Come and See the Cranes in La Janda in Winter and Early Spring!

Birding and Wildlife Short-Breaks on the Strait of Gibraltar
This is a great time of the year for birding, wildlife or simply come along and see the Andalucian countryside with us.

It can be hailstones in Holland, blizzards in Britain and freezing-fog in Finland but warm with 20°C here in the sun in January, February or March. This is really attractive for migrating birds and of course our clients!
Many birds start to return to Europe after their “winter” in Africa in the beginning of February, flying north to the moderate, Mediterranean climate of Andalucia. As the weeks pass the increasing numbers of passing migrants stop off and feed here, then continue their journey north, to their breeding grounds.

We have over 2000 wintering cranes in the La Janda area alone! These beautiful birds are present from November through to March in southern Spain.

Great spotted Cuckoo's, Little Bustards, Stone Curlews and thousands of flocking Calandra Larks can be seen around the lush green fields and pastures. Bonelli's Eagles patrol the skies, Marsh harriers hunt around the fields and Bluethroats feed on the lower agricultural areas. Huge numbers of Griffon Vultures with the occasional Black Vulture search out any fallen animals.

To get an idea of what you are likely to see during your short-break with us, please take a look at our "Diary Reports"  archived for 2006, month by month. Click here for January. You'll find the other months on clickable links on the top of the page.

Accommodation

Clients stay at a comfortable family owned, Andalucian "Cortijo" in the countryside near Benalup, about 20 minutes drive from the coast.

The bedrooms are all en-suite and have heating provided in the cooler months.

The Cortijo has its own wonderful restaurant that serves delicious, typical Andalucian food and fine wines. Vegetarians can be catered for.

Nearby, the huge plain of la Janda borders the mighty Alcornocales forest, the largest natural cork-oak forest in the world. The Natural History of this area is quite outstanding and it supports a large and very diverse collection of Mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles. Large farms hold huge pastures where the famous fighting bulls or "Torros Bravos" graze. These areas offer habitat for many early flowering plants such as Asphodel, one of the few plants that is not eaten by cattle.

Accommodation

The restaurant at the Cortijo

Horse riding in the Alcornocales           Reproduction of cave paintings near Benalup              Nearby Vejer de la Frontera

How do I book?

- Simply choose your own four days in October, November, January, February or March in 2007

- Book flights to either Jerez de la Frontera or Gibraltar airports

- We collect you from the airport and return you there after you short break

- Cost Includes: accommodation, meals, ground transport, tips, airport taxes,

  bird checklist & services of leader/s.

- Cost excludes Flights, Insurance, drinks & other items of a personal nature.

Short-break price 375 GBP per person. Single supplement 50 GBP

A deposit of 100 GBP is required

For booking information please contact us above or phone  (0034) 956 432 316

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Great Spotted Cuckoo's from January through to March

A Great Spotted Cuckoo near the town of Benalup               Resident Little Bustards near the Cortijo, outside Benalup

Some of the northern birds that migrate south in late summer and autumn, choose to spend winter in southern Spain without having to cross the Strait of Gibraltar and the dangerous long journey on to West, Central or southern Africa. When fresh rainfalls replenish dry rivers, lakes, marshes and water margins then more birds over-winter here when conditions are right for them. The risk of such a long journey to west and southern Africa has of course its dangers from predators, adverse weather, disorientation to lack of food, hunting, pollution and losses of natural habitat.

A male Marsh harrier hunting                                                                         White Storks in the Andalucian countryside