GEOFF BOYLEANDREW BUTTERFIELD

LIZ HUXLEY

EMMA ROBINSONJUDY ROSS

LAWRENCE SMITH

SECRET SPAIN -BIRDING IN EXTREMADURA

Friday 14th - Monday 17th March 2014

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

ANNETTE ADAMSTOUR MANAGER

Lesser Kestrel by Steve Grimwade

TRIP REPORT

STEVE GRIMWADETOUR LEADER

Friday 14th March

We drove through thick fog to get to Stansted Airport, but amazingly the skies were clear when we arrived. The newly opened security area was a great improvement and after some breakfast our flight took off just a few minutes behind schedule and we soon touched down in brilliant sunshine at Madrid Airport.

After getting our bags and sorting out the vehicle we were on our way south-westwards noting several RED KITE and COMMON BUZZARD on the outskirts of Madrid, as well as WOODPIGEON, MAGPIE and a few STARLINGS that were likely to be COMMON.

Once on the main route down to Extremadura we began picking out a few GRIFFON VULTURES and WHITE STORKS. We took a break for lunch at a service station and were greeted by the sight of a pair of SWALLOWS nesting under the roof of the building.

It was exciting overhead with raptors that included BLACK VULTURE, BLACK KITE and RED KITE. Several SERINS sang from the scrub and a fine GREAT SPOTTED CUCKOO gave a flyby as it was pursued by a MAGPIE.

Twenty minutes later we arrived at the Embalse de Arrocampo which uses the water to cool the massive power station at nearby Almaraz. The road leading to the area produced a WOODCHAT SHRIKE perched in a bush but unfortunately we couldn’t stop. We drove along a track and before we had even got out we were treated to great views of a PURPLE SWAMPHEN as it clambered over the reeds.

Once out of the van there were birds all around us and at times, it was a job to know where to look! A KINGFISHER zoomed past down a reedy channel, perching briefly before disappearing and the nearby scrub held a small flock of SPANISH SPARROWS. In the surrounding fields were CRESTED LARK, FAN-TAILED WARBLER, CORN BUNTING, STONECHAT and on a nearby building we had views of a BLACK REDSTART.

Up to five PURPLE SWAMPHENS frequented the reeds and at last two black fluffy chicks could be seen alongside them. COMMON CHIFFCHAFF were incredibly numerous in the reeds as they took the opportunity to feed on the many insects present. At least two PURPLE HERONS frequented the reed-bed and GREY HERONS were seen in flight.

We took a walk to a different area and this yielded dividends, with Emma spotting a female LITTLE BITTERN in flight which promptly disappeared in the reeds. Luckily, Lawrence found a male LITTLE BITTERN in the reeds but nobody could get onto it! Liz then located the bird in the scope and we all enjoyed excellent views as it sat enjoying the afternoon sunshine.

White Stork by Steve Grimwade

Small numbers of SAWFLY ORCHID were seen in the grass and a few photographs were taken of this delightful flower. Whilst watching the LITTLE BITTERN, Annette found a few BEARDED TITS in the reeds and then Steve found two male PENDULINE TITS feeding on reedmace.

Judy pointed out a group of raptors overhead which turned out to be RED KITE, BLACK VULTURE, GRIFFON VULTURE and a SHORT-TOED EAGLE. We decided to move on to another area when Geoff shouted out BLACK-WINGED KITE! This very much sought after bird was seen flying purposefully over to an area of agricultural fields, where Andrew managed to give us a running commentary of its position. We all managed good scope views as it hovered, before it flew back over the village and away to the west.

The track was blocked so we opted to visit the nearby village where we had stunning views of LESSER KESTRELS flying above our heads as well as JACKDAWS, FERAL PIGEONS and plenty of SPOTLESS STARLINGS.

With some time remaining, a visit was made to another part of the reservoir where we found LITTLE GREBE on a small pool before moving on to see a pair of BLACK-WINGED STILTS on a small island whilst on the other side of the road, Liz found a MARSH HARRIER. Scanning of the pools produced two GREEN and one COMMON SANDPIPER as well as LITTLE RINGED PLOVER. A LITTLE EGRET flew in and started feeding in the shallows before flying off.

