ITINERARY:

Day 1 – Start of Tour, Seville, Spain – 27th Aug
Please plan to arrive at any time today to Seville Airport (Aeropuerto de Sevilla – San Pablo, code SVQ). Note this is simply an arrival day with no activities planned. We will meet for dinner this evening in preparation for the start of our tour tomorrow morning.
Overnight Seville. Meals  start with dinner (D) tonight. 

Day 2 – Seville – Straits of Gibraltar – 28th Aug
After breakfast we head south from Seville, travelling through open farmland, olive groves, and low rolling hills typical of late‑summer Andalucía. The countryside is dry and sun‑bleached at this time of year, but wetlands remain magnets for migrants, making our first stop at Laguna de Medina, perfectly timed. The lagoon is a broad, shallow expanse bordered by tamarisk, bulrush, and patches of Mediterranean scrub. In late August it often holds an excellent mix of resident specialities and early autumn movement. We’ll scan carefully for White‑headed Duck, Marbled Duck, Red‑knobbed Coot, and Western Olivaceous Warbler, all regular here. Reedbeds may also produce Great Reed Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Cetti’s Warbler, and dispersing Eurasian Reed Warbler, which move quietly through cover at this season. The open water and muddy fringes typically supports Black‑winged Stilt, Little Grebe, Gadwall, Mallard, and Eurasian Coot, as well as early shorebirds such as Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plover, and occasionally Wood Sandpiper. Late‑summer raptor movement is already underway, and we may encounter Black Kite, Booted Eagle, Short‑toed Snake Eagle, and both White Stork and Black Stork drifting lazily overhead. Surrounding farmland often holds European Goldfinch, Spanish Sparrow, Corn Bunting, and European Serin, adding some familiar Iberian species to the day list. Continuing south toward the Strait of Gibraltar, the landscape opens into broad pastures and low ridges. By late August the first significant pulses of migration are already visible: Barn Swallow, Red‑rumped Swallow, Common House Martin, and European Bee‑eater sweep overhead, while groups of soaring birds gather along the hillsides awaiting favourable winds for the crossing into Africa. We finish the day near Tarifa, perfectly placed for tomorrow’s Strait watch.
Overnight near Tarifa (B,L,D)

Day 3 – Straits of Gibraltar – 29th Aug
Today we focus on one of Europe’s most dynamic migration bottlenecks. Depending on the wind direction, we will position ourselves at one of several key watchpoints overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar, each offering different vantage angles for observing the flow of raptors and storks gathering before their crossing. Late August is prime time, and on favourable days the sky can be filled with flocks of birds. The main targets we will look for include European Honey Buzzard, Black Kite, Booted Eagle, Short‑toed Snake Eagle, and large numbers of Eurasian Griffon Vulture. When conditions align, these species can appear in impressive concentrations, sometimes thousands in a single day. Other raptors and soaring birds are also possible including Black‑shouldered Kite, Lesser Kestrel, Eurasian Hobby, Egyptian Vulture, Black Stork, Montagu’s Harrier, and Western Marsh Harrier all of which pass through the region in late summer. The surrounding scrub, pasture, and farmland support a good mix of passerines. We may encounter Corn Bunting, Zitting Cisticola, Crested Lark, European Stonechat, Whinchat, and Western Yellow Wagtail, along with more colourful species such as European Bee‑eater and European Roller. In shaded areas and pine woodland edges, Red‑necked Nightjar can sometimes be found roosting during the day, though it requires careful scanning. We will visit several reserves and migration watchpoints throughout the day, adjusting our route to follow the best movement of birds. The Strait funnels a huge proportion of western Europe’s migrants, giving us exceptional opportunities to study active migration at close range. Looking out over the sea, we can expect Northern Gannet, while late‑summer seawatching can also produce Mediterranean Shearwater and Cory’s Shearwater. Sandy beaches and rocky coves may hold the rare Audouin’s Gull, plus Slender‑billed Gull, Yellow‑legged Gull, and a selection of terns and shorebirds typical for the season. With constant movement overhead and varied habitats around us, there is always the chance of an unexpected rarity.
Overnight near Tarifa. (B,L,D)

