Spain: Extremadura: 26th
October to 1st November 2019
Having spent a few days in Toledo sightseeing I moved
on to Extremadura for some concentrated bird watching!
Previous Visits
I first visited this area at the start of May 2017 and
had a wonderful time exploring the area and its wildlife. See Trip report
https://www.cloudbirders.com/be/download?filename=HANNAFORD_Spain_05_2017.pdf).
I returned in March 2018 to see the area in a different season. (See trip report https://www.cloudbirders.com/be/download?filename=HANNAFORD_Extremadura_Spain_03_2018.pdf)
Having visited the area twice before I knew that some locations were a must for revisiting, but I also wanted to try some new locations. I spent a great deal of time on eBird looking at checklists specific to the time of year I was visiting from other locations not visited before and set these as my 'target' locations for this visit. In doing so I'm pleased to report that most locations proved to be very beneficial but a few a bit of a nightmare to locate. Can only assume that these required greater local knowledge than I had.
Locations visited:
Calera y Chozas: New location: Off the main road from
Madrid to the Monfrague area
Balsa de Cerro Alto--Observatorio 5: Arrocampo Reserve
Embalse De Talavan: Caceres
Hinojal--Llanos de Hinojal: Caceres
Laguna del Casar: New location
Embalse del Casar de Cáceres: New location
Río Almonte--Puente de Torrejón
Torrecillas de la Tiesa--Cordel Ganados
Parque De San Lazard
La Cumbre--Los Cerralbos
Llanos de Magasca--Millaroncillo
Río Almonte--Puente de Monroy
Río Tajo--Puente de Serradilla
Serradilla--Caseta
de Vigilancia:
Serradilla-Arroyo
De Barbaoncillo
Serradilla-Dovecote
area
Urdimalas
Llanos de Cáceres—Observatorio
Peña Falcón/Salto del Gitano
Villarreal de San Carlos
Minor Road to Serrejon
Balsa de Cerro Alto--Observatorio 5
Note on birds
mentioned
In the daily recording, the birds mentioned are those
that are either Lifers (LF) or those of the greater interest. Many other birds
were seen each day but while not being mentioned have been recorded and will be
listed at the end of this report.
Saturday 26th
October
Calera y Chozas (new location)
Calera y Choza
Having had an ‘eventful’ time dropping my wife off at
Madrid Airport I was glad to break the journey at the area around Calera y Chozas. Having passed through the area on a few
occasions I felt somewhat ashamed that I had passed through this quality area
without stopping before. Having pulled off the motorway within minutes I was
parked by a small pool watching Green Sandpiper and Snipe feeding
at the water’s edge.
Moving towards the town I parked at
a location that gave excellent views over the area. Within minutes a group of
seven Black-bellied Sandgrouse flew over, calling as they landed just
beyond a ridge that put them out of sight. This location also gave excellent
views of a single Cinereous Vulture (Black Vulture), Common Buzzard, Marsh
Harrier and Griffon Vultures.
Balsa de Cerro Alto—Observatorio
5: Arrocampo Reserve
Had a thirty-minute stop here, one of my favourite
locations for this area. Having parked I was pleased to see as I got out of the
car six Common Crane circling before landing in a nearby field. I had
seen good numbers (300+). The pool opposite the hide which is normally very
productive was pretty much dried up. However, Common and Green
Sandpiper were present along with four Snipe.
Snipe
A single Cinereous Vulture (Black Vulture)
drifted over in the company of five Griffon Vultures. A female Sparrowhawk
dashed across the road causing a great deal of chatter from the Azure-winged
Magpies.
Sunday 27th
October
Embalse De Talavan: Geo Tag: 39.67237,
-6.29946
Out early for my return visit to Embalse De Talavan. Again, was surprised to see how little water there was. The area in front of the roadside hide was bone dry and the main body was of water was very low, an indication of the lack of rain the area had suffered from during the late summer.
Zitting Cisticola were showing well as were several Cetti’s Warbler. It always surprises me how bond this skulking bird is in other parts of the world! Managed to get a quick snap of a pair of Common Waxbill
 |
| Common Waxbill |
Iberian Grey Shrike
Hinojal—Llanos de Hinojal: Caceres
I moved on to the dehesa around Hinojal, an area I’ve
visited on a few times. This time I drove further into the area and although
the ‘road’ was at times challenging I was able to cross the area emerging back
at the Emblase De Talavan.
