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The very best of Cadiz, Seville, Malaga and Huelva Provinces.

This holiday is full of spectacular views and scenery, the valleys and mountains, plains and wetland areas all contribute to a fantastic birding trip. The site information and bird lists follow, I hope you can join us on this great tour of some of Spain’s finest sites.

Expected Birds

Below is a list of the birds that we can reasonably expect to see at this time of year in this location.
This is intended only as a guide and we cannot guarantee that we will see every species listed, however we may also see birds which are not listed

• Resident...

Little, Great Crested and Black-necked Grebes, Cattle Egret, Squacco Heron, Little Egret, Grey Heron, White Stork, Spoonbill, Greater Flamingo, Gadwall, Mallard, Marbled Duck, Red-crested Pochard, Pochard, Black-shouldered Kite, Red Kite, Egyptian Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Black Vulture, Marsh Harrier, Common Buzzard, Spanish Imperial Eagle, Booted Eagle, Lesser Kestrel, Common Kestrel, Peregrine, Red-legged Partridge, Quail, Andalusian Hemipode (probably extinct), Water Rail, Spotted Crake, Baillon's Crake, Little Crake, Moorhen, Purple Swamphen (Gallinule), Coot, Red-knobbed Coot (Crested), Little Bustard, Oystercatcher, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Stone-Curlew, Little ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover (Snowy), Grey Plover, Lapwing, Sanderling, Little Stint, Ruff, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Curlew, Spotted Redshank, Redshank, Greenshank, Marsh Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Arctic Skua, Great Skua, Black-headed Gull, Slender-billed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Caspian Tern, Sandwich Tern, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Woodpigeon, Barn Owl, Little Owl, Tawny Owl, Long-eared Owl, Hoopoe, Green Woodpecker, Great-spotted Woodpecker, Calandra Lark, Lesser Short-toed Lark, Crested Lark, Thekla Lark ,Woodlark ,Barn Swallow, House Martin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Cetti's Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Dartford Warbler, Spectacled Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Crested Tit, Short-toed Treecreeper, Southern Grey Shrike, Azure-winged Magpie, Magpie, Jackdaw, Raven, Spotless Starling, Spanish Sparrow, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Common Waxbill, Cirl Bunting, Corn Bunting.


• Breeding Season...

Little Bittern, Night Heron, Purple Heron, Garganey, Black Kite, Short0toed Eagle, Montagu's Harrier, Hobby, Collared Pratincole, Gull-billed Tern, Little Tern, Whiskered Tern, Black Tern, Turtle Dove, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Cuckoo, Red-necked Nightjar, Bee-Eater, Short-toed Lark, Sand Martin, Red-rumped Swallow, Yellow Wagtail, Rufous Bush Chat, Nightingale, Savi's Warbler, Reed Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Melodius Warbler, Golden Oriole, Woodchat Shrike, Hawfinch.


• Passage

Honey Buzzard, Knot, Temminck's Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Purple Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Turnstone, Little Gull, Common Tern, Scop's Owl, Short-eared Owl, Alpine Swift, Roller, Crag Martin, Tawny Pipit, Tree Pipit, Common Redstart, Whinchat, Northern Wheatear, Black-eared Wheatear, Grasshopper Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Olivaceous Warbler, Subalpine Wabler, Orphean Warbler, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Bonelli's Warbler, Willow Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Pied Flycatcher, Rock Bunting, Ortolan Bunting.

...please read itinerary section for more

Itinerary

Below is our planned itinerary for the trip, although we try our best to stick to our itineraries, occasionally it does become necessary to change things around a little bit due to the weather or the presence/lack of birds at particular sites during the time of our visit.

