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Andalucía
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Join us for the autumn migration in two of Europe's best birdwatching areas, for migrant and resident specialities in the Coto de Doñana, and when raptors and other birds are streaming across the Strait of Gibraltar!
The southbound migration of thousands 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 visit the best raptor watchpoints, with spectacular views across to the mountains of Morocco.
Each day will 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. 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 through the pines, while the complex of wetlands at Huelva, on the northern fringe of the park, host migrant waders and terns. The extraordinary village of El Rocío fiercely preserves its own totally distinctive appearance and character. The wide sandy streets are lined with white houses, many of them ornately decorated. Often described as looking like a 'Wild West' town, El Rocío seems more reminiscent of old Mexico: the main form of transport is still horseback. In the evenings, riders pause outside the bars to sip sherry and chat on horseback. Stephen Daly lives at Barbate, just along the coast from Tarifa. His intimate local knowledge of the often fickle winds and weather patterns around The Strait of Gibraltar during raptor migration will prove invaluable on this exciting autumn tour. Accommodation: Three nights at the charming and traditional 2-star Hotel Toruño in El Rocío, with views overlooking the Coto, 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. 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. |
© Jamie McMillan/Nature Portfolio
Watching raptors crossing the Strait of Gibraltar, with the mountains of Morocco in the distance
Price: £ 1,495
The price is per person, and is fully inclusive of return flights London-Seville/Jerez (depending on schedules), all accommodation, meals, surface transport, tips, airport taxes, map, bird checklist and services of the leader(s).
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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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