Making numerous stops I was able to locate a small
group of Little Bustard feeding on a distant ridge. I also came across
my first Hoopoe and Whinchat of this trip.
A pleasant route across the Llanos de Hinojal, with
plenty of areas to explore but I would recommend that you have a descent SUV or
like do this trip.
Laguna
del Casar: New Location: GeoTag 39.55578, -6.42091
I came across this location while trawling for new
locations to visit on EBird. The lake is located on the edge of Casar de
Cacares and proved to be a real gem. Although the water level was low there was
still plenty to see. A hide has been constructed on the side away from the town
but was locked and there was no indication as to how you got hold of the key.
However, there was a bench of sort against the front of the hide, so you can
sit quietly and observe the pool.
Amongst the Mallard were two pairs of Pintail
and several Shoveler. But the dominant species was Little Grebe
with a count of twenty-four individuals. Waders were represented by an amazing
thirty-nine Black-winged Stilt, eight Snipe and individual Common
and Green Sandpiper.
A flock of Linnet was present along with three Short-toed
Lark and a single Cinereous Vulture (Black Vulture) flew over.
Cinereous (Black) Vulture
This location proved to be a very interesting site
giving good views to species that at home would be difficult to see such as the
Black-winged Stilts.
Embalse del Casar de Cáceres: New Location: Geo
Tag 39.580323, -6.443117
Moved on to the above location not far from Casar de
Cacares. Having parked by the sign for no cars past that point except
fisherman’s I walked towards the reservoir which like all the others visited
had low water levels. Black-winged Stilt, Snipe and Green Sandpiper
were present but so were several walkers and free ranging dogs. Anything on the
water edge was soon dispersed and so I gave up for the day. On returning to the
car I located a singing Willow Warbler and two Sardinian Warblers in
the hedgerow.
Black-winged Stilt
Río Almonte--Puente de Torrejón:
Geo Tag 39.66474, -5.939441
Last time I visited this location there was very
little water, this time there was none. The riverbed was dry but there was
still plenty to see in the bushes that lined the banks and in the near by
fields. Black Redstart were showing well, flitting from one location to
another as were Stonechat. A couple of Hoopoe were feeding in the
adjoining fields and Dartford and Sardinian Warbler were moving
through the bushes. Amongst a group of Corn Bunting was a pair of Cirl
Bunting showing well.
Torrecillas de la Tiesa--Cordel Ganados: Geo Tag: 39.526646, -5.779777
It was here on my last visit that I was able to
observe Great Bustards displaying. I was
therefore hoping to get further good views but no such look with not a Bustard
in sight. However, nine Common Crane passed over calling and there were
a good number of Griffon and Red Kite in the area.
Parque De San Lazard: New Location: Trujillo: Geo
Tag: 39.453131, -5.876864
Parque
De San Lazard: Trujillo
Despite numerous visits to Trujillo to watch the
Lesser Kestrels and to shop I have never visited this little park before but
had heard that it could hold some interesting species. It is located not far
from the bull ring and behind the supermarket that we always use!
On parking a Cetti’s Warbler was calling from
just inside the gate and Serin were moving through the avenue of trees.
Again, the central pool was low in water leaving a great deal of exposed hard
mud. Here Little Ringed Plover were feeding along with seven Black-winged
Stilt. Again, there were good numbers of Little Grebe. A couple of
small pools were attracting high numbers of sparrows including House and
Spanish Sparrow.
Spotless Starling
A rather bumpy road took me out to this location in the Sierra. A single Common Crane flew over and Griffon (5) and Red
Kite (11) were showing well. Highlight however was the fly over of
twenty-three Pin-tailed Sandgrouse.
Llanos de Magasca—Millaroncillo: Geo
Tag: 39.5531, -6.0214
Always a good stopping point while crossing this part
of the Cacares Plains this location produced four Great Bustard and over
fifty Griffon sitting on the ridge. There was also a large flock of Calandra
Lark constantly moving around. Three Rock Sparrow were present, and
I was able to get a quick photo of one of them.
Another group of thirty plus Pin-tailed Sandgrouse passed
over but did not settle. Close by a pair of Little Owl were surveying
their domain.
