05-12-08 Birding trips for Spring season 2009
Birding trips in La Mancha (Spain), a hidden privilege
Birdwatching in Central and South Spain
Natura Indomita offers birding trips in Central and South Spain around Castilla-La Mancha and Andalucia: Cabaneros National Park, Tablas de Daimiel National Park, Campo de Montiel, Campo de Calatrava and Campo de Mudela, La Mancha Wetlands and Steppes, Sierra Morena and Valle de Alcudia, Sierra de AndĂşjar and Despenaperros Natural Park are some of our top birding sites, highly recommended for those who are interested in the really wild and undiscovered iberian nature.
Tablas de Daimiel N.P. the dusk of La Mancha
Over 350 different species have been recorded only in the Ciudad Real province. In a classical five-day tour we can identify 150 species or more, including some iberian specialities such as Great Egret, Squacco Heron, Purple Heron, Black Stork, Greater Flamingo, Black Vulture, Imperial Eagle, Lesser Kestrel, Black Shouldered Kite, Red-Crested Pochard, White-Headed Duck, Purple Swamphen, Great Bustard, Little Bustard, Pin-Tailed Sandgrouse, Roller, Woodchat Shrike, Golden Oriole, Azur-Winged Magpie or Spanish Sparrow to mention but a few.
Spanish Sparrow in Campo de Calatrava
The Cabaneros National Park and the Campo de Montiel are some of the best (if not the best) spanish birding spots for paleartic raptors. Here you can find Imperial and Golden Eagles, Black and Griffon Vultures, Short-Toed Eagle, Black and Red Kites, etc. Black Shouldered Kite is very common in Cabaneros. The park also supports healthy populations of Rollers, Bee-eaters and Woodchat Shrikes., and very good numbers of Eagle-Owls, Long-eared, Little, Scops and Tawny Owls. The Campo of Montiel, the kingdom of the Spanish Imperial Eagle, has the biggest density of iberian raptors of Spain. Montagu’s and Marsh Harriers, Booted and Short-Toed Eagles and Eurasian Sparrowhawk are fairly common, and also occurs some of the best populations of steppe birds of La Mancha, like Great and Little Bustards, Pin-Tailed Sandgrouse, etc.
Pin-Tailed Sandgrouse, bullets from La Mancha
In the Campo de Calatrava, fields around the historical and beautiful city of Almagro, you can find the best populations of Lesser Kestrel of La Mancha. Nearby Almagro, the ZEPA of Calatrava supports the biggest densities of Great and Little Bustards in all the south of Spain. Black Belied and Pin-Tailed Sandgrouses, Calandra Lark, Crested and Short-Toed Larks, Thick-Nee and Red-Billed Chough occurs also here, whereas Eagle-Owl and Little Owl are incredibly common. In the Calatrava lagoons you can also watch many different aquatic species like Black-Winged Stilt, Pied Avocet, Squacco Heron, Purple Heron, Little Bittern, Black-Crowned Night Heron, Purple Gallinule, etc.
Purple Swamphen
The lagoons of La Mancha, the third most important wetland in all Spain (only surpassed by the Coto of Donana and the Ebro Delta) and the first wetland inland the Iberian Peninsula, support perhaps the biggest densities of breeding White Headed Duck, Red Crested Pochard and Gull-Billed Tern of Spain, whilst the Tablas of Daimiel National Park is the best site for Collared Pratincole, Moustached and Savi’s Warblers or the coloured Bearded Reedling. In the wetlands around the Tablas of Daimiel you can in a one day trip find over 80 different species, including 20 or more waders in the appropiate season.
Great Crested Grebe
South from Almagro, the Valle de Alcudia in Sierra Morena, the longest european valley (110 km. long), supports amazing populations of Azur-Winged Magpie, White-Rumped Swift, Rock Bunting and Black Weathear, though the best specialities in this stunning oak savanna like dehesas are the Bonelli’s Eagle and the Black Stork.
