 raptors tucked under our belts, a most promising start. We had dinner at El
Milano Real with a spectacular backdrop of snowcapped mountains and a sense of expectation that this birding
trip was going to be rather special.
Day 2 Thursday 6th May
It was a chilly early morning start, Black Redstarts sang by the hotel streetlights rallying us on. En route to
Hoyocasero, Rich saw something in the river that was most probably an Otter; but it was not relocated. Iberian
Grey Shrike, Woodlarks and Ortolan Buntings were all holding territory, and 2 Hawfinches put in an appearance.
We headed back for breakfast but not before stopping at the Parador for Citril Finch. No luck there but a small
party of Crossbills was an appreciated token. It was Liz’s birthday and after taking bird orders, it was decided
that La Platforma was going to be the focus of our morning.
Spain - Extremadura & Gredos Mountains Tour Report
2 © Naturetrek June 2010
The weather was perfect…Alpine meadows bathed in sunshine…our first Red Squirrel…it wasn’t long before
we were looking at a displaying pair of Rufous tailed Rock Thrushes in the car park at La Platforma. Rock
Bunting at point blank range, Water Pipit and our first group of Spanish Ibex high up on a ridge. Northern
Wheatears, Crag Martin and Ravens were useful distractions but our real quarry was the ‘Gredos’ Bluethroat and
this year they preformed commendably amongst the Broom. We watched them for about an hour displaying and
soaking in the sunshine. These intriguing individuals with no throat spot, and a broad chestnut red lower border
without a significant intervening black band tried hard to show us that they too were a relict ‘Ice Age’ split; albeit
largely unrecognized. Plant wise there wasn’t a lot of variety because of the late spring this year but the early
monocotyledons were out in force and provided a lovely display- most notable was a small version of hoop
petticoat narcissus (Narcissus Graellsii), Rock Narcissus (N. Rupicola), Lent Lily (N. Pseudonarcissus) also Gagea
(Gagea fistulosa) and the mountain buttercup (Ranunculus Abnormis) nestled in the rocks by the path. Near where
the Bluethroat was displaying the team also found some delightful pale lilac cups of Crocus Carpetanus.
With Liz’s birthday presents sorted we headed down to the car park for our picnic and a surprise birthday cake
for Liz. A pair of Rufous tailed Rock Thrushes insisted on give us unparalleled close views by the main footpath;
our only regret was that the sun was a little too bright! We meandered towards Puente del Durque picking up a
couple of Booted and Short toed Eagles on the way. A majestic male Spanish Ibex surveyed his land and we
came a cross a group of about 10 males feeding below us in a valley.
At Puente del Durque a Chiffchaff was found by one group looking for the local facilities, and an excellent
Hobby preformed long enough for most people to get good views. We walked along the main track and it wasn’t
long before everyone had good views of Firecrest, Western Bonelli’s Warblers, and Crested Tit. There was a
definite lack of the usual butterflies and reptiles, presumably s a result of Spain’s wettest winter for decades. We
did manage an Iberian Wall Lizard and there was plenty of activity to keep us entertained for the duration of the
afternoon. The group strung out a bit whilst Pam went back to fetch the minibus so unfortunately no one heard
Colins’ call of Goshawk. It was not long before we were back at El Milano Real. The usual food feast awaited us
and despite Liz’s protests, she was ‘hit’ with a Birthday Chocolate Bomb Cake!
Day 3 Friday 7th May
A decision to make the most of the evening light and to omit an early morning run was made. Unfortunately, the
weather was overcast and unsettled through the day. Our first stop in Hoyos del Espino was to complete our set
of Sparrows. 3 Rock Sparrows showed well, allowing us prolonged scope views. A walk around the Parador
failed to produce the desired Finch but we saw Red Squirrel, Cirl Buntings, about 15 Crossbills.
We headed towards Bonelli’s Wood and despite the rain we managed to find a distant male Black eared Wheatear
on the Hoyocasero road. The cold wet winter had taken its toll on the flowering plants and the Western Peonies
were not out yet. The pale glow of Yellow Pasque Flower (Pulsatilla alpine subsp.apifolia), Oxslip (Primula elatior)
and Angels Tears (Narcissus triandrus) however provided a beautiful respite from the mostly leafless woodland of
Pyrenean Oak (Quercus pyranaica).
A walk also revealed early signs of Lily of the Valley (Convallairia Majalis) and Common Aquilegia (Aquilegia
vulgaris) we were also lucky to find several sprays of Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum odoratum) drooping gracefully
between the trees.
Spain - Extremadura & Gredos Mountains Tour Report
© Naturetrek June 2010 3
As we walked the Bonelli’s Warblers were undeterred by the damp air and kept our spirits up. Just as we were
leaving the wood Liz spotted a large brown bird on the ground which must have been a Honey Buzzard but
despite a desperate search it could not be relocated. Iberian Green Woodpecker, more Crossbills, Booted and
Short toed Eagles were our main reward. Back at yesterday’s “Otter’ site we found a nice sprinkling of Warblers
– Cetti’s, Chiffchaff and Melodious. Another Iberian Grey Shrike, Black Vulture and a field across the river with
several hundred Green-winged Orchids (Orchis morio).