It was then time to drive the 45 minute journey to our accommodation. The drive produced good numbers of WHITE STORK and CATTLE EGRET. We arrived spot on time and were greeted by our hosts Juan Pedro and his wife Belen and their children Marina and Alejandro.

We were given a guided tour of the hotel and then shown to our rooms, to freshen up, ready to meet a while later. The family had invited us to have a welcome drink along with some local food specialities.

Dinner was superb with Chickpeas and Pistou to start, followed by Chicken cooked with

Figs from the garden and then Apple Tart and Quince for dessert. This was all washed down with a fine Rioja wine and rounded off with an Acorn Liqueur. We headed off to bed after what had been a long but superb day with us very much looking forward to the following day.

Saturday 15th March

Some of the group met for an early morning stroll around our accommodation which gave us the chance to see species that included SERIN, SONG THRUSH and BLACK REDSTART amongst others. A small number of CHAMPAGNE ORCHIDS were found growing on the edge of the track and SAGE-LEAVED CISTUS was in flower.

We then enjoyed a welcome breakfast before loading up the van with our gear and heading off for the day. As we got in the van, a HAWFINCH was seen perched in a tree in the garden which got us off to a good start. Driving through the town of Trujillo produced good numbers of HOUSE MARTIN hawking insects in the early morning sun and just outside of the town, a fine IBERIAN GREY SHRIKE perched on overhead wires.

The drive northwards took us through typical Extremaduran dehesa, which was home to small numbers of AZURE-WINGED MAGPIE, HOOPOE, BLACK KITE, GREAT SPOTTED CUCKOO and small parties of WOODPIGEON.

Sawfly Orchid by Steve Grimwade

We made our first stop on the Rio Almonte and as we got out of the van were treated to excellent views of CRAG MARTINS zooming overhead. Some time was spent here and we noted WHITE WAGTAIL, CORN BUNTING, SARDINIAN WARBLER, ROBIN, STONECHAT, RED-RUMPED SWALLOW and a brief sighting of a YELLOW WAGTAIL. The warm sunshine encouraged the first of the days GRIFFON VULTURES into the air so it was good timing to carry on our journey into the Monfrague National Park.

Several HOOPOE and HAWFINCH flitted across the road in front of the van before we arrived at Salto del Gitano, overlooking the magnificent Pena Falcon. Large numbers of GRIFFON VULTURE could be seen both sitting on the cliffs and on the ground which were a delight to see. The birding here was amazing with fantastic birds on view all the time including a magnificent pair of BLACK STORKS at a potential nest site. The light on these birds picked out their metallic sheen and their red bills and legs glowed in the morning sun.

Several BLUE ROCK THRUSH were seen on the cliffs above us and below the watch-point we watched SARDINIAN WARBLER, SERIN and more RED-RUMPED SWALLOW. Two SPANISH birders put us onto a perched male PEREGRINE that eventually gave good views as it flew in front of the cliff face. SHORT-TOED EAGLE, BLACK and RED KITE, SPARROWHAWK and BLACK VULTURE were also noted.

With the day warming up nicely, we drove through the park stopping for facilities at Villereal de San Carlos. A short drive later we arrived at the very busy Portilla del Tietar watch-point on the northern edge of the park and after finding a spot to park we wandered down the road to be treated to a magnificent adult SPANISH IMPERIAL EAGLE circling just above us. This incredibly rare bird put on a fantastic show for several minutes before drifting off.

We took our lunch to a watch-point where we set up camp and with warm sunshine and a little breeze, it was just perfect! GRIFFON VULTURES constantly flew overhead and some pairs were seen feeding chicks. Behind us were a pair of nesting RED-RUMPED SWALLOWS and both BLUE ROCK THRUSH and RED-RUMPED SWALLOW were seen in good numbers.

We spent a couple of hours here with something always on view including BLACK STORKS, SHORT-TOED EAGLES, EGYPTIAN VULTURES, BLACK VULTURES and BLACK KITES. A pair of ROCK BUNTINGS foraged on the hillside behind us and gave reasonable views as they fed on the ground.

