Holidays > Worldwide Holidays > Spain

The mountains of the Monfragüe National Park are world famous for breeding raptors. Species such as Spanish Imperial Eagle and Black Vulture are synonymous with the park. It is possible to see three species of vulture and five eagles whilst scanning the ridges, the situation you find yourself in will take your breath away. All of these birds can be seen at eye level or even below you from the various vantage points. The vast space, the sound of so many birds and views that go on for ever make it so unique, a wealth of species live within and around the park, when you couple this with the amazing steppe birding on offer it will leave you with one of the most memorable birding experiences ever.

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

• Black Storks
• Iberian (Azure-winged) Magpies
• Woodchat Shrike
• Serin
• Blue-rock Thrush
• Black Redstart
• Crag Martin
• Alpine Swift
• Red-rumped Swallow
• Short-toed Treecreeper
• Crested Lark
• Subalpine
• Orphean
• Crested Lark
• Griffon Vulture
• Egyptian Vulture
• Black & Red Kite
• Eagle Owl


Eagles...

• Booted Eagle
• Golden Eagle
• Short-toed Eagle
• Spanish Imperial Eagle
• Bonelli's Eagle


and more...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.

Fly to Madrid and drive directly to our hotel, this journey takes three hours. Depending on flight timings we may be able to do a bit of birding along the way or even on arrival. Stops for coffee and comfort are taken en-route.




We shall explore the park stopping at the foot of the stupendous rock pinnacle, Penafalcon. The birding here is fabulous. Black Storks nest below and you can look into the nest cave and watch events unfold. Looking out from the Salto de Gitano, the castillo, the bridge and all suitable parking areas as we wind through the park, we will rewarded with stunning views and large numbers of birds. Passerines like Iberian (Azure-winged) Magpies, Woodchat Shrike, Serin, Blue-rock Thrush, Black Redstart, Crag Martin, Alpine Swift, Red-rumped Swallow, Rock Sparrow, Cirl and Rock Bunting, Short-toed Treecreeper, Subalpine, Orphean and Sardinian Warbler, Nightingale, Crested Tit, Hawfinch, Black-eared Wheatear, Bee Eater, Woodlark, Thekla and Crested Lark and more familiar species are all found by the roadside. As the day warms up the vultures begin to leave the crags and cliffs to soar along with other raptors. Large flocks of Black and Griffon Vulture are joined by Egyptian Vulture, Booted, Golden, Short-toed, Spanish Imperial and sometimes Bonelli’s Eagles. Black Kites are very common with Red Kite present for comparison. Eagle Owl can sometimes be seen in the daytime but a dusk vigil will be offered to see one. Most of these species can be seen well on the nest without disturbing them.


The Cuartro Lugares Steppes will be thoroughly explored. A combination of techniques are used; driving slowly along roads and tracks seeking out birds and walking along quiet roadsides will soak up the atmosphere of thousands of larks in song and stops at known spots and wetlands will give us many species of birds. The flora adds something truly special and Short-toed, Thekla, Crested and Calandra Larks are all in song among the flowers to make it all come alive. As the grass and crops have not grown too high displaying Little and Great Bustards can be found in flocks and often flying over us. Black-bellied and Pin-tailed Sandgrouse can also be seen and are joined by numerous White Storks, Spanish Sparrow, Corn Bunting, Zitting Cisticola, Tawny Pipit, Spotless Starlings, Montagu’s Harrier (melanistic bird in 2006) and Hoopoe. Southern Grey and Woodchat Shrikes perch along the fences and the wetlands hold Garganey and other wildfowl along with Cattle and Little Egrets. We have seen Otters on the 2006/2008 trips. Black-shouldered Kites are very much a target bird, on one visit to the Black-shouldered Kite area we watched one of these stunning birds atop a fig tree with two Golden Oriole, three Great Spotted Cuckoo and a party of Bee Eaters joining us to add even more colour, ‘stunning birding’!


A visit to Trujillo where you can lunch, view the architecture or carry on birding. A large colony of Lesser Kestrels nest in the old quarter here. We shall also visit the rice fields around Vegas Altas and more quality steppe habitat in the vicinity. A variety of waders, warblers, shrikes, buntings and breeding Bee Eaters can be seen with opportunities for Great and Little Bustard, Pin tailed and Black –bellied Sandgrouse, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Collared Pratincole, Red Avadavat and wetland species like Black-necked Grebe can also be found and we have also recorded Great White Egret and Common Crane.


On day five we will be able to do some birding around any of the areas that we may have missed a species or wish to have a second look at a good area. We must then head for the airport where we catch our return flight to the United Kingdom and the tour concludes.

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.


If on a five, six or week long tour further exploration of the steppes, unvisited wetlands, southern rice fields and mountains will be extend the holiday and add more species and views. The cost will be £799.00 for a week long holiday, sometimes flights fit in better with a five or even six night option. A revised price for this length of holiday can be calculated.

Holiday date:

7th-11th April 2009*

*This dates is 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:

£529.00

Cost to WWT Members

£502.55

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:

£40.00

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

Flight costs are seperate and not included

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 leaders. 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 eat at a cafe. Evening meals tend to be 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 leaders. 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 eat at a cafe. Evening meals tend to be 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. Flights and insurance are not included, the latter is essential on all holidays. Anser can help with flights/insurance on your behalf if you prefer not to book your own. Easyjet fly to Madrid from Bristol, Liverpool, London and many more, other airlines offer cheap flights to the area from around the Britain, we can do the searching for you and usually find prices of between £60-80.00.
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. If sunny then 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 at the Castillo 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.

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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