The plant people were dropped off at the hotel, whilst the rest of the group drove towards Pena Negra in the
hope of seeing our nemesis Finch and HB. An adult Hobby drying itself on a close telephone wire was exciting.
Fortunately we made it back to the minibus before the weather turned from sunshine to heavy rain, followed by
fog and hail stones. A thunder clap flushed the first of many Red legged Partridge and we made a hasty retreat to
our warm hotel rooms!
Day 4 Saturday 8th May
This morning we headed to the Parador. Within minutes of our arrival a male Citril Finch surrendered. A
glorious male allowing scope views for most of our group. Unfortunately, some pressure from another birding
group pushed the bird back into the wood. We decided to go via Valle de Jerte and on route stopped briefly on
the road side to see Early Purple Orchid (Orchis mascula) and the lovely cream and pink spikes of Spanish Lupin
(Lupin Hispanicus) and purple Narrow-leaved Lupin (L. anustifolius) We then made a stop at Garganta de los
Infiernos to have a late breakfast. The picnic site at the car park has the tamest Iberian Azure-winged Magpie
outside Donana, but unfortunately it was a little too early in the day for these birds to put on a full performance.
A Golden Oriole on a picnic table and foraging in the undergrowth provided alternative entertainment.
Blackcaps sang relentlessly but the main highlights were botanical. The Western Peonies (Paeonia brotteri) were
flowering at this lower elevation and their brilliant cups shone like cerise flames amongst the Pyrenean Oaks and
Sweet Chestnut (Castanea Sativa) trees. We also found Sword-leaved Helleborine (Cephalanthera longifolia) a lily-like,
white flowered orchid, and the endemic Gredos Figwort (Scrophularia reuteri) as well as a crazy looking 4-sided
pink snapdragon (Linarea Triornthophera). Eric and Pam found the only Marsh Fritillary of the trip en route to pick
up the minibus. Some made a short detour to see the brilliant azure blue Scrambling Gromwell (Lithodora Diffusa)
and frothy cushions of white Mountain Sandwort (Arenaria montana subsp Montana), whilst others scoured the
stream for Dipper.
We headed toward Monfrague for a picnic. Whilst this was being organized the surrounding vicinity produced
Egyptian and Black Vulture, a male Subalpine Warbler, Woodchat Shrike and Crested Larks. After recharging
our batteries we drifted towards Pena Falcon. We stopped at the road bridge where the Alpine Swifts are often
found. None of these today, but a male Bonelli’s Eagle floated amongst the Griffons, Booted Eagle and
ubiquitous Black Kites. A Short toed Eagle sat on a boulder to the West, whilst a female Bonelli’s Eagle sat near
the base of a large electricity pylon to the east. It started to drizzle but it would have been sacrilegious not to stop
at Pena Falcon. We paid our respects to the Griffons and a Black Stork on its nest, a male Blue Rock Thrush
approached closely with some food for its young, Red rumped Swallows and Rock Bunting heralded that our
birding time was running out. We headed towards Trujillo calling in briefly at the town square and then to the
Bullring to watch a few perched Lesser Kestrels at close range.
Spain - Extremadura & Gredos Mountains Tour Report
4 © Naturetrek June 2010
We were greeted by Juan Pedro and Belen our hosts at Vina las Torres. Their hotel incredibly had 3 species of
Orchid in a single site on the hotel grounds! The purple and white spotless flowers of Champagne Orchid (Orchis
Morio sub.sp champagneuxii) as well as Tongue and Small-flowered Tongue Orchid (Serapias lingula and S.
Parviflora). Juan Pedro values his wildlife and supports it. Bee-eaters, Iberian Azure-winged Magpies, Hoopoe,
Golden Oriole, Thekla Lark, Short-toed Eagle, Barn Owl and Great Spotted Cuckoo are all regularly seen
around their hotel grounds! The surrounding footpaths are a carpet of wild flowers including Field Gladioli
(Gladiolus italicus), Tassel Hyacinth (Muscari comosum) and hundreds of orchids. We had a hearty meal of local
home cooked produce to welcome us to Extremadura.