Black Stork, jewel from Valle de Alcudia
Some key species you can watch are: Little Grebe, Great Cested Grebe, Eared Grebe, Greater Cormorant, Little Bittern, Black-Crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron, Great Egret, Purple Heron, Black Stork, Greater Flamingo, Glossy Ibis, Marbled Teal, Ferroginous Pochard, Red-Crested Pochard, White-Headed Duck, Osprey, Eurasian Griffon, Cinereous Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Golden Eagle, Imperial Eagle, Short-Toed Eagle, Booted Eagle, Bonelli´s Eagle, Red Kite, Black Kite, Marsh, Hen and Montagu´s Harrier, Lesser Kestrel, Black-Shouldered Kite, Peregrine Falcon, Merlin, Purple Swamphen, Common Crane, Great Bustard, Little Bustard, Pied Avocet, Black-Winged Stilt, Eurasian Thick-Knee, Collared Pratincole, Gull-Billed Tern, Whiskered Tern, Black-Belied Sandgrouse, Pin-Tailed Sandgrouse, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Eagle-Owl, Scops-Owl, Palid Swift, Alpine Swift, White-Rumped Swift, European Kingfisher, European Bee-Eater, European Roller, Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Thekla Lark, Wood Lark, Greater Short-Toed Lark, Calandra Lark, Crag-Martin, Red-Rumped Swallow, Tawny Pipit, Water Pipit, White-Throated Dipper, Bluethroat, Black-Eared Wheatear, Black Wheatear, Blue Rock-Thrush, Sardinian Warbler, Subalpine Warbler, Dartford Warbler, Moustached Warbler, Aquatic Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Savi’s Warbler, Melodius Warbler, Western Bonelli’s Warbler, Western Orphean Warbler, Firecrest, Crested Tit, Bearded Reedling, Penduline Tit, Nuthatch, Short-Toed Treecreeper, Woodchat Shrike, Grey Shrike, Golden Oriole, Azur-Winged Magpie, Red-Billed Chough, Spotless Starling, Spanish and Tree Sparrow, Rock Petronia, Serin, Hawfinch, Reed Bunting, Cirl Bunting and Rock Bunting.
Eagle-Owl
SPRING TOURS 2009 (APRIL TO JUNE)
LONG WEEKEND TRIP IN LA MANCHA
OPTION A: LA MANCHA WETLANDS AND CABANEROS NATIONAL PARK
ITINERARY:
Day 1 (Friday): Madrid Airport – Campo de Calatrava
After your flight to Madrid Airport we will head for the city of Almagro in the heart of La Mancha. Time for lunch and rest. After that we will move to the Campo de Calatrava for Great Bustard, Little Bustard, Black-Belied and Pin-Tailed Sandgrouses, Calandra Lark, Red-Billed Chough and Lesser Kestrel in the fields near Almagro. Visit to the reservoir of the Vega del Jabalón for Black-Winged Stilt, Pied Avocet, Eurasian Thick-Knee, Marsh Harrier and Montagu’s Harrier. In the evening we will head to the Sierra de Calatrava where Black Wheater, Blue Rock-Thrush and Golden Eagle can be seen all year round. At night return to Almagro across the Calatrava fields in search for the Red-Necked Nightjar.
Day 2 (Saturday): La Mancha Wetlands – Embalse del Vicario
Early morning breakfast and move towards La Mancha Wetlands in the Ciudad Real province border. Visit to the main lagoons in search of Eared Grebe, Greater Flamingo, Common Shelduck, Gadwall, Pintail, Garganey, Red-Crested Pochard, White-Headed Duck, Purple Swamphen, Collared Pratincole, Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Black-Tailed Godwit, Curlew, Caspian Gull, Little, Black, Whiskered and Gull-Billed Terns, Skylark, Bluethroat, Northern Wheater, Gray Shrike, Spanish Sparrow and Reed Bunting. After our picnic lunch with red Spanish wine back to Almagro and more birding en route in the fields around Las Tablas de Daimiel National Park: Black Kite, Common Buzzard, Kestrel, Little Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Curlew Sandpiper, Common Redshank, Bee-Eater, European Roller, Hoopoe, Greater Short-Toed Lark, Water Pipit, Gray Wagtail and Jackdaw, among others, can be seen here. Evening in the Embalse del Vicario, the best La Mancha spot for Egrets with breeding populations of Great Crested Grebe, Great Cormorant, Little Bittern, Black-Crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron, Great Egret and Purple Heron.
