Custom Winter Birdwatching Tour in Extremadura
A private eight-day Extremadura birding tour led by Martin Kelsey anytime from November to mid-February. The key attraction is the huge wintering population of Common Crane. There is an exciting supporting cast of vast numbers of waterfowl. Also smaller birds which draw in raptors like Hen Harrier and Merlin.
During this birding Extremadura tour, we will explore a range of different habitats. Resident birds like bustards, sandgrouse and eagles add extra spice, as well as species like Alpine Accentor.
A winter Extremadura birding 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. This attracts huge numbers of birds from northern and eastern Europe.
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. Different habitats can be explored each day.
The winter season runs from November until mid-February. We will 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 Crane. 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 leave by late February.
From January the first summer migrants are also making an appearance. Tell us which species you are particularly interested in seeing. 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 based on local products. We find places with an amazing view and a constant welcome distraction of passing birds of prey.
We have recorded a total of over 175 species on winter tours. Depending on the time of year and your interests, at least 130 species should be expected.
Extremadura birding 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 Extremadura Butterfly Holiday, Spain?
Please Note: 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.
Sharing our passion for nature in Extremadura since 2005
Alternative Tour Name: Extremadura’s Customised Winter Birding Tour
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