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Extremadura

Spring and autumn weeks at Finca Santa Marta

Sunday 25 September - Sunday 2 October 2005 (8 days)
Saturday 1 - Saturday 8 April 2006 (8 days)
Sunday 24 September - Sunday 1 October 2006 (8 days)

For the seventh year running we are returning to the lovely Finca Santa Marta, in 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' 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.

High on the list is a visit to the Monfragüe Natural Park, possibly the best year-round raptor-watching site in Europe. Situated to the north of Trujillo, the park is the Spanish stronghold for Black Vulture, which breed here together with both Griffon and summering Egyptian Vultures. Eagles are also well represented, with the star birds being around ten pairs of Spanish Imperial Eagle, which is considered by many to be one of the world's most endangered raptors. Golden and Bonelli's Eagles are also resident and are joined in spring by Booted and Short-toed Eagles. Several of these species breed on and around the dramatic pinnacle of Peñafalcón, which also holds Chough, Crag Martin and Alpine Swift, and occasional Black Wheatear, together with breeding Eagle Owls nearby. In spring, it is also one of the easiest places in Europe to watch shy Black Storks at a breeding site. Our autumn trip should give us plenty of raptors to watch and we also hope for one of Europe's rarest birds, the late-nesting White-rumped Swift.

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. In spring, incoming migrants include Bee-eater, Black-eared Wheatear, Great Spotted Cuckoo and, often, Roller.

The plains to the south 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. We have watched these normally shy males display as close as two hundred yards away from us on spring visits in the past - a breathtaking sight! Little Bustard are usually abundant, and we also hope to see both Pin-tailed and the commoner Black-bellied Sandgrouse, together with local resident passerines including abundant Calandra Lark. Spanish Sparrows are rather scarce in Spain but are common here with flocks of several hundred often seen. Small wetland sites in the area hold Purple Heron, Little Bittern and other waterbirds, including Purple Gallinule, which can be surprisingly easy to see, while the bulrushes hold breeding Savi's Warbler, Red Avadavat and Common Waxbill, the latter two intriguing introductions to Iberia that seem to be spreading.

Trujillo, well-known for its beautiful town square with breeding Pallid Swifts, and White Storks, has one of the highest concentrations of Lesser Kestrels in Europe - we have counted over a hundred in the air together in the past.

Throughout the area, with its picturesque villages and huge savanna-like landscape, White Stork nests can be found almost everywhere you look. This is a unique, and incredibly distinctive part of Europe, with lovely scenery, small empty lanes, and absolutely brimming with birds: don't just take our word for it - join us here!

Our base, the excellent Finca Santa Marta, couldn't be better placed to make the most of the area. Iberian Azure-winged Magpies flit around the Finca's orchards, while Cirl Buntings and Wood Larks sing from the nearby hillsides, where Champagne Orchids can be found among an abundance of spring flowers.

Accommodation :
We stay at Finca Santa Marta, a small country hotel delightfully converted from a former olive farm 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 picnics.

Transport is by minibus.

Walking: Short walks of 1 - 2 miles on easy trails and footpaths. Optional climb up steps to viewpoint in Monfragüe.

Leaders:	Autumn 2005 & 2006: John Muddeman as principal leader Spring 2006: John Muddeman & Tim Earl
Numbers:	Max. 12 clients
Prices:	2005 2006	£ £	1,195 1,275
Single supps.:	2005 2006	£ £	195 210
Deposit:		£	200	per person
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. The price excludes holiday insurance, drinks and other personal expenses. Please note that it may be possible for clients to fly direct from Manchester. Please enquire for details and supplement. For an ex-flight cost of the tour (Madrid/Madrid) please deduct £ 95 per person from the tour cost.

Extremadura Spring and autumn weeks at Finca Santa Marta

Extremadura

Spring and autumn weeks at Finca Santa Marta