Spanish Imperial Eagle by Steve Grimwade

Conditions were also ideal for a range of Butterflies including a stunning SPANISH FESTOON, SPECKLED WOOD, HOLLY BLUE, WALL BROWN and NETTLE-TREE BUTTERFLY.

With things quietening down, we wandered back to the van and along the way found PETTICOAT-HOOP and ANGEL’S TEAR NARCISSI growing along the verge. Close to the van, Emma spotted a SHORT-TOED TREECREEPER which gave good views as it climbed several trees, whilst overhead we watched a singing male FIRECREST and two LONG-TAILED TITS of the Iberian race irbii.

After another convenience stop we parked at the large bridge at Puente de Cardenal which crosses the River Tajo and this gave us a 360 degree vista of the area. Hundreds of HOUSE MARTIN were seen feeding high and the usual raptors were in attendance. Eventually Steve located a pair of BONELLI’S EAGLE soaring up from the ridge and although distant, they showed well through the scopes. Several CLEOPATRA butterflies were also seen.

With it being quite warm, we drove westwards to an area of rolling hills and open fields where we sought some shade. WHITE STORKS gave fantastic views in their nesting trees and in a nearby pond were both IBERIAN FROG and MARSH FROG.

After coffee and cake, we took a gentle stroll down the lane noting SPANISH SPARROWS, the ever present CORN BUNTINGS, two IBERIAN GREY SHRIKES, HOOPOE, RAVEN, COMMON BUZZARD and a HEN HARRIER.

The wildflowers were amazing and it was a shame to turn round and head back. Near the van, a WOODLARK perched on wires before flying down to a bush where it started singing some sub-song.

Our return journey took us through some cracking habitat and from the vehicle we noted AZURE-WINGED MAGPIE, WOODCHAT SHRIKE, HEN HARRIER and a couple of CALANDRA LARK. Arriving back slightly later than planned, we had time for a shower before meeting for dinner which consisted of Vegetables cooked in smoked Paprika, followed by Migas, a local dish consisting of fried breadcrumbs, Chorizo, Lardons, Green Pepper and fried Egg, served with Tomato and Onion Salad, all of which you mix together. Dessert was Rice Milk with Strawberries, followed by the obligatory Acorn Liqueur.

Short-toed Treecreeper by Steve Grimwade Firecrest by Steve Grimwade

Sunday 16th March

Some of the group again met for a pre-breakfast walk down the lane and were treated to good views of a male SARDINIAN WARBLER and AZURE-WINGED MAGPIES as they fed under Fig Trees.

After a hearty breakfast we drove northwards, stopping at Trujillo Bullring where up to 15 LESSER KESTRELS put on a fantastic display. SPOTLESS STARLINGS occupied the rooftops and over the main part of the town were two PALLID SWIFTS.

Carrying on our journey, we arrived at an area of Steppe which was alive with the songs of larks. Another group of birders from the UK were already making their way up the track so we waited a while before heading off. Whilst waiting, Liz spotted a flock of LITTLE BUSTARD flying over but their attempts at landing were thwarted by a person in a field tending horses.

They eventually landed some way away and could be seen in the scopes. Nearby, good numbers of CALANDRA LARK could be seen in their ‘bat-like’ display flight and THEKLA LARKS sang from fence posts and rocks. An IBERIAN GREY SHRIKE perched atop of a bush and hundreds of SPANISH SPARROWS frequented the trees.

We eventually walked slowly along the track noting a BLACK STORK flying northwards and a few raptors taking advantage of the warmth, with four RED KITE and a SHORT-TOED EAGLE. As we got a little further we could hear the calls of sandgrouse and eventually a small flock of PIN-TAILED SANDGROUSE were seen in flight over the ridge. SMALL COPPER and SMALL HEATH BUTTERFLIES were seen but the butterfly highlight was a superb GREEN-STRIPED WHITE resting on a small flower.

