Extremadura and Andalusia
Cinereous Vulture and Imperial Eagle

The ancient landscape of the Extremadura with park-like Holm Oak groves, cliffs, forested mountains and wide open plains is a recreation area for numerous rare animal species. The largest population of Cinereous Vulture, Eastern Imperial Eagle, Great and Little Bustard world-wide have their habitat here. The Doñana Nature Reserve is the most significant swamp area in Southern Europe. It boasts a large ecological variety. Apart from the Marismas (swamp areas), the landscape presents shifting sand dunes up to 40 meters high and large dry bush plains which offer habitat to a countless number of animals. An abundant flora and fauna characterizes the mountain range "Sierra de Cazorla" in Eastern Andalusia. The fascinating art and the beauty of the Moorish architecture can be admired in Córdoba, Granada and Sevilla.

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Dates

1. Sat., 04. Apr. 2009 - Fri., 17. Apr. 2009

Price includes

• Flights
• Airport Taxes and fuel surcharge
• Airport transfers
• All transport during trip
• Half board
• Accommodation in en-suite double/single room
• Birding guide
• Breach of warranty certificate

Number of participants

8 – 18 persons

Note

Admission fees not included in tour price.

Alterations

The programme is subject to change.

Day 1

Arrival

Flight to Sevilla, transfer to the hotel in El Rocío. (4 overnights)

Day 2

Marismas by El Rocío

Exploration of the "Marismas del Guadalquívir". Observing Eurasian Hoopoe, Little Owl, singing birds and birds of prey amongst the Cork Oak on the outskirts of the Doñana Nature Reserve.

Day 3

Doñana Nature Reserve, Museum

Visit the information centre with museum and audio-visual presentation. Observation with the use of cabins of the pond areas with breeding Purple Heron.

Day 4

Doñana Nature Reserve

Ride on a special tour vehicle provided by the park administration which takes us to the protected areas and characteristical habitats of the Doñana Nature Reserve: Mediterranean bush plains, coastal shifting dunes and periodically flooded marshlands. In the National Park Purple Heron, Eurasian Spoonbill, Marbled Duck, Red-knobbed Coot and Eastern Imperial Eagle breed.

Day 5

Sevilla, Fuente Piedra Lagoon

Sevilla, the capital of Andalusia, appeals with its baroque splendour and its cheerful way of life. Visit the impressive cathedral with a Moorish Giralda and the Alcázar and tour through the picturesque Barrio de Santa Cruz. The Fuente Piedra Lagoon is Spain`s second largest salt lake with some highly specific plant and animal species such as Eurasian Thick-knee or Stone Curlew, Pied Avocet or Gull-billed Tern. The shallow lagoon is populated by a protected Flamingo colony. Drive to the hotel in Rute (2 overnights).

Day 6

Córdoba

Córdoba at the Guadalquívir river was once the capital of the Khalifs and therefore the most important city in the ancient Occident. Visit the Moorish Mezquita with its splendid arches and columns and walk over the Puente Romano to the Torre de la Calahorra. To round up the day we will admire the Alcázar gardens.

Day 7-9

Sierra de Cazorla

A walk in the Sierra de Cazorla nature reserve with peaks up to 2000 meters high. Its virgin forests provides an abundant wildlife with Moufflon and Iberian Ibex. It is a breeding area for numerous birds of prey. The Sierra de Cazorla is also interesting because of it endemic flower species such as the Cazorla Violets.
Return to the best observation points from the previous day. We could very well observe birds of prey such as Booted Eagle, Northern Goshawk, Eurasian Griffon Vulture and sometimes even Golden Eagle in the thermal lift of the Mirador valley. Hotel in Cazorla. (3 overnights)

Day 10

Tablas de Daimiel National Park

The bird sanctuary of Daimiel is a resting and breeding place for many waterfowl and is of international importance. Red-creasted Pochard, Bearded Tit and Savi´s Warbler breed here and can easily be observed. Migrating birds are a certainty. Drive to Trujillo, one of Spain`s loveliest mediaeval towns. A large number of Lesser Kestrel breeds under the roofs of the conquistador palaces. Hotel in Trujillo (4 overnights).

Day 11

Extremadura - Steppe and Holm Oak groves (Dehesas)

The extensive practice of traditional livestock farming has preserved the flora and fauna of the steppe and Holm Oak groves in their natural habitat. We might observe breeding Pin-tailed and Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Bonelli´s Eagle and Black-winged Kite.

Day 12

Monfragüe Nature Park

The Monfragüe Nature Park is an important retreat for many animal species. Observation of approximately 50 pairs of Eurasian Griffon Vulture breeding in cilffs; in addition Black Stork and Peregrine Falcon. In the steep faces of the cliffs Cinereous Vulture and Eastern Imperial Eagle.

Day 13

Cáceres, Extremadura swamps

Tour through the interesting old town of Cáceres. Observations at the periodically shallow waters and the bog zones of the reservoirs southwest of the city.

Day 14

Departure

Transfer to Madrid airport, return flight.