Day 5 Sunday 9th May
It was Joyce’s birthday today and she requested Spanish Imperial Eagle and Honey Buzzard. This was always
going to be a difficult combination! After a few hours at Belen Plains in scattered sunshine our attempt to head
towards Sierra Villeuercas was thwarted by rain. The Calandra Larks were not as active as usual in the overcast
conditions but we saw a few Hoopoes, Egyptian Vulture, Griffons, Bee-eaters, 2 Stone Curlew and 3 distant
Great Bustards. A movement of Hirundines produced an Alpine Swift and decent views of a Great Spotted
Cuckoo in some Lygos. The fields and verges were as usual a spectacular Van Gogh mix of scarlet poppies,
Purple Vipers Bugloss, blue Rampion Bell flower and assorted yellow and white daises including the iconic
Mediterranean Umbrella Milkwort Tolpis Barbata as well as a great many more botanical treasures which kept the
botanist happy at every birding stop. A Short toed Eagle drifted over. Ten Bee-eaters looked as if they were
attempting to colonise a low sand bank. A pair of Black winged Stilts in a small pool and 4 Spanish Sparrows. No
sign of any Bug Orchids at the junction towards Torrecillas de la Tiesa but a decent number of Hoop Petticoat
Narcissi (Narcissus bulbocodium var. nivalis).
We headed towards Arroyocampo where Great Reed Warblers and Zitting Cisticolas reinforced that despite the
rain, we were well away from the UK. Purple Herons kept flying over and Purple Gallinules emerged from the
reed bed. Little Bittern and Squacco Heron were the supporting cast. After lunch which included a round of
birthday cake and strawberries, we headed off towards Hide 5 where Black-winged Kites breed. We had a close
Purple Heron on the ground and several Turtle Doves. Rich managed to pull out the Black-winged Kite just as
our hope was fading.
Our drive to the Portilla del Tietar was interrupted by a very cooperative Great Spotted Cuckoo intent on
guzzling a large caterpillar on a roadside fence. It wasn’t long before we had to stop again for a roadside Black
winged Kite, whose red eyes menacingly glared at us for interrupting its tea. 2 Golden Orioles and countless
Iberian Azure winged Magpies, Woodchats and Iberian Grey Shrikes later we pulled into the Portilla. Within 5
minutes a magnificent Spanish Imperial Eagle circled round us with several Black Storks and many Vultures.
One Black Vulture swooped so low you could see the glint of its corneal reflex and make out its iris with the
naked eye! Scanning the rock face was never likely to produce the Eagle Owl, their nest apparently had moved
and the wet weather had wiped out their chicks this year. We drifted back home to celebrate Joyce’s birthday
with another excellent meal and a second birthday cake - Pam’s motto being ‘a girl can never have too many
birthday cakes!’
Spain - Extremadura & Gredos Mountains Tour Report
© Naturetrek June 2010 5
Day 6 Monday 10th May
We did an early morning run to the Steppes. Quail were the first birds up and White Storks appeared to be
feeding even before it was really light. 4 Little Owls , 3 Rollers, displaying Little Bustards, 3 male Great Bustards
preening, Montagu’s Harriers, 2 Stone Curlew, 3 Great Spotted Cuckoos and several Short-toed Larks fell in
quick succession. A close group of about 30 Black bellied Sandgrouse lifted with most of them settling over the
brow of the sloping field. When the dust settled we found 10 Sandgrouse still in view and a close female Little
Bustard.
We settled for a late breakfast and a visit to Jaraicejo. Typical birds of the dehesa were active including several
Thekla Larks. A Black Stork drifted over, several Black Vultures and a near adult Golden Eagle steamed through.
The temperature was rising and time was slipping away from us. We decided to drive to the top of Monfrague
Castle where we were greeted by a couple of Red billed Choughs and Griffon Vultures at arms length. We
planned for an early dinner at 5:30 pm to allow us time to give the Eagle Owl a proper vigil. Lynn and Liz had
previously seen Eagle Owl well and opted for a gentle stroll around Vina las Torres. They spent the evening with
Golden Orioles flitting amongst the Olive Groves, European Nightjar at their feet, rescuing an Azure winged
Magpie, and Scops Owl heralding the end of their birding day.
Everyone else headed towards the Portilla again but this time stopping en route for a short botany break. This
produced Slender, Greater and Branched Broomrapes (Orobanche gracillis, O. rapum-genistae and O.ramosa),
Shepherds’ Needle (Scandix pecten-vernis), Love-in-a-Mist (Nigella damascene), Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera) and a local
sub species (Ophrys apifera subsp. almaracensis), were newly up; whilst Yellow Bee Orchid (Ophrys lutea) and Naked
Man Orchid (Orchis italica) were past their best. Unfortunately, our stop was brief and undoubtedly there are
more treasures to be found in this unusual limestone habitat.
We arrived at the Portilla at 20:15 and there was still a good 90 minutes of light ahead of us. A Black Stork went
over and then we picked up an Otter feeding on the river edge giving us terrific prolonged views of it hunting.
