a sporadic nature diary and other jottings from the guides on the strait of gibraltar
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A summary of what we've been up to during the last few few months
It was such a busy three months with the spring migration and early summer birding tours that lasted through to June. Our tours started at the end of March and we had a fair number of day clients each month wishing one, two or more days along The Strait of Gibraltar and surrounding areas, to see the variety of birds and so many different habitats. Stephen Daly was also leading tours for Limosa Holidays and their partners The Travelling Naturalist, taking clients to various parts of Spain, Austria and Hungary.
David Cottridge  and I led two tours to Extremadura and the Coto Doñana then a few weeks later we had another eight days back to Extremadura and two nights in the Gredos Mountains finding Bluethroats and Citril Finch. David is of course just as mad as I am, although he takes the biscuit for the worst jokes. David is a world class photographer and has over the last few years go back to his art base in photography, spending a lot of time with a new project with macro work of lichen and tree bark. His new work resembles a lunar landscape or that of satellite imagery or you can of course interpret it as anything your imagination lets yo. The images are huge and David has been working closely with Dave Chapman a sound engineer and fellow artist. Some of the images and sounds can be seen at Gunpowder Park in north London
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John Muddeman  and I led a tour to Austria to the southeast of the country at Lake Neusiedl. We also went across the border to Hungary and even found Lesser-Spotted eagle to add to our already impressive list!
 
Both Stephen Knapp and yours truly led a successful tour to Turkey, staying at two locations in the south-west.
 
The ten clients we took there and ourselves had a super time and we also visited the ancient sites of Ephesus, Miletus and Kaunos. Desperate for tourism the famous site at Ephesus is turning into a huge bazaar at the two gates leading into the into the site, which is one of the "Seven Ancients wonders of the World". It's a bit of a pity where you have such a lot of hassle from people trying to sell you such a lot of nonsense. We were all rather amused though, at the large sign above one shop which read " Genuine Fake Watches". Harold actually bought one fake Rolex and to our surprise there was no fake guarantee in the box.
Jennifer, one of tour participants spent some time visiting other part of this fascinating country before meeting up with the rest of the group when we arrived at Izmir. Her blog can be seen here and there's an interesting article and slide show about her experiences! jonathanseagull.wordpress.com
We had quite a few photographers on tour with us and we encourage those that are either focuses (excuse the pun!) on digiscoped or straight digital or film work. Birds in flight is one aspect where I strive to capture the freedom of birds. There is no other pure form or expression of freedom in narture as is displayed in an image of a bird in flight.
I bought a second-hand Canon lens this summer. It's a 400L f5.6 and works a treat. The problem back at base is now that I have a mountain of photographs from all these tours to sort out.
Getting time back with my family was important too, after being away for so long. We took a family break for ten days to Italy. We flew from Seville to Rome with Vueling and rented a car and drove south past Naples and Salerno to a lovely coastal town on the Gulf of Salerno called Santa Maria de Castellabate.
We booked with a German company called Vamos that specialise in family holidays. A cunning plan to let the kids be entertained while Patty and I explored the Medieval towns along the coast and into the hills. We spent a week on the coast then drove back towards Rome stopping at Monte Casino, where over 75,000 soldiers lost their lives. We both stood - a Brit and a German together in one of the huge military cemeteries, wondering at the senseless death and destruction created in 1945. I personally find it sobering to remember such places and feel a mixture of emotions from sadness, relief, and am happy that such a war hasn't taken place in any of the countries that I have lived in during my lifetime.
We ended or holiday at Cori at a reall lovely hotel on the edge of the old town. Set in an olive grove and adjoining and vinyard, it was perfect with Bee-eaters flying nearby and the kids having a four-poster bed all to themselves, for four nights, to sleep in. We visited more Greek and Roman ruins and also the fabulous gardens at Ninfa, which are only open to the public two or three days in each month. I looked on You Tube and found this little slideshow about the gardens and Byzantine ruins.
Back to work here in the countyside between Vejer and Barbate, I have lots to do around the house, I must also get some birding in too although I did get some White-headed Duck and Flamingo photos the other day with Ian and Sheila Appleton, on holiday here from Meton-Mowbray.
Below is a trip report of one of the eight day tours here in Spain. I may addd more when I get more time.
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Trip Report
©Limosa
Holidays
Limosa Holidays
Suffield House, Northrepps, Norfolk NR27 0LZ
01263 578143
SPAIN
EXTREMADURA & ANDALUCIA
April 7th ~ 14th 2007
Participants:
John & Kate Barlow
Steve Berry
Sue Cligg
Martin & Claire Elson
Tony & Nell Faulkner
Shelia Petrie
Sarah Priest
Martyn & Sue Riggs
Leaders:
David Cottridge
Stephen Daly
Tour Highlights
- Fifteen Montagu’s Harriers displaying on a warm afternoon across the vast expanse of the Extremaduran steppe. The warm spring thermals aiding their performance to gain height, then diving and calling as they fell to earth only to start climbing higher each time.