Day 4 – Travel to Serena Steppes – 30th Aug
This morning we travel northeast into the wide, open landscapes of La Serena, one of Spain’s most impressive steppe regions. The scenery shifts noticeably as we leave the coastal influence behind, with broad cereal plains, scattered holm oaks, dry pastures, and isolated farmsteads dominating the horizon. Late August is an excellent time to explore this area, with post‑breeding dispersal and early autumn movement adding variety to the day. En route we will stop at several marshes and seasonal wetlands. These sites often hold concentrations of Greater Flamingo and Eurasian Spoonbill, with the possibility of encountering the scarce Red‑knobbed Coot among more typical wetland species. Muddy edges can attract migrant shorebirds, and we’ll scan for Ruff, Wood Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plover, and Black‑tailed Godwit. Other likely species include Green Sandpiper, Common Snipe, and the first small groups of Northern Lapwing beginning to appear. As we continue toward the steppe heartland, the habitat becomes ideal for Iberian passerines and open‑country specialists. We should encounter Thekla’s Lark, Crested Lark, Calandra Lark, Corn Bunting, and Rock Sparrow, all characteristic of this region. Patches of scrub and dehesa woodland may hold Crested Tit, Long‑tailed Tit, Iberian Green Woodpecker, Short‑toed Treecreeper, and Iberian Grey Shrike perched prominently on wires or fence posts. Late‑summer movement can also bring Whinchat, European Stonechat and possibly Northern Wheatear to field margins. Raptors are a major feature of La Serena, and we have good chances of Black‑shouldered Kite, Black Stork, Booted Eagle, Short‑toed Snake Eagle, and Eurasian Griffon Vulture drifting over the plains. With luck, today may offer our first views of the region’s most iconic species, the Great Bustard striding through cereal stubble, or even the more elusive Little Bustard in dry pasture. The combination of wetlands, steppe, and dehesa makes this a varied and rewarding day, showcasing inland Spain at its late‑summer best. 
Overnight La Serena. (B,L,D)

Day 5 – La Serena – 31st Aug
Today we explore one of Extremadura’s most distinctive landscapes, where rugged hills merge into wide, open steppes. This combination of rocky slopes, dry plains, and scattered dehesa makes the area exceptionally rich in late‑summer birdlife. We begin in the uplands, a terrain of crags, boulder fields, and sparse scrub. These rocky hills support several flagship species, including Egyptian Vulture, Bonelli’s Eagle, Eurasian Eagle‑Owl, Red‑legged Partridge, and the unmistakable Black Wheatear, often seen flicking its tail on exposed rocks. Other typical species of this habitat include Blue Rock Thrush, Rock Bunting, Eurasian Crag Martin, and Black Redstart, all of which remain active through late August. Warm air rising off the slopes often produces good raptor movement, and we may also encounter Eurasian Griffon Vulture, Booted Eagle, or Short‑toed Snake Eagle drifting overhead. As we descend into the plains, the scenery opens into classic steppe. This is prime habitat for the increasingly rare Great Bustard and Little Bustard, both of which can be found feeding quietly in stubble fields at this time of year. The area also supports Black‑bellied Sandgrouse and Pin‑tailed Sandgrouse, though they often require patience and careful scanning. Eurasian Stone‑curlew is another speciality, typically standing motionless among dry earth and stones. Open farmland holds Spanish Sparrow, Rock Sparrow, Calandra Lark, Thekla’s Lark, and Crested Lark, while Montagu’s Harrier may be seen quartering over the grasslands. In the afternoon we follow the Zújar River, a productive corridor of riparian woodland, reeds, and open banks. Here we search for European Bee‑eater, Eurasian Golden Oriole, Grey Wagtail, European Red‑rumped Swallow, Western Bonelli’s Warbler, and Great Reed Warbler. Introduced but long‑established species such as Red Avadavat and Common Waxbill are occasionally encountered along the margins. With luck, we may even locate a daytime roost of Eurasian Eagle‑Owl. 
Overnight La Serena. (B,L,D)