Spanish Imperial Eagle soared overhead and the Eagle Owl called intermittently. 21:00hrs and the tension was
rising, the 20 or 25 people that had gathered this evening coalesced when a flicker of movement suggested that
the Owl was on the move. Despite everyone looking at more or less the same part of the hillside where the
shadow appeared to head for, a good 20 minutes had passed before Rich (with a little help from an Egyptian
Vulture) isolated it. Perched side on; with about half its body showing, it sat on the edge of the cliff face just
below a tree with roosting vultures. Intermittently it turned towards us showing its amber orange eyes and ear
tufts. After about 10-15 minutes the Eagle Owl flew eastwards up the river and landed in a distant tree – a grand
finale to an excellent day! We departed in the twilight and our next stop produced a small family party of Roe
Deer; an Iberian Hare jinxed its way along the road in the headlight and a Hedgehog took care to stay in its own
lane on the main road to Trujillo. Tired but content we arrived back at the hotel at 23:15hours ready for our
beds.
Day 7 Tuesday 11th May
Our last full day in Extremadura - we headed towards Santa Marta de Magasca in search of more steppe birds.
Spain - Extremadura & Gredos Mountains Tour Report
6 © Naturetrek June 2010
A European Nightjar was put up from the side of the road. We saw some fine Great Bustards with their elegant
whiskers and displaying Little Bustard. A Golden Eagle screeched through just below eyelevel sending Mallards
into pandemonium. Calandra Larks displayed defiantly.
We headed back for breakfast and then towards Campo Lugar. A Little Owl perched on a pile of stones, a pair
of Black eared Wheatears showed well, a female Great Bustard neck high in the grass strolled by and a male
Little Bustard gave a half hearted display. Montagu’s Harriers quartered round us and a few Gull billed Terns
were on patrol. A European Golden Plover shared a ploughed field with a pair of Stone Curlew.
Heading towards Fernando V we saw a roadside Roller. Last years flooded field was now without water and we
headed towards the ‘Silver pipe’ picking up 10 Collared Pratincole, 10 Bee-eaters and a small group of Red
Avadavats.
Once again a day in Sierra Villeuercas was abandoned because of ominous clouds in that vicinity. We headed in
to the sunshine at Arroyocampo instead. More of the same waterbirds were seen with Little Tern and Night
Heron putting in an appearance and Savi’s Warbler singing unusually distantly. One last site for Black Wheatear
drew a blank but Joyce’s belated birthday present of a Honey Buzzard put in an unexpected appearance.
The early evening was spent sipping coffee in the town square at Trujillo, prior to heading back to our hotel for
dinner. After dinner a couple of Red necked Nightjars and Scops Owls called from behind the hotel but despite
a small search party no night birds appeared.
Day 8 Wednesday 12 May
A civilized 07:15 departure from Vina las Torres put us in good time for our flight home. We were escorted off
the premises by a Hoopoe; Bee-eaters, Golden Oriole, and even a displaying Lesser Kestrel put in a show on the
trip to Madrid! We avoided any volcanic hiccups and smoothly but regrettably departed from a successful trip,
highlighted by outstanding views of many Spanish specialty birds of the Steppes and High Mountains. We saw a
respectable 146 avian species including 19 species of raptors and an amazing 10 species of orchid! Undoubtedly
the good-natured enthusiasm of this year’s group contributed highly to its success as well as making our job a
real pleasure. Pam and I are extremely grateful to them for their excellent company and relaxed attitude which
made the 6th Naturetrek Extremadura & Sierra Gredos trip an unqualified success.
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Spain - Extremadura & Gredos Mountains Tour Report
© Naturetrek June 2010 7
Species Lists
Birds (H = heard only)
May
Common name Scientific name 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
1 Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis 2
2 Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo 2 1
3 Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus 1 1
4 Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax 1
5 Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides 1
6 Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis 20 40
7 Little Egret Egretta garzetta 1 6 2 3+
8 Great White Egret Egretta alba 1
9 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea 2 1 1 7
10 Purple Heron Ardea purpurea 10+ 8
11 Black Stork Ciconia nigra 4 4 4
12 White Stork Ciconia ciconia 20 15 10 40+ 60+ 12 30+ 15+
13 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 2 1 1 12 6 4+
