Spain - Extremadura & Doñana NP ....... 16th to 24th April 2011

This tour provides a splendid combination of two of Spain’s finest reserves: Parque Nacional de Monfragüe in Extremadura, and Doñana National Park in the south-west of the country. The region of Extremadura offers a wonderful array of plains birds and a variety of evocative landscapes: open, rolling steppes, the managed parkland of holm oak (dehesa), and the rugged mountain ranges which are so attractive to raptors. Steppe birds will feature prominently, with Great & Little Bustards high on the list of birds to be searched for. Migrant breeding birds such as Short-toed Eagle, Alpine Swift, European Roller, European Bee-eater and Woodchat Shrike should have arrived; and little needs to be written about Doñana National Park - it is simply one of the very best wetlands in the world.

Day 1: Arrive at Madrid airport to be met by Ray Tipper and drive to Parque Nacional de Monfragüe where, if time permits, a brief visit will be made to Peñafalcón, an impressive rock pinnacle famous for its Eurasian Griffon Vultures.
Overnight – Torrejón el Rubio.

Days 2 - 4: Over the next few days we shall explore the Parque Nacional de Monfragüe and surrounding areas. The park is renowned for its raptors, especially its vultures with resident Eurasian Griffon & Eurasian Black, Egyptian Vulture, Spanish Imperial & Bonelli’s Eagles are all present in spring. Calandra Lark, Eurasian Crag Martin, Sardinian Warbler, Southern Grey Shrike, Azure-winged Magpie, Spanish Sparrow and Rock Bunting are just some of the resident passerines and Rock Sparrow is always possible, if difficult to find. Black-shouldered Kite is a speciality we shall search for, along with Black-bellied & Pin-tailed Sandgrouse.
Overnights - Torrejón el Rubio.

Day 5: After breakfast we drive to Doñana National Park, aiming to arrive in time for an hour or two’s birdwatching by the marismas outside our hotel.
Overnight - Sanlúcar de Barrameda.

Days 6 - 8: On Day 6 we drive the East Bank of the Rio Guadalquivir and into Doñana National Park. Here we will explore a variety of habitats: mixed woodland, freshwater lakes, open heath, marshes and dunes. El Rocío and the Doñana NP centres - La Rocina and El Acebuche – offer Squacco Heron, Glossy Ibis, European Spoonbill, Greater Flamingo, Red-crested Pochard, Purple Swamp-hen and a variety of waders.
Overnights - Doñana.

Day 9: After breakfast we will transfer to Seville to catch our flight home.

Tour ref: AA1113

Cost: £1,590
Deposit: £200
Single Room Supplement: £125

Leaders: Ray Tipper & Neil Glenn

Max. Group: 14 plus Leaders

Includes:
Economy class scheduled return flights (UK-Madrid-Seville-UK), accommodation based on twin occupancy, all meals, ground transportation in Spain, and services of leader.

Excludes:
Travel insurance, drinks and items of a personal nature.