- Two adult Bonnelli’s Eagles displaying high over the crest of Peña Falcon in Monfrague’s stunning National Park.
- On a pre-breakfast trip, we happened upon a lovely Iberian Hare, crouching amongst the dew covered grasses. It stayed long enough to get some photo then stretched its long legs and disappeared into the early morning mist.
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Stunning views of a Black-shouldered Kite hunting along the Corredor Verde on the Coto Doñana. The bird was set beautifully against a dark grey, threatening sky and lit up by the afternoon light. It hovered and hunted along the canal margins giving us all excellent views.
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Hundreds of Sand Martins and House Martins lifting off their roost in unison in front of our hotel in El Rocío on the Coto Doñana
Day 1
Saturday 7th April
This was a combined trip from Limosa Holidays and The Travelling Naturalist. The whole group were accompanied by David Cottridge and flew from London to Madrid where they were met by co-leader Stephen Daly at the new Terminal 4 of Barajas Airport. Stephen, who lives in Andalucia, had travelled up on the early train that morning from the south, to join the group.
A slight flight delay and another at baggage reclaim put us behind schedule but we soon collected our two Mercedes Vito mini-busses and headed west on the motorway to Extremadura.
En route we picked up a number of bird species including Booted Eagle, Western Marsh Harrier, Black Kite, Yellow-legged Gull and Common Kestrel. White Storks were very common as were Common Magpie, Spotless Starling and Cattle Egret.
A stop for tapas and a drink at a small restaurant was taken and after continuing through some wonderful countryside we reached our destination at the lovely Finca Santa Marta, just outside the medieval town of Trujillo. Little Grebe was also seen on a small pond on close to the finca.
A walk around the immediate gardens produced some other lovely birds which included a Red Kite overhead Barn Swallows nesting or feeding chicks at several places around the house or outbuildings. A Booted Eagle flew off from the top of a large pine tree and Azure-winged Magpies, Blackbirds, Wood and Crested Larks flitted through the orchards. A Wren sang on flowering Wisteria and Great Tits called from the Almond trees. Champagne Orchid was seen flowering along the path through the almond groves. What a lovely start.
After a pleasant welcome with drinks from the Finca Santa Marta’s owner, and lovely meal, we retired for the night.
Day 2
Easter Sunday 8th April
Some of us had heard the Scops Owl that tooted at five-thirty, from a large Almond tree in the car park.
A pre-breakfast walk at the finca produced some lovely birds despite the threat of rain and cold temperatures. Azure-winged Magpies flew around the gardens and orchards with nesting materials in their beaks and Woodlark and Crested Larks sang from the vines. Ravens were seen and heard calling as they flew overhead and Blackcaps and a Short-toed Treecreeper sang from a large Cork Oak. Goldfinch and Linnet were also seen.
After breakfast we made sandwiches for our lunch and headed off to the Zorita Plains. Here we watched Black Kites in abundance and some great views of male Great Bustards displaying, going into an incredibly large puffed-up feather ball. A group of eight females watched with some interest. Crested, Thekla and Calandra Larks put on wonderful flight and song displays and our first Bee-eater of the tour flashed past low on the meadow. Stonechats were also noted.
Mallard Cattle Egret and White Storks flew past as did two Little Bustards, one of them a male bird with the rather lovely “whistling wings” they have. More Montagu’s and several large groups of Griffon Vultures circled, searching for carrion. Several Black Vultures were also watched within these groups and gave us good comparison of the difference in the two species. Several Red kites also came close by and again we could compare them with the more abundant Black Kite. Common Buzzards too were seen either flying or perched as were Marsh Harrier. A pair of light morph Booted Eagles came close and we watched them fly and glide effortlessly across the plains.
Near the cork oak fringes towards Santa Marta de Magasca, we found Eurasian Jay, Woodchat and Southern Grey Shrikes. Better views of Thekla were had and some more Great Bustards were also seen on the steppe.
This seemed to be the day for Hoopoe, as we came across this most unusual of birds on just about every route we took. Corn Buntings too seemed to have a good population in the area. A Little Owl was also seen by the roadside, sitting happily atop a telegraph pole.
Stopping for lunch on the river Tajo, we found White Wagtail, Blackbird, Spotless Starling, Serin, Crag Martin, Kingfisher, Eurasian Jackdaw as well as Tree, House and Spanish Sparrows. House Martins and Barn Swallows were also present in good numbers, but two Red-rumped Swallows were viewed from above and all had excellent views of this rather leisurely flyer.
After lunch we saw two Great-spotted Cuckoo and a single Common Cuckoo on the rather bare roadside.
As we were leaving we spotted a group of six Griffon Vultures and a few Black Vultures feeding on a dead sheep. We cut across through an open gate with the mini-bus and managed to get within 250 metres of the group. Getting our scopes out and slowly keeping behind the vehicle we had some tremendous views of these magnificent birds.
Driving back, we stopped to watch about fifteen Montagu’s Harriers using a thermal over the plains to gain height, then come screaming down, turning and tumbling. This was one of the best spring bird displays we had seen by far.
