davebroadley
Well-known member
This is a brief account of a trip to the Spanish region of Extramadura, an area of steppe-like plains & cork oak plantations that extends S.W from MADRID.
Arriving at MADRID airport early afternoon, we headed off down the E90 ,with our local guide, towards TRUHILLO, our base for the 5 days, 260km away.
Stopping for fuel after an uninspiring 1st leg, we wandered around the service stn looking at Crested Lark, House Sparrow, Corn Bunting(25+) and a Zitting Cisticola(why does that sound like a anti-social disease).
Continuing on , picking up Common Buzzard, Cattle Egrets, SPotless Starling and our 1st Black Kite, we turned off at ALMARAZ where the warm water outlet of the nuclear power plant has created a wetland area.
Piling out of the minibus a male Marsh Harrier, Black Kite, and a delightful Black- winged Kite were quickly seen.
1,000's of hirundines swept over the water, Sand & House Martins, Common & Red-rumped Swallows & Common Swift all mingled together.
In the reeds & bushes Spanish Sparrow, Coot, Moorhen, Grey & Purple Heron, Little Bittern & 3 Purple Gallinules were seen, whilst a Savi's Warbler & Cetti's Warbler sang in the background.
In the hotel grounds at first light Spotless Starling, House & Spanish Sparrows left their roost, whilst next door Lesser Kestrel were nesting along with a Black Redstart. White Storks lumbered across the sky as they left their nests on the churches & castle.
After breakfast we headed out into the plains that surround TRUHILLO, and turning off the E90 at BELEM we started scanning the fields as we slowly drove along the back roads, a group of 5 male & 8 female Gt Bustard were soon seen, along with Stone Curlew, Black & Red Kites & Booted Eagle.
Moving along Calandra Larks were spotted , along with Corn Bunting ( a very common bird) , Meadow Pipits, Crested Lark and a single Northen Wheatear.
After lunch we headed out in the opposite direction, passing through vast oak plantations where Azure-winged Magpies, Southern Grey & Woodchat Shrikes were abundant.
Stopping near SANTA MARTA DE MAGASCA to admire Marsh & Hen Harriers, 50+ Little Bustards were seen in the fields. To add to the excitement 3 male & 2 female Montague's Harriers + Black Vulture & Booted Eagle made an appearance.
Next day saw us at the MONFRAGUE NATURAL PARK for our "raptor day" . Arriving at the VULTURE ROCK viewpoint, a pinnacle of rock rising from the waters of the ROI TAJO, the quantity of raptors was staggering. Griffon Vultures on nests, flying or just loafing around vied for attention as Black & Egyptian Vultures, Peregrine, Short-toed, Booted & Bonneli's Eagles glided around the rock face with Black Storks .
Smaller birds were not ignored with Redstart, Blue Rock Thrush, Serin, Wren, Subalpine Warbler, Chaffinch, Goldfinch & Rock Bunting all being seen.
At the hydro dam on the RIO TIETAR, Cormorants, Little Grebe, Kingfisher, Siskins, Hawfinch (5) and best of all, Spanish Imperial Eagle.
Back in TRUHILLO, a visit to the bullring ( built 1854) saw Lesser Kestrel & Pallid Swift along with Black -winged Stilts,Common Sandpiper & Little Ringed Plover.
Oor last full day was around the RIO ALIMATA looking in vain for Rock Sparrow but compensation came in the form of Black -eared Wheatear, Thekla & Woodlark, Gt spotted Cuckoo, Grey & white Wagtails, Crag Martins & Alpine Swifts.
We left at midday for the long haul back to the airport, but still managed to see Red-legged Partridge,Common Cuckoo & Iberian Hares.
A wonderful trip with a combined total of 109 species seen / heard
Arriving at MADRID airport early afternoon, we headed off down the E90 ,with our local guide, towards TRUHILLO, our base for the 5 days, 260km away.
Stopping for fuel after an uninspiring 1st leg, we wandered around the service stn looking at Crested Lark, House Sparrow, Corn Bunting(25+) and a Zitting Cisticola(why does that sound like a anti-social disease).
Continuing on , picking up Common Buzzard, Cattle Egrets, SPotless Starling and our 1st Black Kite, we turned off at ALMARAZ where the warm water outlet of the nuclear power plant has created a wetland area.
Piling out of the minibus a male Marsh Harrier, Black Kite, and a delightful Black- winged Kite were quickly seen.
1,000's of hirundines swept over the water, Sand & House Martins, Common & Red-rumped Swallows & Common Swift all mingled together.
In the reeds & bushes Spanish Sparrow, Coot, Moorhen, Grey & Purple Heron, Little Bittern & 3 Purple Gallinules were seen, whilst a Savi's Warbler & Cetti's Warbler sang in the background.
In the hotel grounds at first light Spotless Starling, House & Spanish Sparrows left their roost, whilst next door Lesser Kestrel were nesting along with a Black Redstart. White Storks lumbered across the sky as they left their nests on the churches & castle.
After breakfast we headed out into the plains that surround TRUHILLO, and turning off the E90 at BELEM we started scanning the fields as we slowly drove along the back roads, a group of 5 male & 8 female Gt Bustard were soon seen, along with Stone Curlew, Black & Red Kites & Booted Eagle.
Moving along Calandra Larks were spotted , along with Corn Bunting ( a very common bird) , Meadow Pipits, Crested Lark and a single Northen Wheatear.
After lunch we headed out in the opposite direction, passing through vast oak plantations where Azure-winged Magpies, Southern Grey & Woodchat Shrikes were abundant.
Stopping near SANTA MARTA DE MAGASCA to admire Marsh & Hen Harriers, 50+ Little Bustards were seen in the fields. To add to the excitement 3 male & 2 female Montague's Harriers + Black Vulture & Booted Eagle made an appearance.
Next day saw us at the MONFRAGUE NATURAL PARK for our "raptor day" . Arriving at the VULTURE ROCK viewpoint, a pinnacle of rock rising from the waters of the ROI TAJO, the quantity of raptors was staggering. Griffon Vultures on nests, flying or just loafing around vied for attention as Black & Egyptian Vultures, Peregrine, Short-toed, Booted & Bonneli's Eagles glided around the rock face with Black Storks .
Smaller birds were not ignored with Redstart, Blue Rock Thrush, Serin, Wren, Subalpine Warbler, Chaffinch, Goldfinch & Rock Bunting all being seen.
At the hydro dam on the RIO TIETAR, Cormorants, Little Grebe, Kingfisher, Siskins, Hawfinch (5) and best of all, Spanish Imperial Eagle.
Back in TRUHILLO, a visit to the bullring ( built 1854) saw Lesser Kestrel & Pallid Swift along with Black -winged Stilts,Common Sandpiper & Little Ringed Plover.
Oor last full day was around the RIO ALIMATA looking in vain for Rock Sparrow but compensation came in the form of Black -eared Wheatear, Thekla & Woodlark, Gt spotted Cuckoo, Grey & white Wagtails, Crag Martins & Alpine Swifts.
We left at midday for the long haul back to the airport, but still managed to see Red-legged Partridge,Common Cuckoo & Iberian Hares.
A wonderful trip with a combined total of 109 species seen / heard