14 Gadwall Anas strepera 1 2
15 Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus 2
16 Black Kite Milvus migrans 6 6 6 20+ 35+ 15 15+ 10+
17 Red Kite Milvus milvus 3 3 4 5 2 1
18 Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus 2 2 3
19 Black Vulture Aegypius monachus 1 1 5 6 2 1
20 Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus 16 6 2 60+ 80+ 100+ 15 1
21 Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus 1 2 5 7 1
22 Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus 3 4
23 Goshawk Accipiter gentilis 1
24 Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus 1
25 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo 10+ 1 1 1 4 2 1
26 Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos 1 1
27 Spanish Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca (adalberti) 2 1
28 Bonelli’s Eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus 2
29 Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus 1 2 2 6 3 1 4
30 Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus 1 1 1 2 1
31 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus 3+ 2 2 3 2 1
32 Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni 6 5 2 15 1
33 Hobby Falco subbuteo 1 2 1 1 1
34 Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa 2 3 4 5 6
35 Common Quail Coturnix coturnix H
36 Moorhen Gallinula chloropus 1 2 2
37 Coot Fulica atra 3
38 Purple Swamp-hen Porphyrio porphyrio 5 H
39 Great Bustard Otis tarda 3 3 8
40 Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax 3 3
41 Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus 2 5
42 Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus 2 2 2
43 European Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria 1
44 Little ringed Plover Charadrius dubius 1 2
45 Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos 2 1 1
46 Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola 10
47 Gull billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica 4
Spain - Extremadura & Gredos Mountains Tour Report
8 © Naturetrek June 2010
May
Common name Scientific name 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
48 Little Tern Sternula albifrons 2
49 Black-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles orientalis 30
50 Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus
51 Rock Dove / Feral Pigeon Columba livia
52 Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto
53 Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur 3
54 Cuckoo Cuculus canorus 1 H 1 4 H 2
55 Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus 1 1
56 Red necked Nightjar Caprimulgus ruficollis H
57 Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius 2 3 3
58 Eagle Owl Bubo bubo 1
59 Little Owl Athene noctua 4 1
60 Scops Owl Otus scops H H
61 Alpine Swift Apus melba 1 1
62 Common Swift Apus apus
63 Bee-eater Merops apiaster 5 2 6 20 11 25+ 1
64 Roller Coracias garrulus 6 1
65 Hoopoe Upupa epops 1 3 2 2 5 10 6 2
66 Green Woodpecker Picus viridis 1 1
67 Great-spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus major 1 6
68 Woodlark Lullula arborea 2 6 2
69 Skylark Alauda arvensis 5
70 Crested Lark Galerida cristata 4 6 16+ 15+ 25+ 4
71 Thekla Lark Galerida theklae 3
72 Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla 8+ 1
73 Calandra Lark Melanocorypha calandra 20+ 20+ 30+
74 Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris 2 3 2
75 Sand Martin Riparia riparia 1 2 1
76 Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica 10 6 18 10+
77 Swallow Hirundo rustica
78 House Martin Delichon urbica
79 Water Pipit Angthus spinoletta 3
80 White Wagtail Motacilla alba 2 6 2 1 1 1
81 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea 2
82 Yellow (Iberian) Wagtail Motacilla flava iberiae 3 30 2
83 Wren Troglodytes troglodytes 3 4
84 Dunnock Prunella modularis 10+ 2
85 Robin Erithacus rubecula 2 8 7
86 Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos 2 1 1 1 H H H
87 Bluethroat Luscinia svecica 5
88 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros 10 8 7 1 1
89 Stonechat Saxicola torquata 3 10+ 8 2 8 8+
90 Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe 20+ 8
91 Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica 1 2
92 Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis 5
93 Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius 2 2 3 1
94 Blackbird Turdus merula 2 10 12 2 24+ 10+ 6+
95 Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus 1 4 2
96 Savi's Warbler Locustrella luscinioides H
97 Fan-tailed Warbler Cisticola juncidis 6 1 6
98 Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti 1 H 1 H H
Spain - Extremadura & Gredos Mountains Tour Report
© Naturetrek June 2010 9
May
