Custom Winter Birdwatching Tour in Extremadura
A private 8-day Extremadura Birding Winter Tour led by Martin Kelsey any time from November to mid-February. This Extremadura birdwatching holiday is a relaxing-paced trip available on request where you can expect to see at least 130 species. The key attraction is the huge wintering population of Common Cranes. There is an exciting supporting cast of vast numbers of waterfowl, and the smaller birds draw in raptors such as Hen Harrier and Merlin.
During this birding Extremadura tour, we will explore a range of different habitats. Resident birds such as bustards, sandgrouse and eagles add extra spice, as well as species such as Alpine Accentor.
A winter Extremadura bird watching tour offers some of the most spectacular nature experiences in Europe. The region has the highest bird species richness of anywhere in Spain in winter. This is thanks to the relatively mild weather and abundance of food, which attract huge numbers of birds from northern and eastern Europe.
"We've had several holidays with Martin and Claudia and all have been amazing - great hosts, friendly, knowledgeable field guiding and super coffee stops! Martin tailored each trip to match our requests exactly and we've seen birds, plants, butterflies, dragonflies and stunning scenery without feeling hurried as in other organised trips we have been on. We're looking forward to our next trip!!" - Julie and Geoff
Winter birding in Extremadura is also ideal for seeing see some of the resident species. These include sandgrouse, Stone Curlew and Black-winged Kite. There is a surprising diversity of landscapes and different habitats can be explored each day.
The winter season runs from November until mid-February. We visit all the important habitats for winter birding: open plains, dehesa, gorges, river valleys and wetlands.
One of the highlights is the vast numbers of Common Cranes. Extremadura holds Europe’s largest wintering population of this evocative species, with about 140,000 present. They are at their peak by the end of November and have left by late February.
From January the first summer migrants also make an appearance. Tell us which species you are particularly interested in seeing and we can advise you on the best time to visit. This Extremadura birdwatching will be tailor-made to focus on your interests.
Birding Extremadura will provide a full picnic lunch everyday, based on local products. We find places with an amazing view to stop for our food, with the constant welcome distraction of passing birds of prey.
Extremadura Birding Winter Tour highlights include:
- Skeins of Common Cranes on their way to roost - pure joy for the senses with the sound of their bugling calls against a colourful early evening sky
- The exuberance of displaying Spanish Imperial Eagles somersaulting and sky-dancing above us
- Vast flocks of larks rising from the ground as a Hen Harrier drifts over the plains, often with a Merlin following at a short distance
- Listening to the sonorous hoot of an Eagle Owl
- Masses of wintering waterfowl, vortices of hundreds of Shoveler, Bluethroats in the ditches and Alpine Accentors around castles
Would you benefit from going on a more specialised tour? What about our Extremadura Butterfly Holiday, Spain?
Please Note: now taking bookings for select dates in 2022 and also 2023!
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 Customised Winter Birding Tour
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