Getting to the top of the ridge enabled us to get a good vista and with a lot of scanning, we picked out a party of PIN-TAILED SANDGROUSE on the deck, along with four GOLDEN PLOVER. Unfortunately due to grazing by cattle in the fields, the expected Great Bustards were not there.

Thekla Lark by Steve Grimwade

By now it was pretty hot so we retraced our steps noting good numbers of SPANISH PSAMMADROMUS along the way as well as many small caterpillars. After a drink back at the van, we drove south and had lunch in the shade at Vina las Torres which was a delight. A smart NETTLE-TREE BUTTERFLY was seen perched on the track and the garden produced SPECKLED WOOD and a VIOLET CARPENTER BEE. Just before we left, Steve took some of the group down the lane to photograph CHAMPAGNE ORCHIDS before we headed off southwards.

On arrival at the Embalse de Sierra Brava we drove along the service road and Andy spotted some GREAT BUSTARDS on a nearby hill. Although distant, you could see their large size. On the reservoir, the calm waters held several thousand SHOVELER as well as MALLARD, GADWALL, PINTAIL, WIGEON and some smart RED-CRESTED POCHARD. Gulls included LESSER BLACK-BACKED, YELLOW-LEGGED and BLACK HEADED GULLS and other notable species were GREAT CRESTED GREBE and COOT!

A EUROPEAN SWALLOWTAIL was seen nectaring on flowers and small numbers of BARBARY-NUT IRIS were growing on the bank. We left the reservoir and drove along the top road where Andy struck gold once again with a fine male BLACK-EARED WHEATEAR. HOOPOES put on a good show with up to four birds flying around.

It was then down to an area of rice-fields noting flocks of CATTLE EGRET along the way. Driving along a track, we saw plenty of STONECHAT and flocks of SPARROWS and then we caught glimpses of our main target, RED AVADAVAT. These tiny birds were very elusive in the reeds but we all managed to get on them. All were in their drab plumage, except for one stunning raspberry red male!

Some of the rice-fields held waders including GREEN SANDPIPER, REDSHANK and SNIPE and a moulting WATER PIPIT was seen briefly. By now it was scorching, so some shade was in order so we headed to an old railway station for a well-deserved cuppa and cake.

Great Bustard by Steve Grimwade

Once refreshed, we visited another area of steppe, where after a few minutes a flock of 11 GREAT BUSTARDS were seen including some impressive males. After getting used to our presence, they fed and moved slowly up the hill. A drive further along the road produced another small flock but this time we were looking into the sun.

Heading back the other way, we had the sun on our backs and this made viewing much more bearable. The original flock of GREAT BUSTARDS showed much better and Andy then found a couple of flying sandgrouse that turned out to be BLACK-BELLIED SANDGROUSE! Annette counted 16 of these fine birds on the ridge but the real highlight here were several magnificent male GREAT BUSTARDS that were strutting their stuff on the ridge and then performing their snowball courtship display.

A MERLIN was seen distantly as it zoomed along the fence-line and CALANDRA LARK were very much in evidence. We headed back to our base after what had been a cracking day!

After a cool shower, we met to complete the bird list before enjoying our evening meal which was a Tomato, Bread and Potato Soup to start, followed by Iberian Pork served with Prunes and mashed Potato and then Marina played Happy Birthday and she and Alejandro brought out dessert with a candle and a gift, as it was Steve’s birthday! The dessert was Chocolate Cake served with a Chocolate Sauce that was pretty scrummy.

Afterward Marina and Alejandro on the piano and clarinet respectively played a beautiful piece of music especially for Steve for his birthday and we retired to bed after a very good evening and looking forward to the next day.

Monday 17th March

We didn’t have a pre-breakfast walk but instead met for breakfast at the usual time. Geoff joined us and said that during the night he had heard both SCOP’S and LITTLE OWLS calling from behind the hotel. After breakfast, we loaded up the van and said our goodbyes to Juan Pedro, Belen, Marina and Alejandro before heading back northwards to Madrid.

We broke the journey at the Embalse de Arrocampo and drove to a different part of the reservoir where we immediately saw three GREAT SPOTTED CUCKOOS flying over us. The lake was pretty quiet except for a pair of nesting MARSH HARRIER and some BLACK VULTURES.