Black-winged Stilts were also seen around a small pond near the Finca.
To end the day we explored Trujillo and found that the old town was full to the brim of Easter revellers with groups coming into the town from all over Extremadura and Madrid. We climbed through the Medieval granite streets, to the imposing castle on top of the rock and took in the sights and sounds coming up from below. The White Storks that were sitting on eggs within their huge nest constructions, that seemed to be on every available corner of churches and every old building, seemed oblivious to the Easter revellers. Common and Pallid Swifts passed in front of our eyes and Lesser Kestrels fed on the wing.
Later we took a wonderful meal in a lovely restaurant on the square, close to the imposing bronze statue of Pizarro, probably the most famous of all the Spanish Conquistadores.
Day 3.
Monday 9th April
We awoke to dark skies and pouring rain and after breakfast headed through some torrential downpours en route to Monfrague National Park. There was a “Romero” or parade taking place as part of the Easter celebrations at Monfrague and we passed several groups of walkers and horse riders that were making their way to the “Castillo” or castle overlooking Peña Falcon. The heavy rains continued and after negotiating traffic chaos at the top of the small road leading to the top, we abandoned the idea of climbing the stairs to the top. Peña Falcon. The rains continued unabated. We decided to take a look at Peña Falcon on our return, hoping that we could obtain some views of this wonderful peak.
The nearby visitor centre showed a short film of the area on widescreen in English, and after a welcome coffee at a local bar, we took some time looking through the new exhibition area. The short film gave an interesting perspective on the plight of the Spanish Imperial Eagle and the history and management of the area. Outside, the dark skies kept up the relentless rain. Undaunted, we decided to look for some birds at a car parking area further up the reservoir. On the opposite cliffs we saw some bedraggled Griffon Vultures sitting out the rain and a Black Kite was seen in a pine tree. We did manage to find Hawfinch and had some good views of two adult pairs. A male Cirl Bunting also came close and sang. Crag Martins and Red-rumped Swallows flew around the water and an adult Egyptian Vulture appeared on the cliffs beside the Griffons.
Still looking for birds and getting wetter at each stop we took lunch at a small hide, opposite a Black Storks nest. From across the reservoir we set up our scopes on the nest and at our sandwiches watching the Black Stork get up occasionally to move position of its eggs. A Griffon Vulture’s nest was close by and the adult bird sat motionless on it throughout our break.
We continued on to the next hide to look for Eagle Owl. It took us ages scanning the opposite cliff face to locate the birds, an adult and two chicks. Misting telescope lenses, continual rain and cold hands all added to frustration of being at such a good birding area but having only limited views of the Eagle Owl and chicks that needless to say sat close into their nest and kept as warm and as dry as they could. We watched Rock Bunting, Wren and Serin and Rock Doves along the rocks and tree line and a few Great Cormorants fished on the reservoir or flew past us.
Azure-winged Magpies were seen on our return down to Peña Falcon and a single Great-spotted Woodpecker was heard calling, then made a brief flypast.
During late afternoon it did start to get lighter and the rains reduced to a trickle allowing us to find good views of Sub-alpine Warbler and Sardinian Warbler. Woodlarks flew nearby and a distant Black Stork flew along a ridge. As if in salute to the group (or perhaps the day’s constant rain), a Kingfisher flew past the steep mountain slope in salute to out redoubtable search for birds!
The rain stopped as we arrived back at Peña Falcon and we watched as forty or so Griffon Vultures took off from the high pinnacle. Other birds sat with opened wings like the Great Cormorants, trying to dry themselves. Black Storks and Egyptian Vultures flew past or glided over the forest skyline and Black Vultures were also watched. Above and below the viewing areas Blue Rock Thrush and Black and Common Redstarts fed, displayed or went about their business. More Rock Buntings, Crag Martins and Black, with a sprinkling of Red Kites flew below us. Ravens called in the clearing skies and now some blue patches were opening. As if by magic, two adult Bonelli’s Eagles flew across from behind the castle ridge and put on a magnificent courtship display above the peak of Peña Falcon, wheeling and turning to the delight of all.
It was late when we reluctantly left Monfrague and stopping for fuel in Torrejon del Rubio we watched a dark morph or phase of Booted Eagle wheeling over the village. Near Trujillo a dashing Merlin flew across the road in front of the mini-bus.
Another splendid meal awaited our return and we completed the log, weary-eyed but content with the birds we eventually saw, after what was the worst Easter Monday’s weather in memory.
Day 4.
Tuesday 10th April
An early start looking for Sandgrouse took our group to the Santa de Magasca area before breakfast. Great Bustard males displayed in the open in front of good numbers of female birds as the sun came up on a beautiful morning. We counted over thirty of these very special birds. Little Bustards too were calling and three males and several females were watched. Our group also had the opportunity to see both species in flight as small groups and individuals moved around the open rolling area.
Montagu’s Harrier, Red Kite, Black Kite and Common Buzzard were amongst the raptors visible at dawn and it wasn’t too long before we heard, then saw a pair of Pin-tailed Sandgrouse in flight. With so much water around after the heavy rains, the birds had plenty of choice to take their early morning drink.