HUELVA PROVINCE

Donana National Park
Donana National Park is Western Europe’s greatest wetland area. It is immense with over 500 square miles of seasonal marshes (marismas) deep lagoons (lucios) and dry scrub, woodlands of pine and oak (matorral), sand dunes and beach. A large sandbar shelters an inland sea of wetlands. The park is surrounded by rice paddies and saltpans. This habitat creates a haven for birdlife. Formerly a hunting preserve for the dukes of Medina Sidonia. Over 340 species of bird have been recorded with 125 breeding species. Eight of these are of global concern. It is also famous for its Lynx and Spanish (Imperial) Eagles but seeing the former is a matter of luck.

Donana is also associated with images of large tree borne heronies with Cattle and Little Egrets, Grey, Purple, Night and Squacco Heron and Spoonbill, Glossy Ibis and the regionally rare Western Reef Heron. All of these species form a very active spectacle during the breeding season.

El Rocio
The marshes here are alive with birds and provide excellent feeding opportunities. Flocks of Dunlin, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Ruff, Spotted Redshank and Black-tailed Godwit are joined by smaller numbers of Black winged Stilt, Redshank, Greenshank, Wood Sandpiper, Temminck’s Stint, Marsh Sandpiper (scarce), Whimbrel and Curlew. Large flocks of Whiskered Tern, Collared Pratincole and Gull-billed Tern hawk over the water. Thousands of Flamingo throng in the shallows. Overhead, Black Kite and Marsh Harrier soar over the scene. Some distant views of Imperial Eagle may be had as well as Marbled Duck. Glossy Ibis also feed in this area. The village of El Rocio is a great place to visit being reminiscent of a cowboy town due to its sand streets and the volume of horse traffic.

La Rocina
This reserve boasts a 2.5km nature trail that leads upstream from the El Rocio Bridge. The reedbeds, woodland and scrub here attracts numerous warblers and we are likely to see Cetti's, Great Reed, Sedge, Olivaceous, Reed, Sardinian, Savi's and Dartford. Other interesting passerines include Short-toed Treecreeper and Woodlark.

Acebuche
This is the main reception centre and sells gifts and park mementoes. The El Acebuche lagoon attracts waterbirds and views of Purple Gallinule and Red-crested Pochard should be on the cards. Other more elusive species from the eight hides include Little Bittern, Little Crake, Marbled Duck and Ferruginous Duck. Red and Black Kite, Booted and Imperial Eagle are also seen here. This place is always remembered for its tame Azure-winged Magpies that wait for a morsel from picnickers. Great spotted Cuckoo can also be located in the area obviously using their host’s nests whilst they are at the picnic site.

Matalascanas sea-watch
May produce Cory's and Mediterranean Shearwaters with Kentish (Snowy) Plover and Sanderling. Audouins, Slender-billed and Mediterranean may be found among the Yellow-legged Gulls. Other sea-birds may pass by

Coto Del Rey
The pine and oakwoods give way to open salt flats and it is in this habitat that Lesser Short-toed, Short-toed, Crested, Thekla and Calandra Larks and Spectacled Warbler may be seen. Flocks of Pin-tailed Sandgrouse commute to the wetlands to drink. Imperial Eagle can be found in this area and probably will produce the best views of this magnificent bird.

Lucio Cerrado Garrido Centre
This is a new visitor complex at the northern edge of the Marismas. Little, Black, Gull-billed and Whiskered Terns hawk the marshes with Herons topping the billing. The huge heronry hosts Spoonbill, Little Bittern, Cattle and Little Egrets, Purple, Squacco and Night Herons with Glossy Ibis nesting in the reeds and tamarisk. I have literally been in heaven here with tens of thousands of water-birds on offer.

Western Sierra Morena
A pleasant area offering many of the species mentioned but in particular breeding Black Stork, five species of eagle including Iberian Imperial and Golden, breeding White-rumped Swifts and Rock Sparrows.

Optional Donana Park Tour
A tour to the heart of the park via a four wheel drive is possible but is not always very productive for birds. Nesting Imperial Eagle and access to some of the wetland sites may produce Crested Coot. Mammals are represented by Wild Boar, deer and with lots of luck, a Lynx. This is the only way of viewing the wildlife within the park.

