ANDALUCIA

a ten day trip including some rare and localised birds, and the Alhambra

Black-eared Wheatear

LOCAL DEPARTURE FROM LEEDS

Spain's most diverse region, Andalucia, is rich in heritage, scenery and birdlife. From the peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the marshes of the Guadalquivir, from the semi-desert of Almeria province to the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, there is a great deal to interest us on this nine night tour. This late spring visit is timed to see many species which cannot be seen on a more traditional early spring Coto Donana/Extremadura trip. White-rumped Swift, Little Swift, Rufous Bush Chat, Western Olivaceous Warbler, Iberian Chiffchaff, Cory's Shearwater, Audouin's Gull, Alpine Accentor.

Western Orphean Warbler, Trumpeter Finch, Rock Thrush and Black Wheatear are all more likely on this itinerary. Our first three nights are based in Los Palacios, just south of Seville, from where we will explore steppe lakes and marshes on the east side of the River Guadalquivir. We then move on to Granada for a three night stay, visiting the Sierra Nevada and semi-deserts of Almeria province, as well as the beautiful Alhambra. Finally, three nights will be spent at Tarifa, the southernmost point of mainland Europe, visiting nearby hills in search of raptors and other breeding birds.

ITINERARY

THE GUADALQUIVIR MARSHES

On day one we will fly to Malaga and then drive to Los Palacios, our base for the first three nights. On the east bank of the famous Guadalquivir delta, adjacent to the Coto Donana, are some areas of preserved habitat where a multitude of wetland birds can be found. Purple Gallinules are common, Collared Pratincoles are abundant and herons, egrets, terns, waders and ducks vie for our attention. Marbled Teal is quite numerous on this side of the river.

We have found a great site for Western Olivaceous Warbler; a late arriving migrant with a limited world distribution. Rufous Bush Robin can also be found. A short drive inland will take us to steppe lakes which hold breeding Crested Coots and White-headed Ducks; both give excellent views. Savi's Warblers call from reed-tops, Azure-winged Magpies chatter in stone-pine woods and Hoopoes and Bee-eaters are abundant throughout. Black-shouldered Kites (right, P Willoughby) have been seen here by some of our groups. An evening excursion should produce sightings of Red-necked Nightjar. After two full days and a morning here we will head east to Granada, for a three night stay.

GRANADA

Spain's most famous building, the Alhambra, is simply awe-inspiring. Consisting of several palaces built over a period of 300 years, the Alhambra features cool marble courtyards and shaded gardens which ensure that a visit on even the hottest day is a pleasant experience. One can only marvel at the intricately carved walls, ceilings and archways; at the beautiful fountains; and the imposing towers. Even the most blinkered birder couldn't help but be impressed; the Firecrests, Blue Rock Thrushes and Serins which are common in the gardens provide a slight distraction.

We will set aside several hours to visit the Alhambra. A full day will be spent in the Sierra Nevada, where mainland Spain's highest mountains look imposingly down on Granada. We can drive to nearly 2400 metres (8000 feet); within reach of high altitude Alpine Accentors and Rock Thrush. On the lower slopes are Bonelli's Warblers, Spectacled Warblers, Dartford Warblers and Subalpine Warblers. Later in the day, Scops Owls and European Nightjars will be our target at a site close to our hotel.

We will visit an area of nearby steppe where Little Bustard, Stone Curlew, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Roller and Black-bellied Sandgrouse can be found. We will then drive to the Tabernas desert, the driest place in Europe. This is spaghetti western film-making territory; many people's image of the wild west is actually based on the canyons, barren hills and plains of this part of Almeria province. Amid dramatic scenery we will search for Rufous Bush Robin, Black Wheatear, Orphean Warbler, Southern Grey Shrike, Crag Martin, Thekla Lark, Little Owl and Bonelli's Eagle. This region is the only place in Europe where Trumpeter Finch occur, although they are far from guaranteed.

TARIFA

On day seven we will head south to Tarifa, for the final three nights. Our route takes us through Ronda, a dramatic town built above a deep gorge; as someone once said, 'home to more Choughs than the whole of Wales'. A short stop should also produce views of nesting Lesser Kestrels. We will leave the main road and visit places where there are breeding Bee-eaters, Bonelli's Eagles, and Dartfort and Spectacled Warblers, plus a colony of Alpine Swifts and Griffon Vultures.

Two full days and a morning in the Tarifa area will give us ample time to look for the area's star bird, White-rumped Swift. First discovered breeding in 1964, this true African speciality is now known to occur at several sites in southern Spain. They arrive in late May and nest in old Red-rumped Swallow nests. Our trip is timed to maximize our chances of finding this enigmatic bird. Remarkably, Little Swifts have now started to breed here too, and have seen both on previous visits. Whilst searching we can also expect close views of Griffon Vultures at a colony, as well as Lesser Kestrel, Pallid Swift, Egyptian Vulture and Black-eared Wheatear. A magnificent adult Eagle Owl rounded off a particularly productive afternoon here one year.

One day will be spent exploring the Ojen Valley, with its numerous raptors; kites, eagles, falcons and vultures. In oak woods Iberian Chiffchaffs sing their strange metallic warble. Bonelli's Warblers are common and Hawfinch can be found. A look out to sea should reveal passing Cory's, Yelkouan and Balearic Shearwaters, and the occasional Audouin's Gull. Lesser Crested Terns have been seen here with some regularity in recent springs.

If weather conditions are suitable, hundreds of raptors, mainly Honey Buzzards and Black Kites will be seen migrating north. Crossing the Mediterranean at the narrowest point, these birds can give excellent views, with a backdrop of the Moroccan coast some ten miles away. Finally, on day ten, we will birdwatch in the morning, and have lunch at our hotel, before our early evening flight from Malaga to Leeds.

PACE There will be several optional pre-breakfast walks. Breakfast will be taken at about 7.30am most mornings, perhaps slightly later following a pre-breakfast walk or if the previous day has been tiring. Basic fitness is all that is required. Full days will be spent in the field and short to medium length walks on the flat will be undertaken regularly. In order to see Alpine Accentor in the Sierra Nevada, there is an uphill walk on a steadily rising metalled road which will take most of the day. This walk is optional; there is plenty to do closer to the car park for anyone wanting a shorter walk.

ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD Full-board accommodation is provided, with three nights at the Hotel Manolo Mayo in Los Palacios, three nights at the Hotel San Gabriel in Granada and three nights at the Hotel Meson de Sancho near Tarifa. All have en suite bathrooms. Packed lunches will be taken some days. On other days we will have lunch at the hotel, followed by a siesta if the weather is hot.

PRICE INCLUDES ….. All birdwatching excursions with expert leader, full-board accommodation, soft drinks at meal times, local transport by mini-bus, reserve entrance fees, return flights, and flight and airport taxes.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED Cost of travel insurance, payable at the time of booking. Items of a personal nature, alcoholic drinks, laundry, etc.

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS Return scheduled flight with Jet2 from Leeds to Malaga. Outbound flight departs early afternoon, return flight arrives back early evening.

HOME