Orchids and Birds of Extremadura Tour
A private eight-day Birds of Extremadura tour including a focus on orchids led by Martin Kelsey anytime from March to late April.
Spring in Extremadura offers one of the most exciting and memorable wildlife experiences in Europe. Thanks to its low human population density and still largely traditional land use, there is plenty of space for nature and for the birds of Extremadura. There is a surprising diversity of landscapes. So, in a week’s holiday different habitats can be explored each day. This adds to the richness of the experience. The landscape is perhaps at its most stunning: lush and emerald-green.
There are about 60 species of orchids recorded in Extremadura. In a week, especially from late March, it should be possible to find between 15 and 20 species. The peak of the very attractive Ophrys (bee-type orchids) flowering is from mid-March to mid-April. Early spring is also the best time of all to enjoy watching the birds of the open plains. It is excellent for early butterflies, with perhaps 15-20 species possible. Resident birds are nesting and spring migrants are arriving in strength. As spring progress, the interesting Serapias (tongue orchids) become more dominant. From mid to late April, woodland orchids like Sulphur Orchid, Provence Orchid and Langei’s Orchid can be found, as well as helleborines.
The birding on the plains is at its most spectacular in early spring, with Great Bustards in display and the visibility excellent because of the lower vegetation and milder temperatures. Many spring migrants arrive during March and by mid-April, almost all have arrived. Birds of Extremadura include one of the richest breeding communities of birds of prey, 23 species recorded so far! Amazing encounters with raptors, classic specialities like bustards and sandgrouse and the full panoply of exciting Mediterranean species - who could ask for anything more.
Birding Extremadura will provide a full picnic lunch based on local products located at a spot with an amazing view and a constant welcome distraction of passing birds of prey.
Five top highlights
- Exploring ancient olive groves with colonies of orchids, different species in flower and early spring hairstreak butterflies on the wing.
- Trundling male Great Bustards in full display, white pyramids of vibrating passion in the green landscape.
- Limestone hillsides with special orchids, affording views across the heart of Extremadura, with eagles and vultures overhead, blessed with the sweet song of larks.
- Picnic in Monfragüe National Park, an otter with her cubs, and the spring migrants everywhere.
- Piecing together a landscape: its geology, vegetation, the role of the human hand through history, a sense of space, full of nature.
Would you like a more specialist trip to see dragonflies? If so, the Extremadura Dragonfly Holiday, Spain is the one for you.
(Now almost fully booked for 2021 and taking bookings for 2022!)
Birding Extremadura is registered by the Government of Extremadura OA-CC-00052 and is a proud member of the Birding in Extremadura Product Club.
(Now almost fully booked for 2021 and taking bookings for 2022!)
Sharing our passion for nature in Extremadura since 2005
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Wildlife
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