Day 6 – Trujillo – Monfrague – 01st Sept
Today we travel north toward Monfragüe National Park, stopping first at the wetlands of Alcollarín and Sierra Brava Reservoir, both excellent late‑summer sites. Open water and shorelines may hold Black‑winged Stilt, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plover, and small numbers of Ruff or Black‑tailed Godwit. Larger wetland species such as Eurasian Spoonbill, Grey Heron, and Greater Flamingo are often present, while farmland edges can produce late migrants such as Woodchat Shrike, Whinchat, and Western Yellow Wagtail. We then continue to Trujillo, where the old town and castle provide superb views of its famous breeders. White Stork, Lesser Kestrel and Pallid Swift all nest here and maybe still around before heading on their journey south. The castle viewpoint often delivers Black Kite, Booted Eagle, Eurasian Griffon Vulture, and Short‑toed Snake Eagle lazily drifting over. Crossing the Belén Plains, we search for Great Bustard and Little Bustard, though sightings can be unpredictable in early September. Other possibilities include Montagu’s Harrier, Little Owl, Iberian Grey Shrike, Calandra Lark, and Corn Bunting. By afternoon we enter the dramatic landscapes of Monfragüe, where cliffs and river valleys may produce Egyptian Vulture, Cinereous Vulture, and Booted Eagle, rounding off a varied day of wetlands, plains, and Mediterranean woodland. 
Overnight Monfrague. (B,L,D)

Day 7 – Monfrague – 02nd Sept
Today we follow a classic birding route through Monfragüe National Park, much of it running alongside the Tajo River, where late‑summer raptor watching is at its best. The cliffs and ridges here hold impressive concentrations of Eurasian Griffon Vulture, Cinereous Vulture, Spanish Imperial Eagle, Golden Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle, Red Kite, and Black Kite, all of which can be seen with patience and good scanning. Rocky slopes and scrubby hillsides support a wide range of passerines. We will look for Black Redstart, Blue Rock Thrush, Thekla’s Lark, Rock Bunting, and several warblers typical of Mediterranean woodland in early September, including Spectacled Warbler, Western Orphean Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Dartford Warbler, and Western Subalpine Warbler. The endemic Iberian Magpie is often encountered in small, noisy groups. Along the river cliffs we have good chances of locating Eurasian Eagle‑Owl and Black Stork, both of which nest in the area and remain visible into early autumn. Around the hotel’s forested surroundings, we may find Rock Sparrow, Long‑tailed Tit, Eurasian Nuthatch, and Short‑toed Treecreeper, adding a woodland element to a day dominated by raptors and rocky scenery. 
Overnight Monfrague. (B,L,D)

Day 8 – Monfrague – Belchite – 03rd Sept
Today is mainly a travel day as we make our way from Monfragüe northeast toward Belchite, but the route offers several productive areas for brief birding stops. The changing scenery—from Mediterranean woodland to open farmland and dry plains—often produces a good mix of late‑summer species. Along the first part of the journey we may encounter Black‑shouldered Kite, which favours scattered trees and hunting perches along agricultural edges. Open fields and roadside wires can hold Eurasian Tree Sparrow, European Bee‑eater, Woodchat Shrike, and small groups of Corn Bunting. Early‑autumn raptor movement continues, and we have chances for Montagu’s Harrier, Western Marsh Harrier, Booted Eagle, and Short‑toed Snake Eagle as we cross open country. Approaching Aragón, the landscape becomes increasingly dry and open, with rolling steppe and cereal stubble. This region is excellent for Lesser Kestrel, often seen hovering over fields or gathering around farm buildings. Occasional surprises such as Black Stork, Northern Wheatear, or Whinchat are also possible at this time of year. Although today involves more driving, the varied habitats along the route ensure plenty of opportunities to break the journey with worthwhile birding. 
Overnight Belchite. (B,L,D)