Common name Scientific name 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
99 Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus 1
100 Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus 2 2
101 Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta 1 1 6 1
102 Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans 1 1
103 Whitethroat Sylvia communis 6 4
104 Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla 3 9 20+
105 Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala 1 2 1
106 Western Bonelli’s Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli 6 15 3
107 Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita 2
108 Goldcrest Regulus regulus 3 4
109 Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus 6 H H
110 Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata 1
111 Iberian Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca iberiae 1 2
112 Crested Tit Lophophanes cristatus 4 3
113 Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus 1 2 4 4 4 2
114 Great Tit Parus major 2 2 4 1 3 H
115 Coal Tit Periparus ater 2 10 20 10
116 Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus 3 2 H 9
117 Nuthatch Sitta europaea 6 6 3 2 H
118 Short-toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla 2 8 7 1
119 Iberian Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis 1 1 1 3 2 4
120 Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator 4 2 2 4 3 28+ 10 2
121 Spotless Starling Sturnus unicolor 100+ 30 20 40+ 40+ 20+ 30+ 20+
122 Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus 4 2 3 H 1
123 Jay Garrulus glandarius 3 5 8 1
124 Magpie Pica pica
125 Azure-winged Magpie Cyanopica cyana 10 12 70+ 20+ 10+
126 Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax 2
127 Jackdaw Corvus monedula 1 16+ 3 15+ 10+
128 Raven Corvus corax 2 1 2 1 2 4
129 Carrion Crow Corvus corone 1 10 8 5
130 House Sparrow Passer domesticus
131 Tree Sparrow Passer montanus 1 4
132 Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis 2 1 4 1 20+
133 Rock Sparrow Petronia petronia 3 6
134 Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs 4 1 4+ 2
135 Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes 2
136 Crossbill Loxia curvirostra 4 15 16
137 Serin Serinus serinus 2 4 10 10+ 2 3 15+ 2
138 Greenfinch Carduelis chloris 2 1 3
139 Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis 6 H 2 10 20+ 10 12
140 Linnet Acanthis cannabina 6 15 4 3 3 4 6
141 Citril Finch Carduelis citrenella 1
142 Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra 1 1 2 4
143 Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana 5 1 2 1
144 Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus 2
145 Rock Bunting Emberiza cia 12 12 4 1 1
146 Red Avadavat Amandava amandava 10
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Plants
Scientific Name Common Name
DICOTYLEDONS
Aceraceae Maple Family
Acer monspessulanum Montpelier Maple
Anacardiaceae Cashew Family
Pistachio terebinthus Turpentine Tree
P.lentiscus Mastic Tree
Rhus Coriaria Sumach
Apiaceae Carrot Family
Daucus carota Wild Carrot
Eryngium campestre Field Eryngo
Ferrula communis Giant Fennel
Foeniculum vulgare Fennel
Oeanthe crocata Hemlock water dropwort
Thapsia. Villosa (A tall fennel like plant)
Torillis arvensis Spreading hedge parsley
Aristolochiaceae Birthwort Family
Aristolochia paucinervis ( A type of Dutchman’s pipe)
Asteraceae Daisy Family
Andryala integrifolia Andryala
Anthemis arvensis Corn Camomile
Arnoseris minima (A low cats ear daisy)
Bellis sylvestris Southern daisy
Calendula arvensis Field Marigold
Centaurea cyanus Cornflower
C. solstitialis St Barnaby’s Thistle
Chrysanthemum coronarium Crown Daisy
C. segetum Corn Marigold
Cirsium. Creticum (A slender purple thistle)
Cnicus benedictus Blessed Thistle
Cynara cardunculus Cardoon
Echinops ritro Globe Thistle
Evax pygmaea Evax
Fiago vulgaris Common Cudweed
Galactites tomentosa Galactites
Helicrysium stoechas (A silver leaved daisy)
Hypochoeris achyrophorus Mediterranean cats ear
Knautea purpurea (a paint brush)
Lactuca serriola Prickly Lettuce
Leucanthemopsis pallida
Pallensis spinosa Pale yellow thistle
Scolymus hispanicus Spanish Oyster Plant
Silybum marianum Milk Thistle
Rhagadiolus stellatus Star Hawkbit
Tolpis barbata Tolpis
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Scientific Name Common Name
Boraginaceae Borage Family
Anchusa undulata Undulate Anchusa
A azurea Large Blue Alkanet
Echium plantagineum Purple Vipers Bugloss
Lithodara diffusa Scrambling Gromwell
Myosotis ramosissima (A small flowered Forget-me-Not)
Omphalodes linifolia Omphalodes
Pentaglottis sempervirens Green alkanet
Brassicaceae Cress Family
Biscuttela didyma Biscuttela
Crambe hispanica Spanish Sea Kale
Eruca sativa Eruca
Lepedium villasii Lepedium