Little Owl
Río Almonte--Puente de Monroy: Geo
Tag: 39.612161, -6.221941
When I visited here in 2017 the waters were up to the
old mill, now, like everywhere visited on this trip there was little water
present.
On the roof of the old water mill a male Blue Rock
Thrush was showing well as was the male Cirl Bunting. Other than that,
all was quiet!
Blue Rock Thrush
Tuesday 29th
October
On my last visited I explored the area around
Serradilla and the road across the Monfrague ridge and on to Plasencia. The
whole area proved to be an enjoyable location to explore and to spend time in.
There is very little traffic other than forestry workers, so you are not
disturbed and there are plenty of places to linger. The following locations are
all on this route.
Río Tajo--Puente de Serradilla: Geo
Tag: 39.79206, -6.13238
The area around the spectacular bridge over the Rio
Tajo is being developed with picnic areas and a boat to travel up and down the
river. However, it was very quiet with little road traffic to disturb the bird
watching.
Five Crag Martin were skimming between the
bridge pillars and Willow Warbler were calling from the trees around the
picnic area.
Serradilla--Caseta de Vigilancia: Geo
Tag: 39.83826, -6.126817
Serradilla
A clear morning gave spectacular views over Serradilla
from this location. As always, the number of Griffon Vulture visible was
excellent with a count of fifty-seven. A Blue Rock Thrush was by the
observatory and there were plenty of Black Redstart, Blackcap and Sardinian
Warbler about.
Further along, by the walker’s hut, I located two Crested
Tit in with Blue and Great Tit.
Serradilla-Arroyo De Barbaoncillo: Geo
Tag: 39.85463, -6.13707
Lunch by the pool below the house I would buy if I
ever got the opportunity! At least four Woodlark singing as were Chiffchaff.
A Greater Spotted Woodpecker was showing well in the garden of the
house as were Song Thrush and Black Redstart.
Black Redstart
A little further along I got a brief glimpse of a Black
Wheater (LF). Sadly, my only one of the whole trip.
Serradilla-Dovecote area: Goe
Tag: 39.87519, -6.14716
As I was passing the Dovecote on my left, I caught a
glimpse of a very large bird of prey sitting in a nearby tree. Only seeing the
back of its head my first thought was Golden Eagle. With a bit of careful car
manoeuvring I was able to reverse and get a much better view, and so was able
to confirm that it was a Spanish Imperial Eagle not a Golden! I was able
to approach quite closely and spent over thirty minutes taking photos and video
before it departed across the dehesa.
Spanish Imperial Eagle
Urdimalas: New Location: GeoTag
39.88226, -5.93382
I read about this area in a local guide and added it on to the end of my day visits. I wish I had given the area more time as its potential was apparent. A long drive through agricultural land brings you close to The Emblase de Torrejon-Tietar. On the way you pass through a very interesting group of agricultural buildings dedicated to the drying of peppers. At the end of the road there are a couple of farms with a large pool in front of them.
It was here that I found eighteen Common Crane feeding in the field and a Great White Egret on the pool.
Great and Little Egret
Common Crane
Wednesday 30th October
Río Almonte--Puente de Torrejón:
Geo Tag 39.66474, -5.939441
Four more Crag Martin to add to this locations
list along with a female Whinchat.
Parque De San Lazard: Trujillo: Geo
Tag: 39.453131, -5.876864
If you must shop, then do a bit of birding before.
Return visit to this location produced three Mute Swan, a single Chiffchaff
and plenty of Ringed Plover.
Embalse
De Talavan: Geo Tag: 39.67237, -6.29946
A second visit to
Emblase De Talavan added a Greenshank to the location list.
|
Llanos
de Cáceres—Observatorio: Geo
Tag: 39.4018, -6.23492
The weather had turned cold with strong wind and heavy rain showers so was grateful to be in the hide.
Good numbers of Calandra Crested and Thekla Lark were present as were a couple of Tawny Pipit in with the Meadow Pipit. A female Hen Harrier quartered the area in front of the hide and in doing so disturbed a group of Black-bellied Sandgrouse that had blended into the distant field.
As the Harrier departed it was replaced by a Golden Eagle which in turn was replaced by two Spanish Imperial Eagle.