A drive back along the road found us two WATER PIPITS in summer plumage as well as COMMON and GREEN SANDPIPERS, SNIPE, BLACK-WINGED STILTS and MARSH HARRIERS. We returned to the site on the reservoir which we had visited on Friday and once again it was alive with birds.

Black Kite by Steve Grimwade Hoopoe by Steve Grimwade

PURPLE SWAMPHENS showed really well in the reeds and up to four BEARDED TITS along with SPANISH SPARROWS stripped the heads of reedmace. As we stood overlooking the reservoir, two SAVI’S WARBLERS started reeling and eventually Steve managed to get one in the scope briefly. A little while later, Liz relocated it and it sat up much higher giving reasonable views. PURPLE HERONS were seen in the reed-bed with at least two pairs noted. Andy disturbed a LITTLE BITTERN from the reedy edge and it flew a short distance before disappearing from sight.

Liz found our first and only TREE SPARROW of the tour, that was perched on a nearby fence and then Emma found a BLACK-WINGED KITE circling over our heads giving lovely views against the blue sky. Several of the group took a stroll to the visitor centre and whilst they were gone, another LITTLE BITTERN flew right past!

The warm temperatures encouraged the raptors up and overhead we had really good views of RED KITE, BLACK KITE, GRIFFON and BLACK VULTURES. Just as time was running out, Geoff spotted a pale phase BOOTED EAGLE over us which was fantastic! We drove to the visitor centre to repack our bags ready for the airport and here Geoff found three SPOONBILLS flying over.

We then had a two hour drive back to Madrid and although we had to get fuel twice, which included a diversion, we arrived back to the airport on time and said goodbye to Judy who was spending a few extra days in Spain.

We boarded the flight on time, only to find that there was too much hand luggage and it had to be moved to the hold by one person, creating a delay of 45 minutes. We did however make up time and landed just 15 minutes behind schedule.

Once we retrieved our luggage, we said our goodbyes after what had been a fabulous tour with so many good birds not to mention good food, laughs and company.

Monfragüe National Park by Steve Grimwade

BIRD LIST

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14

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17

18

19

20

21

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23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