Day 3 (Sunday): Cabaneros National Park
Very early in the morning breakfast in Almagro and then travel to the main entrance of the stunning Cabaneros N.P., the best example of Mediterranean forest in all Spain. Into the park, 4Ă—4 vehicle route where we will see the magnificent Black Vulture and the endangered Spanish Imperial Eagle. This place is a fantastic spot to see among other interesting species: Black Stork, Griffon Vulture, Short-Toed Eagle, Booted Eagle, Red Kite, Black-Shouldered Kite, Goshawk, Green Woodpecker, Thekla Lark, Red-Rumped Swallow, Black Redstart, Black-Eared Wheater, Woodchat Shrike and the Azur-Winged Magpie.
After lunch back to Madrid Airport and end of the trip.
Expect to watch: 110 species or more.
OPTION B: TABLAS DE DAIMIEL AND CABANEROS NATIONAL PARKS
ITINERARY:
Day 1 (Friday): Madrid Airport – Campo de Calatrava
After your flight to Madrid Airport we will head for the city of Almagro in the heart of La Mancha. Time for lunch and rest. After that we will move to the Campo de Calatrava for Great Bustard, Little Bustard, Black-Belied and Pin-Tailed Sandgrouses, Calandra Lark, Red-Billed Chough and Lesser Kestrel in the fields near Almagro. Visit to the reservoir of the Vega del Jabalón for Black-Winged Stilt, Pied Avocet, Eurasian Thick-Knee, Marsh Harrier and Montagu’s Harrier. In the evening we will head to the Sierra de Calatrava where Black Wheater, Blue Rock-Thrush and Golden Eagle can be seen all year round. At night return to Almagro across the Calatrava fields in search for the Red-Necked Nightjar.
Day 2 (Saturday): Tablas de Daimiel National Park – Embalse del Vicario
Very early in the morning breakfast and move towards Tablas de Daimiel N.P. This endangered place, the former greatest jewel of La Mancha wetlands, is still an exceptional birding spot where you won’t be disappointed. Explore the main itineraries in the park in search of Little Grebe, Greylag Goose, Red-Crested Pochard, Common Pochard, Black-Shouldered Kite, Lesser Kestrel, Water Rail, Collared Pratincole, Little Ringed Plover, Common Redshank, Ruff, Whiskered Tern, Little and Scops Owls, Kingfisher, Roller, Green Woodpecker, Nightingale, Common Redstart, Moustached, Aquatic, Great Reed, Cetti’s and Savi’s Warblers, Zitting Cisticola, Willow and Wood Warblers, Firecrest, Pied Flycatcher, Bearded Reedling, Golden Oriole, Spanish and Tree Sparrows, Linnet and Reed Bunting. After our picnic lunch with dramatic views of La Mancha and red Spanish wine back to the fields around Daimiel and more birding en route: Greater Flamingo, Common Shelduck, Gadwall, White-Headed Duck, Black Kite, Common Buzzard, Dunlin, Curlew and Wood Sandpiper, Black-Tailed Godwit, Bee-Eater, Hoopoe, Greater Short-Toed Lark, Water Pipit, Gray Wagtail and Jackdaw, among others, can be seen here. Evening in the Embalse del Vicario, the best La Mancha spot for Egrets with breeding populations of Great Crested Grebe, Great Cormorant, Little Bittern, Black-Crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron, Great Egret and Purple Heron.