Raphanus raphanistrum Wild Radish
Scandix pecten veneris Shepherds Needle
Sinapis alba White Mustard
Cactacea Cactus Family
Opuntia Monacantha Red fruited Prickly Pear
Campanulaceae Bellflower Family
Campanula patula Spreading Bellflower
C. rapunculus Rampion Bellflower
C. Lusitanica Spanish Bellflower
Jasione corumbose (A type of Sheep’s Bit)
J crispa (A type of Sheep’s Bit)
Caprifoliaceae Honeysuckle Family
Lonicera etrusca Etruscan honeysuckle
L. implexa ( A honeysuckle)
Viburnum tinus Lauristinus
Caryophyllaceae Pink Family
Arenaria Montana sub.sp montana Mountain Sandwort
Cerastium arvense Field Mouse Ear
Petrohagia kohlrauschia Kohlrauschia
Paronychia argentea (prostrate, silvery bracts)
Silene colorata Mediterranean Catchfly
S. dichotoma Forked Catchfly
S. gallica Small-flowered Catchfly
Spergularia purpurea Purple Sand Spurry
Chenopodacacea Goose Foot Family
Parietaria officinata Common Pellitory
Cistaceae Rockrose Family
Cistus albidus Grey Leaved Cistus
C. ladanifer Gum Cistus
C. monspeliensis Narrow Leaved Cistus
C. salvifolius Sage-leaved Cistus
Fumaria arabica Arabian Fumaria
Guttatae Tubaria Spotted Roce Rose
Helianthemum apennivium White Rockrose
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Scientific Name Common Name
Helianthemum nummularium Common Rockrose
Convolvulacea Bindweed Family
Convolvulus althaeoides Mallow Leaved Bindweed
C. arvensis
C.tricolor Tri-coloured Bindweed
Crassulaceae Stonecrop Family
Sedum album White Stonecrop
S. Dasphyllum Thick Leaved Stonecrop
S.Tenulifolium (A tall stonecrop)
Umbilicus rupestris Navelwort
Crucubitacea Cucumber Family
Bryonia cretica White Bryony
Ericaceae Heath Family
Arbutus unedo Strawberry Tree
Erica arborea Tree Heath
Euphorbiaceae Spurge Family
Euphorbia oxyphylla Red Eyed Spurge
Fabaceae Pea Family
Adenocarpus complicatus
Anthyllis lotoides Bladder Vetch
Astragalus monspessulannus Monpellier Milk Vetch
Cytisus multiflorus White Broom
Genista falcata (a turpentine smelling broom)
G. hirsuta low spiny shrub
G. tourniforte (a type of Spanish gorse)
Hedysarum coronarum Sanfoin
Lathyrus aphaca Yellow Vetchling
L. cicera Red Vetchling
L. setifolius Brown Vetch
L.latifoius Broad leaved everlasting pea
Lupin angustifolius Narrow-leaved Lupin
L. hispanicus Spanish Lupin
Lygos sphaerocarpa Lygos
L. raetma White Lygos
Melilot indicus Small Meliot
Psoralea bituminosa Pitch Trefoil
Robinia pseudacacia False Acacia
Spartium junceum Spanish Broom
Tetragonolobus purpureus Asparagus Pea
Trifolium angustifolium Narrow-leaved Crimson Clover
T. campestre Hop trefoil
T. cherleri (sub species of hairy trefoil)
T. stellatum Starry Clover
T. resupinatum Reversed Clover
T. subterraneum (a low white clover)
T.tormentosum Woolly Trefoil
Vicia hirsuita Hairy Tare
Vicia. lutea Yellow Vetch
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Scientific Name Common Name
V. onobrychoides False Sanfoin
V. villosa Fodder Vetch
Fagaceae Oak Family
Castanea sativa Sweet Chestnut
Quercus coccifera Kermes Oak
Q. ilex Holm Oak
Q. pyrenaica Pyrenean Oak
Q. suber Cork Oak
Fumariaceae Fumitory Family
Fumaria capriolata Ramping Fumitory
F. officinalis Common Fumitory
Gentianaceae Gentian Family
Centaureum erythraea Common Centaury
Geraniaceae Geranium Family
Erodium petaeum Rock Storksbill
E.mallacoides Mallow leaved Storksbill
Geranium dissectum Cut-leaved Cranesbill
G.lucdum Shining Cranesbill
G.molle Doves foot cranesbill
Hypericaceae St John’s Wort Family
H. perfoliata Perforate St John’s Wort
Labiaceae Mint Family
Ballota nigra Black Horehound
Lavendula stoechas French Lavender
Melittis melissophyllum Bastard Balm
Parentucellia latifolia Southern Red Bartista
Rosmarinus officinalis Rosemary
Salvia verbenaca Wild Clary
Thymus capitata Wild Thyme
Linaceae Flax Family
Linum bienne Pale Flax
Malvaceae Mallow Family
Lavatera cretica Small tree mallow
Malva sylvestris Common Mallow
Oxalidaceae Sorrel Family
Oxalis pes-caprae Bermuda Buttercup
Oleaceae Olive Family
Fraxinus augustifolia Narrow leaved Ash
Fraxinus ornus Flowering Ash
Jasminum fruticans Wild Jasmine
Olea europaea Olive
Orobanchaceae Broomrape Family
Orobanche genistae Greater Broomrape
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Scientific Name Common Name
O. gracillis Slender Broomrape
O. minor Common Broomrape
O. ramosa Branched Broomrape
Paeoniaceae Paeony Family
Paeonia broteri Western Peony
P. microcarpa
Papaveraceae Poppy Family
Hypecoum imberbe (a small yellow poppy)
Papaver dubium Long-headed Poppy
P. hybridum Rough Poppy
Papaver rhoeas Common Poppy
Platanaceae Plane Tree Family
Platanus orientalis Plane Tree
Plantaginaceae Plantain Family
Plantago coronopus Buck's Horn Plantain
P. lagopus Hares foot Plantain
Polygonaceae Dock Family