MALLARD

GADWALL

PINTAIL

SHOVELER

WIGEON

RED-CRESTED POCHARD

RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE

LITTLE GREBE

GREAT CRESTED GREBE

CORMORANT

LITTLE BITTERN

CATTLE EGRET

LITTLE EGRET

GREY HERON

PURPLE HERON

WHITE STORK

BLACK STORK

SPOONBILL

GRIFFON VULTURE

BLACK VULTURE

EGYPTIAN VULTURE

GOLDEN EAGLE

SPANISH IMPERIAL EAGLE

SHORT-TOED EAGLE

BOOTED EAGLE

BONELLI’S EAGLE

RED KITE

BLACK-WINGED KITE

BLACK KITE

MARSH HARRIER

HEN HARRIER

COMMON BUZZARD

SPARROWHAWK

KESTREL

LESSER KESTREL

PEREGRINE FALCON

MERLIN

WATER RAIL

MOORHEN

COOT

PURPLE SWAMP-HEN

GREAT BUSTARD

Anas platyrhynchos

Anas strepera

Anas acuta

Anas clypeata

Anas penelope

Netta rufina

Alectoris rufa

Tachybaptus ruficollis

Podiceps cristatus

Phalacrocorax carbo

Ixobrychus minutus

Bubulcus ibis

Egretta garzetta

Ardea cinerea

Ardea purpurea

Ciconia ciconia

Ciconia nigra

Platalea leucorodia

Gyps fulvus

Aegypius monachus

Neophron percnopterus

Aquila chrysaetos

Aquila adalberti

Circaetus gallicus

Aquila pennata

Hieraaetus fasciatus

Milvus milvus

Elanus caeruleus

Milvus migrans

Circus aeruginosus

Circus cyaneus

Buteo buteo

Accipiter nisus

Falco tinnunculus

Falco naumanni

Falco peregrinus

Falco columbarius

Rallus aquaticus

Gallinula chloropus

Fulica atra

Porphyrio porphyrio

Otis tarda

Species Scientific Name 1 2 3 4

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X

2

X

1

X

2

X

X

X

1

X

1

X

1

X

X

X

H

X

X

X

X

X

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X

X

c. 5

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X

X

2

2

X

2

X

X

1

2

X

X

X

X

1 m

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X

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c. 2000

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6

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X

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X

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3

X

X

1

X

X

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X

X

2

X

X

X

1

X

c. 30

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2

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4

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3

X

X

1

X

1

X

X

X

X

X

1

X

X

X

BIRD LIST Species Scientific Name 1 2 3 4

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46

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48

49

50

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52

53

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55

56

57

58

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61

62

63

64

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71

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81

82

83

84

LITTLE BUSTARD

BLACK-WINGED STILT

LITTLE RINGED PLOVER

EUROPEAN GOLDEN PLOVER

GREEN SANDPIPER

COMMON SANDPIPER

REDSHANK

SNIPE

BLACK-HEADED GULL

YELLOW-LEGGED GULL

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL

BLACK-BELLIED SANDGROUSE

PIN-TAILED SANDGROUSE

ROCK DOVE

FERAL PIGEON

WOOD PIGEON

COLLARED DOVE

CUCKOO

GREAT SPOTTED CUCKOO

LITTLE OWL

SCOP’S OWL

PALLID SWIFT

HOOPOE

KINGFISHER

GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER

CRESTED LARK

THEKLA LARK

WOODLARK

CALANDRA LARK

SAND MARTIN

CRAG MARTIN

BARN SWALLOW

RED-RUMPED SWALLOW

HOUSE MARTIN

WATER PIPIT

MEADOW PIPIT

WHITE WAGTAIL

YELLOW WAGTAIL

ROBIN

BLACK REDSTART

BLACK-EARED WHEATEAR

STONECHAT

Tetrax tetrax

Himantopus himantopus

Charadrius dubius

Pluvialis apricaria

Tringa ochropus

Actitis hypoleucos

Tringa totanus

Gallinago gallinago

Chroicocephalus ridibundus

Larus michahellis

Larus fuscus

Pterocles orienalis

Pterocles alchata

Columba livia

Columba livia (domest.)