Thursday 31st October
Peña Falcón/Salto del Gitano: Geo Tag: 39.82787, -6.05768
You can’t come to this area without doing the Monfrague circle. First stop the Peña Falcón and as I got out of the car a Peregrine zipped past. Good numbers of Griffon Vulture were present either circling the rocks or moving off up the valley.
These were
joined by a single Egyptian Vulture and a Cinerous Vulture.
Cinerous (Black) Vulture
Two Rock Sparrow were flitting around the area and a male Hawfinch was showing well.
Villarreal de San Carlos: Geo Tag: 39.83925, -5.99476
In March this place was so busy you couldn’t even get a seat. Today it was empty and peaceful. I highly recommend the coffee from the machine in the Pica Pica!
A couple of Iberian Grey Shrike were in a vocal duel in the car park which was interesting to hear.
Came across hundreds of Cormorant I believe feeding on shoals of small fish.
Minor Road to Serrejon: Geo Tag: 39.90631, -5.88901
This minor road is now signposted as a Green Trail and passes through picturesque areas of dehasa. It’s worth stopping on a number of occasions and waiting as its rich in wildlife.
Common Crane could be heard calling, but they remained hidden amongst the Oak Holm. Nuthatch were also calling but sadly not showing as well. Mistle Thrush and Blackbird were present and to my surprise three Redwing flew over calling.
Moved on to Arrocampo Reservoir.
Balsa de Cerro Alto--Observatorio 5: Geo Tag: 39.85191, -5.70544
A return visit added Great White and Cattle Egret, Short-toed Lark and Red-legged Partridge to this locations list.
Cattle Egret
Charco Salado: Geo Tag: 39.86664, -5.73795
A really nice addition to the Arrocampo Reserve. The drive through the dehesa produced Jay, Blue, Long-tailed and Great Tit as well as Nuthatch, Stonechat, Robin and Redstart.
The water levels were again very low, but Great White and Little Egret were present as was Common and Green Sandpiper, Snipe and Greenshank.
Friday 1st November
Time to head home. Luckily, I have a late afternoon flight so was able to call in at Calera y Chozas on the way back to the airport.
As I was parking at the small pool a Great Bustard flew over and landed in a field behind an industrial unit. A short walk revealed a group of thirty-six Great Bustard feeding. I was able to get some good photos, and this was a great way to end this trip.
Great Bustard
Total Species of birds seen during this trip: 103
Species Checklist
Stonechat
|
Saxicola rubicola
|
Azure-winged (Iberian)Magpie
|
Cyanopica cyanus
|
Black Redstart
|
Phoenicurus ochruros
|
Black Vulture
|
Coragyps atratus
|
Black Wheatear
|
Oenanthe leucura
|
Black-bellied Sandgrouse
|
Pterocles orientalis
|
Blackbird
|
Turdus merula
|
Blackcap
|
Sylvia atricapilla
|
Black-headed Gull
|
Chroicocephalus ridibundus
|
Black-winged Stilt
|
Himantopus himantopus
|
Blue Rock Thrush
|
Monticola solitarius
|
Blue Tit
|
Cyanistes caeruleus
|
Buzzard
|
Buteo buteo
|
Calandra Lark
|
Melanocorypha calandra
|
Cattle Egret
|
Bubulcus ibis
|
Cetti's Warbler
|
Cettia cetti
|
Chaffinch
|
Fringilla coelebs
|
Chiffchaff
|
Phylloscopus collybita
|
Cinereous Vulture
|
Aegypius monachus
|
Cirl Bunting
|
Emberiza cirlus
|
Collared Dove
|
Streptopelia decaocto
|
Common Sandpiper
|
Actitis hypoleucos
|
Common Waxbill
|
Estrilda astrild
