Extremadura is perhaps the best region in Spain for birding. Situated inland in the southwest of the country, the landlocked region butts onto the border of Portugal to the west. Over 300 bird species are recorded annually, and it has the most numerous numbers of individual birds wintering in the region than in the whole of Western Europe! The region is traditionally known as a spring venue for birding and wildlife watching but it is pretty incredible at any time of the year. Spring is when the summer breeding
migrants arrive including Golden Oriole, Common Nightingale, Short-toed Eagle and Black Stork. During the winter it is the time of the Common Crane who arrive from Scandinavia in November in their thousands. Autumn is also great for many migrant birds. Resident birds include the mighty Cinereous and Eurasian Griffon Vultures, speciality birds like the Great and Little Bustards, Pin-tailed and Blackbellied Sandgrouse and host of other species. One of the lasting impressions visitors have of region is
the sheer number of birds, everywhere. Extremadura boasts a wonderful variety of habitats ranging from mixed-farming plains to open managed woodland pasture (dehesas) where the famous black Iberian pigs roam free-range, deep rocky valleys, irrigated lands, reservoirs and mountains. A visit to the world famous Monfragüe Natural Park is a must for any visitor. This awe-inspiring geological feature is the epicentre for the region’s raptors with upwards of 20 species possible. Added to this mix are the beautiful towns and villages that are steeped in history and, in their own right, great for wildlife too. You are guaranteed a fabulous holiday! Most organised birding tours head for the classic few sites around Monfragüe, Cáceres and Trujillo to find the signature species. With our tour we spent most of our time off the beaten track, but still finding all of the region’s specialities. Just look at this report to see what we saw!