Andalucía
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The southbound migration of birds of prey and storks across the Strait of Gibraltar each autumn has long been recognised as one of Europe's greatest avian spectacles. The narrow stretch of water between the sierras of southernmost Andalucia and the coast of North Africa provides the shortest crossing over the Mediterranean, with the result that huge numbers of migratory soaring birds flock here every September. Our tour will focus on the best raptor watchpoints around Tarifa, with spectacular views across the Strait to the mountains of Morocco. When conditions are right, parties of Black Kites and Honey Buzzards assemble in search of the morning's first thermals, rising up over the wooded slopes of the coastal sierras. Anticipation grows as the first dots appear in the distance, gradually metamorphosing into an assortment of different shapes and sizes, now discernible as birds of prey. Soon they are with us! At times, some are so close we can see the 'expression' on their faces: Eurasian Griffons, Egyptian Vultures, Booted and Short-toed Eagles, Marsh and Montagu's Harriers... all gathering together in readiness for the crossing to Morocco. With them come clouds of White Storks and often a sprinkling of scarcer Black Storks, seeking to gain height before streaming out across the Strait. Each day will of course be different as the presence of raptors depends very much on the prevailing winds. On days when the winds are not right however, there is much to see elsewhere in this lovely corner of Spain. Black-winged Stilt, Hoopoe and Sardinian Warbler are among a host of classic 'Mediterranean' birds to try for and we might also be lucky to find some of the region's more localised inhabitants, such as Black-winged Kite, Audouin's Gull, White-rumped and Little Swifts - and perhaps even Rüppell's Vulture. But all this is to come, for our tour begins to the north of Cadiz with a three-night stay beside Spain's most illustrious national park, the Coto Doñana. Purple Swamphens clamber about the reeds and troops of exotic Azure-winged Magpies roam the pines, whilst the wetlands at nearby Huelva host migrant waders and terns as well as resident specialities such as Greater Flamingo and White-headed Duck. In September, large numbers of passerine migrants pass through too, including virtually all the Pied Flycatchers in Europe! |
© Jamie McMillan/Nature Portfolio
Watching raptors crossing the Strait of Gibraltar, with the mountains of Morocco in the distance
Price: £ 1,595
The price is per person, and is fully inclusive of return flights London-Gibraltar, all accommodation, meals, surface transport, incidental tips, airport taxes, map, bird checklist and services of the leaders
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Stephen Daly lives at Barbate, just along the coast from Tarifa, and leads many of our Spanish tours. His intimate local knowledge of the fickle winds and weather patterns around The Strait of Gibraltar during the peak season for migration will prove invaluable on this exciting autumn tour.
Flights: We usually use the scheduled services of British Airways or similar, direct from London-Gibraltar. (Just occasionally, we may switch routes to fly Seville or Jerez instead, according to airline schedules and timings available at the time. If you are planning to join this tour on a 'land only' basis please contact our office to check routing and where to meet group.) Trip Details: Accommodation: We begin with three nights at the charming and comfortable 3-star Hotel La Malvasia ('the White-headed Duck') in El Rocio village, with views overlooking the Coto. Its 16 guest rooms feature handmade furniture, antique tiles and private bathroom with shower as well as air conditioning, digital TV and telephone. Followed by four nights at La Codorniz ('the Quail'), a comfortable 3-star hotel near Tarifa, well-known for its Andalusian-style restaurant and excellent swimming pool - and right on the spot for the passage of birds of prey and storks. Our groups have been using both hotels for a number of years now and their locations are just perfect for our tour. All rooms en suite. Meals: All included in the price. Breakfast and dinner at the hotels. Lunches may be taken at a local venta or as picnics in the field. Walking: Easy. Short walks, interspersed with periods sitting watching and waiting for migrating birds of prey and storks at the Strait. Comfy walking shoes recommended (if dry, trainers will often suffice).
Click here for a full, printable itinerary |
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