INTRODUCTION
Spain is the most visited European country for the observation of birds due to its geographical situation in relation to the emigrational routes between Europe and Africa, and because it embraces almost all habitats of the Western Paleartic, (It was selected as the chosen destination of British birders in the forum UKBIRDNET).
This mosaic of habitats in a relatively good state of conservation provides shelter to a great number and variety of species; Raptors in variety and number ( 25 different species were recorded during the tour of 2000 ) , alpine birds, steppe birds, aquatic birds and an unsurpassed representation of typical Mediterranean species . In this two week tour we visit the most beautiful and important areas, and even with the exclusion of Donana due complications of attempting to combine this with the itinerary it is possible to observe more than 200 bird species ( 221 in the 2005 tour ). Special attention is given to the Spanish specialties such as ; Spanish Imperial Eagle, Lammergeier , Duponts Lark, Wallcreeper and Moustached Warbler, with the added opportunity to see a good number of mammals, reptiles and butterflies.
As a complementary embellishment to the tour we will visit different historic monuments and cultural sites such as; The House of Goya, El Castillo de Loarre (XI C. ), El Monasterio de San Juan de la Pena ( XI / XIII C. ) ,medieval villages such as Trujillo or Moorish villages like Alquezar. This tour is designed especially for American birdwatchers who wish to see a maximum number of bird species in Europe combined with some of Spain`s rich culture all in the most spectacular and interesting areas of this enchanting part of the world.
Itinerary
Day 1: Madrid - Monfrague
On arrival in Madrid, we will travel west to the unspoiled countryside of Extremedura and the fabulous Parque Natural de Monfragüe. En route we will watch for our first raptors including Cinereous (Spanish Black) Vulture, Spanish Imperial Eagle and Goshawk. We should also see our first Rock Buntings, Crested Tit, Short-toed Treecreeper or perhaps the beautiful Azure-winged Magpie. Overnight in Monfrague.
Days 2 & 3: Monfrague National Park
Monfrague National Park is an area of dramatic scenery which includes the unique dehesa habitat of cork and evergreen oak, home to many “Old World Warblers” including Melodious, Spectacled, Dartford, Sardinian, Subalpine, and Orphean Warblers. Eurasian Golden Oriole is found here as is the beautiful Azure-winged Magpie. The park is also one of the premier places to observe raptors in all of Europe. Exploring the north side of the park will provide us with opportunities to see Red and Black kites, Eurasian Buzzard, Griffon Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Booted Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, Bonelli's Eagle and Spanish Imperial Eagle. At Portilla del Tietlar, we will look for Blue Rock Thrush, nesting Black Storks and, with luck, we’ll find Eurasian Eagle Owls on their day roost. On the park's south side, We’ll search for several birds that are difficult to find elsewhere in the country as this will be our best opportunity to see Black Stork, Red-rumped Swallow, Black-shouldered Kite and Spanish Sparrow. In wetlands we will look for Purple Swamphen and Savi's Warbler and we will also make an evening excursion to look for Red-necked Nightjar. On the steppes near the village of Trujillo we should also see Great Bustard and Little Bustard and the village itself will offer Lesser Kestrel and Pallid Swift. Trujillo is the birthplace of the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro and a charming village rich in history and architecture. Nights in Monfrague.
Day 4: Spanish Steppes, Belchite
Today we drive through central Spain to the village of Belchite. Along the way, we will stop in the village where Goya, the famous Spanish painter, was born. If time allows we will also visit the old ruined village of Belchite which was destroyed during the Spanish Civil War. In the afternoon we will visit a nesting site for the difficult Bonelli's Eagle, Goshawk and other raptors. Before dusk we will have an introduction to the habitat of the mythic Dupont´s Lark with quiet walk near its nesting area. Night in Quinto de Ebro.