SEVILLE PROVINCE

Brazo del Este
Situated in the northeast of the park this area produces many similar species as aforementioned sites. By visiting this area as well we extend the number of species and good views of birds. A ferry runs at Coria del Rio which takes you to the east bank of the Guadalquivir. What is probably the largest heronry in the Western Palaearctic can be viewed from the bridge.

CADIZ PROVINCE

The Cadiz Lagoons
Varying in size and depth, the lagoons of this region provide a welcome retreat for birds as water elsewhere dries up. However, in drought years even these may evaporate away to nothing. At least some of the following sites will be visited.

Lagunas de Espera
Located about 15 km north of Arcos de la Frontera, a collection of three lakes which can hold White-headed Duck, Marbled Duck, Crested Coot and other water-birds are present.

Lagunas de Puerto Real
Nine kilometres east from Puerto Real you can find the Lagunas' Taraje, San Antonio and Comisario. This collection of reed fringed pools may hold: Purple Gallinule, Little Bittern, White-headed Duck, Purple Heron, Reed Warbler, Great Reed Warbler and the rare Crested Coot.

Lagunas del Puerto de Santa Maria
Also known as the Lagunas de Terry, the three lagoons here are called Salada, Chica and Juncosa. A similar range of species as above occur with the addition of Baillon's Crake and Moustached Warbler, however both these species are very difficult to locate.

Laguna de Medina
The largest and providing the most varied birding of the endorreic lagoons. Many heron’s waders and wildfowl occur here alongside Black-necked Grebe, Greater Flamingo, Purple Gallinule, Whiskered Tern. Crested Coot (a couple of pairs) amongst 1000's of Coot, possible Marbled Duck, Ferruginous Duck and White-headed Duck all can be found.

The Cadiz Lagoons
Varying in size and depth, the lagoons of this region provide a welcome retreat for birds as water elsewhere dries up. However, in drought years even these may evaporate away to nothing. At least some of the following sites will be visited.

Lagunas de Espera
Located about 15 km north of Arcos de la Frontera, a collection of three lakes which can hold White-headed Duck, Marbled Duck, Crested Coot and other water-birds are present.

Lagunas de Puerto Real
Nine kilometres east from Puerto Real you can find the Lagunas' Taraje, San Antonio and Comisario. This collection of reed fringed pools may hold: Purple Gallinule, Little Bittern, White-headed Duck, Purple Heron, Reed Warbler, Great Reed Warbler and the rare Crested Coot.

Lagunas del Puerto de Santa Maria
Also known as the Lagunas de Terry, the three lagoons here are called Salada, Chica and Juncosa. A similar range of species as above occur with the addition of Baillon's Crake and Moustached Warbler, however both these species are very difficult to locate.

Laguna de Medina
The largest and providing the most varied birding of the endorreic lagoons. Many heron’s waders and wildfowl occur here alongside Black-necked Grebe, Greater Flamingo, Purple Gallinule, Whiskered Tern. Crested Coot (a couple of pairs) amongst 1000's of Coot, possible Marbled Duck, Ferruginous Duck and White-headed Duck all can be found.

East Bank of the Guadalquivir, Salinas de Bonanza, Pinar de la Algaida
The saltpans of Bonanza are still active but birdlife abounds. Too many species occur to mention them all but highlights will be: Spoonbill, Greater Flamingo, Caspian Tern, Lesser Short-toed Lark, Spectacled Warbler, Caspian Tern, Pin tailed Sandgrouse, breeding Black Kite and Collared Pratincole, Little, Black and Whiskered Terns, Savi's Warbler. The woods hold small numbers of Azure-winged Magpie.