Rumex acetosella Sheep’s Sorrel
R. bucephalophorus Horse Sorrel, pendulous fruit
R. scutatus French Sorrel
Primulaceae Primrose Family
Anagallis arvensis Scarlet/blue Pimpernel
A foemina (A pimpernel)
Primula elatior Oxlip
Ranunculaceae Buttercup Family
Aquilegia vulgaris Common Aquilegia
Caltha palustris Kingcup
Nigella damascena Love-in-a-mist
Pulsatilla alpina subsp.apiifolia Yellow Pasque Flower
Ranunculus abnormis Alpine Buttercup
R.omiophyllus Round leaved water crowfoot
R. sceleratus Celery-leaved Buttercup
Resedaceae Mignonette Family
R. luteola Weld
R. lutea Wild Mignonette
Sesamiodes purpurascens
Rosaceae Rose Family
Crataegus azaorlus Azarole
Geum sylvaticum yellow flowers
Poterium verrucosum Mediterranean Salad Burnet
Salicaceae Willow Family
Salix pedicelallata Mediterranean Willow
Populus Nigra ssp.betulifolia Wild Black Poplar
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Scientific Name Common Name
Santalaceea Sandalwood Family
Osyris alba Osyris
Saxifragaceae Saxifrage Family Saxifraga granulata Meadow Saxifrage
Scrophulariaceae Figwort Family
Bellardia trixago Bellardia
Digitalis thapsi Spanish Foxglove
Linaria elegans (a violet toadflax)
L.spartea Yellow snapdragon
L.triornithophora (a large pink four sided snapdragon)
Parentucella latifolia Southern Red Bartsia
P. viscosa Yellow Bartsia
Verbascum pulverulentum Hoary Mullein
V. sinuatum (a widely branched mullein)
Solenaceae Potato Family
Hyoscyamus albus** White Henbane
Tamaricaea Tamarix Family
Tamarix africana Tamarix
Thymelaceae Daphne Family
Thymelae sanamunda
Valarianaceae Valarian Family
Fedia cornucopiae Fedia
Violaceae Violet Family
Viola riviniana Common Dog Violet
V.ketabeliana Dwarf pansy
MONOCOTYLEDONS
Amaryllidaceae Daffodil Family
Narcissus bulbocodium var. nivalis Hoop Petticoat Narcissus
Narcissus graellsii (a small hoop petticoat narcissus)
N. pseudonarcissus Lent Lily
N. rupicola Rock Narcissus
N. triandrus** Angels' Tears
Dioscareacaea Yam Family
Tamus communis Black Bryony
Iridaceae Iris Family
Crocus carpetanus (a pale lilac alpine crocus)
Gladiolus italicus Field Gladiolus
Gynandriris sisyrinchium Barbary Nut
Iris pseudacorus Yellow Flag Iris
I. Xiphium Spanish Iris
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Scientific Name Common Name
Liliaceae Lily Family
Allium ampeloprasum Wild Leek
A. neapolitanum Naples Garlic
A.roseum Rosy garlic
Anthericum ramosum Branched St Bernard’s Lily
Asparagus acutifolius (a type of wild asparagus)
Asphodelus.aestivus Common Asphodel
Convallaria majalis Lily of the valley
Gagea fistulosa Gagea
Muscari comosum Tassel Hyacinth
M. neglectum Grape Hyacinth
Polygonatum odoratum Solomon’s Seal
Ruscus asculatus Butchers Broom
Scilla hispanica Spanish Bluebell
S. verna Spring Squill
Ornithogalum concinnum (A small Star of Bethlehem)
O. narbonense (A tall slender Star of Bethlehem)
O. umbellatum Star of Bethlehem
Orchidaceae Orchid Family
Cephalanthera longifolia Sword leaved Helleborine
Ophyrs apifera Bee Orchid
Ophyrs apifera subsp. almaracensis (an Extramadura variant of bee orchid)
Ophyrs lutea Yellow Bee Orchid
Orchis mascula Early Purple Orchid
Orchis mascula subsp. champagneuxii Champagne Orchid
Orchis morio Green-winged Orchid
Orchis italica Naked Man Orchid
Serapias lingula Tongue Orchid
Serapias parviflora Small-flowered Tongue Orchid
CONIFERS
Pinaceae Pine Family
Pinus nigra Black Pine
P. pinaster Maritime Pine
P.pinea Stone Pine
P. sylvestris Scots Pine
Cupressaceae Cypress Family
Cupressus sempervirens Funeral Cypress
Juniperus communis Juniper
J. oxycedrus Prickly Juniper
Gramineae Family Grasses/reeds
Arundo donax Giant Reed
Briza Maxima Large Quaking Grass
Lamarckia Aurea Golden Dog tail
CULTIVATED SHRUBS AND TREES
Allianthus altissima Tree of Heaven
Catalpa bignonioides Indian Bean Tree
Cercis siliquastrum Judas Tree
Citrus limon Lemon Tree
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Scientific Name Common Name
Citrus sinensis Orange Tree
Ficus carica Fig
Gleditsia triacanthos Honey Locust
Melia azedarach Indian Bead Tree
Morus alba White Mulberry
M.nigra Black Mulberry
Nerium oleander Oleander
Punica granatum Pomegranate
Prunus dulcis Almond
Shinus molle Peruvian Mastic Tree
Mammals
Hedgehog Iberian Hare Otter
Rabbit Red Squirrel Red Deer
Roe Deer Spanish Ibex
Butterflies
Spanish Marbled White Marsh Fritillary Western Dappled White
Meadow Brown Small White Wall Brown
Large White Small Copper Green Veined White
Red Admiral Spanish Festoon Painted Lady
References
Field Guide to Wild Flowers of Southern Europe (Paul Davies and Sob Gibbons)
Mediterranean Wild Flowers (Margery Blamey and Christopher Grey-Wilson)
Alpine Flowers of Britain and Europe (Blamey and Grey-Wilson)
Collins Tree Guide (Owen Johnson and David Moore)