Day 5: Belchite - Pyrenees
El Planeron, an ornithological reserve north of Belchite, is home to the highest population density of Dupont's Lark in Spain. This elusive bird is one of Europe 's most sought-after species and we this morning to finding this very difficult prize. Being in the field at sunrise is essential if we are to have an opportunity to see one. After returning to our hotel for a late breakfast we will bird a nature reserve the Belchite area which is an excellent place to see Black-bellied and Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Calandra and Lesser Short-toed Larks, Red-legged Partridge and the handsome Montagu's Harrier. Later on, we will begin our ascent into the Pyrenees with a drive across the arid steppe of the Hecho Valley. As we approach the foothills of the Pyrenees the habitat will change and we will begin seeing Holm Oak and pines covering the hillsides. We will pass the towering rock spires known as Mallos de Riglos and continue to be keep watch for a variety of raptors including the especially conspicuous Egyptian Vulture. The next two nights will be in the delightful village of Siresa where we will stay in a charming inn with a restaurant that has won several regional cooking awards. Night in Siresa.
Days 6, 7, & 8: The Spanish Pyrenees
We will have 2 full days to explore the Hecho Valley and surrounding areas as we look for some of Spain 's most sought after birds. Here the habitat is a mix of deep ravines and gorges, meandering valleys covered with pine and beech groves, cultivated fields and beautiful alpine meadows. The Hecho Valley is one of the most beautiful valleys in the Spanish Pyrenees and here we will seek the enigmatic Wallcreeper and the Lammergeier—two highly prized species. Other specialties of the area include Black Woodpecker, Crested Tit, Firecrest, Ortolan Bunting, Rock Bunting, Citril Finch, Eurasian Bullfinch, Yellowhammer, Red-billed Chough, Dipper, Gray Wagtail and Crag Martin. Mammals will also be well-represented here and we should see Alpine Marmot and Chamois. During our stay in the high country we will visit the Monastery of San Juan de la Pena, an 11th century structure built on a rock face and reminiscent of Buddhist rock temples in India. The combination of magnificent birds and ancient culture will surely make us wish we had more time here! Nights in Siresa.
Days 9, 10, & 11: Ebro River Valley
From the high Pyrenees we will descend into the Ebro River valley through Mediterranean pine woodland interspersed with almond and olive groves. Along the way, we will again watch for raptors, Mediterranean warblers and migrants. We will stop to explore Castillo de Loarre, a dramatic walled and turreted fortress perched on a towering rock. Built in the 11th century, it is said by some to be the oldest castle in Spain. We will also visit the Moorish village of Alquezar, a picturesque locale in the heart of the Sierra de Guara. This region of Spain is famous for the spectacular canyons that have been forged in the mountains by the Rio Vero. In the surrounding areas of Loporzano, the nearby Sierra de Guara and in the spectacular Vadiello and Salto de Roldan, we will find one of the most exciting and varied concentrations of bird species in Spain . Exciting possibilities here will include Hobby, Red Kite, Black-eared and Black Wheatear, Dartford Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Melodious Warbler, European Roller, Wryneck, Golden Oriole, Scops Owl, European Bee-eater, Corn Bunting and Thekla Lark. Nights in Loporzano.
Days 12 & 13: Ebro Delta
The final leg of our adventure commences with an early morning drive southeast to the Ebro Delta, one of the great remaining Mediterranean wetlands and a site of major ecological importance. The Delta is composed primarily of rice paddies and these flooded fields provide excellent habitat for an amazing array of migrant and breeding birds including the rare Audouin's Gull. We will have two days to explore the Delta looking for exciting species like Little Bittern, Water Rail, Gray Heron, Purple Heron, Little Ringed Plover, Great Crested Grebe, Greater Flamingo, Collared Pratincole, Pied Avocet, Black-winged Stilt, Slender-billed Gull, Great Reed Warbler, Common Redshank and Zitting Cisticola. The timing of our visit will coincide with the passage of many migrant shorebirds the possibilities will be many and exciting. To cap the experience we will stay at a very comfortable inn with excellent birding on the grounds and a superb restaurant. Nights in Deltebre.
Day 14: Departures
This morning we will have several hours to further explore the Ebro Delta before departing for Barcelona where the tour will end at the airport.