Returning for breakfast we came across two Great-spotted Cuckoos on a fence. Several Woodchat Shrikes, Azure-winged Magpies were also noted as we drove back for breakfast.
Spanish Imperial Eagle was one bird that we were still hopeful to see and although our hopes had been dashed the day before with the torrential rain and low cloud in and around Monfrague. After breakfast we set off to see if we could find this particular species. En route we stopped to check out some large raptors close to a group of Griffon Vultures. Two majestic Short-toed Eagles were quickly identified and we watched their flight noting the way the hovered when hunting. One bird landed on a pylon and when we continued our journey we had long views of this particular perched bird.
When we arrived close to Torrejon del Rubio, at a Spanish Imperial Eagle site the sun was till shining and the morning air was heating up. Parking off the road we scanned the area and it wasn’t long before we saw one sub-adult bird flying close to some tall trees near the site. We waited some time before it came once more into view, circling the area and gaining height on a thermal. This was such a joy to witness and everyone in the group had excellent views of this rare raptor.
Hawfinches perched on Holm Oaks and wild Olive trees or darted past with Goldfinches, Greenfinches and Serin. Spanish Sparrows also seemed plentiful in this area.
Later we took the return route towards Trujillo and turned left along the typical dehesa meadows towards Jaracieco. Woodlarks were plentiful and Chaffinches, Blue and Great Tits called through the woodland area. Black Vultures were also watched circling with Griffons and Booted Eagles too were quite active above the dehesa.
At another stopping place along the road we came across another Spanish Imperial Eagle, soaring high above the meadows. This bird turned out to be an adult and it quickly joined a group of Griffon Vultures and disappeared from view.
We took our lunch along a quiet lane, with dehesa on each side. Mistle Thrush was also seen within the dehesa and we listened to the birdcall and watched the butterflies and moths that were feeding on the wild mustard and lavender. Butterflies included a Meadow Brown, Swallowtail and Green-veined White. The weather had been fine up until this point but some heavy showers past through leaving the air quite humid in the warm sun.
Moving on to the old N8 road above the town we left the tarmac surface and continued down the red shale road spotting Red and Black kites, Booted Eagles and another Montagu’s Harrier. Common Cuckoo and Hoopoe called and Raven were seen and heard flying across the scrub. More heavy showers returned and this time we had to take shelter in side the mini-busses. Once the rain passed we checked the tamarisk and brooms finding had superb views of Spectacled Warbler. One Dartford Warbler was also seen.
The sunshine returned as we stopped at the three bridges on the river Tajo below Jaracieco. Here we watched Red-rumped Swallows collecting mud for their elaborate nests. White Wagtails were feeding on the river edge and Spanish and the more plentiful House Sparrows collected grasses and other nesting materials.. A Common Sandpiper was seen near the stone bridge by Nell, and a Dartford Warbler was seen further down stream by Kate. Little-Ringed Plover was also seen and Black Vultures came wonderfully close by, giving our group some great views.
We completed our bird list back at the finca and had another fine meal in the old mill-house restaurant.
Day 5.
Wednesday 11th April – Transfer to the Coto Doñana
A pre-breakfast spot of birding along the Caceres Plain, west of Trujillo was taken and within minutes of our arrival Montagu’s Harriers were seen roosting on Telegraph poles. It was another overcast morning with heavy rain and thunder rumbling to the east, interspersed with fantastic displays of forked lightening, setting the rolling steppe ablaze. Some of the other birds we saw included Meadow Pipit, Black-eared Wheatear, Northern Wheatear, Little Owl, Stone Curlew, Albinistic Corn Bunting, Little Bustard. Gadwall were also watched swimming and feeding on one of the many small pools along one of the minor roads across the plain.
After breakfast we packed and loaded the mini-buses for our transfer to the south at El Rocio.
En route we managed to see Red Kite, Short-toed Eagle, hunting or migrating and a group of Bee-eaters at small stream. Some of the early spring flowers were quite beautiful with meadows strewn with masses of yellow wild lupins and the almost iridescent Cape Sorrel
Taking a picnic lunch in the village square at Fuente de Cantos we relaxed for a while watching Pallid and Common Swifs above the orange trees.
We pressed on to our destination at El Rocio and checked into the hotel. Looking out around the area we could see, Pied Avocet, Black Winged Stilt, Eurasian Spoonbills, Squacco Heron, Greater Flamingos, Little Tern, Gadwall, Mallard and Shoveller. An Osprey was also spotted by John.
Late we enjoyed a lovely meal at the hotel’s restaurant.
Day 6.
Thursday 12th April
The day began with a pre-breakfast look at the laguna in front of Hotel Turuno. The water levels had been unusually high all around the Doñana area and most of the dabbling ducks and shallow water wildfowl and waders were absent from this normally crowded laguna. There were some interesting birds to be seen on the fringes and amongst the reed-beds and other aquatic plants.