Columba palumbus

Streptopelia decaocto

Cuculus canorus

Clamator glandarius

Athene noctua

Otus scops

Apus pallidus

Upupa epops

Alcedo atthis

Dendrocopos major

Galerida cristata

Galerida theklae

Lullula arborea

Melanocorypha calandra

Riparia riparia

Ptyonoprogne rupestris

Hirundo rustica

Cecropis daurica

Delichon urbicum

Anthus petrosus

Anthus pratensis

Motacilla alba

Motacilla flava flava

Erithacus rubecula

Phoenicurus ochruros

Oenanthe hispanica

Saxicola torquata

3

1

2

1

X

X

X

1

X

3

X

X

X

X

H

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

2

X

X

1

X

3

1

2

X

X

X

X

X

X

1

X

X

X

c. 20

3

4

2

1

c. 10

X

1

X

16

c. 15

X

X

H

H

H

2

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

1

X

X

X

X

1 m

X

2

X

1

X

X

X

X

H

4

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

2

X

H = HEARD X = RECORDED M = MALE F = FEMALE

BIRD LIST Species Scientific Name 1 2 3 4

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91

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93

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97

98

99

100

101

102

103

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108

109

110

111

112

113

114

115

116

117

118

119

120

121

122

123

SONG THRUSH

MISTLE THRUSH

BLACKBIRD

BLUE ROCK THRUSH

BLACKCAP

SARDINIAN WARBLER

FAN-TAILED WARBLER

SAVI’S WARBLER

CETTI’S WARBLER

CHIFFCHAFF

FIRECREST

WREN

GREAT TIT

BLUE TIT

LONG-TAILED TIT

BEARDED TIT

PENDULINE TIT

SHORT-TOED TREECREEPER

IBERIAN GREY SHRIKE

WOODCHAT SHRIKE

AZURE-WINGED MAGPIE

MAGPIE

JAY

JACKDAW

RAVEN

STARLING

SPOTLESS STARLING

HOUSE SPARROW

SPANISH SPARROW

TREE SPARROW

CHAFFINCH

LINNET

GOLDFINCH

GREENFINCH

SERIN

HAWFINCH

CORN BUNTING

ROCK BUNTING

RED AVADAVAT

Turdus philomelos

Turdus viscivorus

Turdus merula

Monticola solitarius

Sylvia atricapilla

Sylvia melanocephala

Cisticola juncidis

Locustella luscinioides

Cettia cetti

Phylloscopus collybita

Regulus ignicapilla

Troglodytes troglodytes

Parus major

Cyanistes caeruleus

Aegithalos caudatus irbii

Panurus biarmicus

Remiz pendulinus

Certhia brachydactyla

Lanius meridionalis

Lanius senator

Cyanopica cyanus

Pica pica

Garrulus glandarius

Corvus monedula

Corvus corax

Sturnus vulgaris

Sturnus unicolor

Passer domesticus

Passer hispaniolensis

Passer montanus

Fringilla coelebs

Carduelis cannabina

Carduelis carduelis

Chloris chloris

Serinus serinus

Coccothraustes coccothraustes

Emberiza calandra

Emberiza cia

Amandava amandava

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X

X

X

X

c. 5

2

1

X

X

1

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

2

X

X

X

X

X

H

X

1 m

X

X

X

1

2

3

X

X

X

X

X

2

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

2

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

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X

X

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X

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X

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X

3

X

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X

X

X

H

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

1

X

X

X

X

X

1

X

OTHER WILDLIFE Species Scientific Name

EUROPEAN RABBIT

IBERIAN HARE

HOLLY BLUE

CLEOPATRA

NETTLE-TREE BUTTERFLY

WESTERN DAPPLED WHITE

GREEN-STRIPED WHITE

CLOUDED YELLOW

SMALL WHITE

RED ADMIRAL

SMALL COPPER

EUROPEAN SWALLOWTAIL

SMALL HEATH

LARGE TORTOISESHELL

SPECKLED WOOD

SPANISH FESTOON

PAINTED LADY

WALL BROWN

CICADA sp.

VIOLET CARPENTER BEE

HONEY BEE

HUMMINGBIRD HAWKMOTH

SPANISH TERRAPIN

IBERIAN FROG

MARSH FROG

NATTERJACK TOAD

MOORISH GECKO

SPANISH PSAMMADROMUS

SPANISH WHITE BROOM

PINK CATCHFLY

RAMPING FUMITORY

SAWFLY ORCHID

CHAMPAGNE ORCHID

HOOP PETTICOAT NARCISSUS

ANGEL’S TEARS NARCISSI

HENBIT DEADNETTLE

BALLAST TOADFLAX

HOLM OAK

Oryctolagus cuniculus

Lepus granatensis

Celastrina argiolus

Gonepteryx cleopatra

Libythea celtis

Euchloe crameri

Euchloe belemia

Colias croceus

Pieris rapae

Vanessa atalanta

Lycaena phlaeas

Papilio machaon gorganus

Coenonympha pamphilus

Nymphalis polychloros

Pararge aegeria aegeria

Zerynthia rumina

Vanessa cardui

Lasiommata megera

Xylocopa violacea

Apis mellifera

Macroglossum stellatarum

Mauremys leprosa

Rana iberica

Rana perezi

Bufo calamitu

Tarentola mauritanica

Psammodromus hispanicus

Cytisus multiflorus

Silene colarata

Fumaria caprealata

Ophrys tenthredinifera

Orchis champagneuxii

Narcissus bulbocodium

Narcissus triandrus papyraceus

Lamium amplexicaule

Linaria spartea

Quercus ilex

Hummingbird Hawkmothby Steve Grimwade

Spanish Festoon by Steve Grimwade

Green-striped White by Steve Grimwade

OTHER WILDLIFE Species Scientific Name

KERMES OAK

CORK OAK

GUM-LEAVED CISTUS

SAGE-LEAVED CISTUS

TALL ROCKET

COMMON STORKSBILL

SPANISH HEATH

TREE HEATH

STONE/UMBRELLA PINE

WATER CROWFOOT Sp.