Day 3 (Sunday): Cabaneros National Park
Very early in the morning breakfast in Almagro and then travel to the main entrance of the stunning Cabaneros N.P., the best example of Mediterranean forest in all Spain. Into the park, 4Ă—4 vehicle route where we will see the magnificent Black Vulture and the endangered Spanish Imperial Eagle. This place is a fantastic spot to see among other interesting species: Black Stork, Griffon Vulture, Short-Toed Eagle, Booted Eagle, Red Kite, Black-Shouldered Kite, Goshawk, Green Woodpecker, Thekla Lark, Red-Rumped Swallow, Black Redstart, Black-Eared Wheater, Woodchat Shrike and the Azur-Winged Magpie.
After lunch back to Madrid Airport and end of the trip.
Expect to watch: 110 species or more.
Cost per person OPTION A or B:   250 € or 199 Pounds (2 persons)
200 € or 159 Pounds (3 persons)
170 € or 135 Pounds (4 persons)The prices includes: Travel to and from Madrid airport to the hotel in Almagro. All ground transport in 4×4 vehicle. Fuel. One day packed lunch. Mineral water and Spanish red wine for all the travel. Insurance. Cabaneros National Park entrance fees. Bird guide services. Use of spotting scopes (one per vehicle) and binoculars (one per traveller). Birds, butterflies, flowers, reptils and mammals check-list. VAT 7%.
Prices excludes: Personal equipment, expenditure on drinks not mentioned, any other activities not mentioned, accommodation and meals.
In Almagro you can find a wide range of lodgings, prices from 50 € to 200 € for a double room with private facilities and breakfast. Meals prices from 12 € to 50 €.
Cost guaranteed for a minimum of 2 travellers. Maximum 4 travellers. Ask budgets for more travellers.
Itinerary will change depending on requirements of customers, destiny selected or weather conditions.
Ensure to arrange your long-weekend in advance.
The cost needs to be paid in Euro through a bank transfer. Ask for our details.
Price in pounds sterling as an estimate.
Plans may change depending on the flights schedule.
If you have any dietary needs please inform us.
EXTRA DAYS:
TABLAS DE DAIMIEL AND CAMPO DE MUDELA (OPTION A)
Visit to Tablas de Daimiel N.P. and fields around. Evening in the Campo de Mudela for Iberian raptors and more Mediterranean forest species. Night route for the majestic Eagle-Owl.
Key species: Black Stork, Golden Eagle, Spanish Imperial, Short-Toed Eagle, Black-Shouldered Kite, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Eagle-Owl, Little Owl, Red-Necked Nightjar, Bee-Eater, Hoopoe, Green Woodpecker, Wood Lark, Crag Martin, Red.Rumped Swallow, Water Pipit, Blue-Rock Thrush, Garden and Sardinian Warblers, Moustached, Great Reed, Aquatic and Savi’s Warblers, Willow and Wood Warblers, Long-Tailed Tit, Bearded Reedling, Golden Oriole, Azur-Winged Magpie, Spanish and Tree Sparrows, Hawfinch, Reed and Rock Buntings.LA MANCHA WETLANDS (OPTION B)
All day birding in La Mancha Wetlands, a superb spot in the Ciudad Real border that, in fact, is the most important wet area inland the Iberian Peninsula.
Key species: Eared Grebe, Greater Flamingo, Common Shelduck, Gadwall, Pintail, Garganey, Red-Crested Pochard, Common Pochard, White-Headed Duck, Purple Swamphen, Collared Pratincole, Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Black-Tailed Godwit, Curlew, Caspian Gull, Little, Black, Whiskered and Gull-Billed Terns, Skylark, Bluethroat, Northern Wheater, Gray Shrike, Spanish Sparrow and Reed Bunting.VALLE DE ALCUDIA
Different options for exploring the exceptional, isolated and undiscovered Valle de Alcudia in Sierra Morena, Europe’s longest dehesa like valley and its impressive sierras (mountain ranges). Depending your birding requirements we can visit east, central or west valley and sierras.