Reed Warbler was heard as was Cetti’s Warbler . Common Whitethroat was seen and we witnessed the most amazing sight of Sand Martin and House Martin rising en masse in the early light, into the sky from reed beds. Squacco Heron s flew out of the reed bed as were Gadwall and Eurasian Spoonbills in flight.
After breakfast we travelled south to the Acebuche visitors centre. Azure-winged Magpies flitted through the wild Olive trees around the centre and picnic area. Walking through the centre onto the boardwalks to the small lagoons, we witnessed Red-knobbed Coot feeding two chicks from the first hide. We also saw Little-Ringed Plover, Red-crested Pochard. Two Savi’s Warblers were calling and we saw two Great Reed Warblers out on the reeds.
Checking a small lane filled with Common Frogs in a small ditch we set up our telescopes on some Bee-eaters that were resting on wires near Los Mimbrales.
Further towards El Rocío we again stopped to scope the corner of the main lagoon there to see what was around. We quickly picked up Squacco Heron and a male Little Bittern and all had good views through the telescopes. Whiskered & Gull-billed Terns flew over the water and Black Kites flew around the fringes.
Continuing south of Villamanrique we found a large flock of Collared Pratincoles feeding across the meadows. Cattle Egrets were also plentiful amongst the cows. A little further on we saw a large mixed roost and nest site for Cattle Egret, Little Egret and Black-crowned Night Herons
In the early afternoon we took a lovely, typical Andalucian lunch at a local restaurant at the town of Isla Major, the largest rice producing area in Europe! Sitting outside in the sunshine was quite a delight after some really wet and gloomy days.
After lunch we headed to the Dehesa de Abajo, an area of meadows and another large lake where there is a substantial population of White Storks that breed in the wild olive trees. Black Kites also breed here and the meadow areas were just starting to flower.
Bee-eaters were seen on some overhead wires darting down to feed amongst the brilliant mauve of Viper’s Bugloss. Red-Crested Pochard, Black-necked, Crested and Little Grebe, swam and dived on the lake. Gadwall, Garganey Shoveller, Mallard, Pochard, GC and Marsh Harrier were also seen.
We reluctantly left the area and travelled the short distance to the mid-section of the Corredor Verde. This is an area that was especially created after the now infamous toxic spillage from mine deposits further north in Huelva Province that badly affected the areas and waterways with heavy metals. Today the creation of this park seems to have enhanced the area and the effects of the spillage have been cleaned up over the years. This has allowed a managed but fairly natural area set aside for wildlife and on some stretches Black-shouldered Kites have taken up residence. As the weather once again changed and more dark clouds came rolling in from the southwest we saw one Black-shouldered Kite set impressively against the dark grey skies. Getting out of the mini-busses and watching the bird hunt along the fringes of the waterway and surrounding agricultural lands was a sheer delight. It hovered, dived, rose and flew up and down hunting as it went, giving us wonderful views and I’m sure lasting memories for all.
Back at the hotel we marked our bird checklists and then had a most pleasant meal washed down with a glass of local wine.
Day 7.
Friday 13th April
A pre-breakfast walk around the lagunas at La Rocina revealed Savi’s and Reed Warbler Warblers singing from reed beds. Cetti’s constantly shouted their explosive calls from the dense tree line but weren’t seen. Two Purple Herons flew off from where a Squacco Heron was feeding on the other side of the marsh and a Purple Swamphen came fairly close, flying awkwardly on large wings. Short-toed Treecreeper, Blue and Great Tits, Nightingales and a whole host of passerines called and sang during this wonderful example of a southern European dawn chorus!
Checking out a wonderfully constructed Penduline Tits nest at the small bridge on the main road, we found another lovely Savi’s Warbler singing atop a tree in much better light.
After breakfast we collected our picnics then set off on the long trail to the José Antonio Valverde Centre (hereafter referred to as the JAV) via Villamanrique.
An extremely obliging Great Spotted Cuckoo stopped and stared back at us from a fence on the long dirt track leading to the JAV. Greater Short-toed Lark, Crested and the “chunkier” Calandra Larks were watched. A pair of Stone Curlews were seen and watched and Subalpine Warbler, Zitting Cisticolas and Woodchat Shrikes flew in front of us through the bushes and thicker undergrowth along the canal banks as we bumped along the track.
Marsh Harrier, Montagu’s Harrier and Great White Egret were also seen in flight and a pair of Short-toed eagles flew in to settle on a nearby pylon. Yellow Wagtail, Tawny Pipit, Spectacled Warbler. were picked up on various stages and stopping points along the flat track as were Spotted Redshanks, Common Redshanks, Greenshanks, Common and Green Sandpipers.
Appalling track conditions in some parts made driving rather difficult but we finally made it to our destination. A cafeteria and loos were most welcome for some at the JAV.
