Gredos
Birdwatching in Spain | Birding in Spain | Birdwatching tours in Spain
THE SOUTH OF GREDOS AND MONFRAGÜE (5 days)
The breathtaking Mediterranean landscape of central Spain teeming with birdlife
Dates: 15-19 April (Madrid)
Day 1 : Meeting at Madrid airport, we shall then drive to our hotel, El Mirador de la Vera , situated at the foot of the southern slopes of the Gredos mountains and where the plains of Extremadura begin. With inspiring views of the snow-capped mountains from our bungalows, this is an ideal place for watching birds. On our way there, we shall make various stops in the valley of the Tietar to rest and have a chance to spot the raptors and smaller birds that breed here.
Day 2 : We shall spend the day inspecting this magnificent area. In contrast with the northern slopes, typically Mediterranean vegetation grows at the foothills of the southern slopes of the Gredos mountains which are characterised by sheer drops of several hundred metres and act as a barrier against the cold winds from the north. The cluster pine may be found here and evergreen holm oaks start to appear together with the sweet scented daphne and rockrose. There are also important plantations of olive, cherry, and fig trees on terraced grounds. Bee-eaters, great-spotted cuckoos, red-rumped swallows, shrikes, hoopoes and many other birds frequent this area.
Day 3 : Beyond the river Tietar lies Spain 's savannah-like landscape, the dehesas , plains scattered with holm and cork oaks and superb fauna and flora. The dehesas are the result of centuries of an ecologically sustainable interaction between man, cattle, and the Mediterranean forest. They cover wide regions of Spain and are of great ecological importance. This is the land of the Azure-winged Magpie and the elusive Black-shouldered kite.
Situated amidst these dehesas , the Parque Natural de Monfragüe , soon to be declared a National Park, is a magnificent remnant of the scarce genuine Mediterranean forest and scrubland where evergreen oaks, strawberry and turpentine trees, and wild olive trees thrive. This thick vegetation provides an ideal breeding habitat for the Spanish Imperial Eagle, one of the most endangered raptors in the world, and for the black vulture which is abundant in the area. On and around impressive rocky outcrops scattered through the park, Griffon and Egyptian vultures, Bonelli's and Golden Eagles, and many other raptors can be found as well as Choughs, Alpine Swifts, Blue Rock Thrush and the shy and scarce Black Stork. Monfragüe is one of the best sites in Europe from which to observe raptors. After making our way towards the Parque Natural de Monfragüe spending most of the day in the dehesas searching for the Black-shouldered Kite, discovering a colony of Lesser Kestrels in the small village of Saucedilla, and spending some time on the shores of the nearby Arrocampo reservoir in order to see wetland birds, we shall settle in the small rural hotel El Alcaudón in the village of Serrejón. In the evening we shall have our first stunning view of Monfragüe when we shall endeavour to catch sight of eagle owls.
Day 4 : The whole day will be spent in the raptor paradise of the Parque Natural de Monfragüe stopping at a series of strategic viewing points of the park and its teaming wildlife.
Day 5 : We drive back to Madrid airport, keeping an eye open for the many raptors that fly through the sky above these vast plains of Extremadura and Toledo . We shall stop for coffee at the medieval castle of Oropesa from which we shall enjoy spectacular views of the landscape and the acrobatic displays of many swifts, swallows, martins, and jackdaws.
Cost per person : 800 Euros