|
Coot
|
Fulica atra
|
Cormorant
|
Phalacrocorax carbo
|
Corn Bunting
|
Emberiza calandra
|
Crag Martin
|
Ptyonoprogne rupestris
|
Crane
|
Grus grus
|
Crested Lark
|
Galerida cristata
|
Crested Tit
|
Lophophanes cristatus
|
Dartford Warbler
|
Sylvia undata
|
Dunnock
|
Prunella modularis
|
Egyptian Goose
|
Alopochen aegyptiaca
|
Egyptian Vulture
|
Neophron percnopterus
|
Fan-tailed Warbler
|
Cisticola juncidis
|
Golden Eagle
|
Aquila chrysaetos
|
Goldfinch
|
Carduelis carduelis
|
Great Bustard
|
Otis tarda
|
Great Spotted Woodpecker
|
Dendrocopos major
|
Great Tit
|
Parus major
|
Great White Egret
|
Ardea alba
|
Green Sandpiper
|
Tringa ochropus
|
Greenfinch
|
Chloris chloris
|
Greenshank
|
Tringa nebularia
|
Grey Heron
|
Ardea cinerea
|
Grey Wagtail
|
Motacilla cinerea
|
Greylag Goose
|
Anser anser
|
Griffon Vulture
|
Gyps fulvus
|
Hawfinch
|
Coccothraustes coccothraustes
|
Hen Harrier
|
Circus cyaneus
|
Hoopoe
|
Upupa epops
|
House Sparrow
|
Passer domesticus
|
Jackdaw
|
Corvus monedula
|
Jay
|
Garrulus glandarius
|
Kestrel
|
Falco tinnunculus
|
Kingfisher
|
Alcedo atthis
|
Lapwing
|
Vanellus vanellus
|
Linnet
|
Carduelis cannabina
|
Little Bustard
|
Tetrax tetrax
|
Little Egret
|
Egretta garzetta
|
Little Grebe
|
Tachybaptus ruficollis
|
Little Owl
|
Athene noctua
|
Little Ringed Plover
|
Charadrius dubius
|
Long-tailed Tit
|
Aegithalos caudatus
|
Magpie
|
Pica pica
|
Mallard
|
Anas platyrhynchos
|
Marsh Harrier
|
Circus aeruginosus
|
Meadow Pipit
|
Anthus pratensis
|
Mistle Thrush
|
Turdus viscivorus
|
Moorhen
|
Gallinula chloropus
|
Mute Swan
|
Cygnus olor
|
Nuthatch
|
Sitta europaea
|
Peregrine
|
Falco peregrinus
|
Pied Wagtail
|
Motacilla alba
|
Pintail
|
Anas acuta
|
Pin-tailed Sandgrouse
|
Pterocles alchata
|
Raven
|
Corvus corax
|
Red Kite
|
Milvus milvus
|
Red-legged Partridge
|
Alectoris rufa
|
Redwing
|
Turdus iliacus
|
Ringed Plover
|
Charadrius hiaticula
|
Robin
|
Erithacus rubecula
|
Rock Dove / Feral Pigeon
|
Columba livia
|
Rock Sparrow
|
Petronia petronia
|
Sardinian Warbler
|
Sylvia melanocephala
|
Serin
|
Serinus serinus
|
Short-toed Lark
|
Calandrella brachydactyla
|
Shoveler
|
Anas clypeata
|
Snipe
|
Gallinago gallinago
|
Song Thrush
|
Turdus philomelos
|
Southern Grey Shrike
|
Lanius meridionalis
|
Spanish Imperial Eagle
|
Aquila adalberti
|
Spanish Sparrow
|
Passer hispaniolensis
|
Sparrowhawk
|
Accipiter nisus
|
Spotless Starling
|
Sturnus unicolor
|
Starling
|
Sturnus vulgaris
|
Tawny Pipit
|
Anthus campestris
|
Teal
|
Anas crecca
|
Thekla Lark
|
Galerida theklae
|
Whinchat
|
Saxicola rubetra
|
Willow Warbler
|
Phylloscopus trochilus
|
Woodlark
|
Lullula arborea
|
Woodpigeon
|
Columba palumbus
|
Wren
|
Troglodytes troglodytes
|
Resources used in planning:
Finding Birds in Extremadura: Dave Gosney: http://www.easybirder.co.uk
Accurate information and maps of locations. Updates through website
Cloudbirder Trip Reports: www.cloudbirders.com
A very useful resource for locations, timings and probable species
Birdforum: www.birdforum.net
Lots of help and advice readily available and freely given by fellow birders
Extremadura: Crossbill Publications
Where to watch birds: Southern and Western Spain: Ernest Garcia and Andrew Paterson
Numerous web searches
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