Here we took lunch and all agreed the long and rather bumpy ride was worth the visit. Drinking a coffee and eating our lunch we gazed upon Greater Flamingos, Purple Herons, Avocets, Squacco Herons, Glossy Ibis and Purple Swamphens with chicks just a few feet away from us outside the glass windows. Red-crested Pochards, Moorhens and Common Coots took cover as patrolling Marsh Harriers came past. Gull-billed terns, Lesser-Black-backed, Yellow-legged and Black-headed Gulls were also seen and Great Reed Warblers called from the reed stems on the edges of the flooded areas known as the Northern marshes.
It was late when we arrived back at the hotel and after the list and a hearty meal we were all ready for bed.
Day 8.
Saturday 14th April
After breakfast we loaded the vehicles and collected the picnics. Our destination was Jerez de la Frontera and the end of our visit to some of the richest and contrasting birding areas on the Iberian peninsular.
Getting out of the Doñana and to the south, one has to use the motorways that skirt Seville and then turn south on the “Autovia del Sur”. So it was that we drove down the toll road and into the city of Jerez de la Frontera, dropping off Martyn and Sue, who were staying an extra night there After our goodbyes, we drove across town to the airport.
With the vehicles returned and with David and his group checked in, Stephen said his farewells to all and drove the short distance down to the coast and home.
David Cottridge and I would like to thank one and all for all your kindness and good humour despite some pretty grim weather “up north”! We hope that we may see some of you again on another tour, sometime in the future and wish you all health, happiness and fond memories of Extremadura and Andalucia.
Stephen Daly, Spring 2007.
Systematic list of species
(total no. species 138)
Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa
Fairly common in Extremadura especially on rocky hillsides.
Common Quail Coturnix coturnix
Often heard calling on the plains of Extremadura and occasionally in meadows around the Coto Donana region.
Gadwall Anas strepera
Six in pools on the Caceres Plains on the 11th and a total of 16 on the Coto Donana.
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
Recorded in small numbers on pools, rivers and reservoirs in Extremadura but very common on the Coto Donana.
Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata
Only recorded in the Coto Donana area where it was common.
Gargany Anas querquedula
Two seen at El Rocio on the 11th.
Red-crested Pochard Netta ruffian
Common on wetlands in the Coto Donana.
Common Pochard Aythya ferina
Fairly common on and around the Coto Donana.
Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis
One on the usual pool near Trujillo on the 7th and as expected recorded regularly on the Coto Donana.
Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus
Fairly common on and around the Coto Donana.
Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis
At least 20 on the lake at the Dehesa de Abajo.
Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus
Numerous in specific areas on the Coto Donana.
Black Stork Ciconia nigra
A total of five in Extremadura that included an adult on a nest at the Porto del Tietar in the Parque Natural de Monfrague.
European White Stork Ciconia ciconia
Very common throughout the week with many nesting birds, the most interesting of which was a traditional breeding site at the Dehesa de Abayo where a colony was nesting in treetops.
Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus
Good numbers seen in and around the nesting colony at the Valverde Centro on the Coto Donana on the 13th.
Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia
Very common on the Coto Donana.
Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutes
A nice male briefly at El Rocio on the 12th.
Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
At least 20 nesting birds at the Dehesa de Abajo on a couple of visits and one in flight at La Rocina on the 13th.
Western Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides
Fairly common on the Coto Donana, particularly at El Rocio and nearby pools.
Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Very common throughout the tour.
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
Recorded in small numbers at Extremadura but common on the Coto Donana.
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea
Good numbers were seen at the nesting colony at the Valverde Centro on the Coto Donana on the 13th and a few seen in flight elsewhere in the area.
Great Egret Ardea alba
A total of three on the Coto Donana that included two in flight on the approach to the Valverde Centro.
Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Recorded in small numbers in Extremadura but common on the Coto Donana.
Great Cormorant
Four birds at the Porto del Tietar on the 9th.
Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni
Recorded in smallish numbers on the steppes of Extremadura with nesting birds at the Bull Ring in Trujillo.
Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
Recorded in quite good numbers throughout the tour.
Osprey Pandion haliaetus
A single at El Rocio on the 11th seen by John.
Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus
Superb and prolonged views of one hunting along the Coridor Verde on the 12th.
Red Kite Milvus milvus
Seen in small numbers daily throughout the tour.
Black Kite Milvus migrans
Very common throughout the tour.
Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus
A total of five seen at Peñafalcón and the surrounding area on the 9th.
Eurasian Griffon Gyps fulvus
Very common in Extremadura with some large flocks circling over the plains and as usual the large breeding colony at Peñafalcón was as spectacular as ever.
Eurasian Black Vulture Aegypius monachus
A total of 25 birds seen in Extremadura with some great views of some birds.
Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus
A total of six on 10th that included excellent views of a pair over the Rio Almonte between Trujillo and Torrejón el Rubio and two just above Jaraicejo.
Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus
A total of five in Extremadura and fairly common in and around the Coto Donana.
Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus
About 25 birds recorded on the steppes of Extremadura, with some excellent views, and about 15 seen in the Coto Donana area.
Common Buzzard Buteo buteo
Recorded in small numbers daily throughout the tour.
Spanish Imperial Eagle Aquila adalberti
Excellent views of a pair south of Torrejón el Rubio and another pair west of Jaraicejo.
