Butterflies and Dragonflies in Extremadura in Early Summer
A private 8-day Butterfly Holiday in Extremadura led by Martin Kelsey any time from late May to early July. This Extremadura butterfly holiday is a leisurely paced trip available on request where you can expect to see at least 60 species.
Extremadura is one of Europe’s top birding destinations and the region also offers the visitor an incredible wealth of other wildlife experiences. Thanks to its low human population density and still largely traditional land use, there is plenty of space for nature. 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.
"I have stayed with Martin and Claudia (great hosts) several times now over the years, at Casa Rural El Recuerdo. And have seen many birds, plants, butterflies, and dragonfly species during my time spent there. Martin is very knowledgeable and very acquainted with the area, and without him I would have certainly struggled with finding the sought after species I wanted to see." - Mark Ferris
Late May to early July is an ideal time for butterflies, which can also be combined with dragonflies and some excellent birding. There are over 120 species of butterflies. We should be able to see at least half of these during a week’s private tour. About 20% of the dragonfly fauna are species of African-origin and this is of particular interest.
Birds, especially late spring specialties and mountain-breeding species can also be expected. You can get the first signs of autumn passage from the start of June.
We visit all the important habitats on this butterfly holiday: open plains, dehesa, mountains, heathland, river valleys, and wetlands. The focus will be on watercourses, deciduous woodland, and mountain meadows.
Please tell us which species you are particularly interested in seeing and we will advise you on the best time to visit. As well as aiming to see as many species as possible, there will also be plenty of scope for photography. There will be time to enjoy staying in one place seeking excellent views of target species.
The itinerary is tailor-made to focus on your interests and priorities. We often use a second accommodation base in the north of Extremadura to take full advantage of the glorious habitats to be found in the mountains.
Butterfly Holiday in Extremadura highlights include:
- Watching the huge Two-tailed Pasha as it haunts groves of strawberry trees
- Walking through sweet chestnut and oak woodland, with a constant passage of butterflies along the path
- Mountain meadows alive with butterflies, with dragonflies roaming marshy patches and Ortolan Buntings in song
- Getting to grips with skippers and blues along mountain tracks
- Walking on a two-thousand-year-old Roman Bridge surrounded by Pallid, Alpine and Common Swifts, with herons species flying overhead and Penduline Tits in the willows, whilst butterflies haunt the irrigated lawns of a nearby park
Please note: now fully booked for 2022 but taking bookings for 2023!
Would you like to experience a short tour/trip option to complete your Spanish birding experience? Why not have a look at the Extremadura Half Day Birdwatching Trip, Spain.
Birding Extremadura is registered by the Government of Extremadura OA-CC-00052 and is a proud member of the Birding in Extremadura Product Club.
Sharing our passion for nature in Extremadura since 2005
Alternative Tour Name: Extremadura’s Dragonfly and Butterfly Customised Tour
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