Key species: Black Stork, Griffon, Cinereous and Egyptian Vultures, Golden Eagle, Spanish Imperial, Short-Toed, Booted and Bonelli’s Eagles, Red and Black Kites, Eurasian Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Goshawk, Peregrine Falcon, Great Bustard, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Pallid Swift, White-Rumped Swift, Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Wood and Calandra Larks, Crag-Martin, Red-Rumped Swallow, White-Throated Dipper, Black Redstart, Black-Eared and Black Wheaters, Blue Rock-Thrush, Blackcap, Sardinian and Western Orphean Warblers, Spotted Flycatcher, Coal and Crested Tits, Nuthatch, Short-Toed Treecreeper, Red-Billed Chough, Raven, Azur-Winged Magpie, Hawfinch, Cirl and Rock Buntings.CAMPO DE MONTIEL AND DESPENAPERROS NATURAL PARK
Full day birding in the mother land of Iberian Raptors. The Campo de Montiel, really underwatched, is an excellent example of open Mediterranean forest, plenty of small mammals like Partridges, Rabbits and Hares. The Despenaperros Natural Park is the natural border crossing between Castilla-La Mancha and Andalucia and a sensational spot for largest and endangered Paleartic Raptors, such as Imperial, Golden and Bonelli’s Eagles.
Key species: Griffon and Cinereous Vultures, Golden, Spanish Imperial, Short-Toed, Booted and Bonelli’s Eagles, Red and Black Kites, Montagu’s Harrier, Eurasian Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Goshawk, Peregrine Falcon, Little Bustard, Common and Great Spotted Cuckoos, Pallid, Alpine and White-Rumped Swifts, Bee-Eater, Hoopoe, Green Woodpecker, Wood Lark, Calandra Lark, Crag-Martin, Red-Rumped Swallow, Black Redstart, Black-Eared Wheater, Blue Rock-Thrush, Crested Tit, Woodchat-Shrike, Golden Oriole, Carrion Crow, Raven, Hawfinch and Rock Bunting.SIERRA DE ANDUJAR, KINGDOM OF THE IBERIAN LYNX
South of La Mancha we can find the Sierra de Andujar Natural Park, homeland of the greatest wild population of Iberian Lynx and also a good spot for Iberian raptors. Though encounters with the big cat are not easy, there are chances to watch this wonderful animal in its own habitat. In the appropriate season this park is an excellent place for those who are looking for the White-Rumped Swift.MONTES DE CIUDAD REAL
A huge land in the west of La Mancha very near Extremadura where we can find mostly of the Iberian raptors (including the slippery Black-Shouldered Kite) and many others surprises, like Black Storks or the scarce Rufous-Tailed Scrub-Robin. Isolated and uninhabited, here you can feel like a modern explorer.Extra days cost per person: 105 € or 84 Pounds (2 persons)
85 € or 68 Pounds (3 persons)
75 € or 60 Pounds (4 persons)
Watching Black Storks in Sierra Morena
Tours are made in comfortable airconditioned all-terrained vehicle Mitsubishi Montero All Four (reduced groups, 6 persons maximun).
Our big Mitsubishi Montero
Our city home, Almagro, is located 200 km. south of Madrid.
http://maps.google.es/maps?ll=38.890897,-3.706416&z=11&t=h&hl=es
Our expert local guides are active members of SEO (Birdlife in Spain) and the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF), and they have realized many different birding tours all over the world, like India, Uganda ( see it in http://seocrviajes.blogspot.com/2008_01_01_archive.html , only in spanish), Tanzania, Botswana, Mali, Gambia, Senegal, Chile, Costa Rica, etc.Â
Birding Flamingos in Chile
You can contact us and ask for our guided tours around Castilla-La Mancha and Andalucia. We can also draw up tailor-made itineraries for individuals or groups.
In La Mancha you can find stunning and unknown landscapes, traditional country towns and incredible dusks in the flat horizons of Castilla, some of the best red wines of Spain and our excellent local cuisine. The land of Don Quixote and his kindly people is looking forward to seeing you.
Natura Indomita.
Vicente Malagon
Tf. 0034 926 86 08 06 - 0034 651 88 03 39
e-mail: naturaindomita@telefonica.net
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