If we stay or visit the Ronda or Tarifa area some of the following additional sites may be visited. Sierra de Grazalema
This natural park consists of rugged slopes, bare rocky summits that reach over 1,600m and heavily wooded valleys with rivers and streams. Spectacular views can be had from Puerto de las Palomas
Of the many species to be found Griffon and Egyptian Vulture, Golden, Bonelli's, Short-toed and Booted Eagle, Hobby, Lesser Kestrel, Goshawk, Peregrine and Black Kite represent the raptors. Sought after passerines like the gorgeous Rock Thrush can be seen along with Rock and Cirl Buntings, Rock Sparrow, Chough, Northern, Black-eared and Black Wheatears, Red-rumped Swallow, Alpine Swift and Orphean Warbler.

Playa de los Lances (Tarifa Beach)
is a long broad beach of white sand which has a small stream flowing to the sea and a lagoon situated behind the dunes. This is a great place to look for Auduoin's Gull. Species that may be seen include: Cory's and Mediterranean Shearwaters, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Ringed and Kentish Plover plus other waders, Yellow-legged Gull, Crested Lark, Fan-tailed Warbler, Spotless Starling, Serin, Corn Bunting, Short-toed Lark. Many vagrants and passage species occur with Lesser Crested Tern sometimes seen amongst the Sandwich Terns.

La Janda Plain
This area was formerly a huge wetland but was sadly drained in the early 1960's. Nowadays it is farmed for cereals and other crops but still attracts a number of desirable species, these include: Cattle Egret, White Stork, Little Bustard, Stone Curlew, Collared Pratincole, Calandra Lark, Crested Lark, Spotless Starling, Black Kite, Marsh and Montagu's Harrier, Booted Eagle, Griffon and Egyptian Vulture, Bee-eater, Short-toed Lark, Rufous Bush Robin, Ortolan Bunting.

Bolonia
This coastal village is situated alongside the Sierra de la Plata which is famous for being the first nesting site in Europe of the White-rumped Swift in 1964. They use the old nests of Red-rumped Swallows which also occur. Other species to look for include: Tawny Pipit, Rufous Bush Robin, Ortolan Bunting, White Stork, Griffon Vulture, Montagu's Harrier, Booted Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, Lesser Kestrel, Black-eared Wheatear, warblers. There is the possibility of seeing the very rare Little Swift in this area.

Los Alcornacales and the Ojen Valley
This is a wooded valley with steep cliffs on both sides. Mostly made up of Cork Oaks many other tree species grow. It is an excellent place to see raptors and numerous passerines breed here. Some of the birds present include: Golden, Imperial, Bonelli's , Booted and Short-toed Eagles, Griffon Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Black Kite, Buzzard, Goshawk, Sparrowhawk, Thekla Lark, Woodlark, Crag Martin, Stonechat, Blue Rock Thrush, Firecrest, Crested Tit, Short-toed Treecreeper, Hawfinch, Cirl, Ortolan, Rock and Corn Buntings, Nightingale, Tawny Pipit, Black-eared Wheatear, Melodious, Subalpine, Orphean, and Bonelli's Warblers, Golden Oriole and Woodchat Shrike.

MALAGA PROVINCE

Sierra de Las Nieves
A valley and pass at the northern edge of the sierra. See Sierra de las Nieves for species.

Serrania de Ronda
The famous Ronda gorge spans the Tajo, a sheer sided drop of hundreds of feet. Situated in the town it’s an unlikely place to begin looking for birds. Watching from the bridge or sitting at a cafe while Alpine Swift, Lesser Kestrel, Blue Rock Thrush and Rock Sparrow go about their business is very rewarding. Just spare a thought for the people that were thrown down it during the Spanish Civil War. Other sites nearby produce (see Sierra de las Nieves) plus Cirl Bunting, Spotless Starling, Rock Sparrow, Eagle Owl, White-rumped Swift, Red rumped Swallow, Pallid Swift, Golden Oriole, Rufous Bush Robin, Ortolan Bunting, Melodious Warbler.

Please note this itinerary may be altered due to the weather or the presence/lack of birds at particular sites during the time of our visit. A few species arrive late in the region, Red-necked Nightjar can be seen in April but May is better for this species and Olivaceous Warbler, Rufous Bush Chat and White-rumped Swift.