Day 9 – Belchite – 04th Sept
This morning we focus on one of Spain’s most iconic steppe reserves: El Planerón, north of Belchite. The area is internationally known for holding one of the highest densities of Dupont’s Lark, a species that remains one of Europe’s most challenging and sought‑after birds. Early morning is essential; at sunrise the larks are at their most vocal, delivering their strange, ventriloquial song from low scrub and stony ground. Even with perfect timing, sightings can be brief and elusive, but patience at first light gives us our best chance of success. The reserve itself is classic Aragón steppe, supporting wide, open plains of thyme, esparto grass, and scattered low shrubs. As we walk the tracks, we may also encounter Mediterranean Short‑toed Lark, Calandra Lark, Thekla’s Lark, Red‑legged Partridge, and Eurasian Stone‑curlew moving quietly across the dry ground. Raptors are often present, and we may see Montagu’s Harrier quartering the plains or Booted Eagle drifting overhead. After returning to the hotel for a late breakfast, we continue birding around the Belchite area, including land managed by SEO/BirdLife España. These open tracts are excellent for Black‑bellied Sandgrouse and Pin‑tailed Sandgrouse, which often gather in loose flocks during the late‑summer period. The steppe also supports Rock Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, and Whinchat, while roadside wires may hold European Bee‑eater or Iberian Grey Shrike. If time allows, we may visit the atmospheric ruins of Old Belchite, destroyed during the Spanish Civil War. The crumbling stone walls and abandoned buildings provide ideal habitat for Black Wheatear, which often perches on ledges or broken archways. Alternatively, we may stop in Fuendetodos, birthplace of the painter Francisco de Goya, adding a cultural element to the day. This combination of sunrise steppe birding, sandgrouse flocks, and historic landscapes makes today one of the most memorable days of the tour. 
Overnight Belchite. (B,L,D)

This morning we begin our ascent toward the Pyrenees, travelling from the dry steppes of Belchite into progressively greener and more mountainous terrain. The first part of the journey crosses arid plains and cereal farmland, giving us opportunities to stop for any species we may still need. Roadside wires and open fields can hold Black‑shouldered Kite, Eurasian Tree Sparrow, European Bee‑eater and late‑moving Montagu’s Harrier or Western Marsh Harrier. Occasional surprises such as Northern Wheatear, Whinchat, or Iberian Grey Shrike are also possible at this time of year. As we approach the foothills, the habitat shifts noticeably as Holm Oak woodland, scattered pines, and rocky slopes begin to dominate the landscape, signalling our entry into pre‑Pyrenean country. This transition zone often produces Short‑toed Snake Eagle, Booted Eagle, Red Kite, and Black Kite, all of which remain active in early September. We will make a cultural and scenic stop at Castillo de Loarre, one of Spain’s most dramatic medieval fortresses. Perched on a rocky outcrop and dating back to the 11th century, the castle offers superb views across the plains and surrounding hills. The cliffs and walls can hold Blue Rock Thrush, Black Redstart, Eurasian Crag Martin, and occasionally Rock Bunting, adding some excellent birding to the visit. Continuing north, we pass the spectacular Mallos de Riglos, towering red conglomerate rock spires that rise abruptly from the landscape. These formations are famous among climbers and birders alike, and the area may produce Eurasian Griffon Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, and Red‑billed Chough circling the cliffs. By late afternoon we reach the delightful Hecho Valley, and our lovely hotel for the next three nights. The hotel, with its wonderful mountain views makes an ideal place to relax before our exploration of the high Pyrenees. 
Overnight Hecho Valley, Pyrenees.  (B,L,D)