Bonelli’s Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus
After a day of rain in the Parque Natural de Monfrague the skies cleared in the late afternoon and Peñafalcón came alive and we enjoyed watching a pair soaring over the cliff top.
Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus
A total of 11 seen in Extremadura and five birds recorded around the Coto Donana.
Great Bustard Otis tarda
At least 15 birds, included displaying males, on the Zorita Plains on the 8th, and over 30 on the Magasca Plains during the early morning on the 10th.
Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax
On the Magasca Plains, two in flight on the 8th and six on the 10th that included good views on the ground. We also saw eight birds and heard others calling on a pre-breakfast run to the Caceres plains on the 11th.
Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio
One seen pulling up reeds to eat during early morning at La Rocina on the 13th and a pair with two chicks at the Valverde Centro later the same day.
Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
Very common in the Coto Donana area.
Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata
An adult with chicks at Acebuche centre for the Coto Donana on the 12th.
Common Coot Fulica atra
Two as we traveled to Trujillo on the 7th and then very common in the Coto Donana area.
Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus
A total of five birds seen on the Caceres Plains early morning on the 11th and two birds on the Coto Donana on the 13th.
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus
A handful of birds recorded in Extremadura with up four on the pool near Trujillo. It was very common on the Coto Donana.
Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta
Fairly common on the Coto Donana.
Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius
One on the Rio Almonte below Jaraicejo on the 10th and only a single bird recorded on the Coto Donana.
Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus
Four birds on the Coto Donana on the 13th.
Common Redshank Tringa tetanus
Recorded in quite good numbers on the Coto Donana.
Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia
On the Coto Donana a single bird on the 12th but good numbers on and around the Valverde Centro on the 13th.
Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus
Six birds seen on the Coto Donana on the 13th.
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
In Extremadura, one on the Rio Almonte below Jaraicejo on the 10th and one on the Caceres Plains the following day. A total of 13 recorded on the Coto Donana.
Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola
Over a hundred birds recorded in the Coto Donana area with the majority seen over meadows near Villa Manriqui.
Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus
One seen on the Coto Donana on the 13th.
Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis
Recorded as we traveled to Trujillo on the 7th and on the 8th near the Embalse de Sierra Brava. Strangely only a single bird recorded on the Coto Donana.
Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus
A total of three birds recorded on the Coto Donana.
Little Tern Sternula albifrons
Two birds recorded on the Coto Donana on the 11th.
Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica
Three birds at El Rocio on the 11th and good numbers seen on the 13th on the Coto Donana on the 13th.
Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida
Good numbers seen on the Coto Donana with some excellent views at El Rocio.
Pin-tailed Sandgrouse Pterocle salchata
Two seen in flight on the Magasca Plain on the 10th.
Rock Dove Columba livia
Recorded most days of the tour.
Common Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus
Recorded on most days of the tour but more numerous in Extremadura than on the Coto Donana.
Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto
Common throughout the tour.
Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius
In Extremadura two on the Monroy Plains on the 8th, and two on the Magasca Plains on the 10th, and in the Coto Donana area two along the Coridor Verde on the 13th that included an extremely confiding bird.
Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus
Half a dozen birds seen in Extremadura plus others heard calling.
Eurasian Scops Owl Otus scops
Heard calling most nights at the Finca de Santa Marta.
Eurasian Eagle Owl Bubo bubo
An adult with two chicks seen poorly through the rain at the Porto del Tietar on the 9th.
Little Owl Athene noctua
Two birds seen in Extremadura with one on the Magasca Plains on the 8th and one on the Caceres Plains on the 11th. Was also heard calling at the Finca de Santa Marta on a couple of nights.
Common Swift Apes apus
Fairly common throughout the week.
Pallid Swift Apus pallidus
Also fairly common throughout the week and on the Sunday during our walk around Trujillo we had good opportunities to distinguish he species from the previous one.
Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis
One along the Rio Tajo north of Santa Marta de Magasca on the 8th and one in the Parque Natural de Monfrague on the 9th.
European Bee-eater Merops apiaster
A few small flocks seen in Extremadura but much commoner in the Coto Donana area.
Common Hoopoe Upupa epops
Recorded regularly in good numbers throughout the week.
Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major
A single bird on the 9th above Villarreal de San Carlos on the 9th.
Southern Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis
Recorded in small numbers everyday of the tour.
Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator
Recorded in quite good numbers everyday of the tour.
Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius
A single bird at the Rio Tajo on the Magasca Plains on the 8th.
Azure-winged Magpie Cyanopica cyanus
Very common throughout the tour.
Common Magpie Pica pica
Very common throughout the tour.
Eurasian Jackdaw Corvus monedula
Very common throughout the tour.
Common Raven Corvus corax
Recorded in quite good numbers in Extremadura.
Great Tit Parus major
Common throughout the tour.
Eurasian Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus
Common throughout the tour but a bit less so than the previous species.
Common Sand Martin Riparia riparia
Very large numbers on the Coto Donana with large numbers at a roost site at El Rocio.
Eurasian Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris
Six birds at the Rio Tajo on the Magasca Plains on the 8th and very common in the Parque Natural de Monfrague on the 9th.