NAVELWORT

COMMON SPANISH BROOM

NARROW-LEAVED LUPIN

PRICKLY PEAR

OLIVE

ROSEMARY

FRENCH LAVENDER

SPANISH BLUEBELL

BARBARY NUT

PURPLE VIPER’S BUGLOSS

SOUTHERN STAR-OF-BETHELEM

‘MIMOSA’ OR SILVER WATTLE

GIANT FENNEL

LESSER REEDMACE

MILK THISTLE

Quercus coccifera

Quercus suber

Cistus ladanifer

Cistus salviifolius

Sisymbrium altissimum

Erodium cicutarim

Erica australis

Erica arborea

Pinus pinea

Ranunculus sp.

Umbilicus rupestris

Genista juncea

Lupinus angustifolius

Opuntia maxima

Olea europaea

Rosmarinus officinalis

Lavandula stoechas

Hyacinthoides hispanica

Gynandriris sisyrinchium

Echium plantagineum

Ornithogalum narbonense

Acacia dealbata

Ferula communis

Typha angustifolia

Onobrychis humilis

Silybum marianum

Champagne Orchidby Steve Grimwade

Onobrychis humilis by Steve Grimwade

14th MARCHMadrid Airport - Embalse de Arrocampo - Saucedilla - Vina las Torres

15th MARCHVina las Torres - Rio Almonte - Salto del Gitano - Portilla del Tietar - Puente de Cardenal - Monroy

16th MARCHVina las Torres - Trujillo Bullring - Santa Marta de Magasca steppe - Embalse de Sierra Brava -

Madrigalejo Ricefields - Madrigalejo Station - Campo Lugar

17th MARCHVina las Torres - Embalse de Arrocampo - Madrid Airport

ITINERARY

Golden Eagle by Steve Grimwade Black Storks by Steve Grimwade

Iberian Grey Shrike by Steve Grimwade Calandra Lark by Steve Grimwade

Great Spotted Cuckoo by Steve Grimwade

Booted Eagle by Steve Grimwade Short-toed Eagle by Steve Grimwade

Black Vulture by Steve Grimwade Egyptian Vulture by Steve Grimwade

Griffon Vulture by Steve Grimwade

Black-winged Kite by Steve Grimwade Water Pipit by Steve Grimwade

Spanish Sparrows by Steve Grimwade Rock Bunting by Steve Grimwade

Purple Swamp-hen by Steve Grimwade

Red-rumped Swallow by Steve Grimwade Crag Martin by Steve Grimwade

Embalse de Arrocampo by Steve Grimwade

BIRD/MOMENT OF THE TOURJUDY - SPANISH IMPERIAL EAGLE & GREAT BUSTARDS DISPLAYING

LIZ - SPANISH IMPERIAL EAGLE & BIRDS EVERYWHERE AT ARROCAMPO

ANDY - SPANISH IMPERIAL EAGLE & FINDING GREAT BUSTARDS & SANDGROUSE

LAWRENCE - SPANISH IMPERIAL EAGLE & WATCHING BOOTED EAGLE

EMMA - BLACK-WINGED KITE & BIRDING AT PORTILLA DEL TIETAR

GEOFF - BLACK-WINGED KITE & FINDING BOOTED EAGLE

ANNETTE - PENDULINE TIT & BLACK STORKS ON NEST

STEVE - SPANISH IMPERIAL EAGLE & GREAT BUSTARDS DISPLAYING

Vina las Torres by Steve Grimwade Trujillo Bullring by Steve Grimwade

‘The Group’ by Annette Adams

Swan Cottage l 370 London Road l Stanway l Colchester l Essex l CO3 8LUT: 01206 210662

E: info@swallowbirding.co.uk W: www.swallowbirding.co.uk

Good Value - Good Fun - Good Birds