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Extremadura
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For the eleventh year running we are returning to the heart of one of our favourite areas in Europe, Spain's secret wilderness of Extremadura, for spring and autumn breaks, to give a full week in this Spanish heaven!The wild and beautiful country of Extremadura holds some of Europe's most endangered bird species in their last strongholds. The rolling plains of the 'Spanish Steppes', well-represented here, are home to Europe's largest remaining population of its largest bird, Great Bustard, together with good numbers of Little Bustard, and both Pin-tailed and Black-bellied Sandgrouse. A spectacular assemblage of raptors includes Black Vulture, Spanish Imperial Eagle and Black-shouldered Kite.The nearby rolling countryside holds good stands of the open oak woodland, or 'dehesa', which is such a distinctive feature of Extremadura. Here we can find good numbers of Iberian Azure-winged Magpie in its stronghold and keep our eyes open for the very scarce Black-shouldered Kite. The plains of the area form part of the 'Spanish Steppes' with a fascinating assemblage of birds. It is here that we hope to see Great Bustard performing its incredible breeding display, in which the male turns itself into a huge white pom-pom of feathers. Trujillo, well-known for its beautiful town square with breeding Pallid Swifts, and White Storks, also has one of the highest concentrations of Lesser Kestrels in Europe in spring and summer - we have counted over a hundred in the air together in the past. Our base, a charming guest house or 'Casa Rural' in the steppe countryside just north of Trujillo, couldn't be better placed to make the most of the area. 
spring trip report
autumn trip report Accommodation: We stay at a Casa Rural, a small country guest house in the Extremadura countryside. All rooms are en suite. Please note that the number of single rooms available is very limited - if you require a single room, you are advised to book as early as possible. Lunches will be mostly picnics. Transport: is by minibus. Walking: Short walks of up to 1 - 2 miles on easy trails and footpaths. Optional climb up steps to viewpoint in Monfragüe. Click here for a full, printable itinerary |
© Ray Nowicki
White Stork
Price: £ 1,495
The price is per person, and is fully inclusive of accommodation as detailed above, all meals, return flight London - Madrid*, airport taxes, minibus transport, admissions and the services of the leaders.
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