Holiday date:

12-19th April or 23th-30th May 2009*

*These dates are provisional & subject to change.
Please check News Blog for further info, we will keep anyone who has booked up to date with any changes

Holiday Cost:

£799.00

Cost to WWT Members

£759.05

Learn more about the WWT and become a member

Deposit:

£200.00

Please read our Terms & Conditions for more information about Deposit payments

Single Room Supplement:

£70.00

If you are travelling alone but willing to share we maybe able to find a roommate for you to reduce the cost.
Please see the booking form for more information

Flights

Flights available from £80.00

What is included in the cost of your holiday?

All transport in Spain, all accommodation and meals (excepting lunch), entrance fees to reserves and the services of guides. Drinks and items of a personal nature are not included. Hotel/guest houses will be at least two-star standard. The breakfasts are typically a simple affair of toast/coffee or continental style. We may even take a simple packed breakfast with us to eat in the field or alternatively eat at a cafe. Evening meals are two-three courses. Hotel details can be forwarded on request when at least six clients have booked.

What is included in the cost of your holiday?

All transport in Spain, all accommodation and meals (excepting lunch), entrance fees to reserves and the services of guides. Drinks and items of a personal nature are not included. Hotel/guest houses will be at least two-star standard. The breakfasts are typically a simple affair of toast/coffee or continental style. We may even take a simple packed breakfast with us to eat in the field or alternatively eat at a cafe. Evening meals are two-three courses. Hotel details can be forwarded on request when at least six clients have booked.

Other Information

Lunch and fresh coffee stops will be made each day to collect provisions at a supermarket or suitable café/restaurante. Tapas are available in most places and usually offer a delicious array of dishes. We hope to stay at least two or possibly three bases during this trip. This is necessary to avoid too much time travelling. Accommodation will be of a good standard with en-suite rooms. We hope to use hotels that we have used before but this may not always be possible. Evening meals generally consist of three courses. Timings for meals can be adjusted to suit birding as some earlier starts and evening excursions are recommended for seeing certain species. Although the water is drinkable we recommend that bottled water is drunk, it is advisable to drink regularly. Flights and insurance are not included, the latter is essential on all holidays. Anser will help with flights/insurance on your behalf if you prefer not to book your own. Easyjet/Ryanair fly to Andalucia from many airports, other airlines offer cheap flights to the area from around Britain, we can do the searching for you and usually find prices of between £70-100.00. Please note; Anser Birding cannot be held responsible for changes in flight times or delays etc. Insurance is essential and can be arranged by us. See terms and conditions in the brochure. It is advisable to bring a European Health Insurance Card which is free from the Post Office, fill in the form and one will be posted. This provides instant reciprocal cover in the unlikely event of an accident. Spanish pharmacies are as well stocked as English ones so all self-help treatments can be purchased if needed. The Spanish currency is the Euro.
Please note: Anser cannot be held responsible for changes in flight times or delays etc.

Clothing & Equipment

Warm clothing such as a fleece with a waterproof should the evenings be cooler or we encounter a shower. Sun-cream, a hat, sunglasses and lighter clothes with shorts are advisable. A telescope/digital camera is desirable but Anser guides carry Leica/Swarovski telescopes which will be set on any species showing for clients use.

Environment

Some steep slopes are possible in the mountainous regions and a few other places. Uneven tracks and fields are also encountered but most areas are flat and provide easy walking. We are never too far from the bus. If it is particularly hot then a break in the middle of the day is likely if we are near our accommodation. The climate is typically Spanish. It is usually warm 20-300 c at this time of year. Evening temperatures average around 10-150 c. Most of the terrain is usually flat with the obvious exception of the mountains where some rocky ground will be encountered. Excursions into the mountains will last about 1.5 hours at most and is not too strenuous as paths are provided.

It's easy to book your holiday with Anser birding...

By Telephone: Simply call us on the number below and we'll set up your booking

01452 741591

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complete it and fax to the number below

01452 741591

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