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
Very common throughout the tour.
Northern House Martin Delichon urbicum
Very common throughout the tour.
Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica
Small numbers recorded in Extremadura but common in the Coto Donana.
Calandra Lark Melanocorypha calandra
Very common on the plains of Extremadura, less so in the Coto Donana area.
Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla
Six birds seen on the Magasca Plains on the on the 6th and a total of 25 seen in the Coto Donana area on the 13th.
Crested Lark Galerida cristata
Very common throughout the tour.
Thekla Lark Galerida theklae
A couple of birds seen well on the Magasca Plains on the 8th.
Woodlark Lullula arborea
About twenty birds recorded in Extremadura with a couple seen in song-flight at the Finca de Santa Marta on our first morning.
Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis
A handful of birds seen in Extremadura but more common in the Coto Donana area.
Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti
Heard singing in the Coto Donana but none would show themselves.
Savi’s Warbler Locustella luscinioides
One heard singing in the grounds of the Finca de Santa Marta on the 8th but good views were obtained at La Rocina on the Coto Donana on the 13th where four birds were seen.
Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus
One seen and another heard at El Rocio on the 12th and 2 at The Valverde Centro on the 13th.
Eurasian Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus
Heard singing at El Rocio on the 12th and a total of six recorded on the Coto Donana on the 13th.
Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla
Fairly common in Extremadura but only one on the Coto Donana at El Rocina on the 13th.
Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis
Two at El Rocio on the 12th.
Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata
One seen briefly at Jaraicejo on the 10th.
Spectacled Warbler Sylvia conspicillata
Four birds just above Jaraicejo on the 10th – after one was seen briefly a 20 minute rainstorm keep us in the vehicles. ‘ Everything comes to he or she who waits’ for after the storm had passed we enjoyed excellent views of at least four birds. Two were also recoded on the Coto Donana on the 13th.
Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans
A male seen at Villarreal de san Carlos in the Parque Natural de Monfrague on the 9th and two on The Coto Donana on the 13th.
Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala
A total of four seen in Extremadura plus others heard calling and one seen in the Coto Donana .
Northern Wren Troglodytes troglodytes
One seen on a couple of days at the Finca de Santa Marta and one at Porto del Tietar on the, and in the Coto Donana area one heard and one seen.
Short-toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla
Two seen at the Finca de Santa Marta, one near Jaraicejo on the 10th and three at El Rocina in the Coto Donana on the 13th.
Spotless Starling Sturnus unicolor
Very common throughout the tour.
Eurasian Blackbird Turdus merula
Common throughout the tour.
Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus
A single bird at Jaraicejo on the 10th.
Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos
One seen at the Finca de Santa Marta on the 9th and several birds heard singing on the Coto Donana.
Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros
A male and a female at Peñafalcón on the 9th.
Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus
A female seen at Peñafalcón with the previous species.
Whinchat Saxicola rubetra
Three on the Coto Donana on the 13th.
European Stonechat Saxicola rubicola
A total of eight recorded in Extremadura and about 20 on the Coto Donana.
Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe
A total of eight birds recorded in Extremadura and a single bird on the Coto Donana.
Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica
A total of seven in the Parque Natural de Monfrague and three at the Embalse de Sierra Brava on 8th.
Blue Rock-thrush Monticola solitarius
Two males and a female recorded in the Parque Natural de Monfrague on the 9th.
House Sparrow Passer domesticus
Very common throughout the tour.
Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis
Common throughout the tour.
Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus
Good numbers in certain locations in both Extremadura and the Coto Donana.
Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava
Recorded in quite good numbers on the Coto Donana of the ssp M.f. iberiae (Spanish Wagtail).
White Wagtail Motacilla alba
Recorded in small numbers on most days of the tour.
Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris
One on the Coto Donana on the 13th.
Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis
One on the Caceres Plains on the 11th and one on the Coto Donana on the 13th.
Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs
Common throughout the tour.
European Serin Serinus serinus
Common throughout the tour.
European Greenfinch Carduelis chloris
About ten birds recorded in Extremadura but common in the Coto Donana area.
European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis
Fairly common throughout the tour.
Common Linnet Carduelis cannabina
Small numbers recorded in Extremadura and on the Coto Donana.
Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes
Two pairs in the Parque Natural de Monfrague on the 9th.
Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra
Very common throughout the tour.
Rock Bunting Emberiza cia
About a dozen birds recorded in the Parque Natural de Monfrague on the 9th.
Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus
A single bird recorded in the Parque Natural de Monfrague on the 9th.
Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus
A single bird heard calling near to Jaraicejo on the 10th.
MAMMALS
Iberian Hare
Rabbit
Egyptian Mongoose
Red Deer Cervus elaphus
BUTTERFLIES
Clouded Yellow Colias crocea
Brimstone Gonepteryx cleopatra
Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta
Painted Lady Vanessa cardui
Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina
OTHER WILDLIFE
Moorish Gecko Tarentola mauretanica
Red-veined Darter Sympetrum fonscolombii
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