Days 11 – 12 – Pyrenees – 06th,07th Sept
We now have two full days to explore the magnificent Hecho Valley and its surrounding high‑country habitats. This is one of the most beautiful valleys in the Spanish Pyrenees, a landscape of deep ravines, narrow gorges, and broad glacial valleys lined with pine and beech forest. Higher slopes open into alpine meadows and rocky cirques, creating a superb mix of habitats for some of Spain’s most sought‑after mountain birds. Our main target is the enigmatic Wallcreeper. By early September they have finished nesting and become far more difficult to locate, often moving quietly across shaded cliff faces or disappearing into inaccessible rock walls. Even so, this is one of the best regions in Spain to try, and we will devote time to scanning suitable cliffs and gorge walls. The Pyrenees are also prime territory for the much‑prized Bearded Vulture (Lammergeier). These impressive birds often soar high above the ridges, but they can also drift low through the valleys, giving unforgettable views. Other high‑country specialties include Black Woodpecker, Crested Tit, Common Firecrest, Rock Bunting, Citril Finch, Alpine Accentor, Eurasian Bullfinch, Yellowhammer, Red‑billed Chough, Alpine Chough, White‑throated Dipper, Grey Wagtail, and occasionally a late Eurasian Crag Martin lingering around the cliffs. Mammals are well represented here too. Alpine Marmot is common in the meadows, and we have good chances of encountering Southern Chamois on rocky slopes or high ridges. During our time in the high country, we will also visit the Monastery of San Juan de la Peña, an extraordinary 11th‑century structure built directly beneath an overhanging rock. Medieval legend claims the Holy Grail was hidden here for centuries, adding a cultural highlight to our mountain birding. The combination of superb scenery, rare birds, and deep history makes the Hecho Valley another very memorable part of the tour. 
2 nights Hecho Valley, Pyrenees.  (B,L,D)

Today we leave the high Pyrenees and begin our journey south toward the Ebro Delta, one of Europe’s most important wetland systems. The drive takes us along the Ebro River, giving us several opportunities for brief birding stops as the landscape shifts from mountain valleys to broad agricultural plains and riverine habitat. During the descent we may encounter Red‑billed Chough, Grey Wagtail, and White‑throated Dipper along fast‑flowing stretches of river. As the terrain opens, roadside fields and irrigation canals can produce European Bee‑eater, Western Yellow Wagtail, Eurasian Tree Sparrow, and late‑season European Red‑rumped Swallow. Raptor movement continues in early September, so Booted Eagle, Short‑toed Snake Eagle, Black Kite, and Red Kite are all possible en route. By mid‑afternoon we reach the Ebro Delta, a vast mosaic of rice fields, lagoons, reedbeds, and coastal marshes. The change in habitat is immediate and dramatic, setting the stage for tomorrow’s exploration of one of Spain’s richest birding areas.
Night in Ebro Delta. B,L,D

The final leg of our journey takes us to the Ebro Delta, one of the most important remaining wetlands in the Mediterranean basin. After an early‑morning drive to the southern part of the delta, we enter a vast landscape of rice paddies, lagoons, saltmarsh, reedbeds, and coastal sandspits. Although dominated by agriculture, the flooded rice fields create superb habitat for an exceptional variety of birds in early September, when both resident species and southbound migrants are present in high numbers. Over two full days we will explore several sectors of the delta, beginning with the extensive rice fields where Little Bittern, Common Kingfisher, Water Rail, Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Glossy Ibis, and Greater Flamingo are all regular. Shorebird passage will be in full swing, giving us chances for Little Ringed Plover, Pied Avocet, Black‑winged Stilt, Common Redshank, Spotted Redshank, Eurasian Curlew, Wood Sandpiper, Ruff, and other migrants moving through the paddies and shallow margins. The delta is also one of the best places in Europe to see Audouin’s Gull, which often gathers in impressive numbers along beaches and fish‑rich channels. Other gulls include Slender‑billed Gull and Yellow‑legged Gull, while Collared Pratincole may still be present in small groups. Open water supports Great Crested Grebe, and reedbeds hold Great Reed Warbler and Zitting Cisticola, both still vocal and active at this time of year. With such a wide range of habitats including freshwater, brackish, and coastal lagoons, the possibilities for migrants are extensive, and every stop can produce surprises. To complete the experience, we stay at a comfortable inn with excellent birding right on the grounds and a superb restaurant, making this a perfect finale to the tour. Nights in Ebro Delta. B,L,D

This morning we depart the Ebro Delta and begin our journey east toward Barcelona International Airport (BCN). The drive takes us along the lower Ebro Valley and then through the coastal plain, with changing scenery as rice fields give way to orchards, farmland, and finally the outskirts of Catalonia’s capital. We plan to arrive at the airport by noon, allowing comfortable time for check‑in and afternoon departures; flights should therefore be scheduled no earlier than 3.00 PM. (B)