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Extremadura, Spain - April 17^th – 24^th

^{Unfortunately, this trip is now FULLY BOOKED. Please choose another destination.}

~ Introduction ~

This is Spanish birding at its best, based south of Trujillo in a converted winery we are within easy reach of Extremadura’s best bird watching sites.

~ Itinerary ~

Day One

Arrive at Gatwick in time for a 9.00am flight before landing in Madrid mid-morning, giving us a great start to the day. From Madrid we will head towards our base, possibly stopping on the way at Toledo or just for a coffee break if required.

We will stop off at Almaraz to see some of the water birds in the area and hopefully get the trip off to a good start. Purple Heron, Little Bittern, Great Reed Warbler and Night Heron will be our targets, before heading off to our base for a cup of tea and to check in.

The early evening will give us a chance to walk in the local area; Azure-winged Magpie, Bee-eater, Hoopoe, Scops Owl and Little Owl can be seen here.

Day Two

Setting off after breakfast we will head for Montfrague National Park. This will be a ‘raptor’ day with Spanish Imperial, Golden, Bonelli’s and Booted eagles all possible, along with Black, Griffon and Egyptian Vultures. Add to that Black Kite and Eagle Owl and you have an impressive list. There should also be Black Stork, Blue Rock Thrush, Azure-winged Magpie and Alpine Swift to name just a few others.

Day Three

Today we will head west towards Caceres. This gives us an opportunity to see birds such as Great and Little Bustard, Pintailed and Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Crested, Thekla, Calandra and Short-toed Larks as well as Roller and even Montague’s Harrier.

Day Four

Today we head south to Madregalejo. The rice fields around here provide Gull Billed Terns, Collared Pratincoles, Black-winged Stilt and Southern Grey Shrike. There is a chance of seeing the feral Adavadats and Waxbills in the area as well as Great Spotted Cuckoo.

Day Five

Heading out of Trujillo we will wander around river banks and through dehesa (scrub) to find warblers and shrikes with a supporting cast of raptors in the area. In Trujillo we will be looking for Pallid Swift and Lesser Kestrel amongst the town’s historical buildings.

Day Six

An early start and back to Almaraz to try to catch up with

Purple Swamp-hen and Black-shouldered Kite as well as spend a more time looking for waders, warblers, herons and egrets.

Day Seven

This will be a day to try for any birds we have missed, so no planning is needed for today - just co-operation and compromise.

Day Eight

Depart from the hotel after a morning stroll in the local area to head back to Madrid where we will catch a return flight to the UK.

~ General ~

Some of the places we will be visiting will require some walking, however, the walks are generally flat and pleasant and done at a comfortable pace.

We will have packed lunches at selected points. We will always try to ensure there are sufficient comfort stops.

         Cost: £649 Per person.