WILD SPAIN TOUR REPORT

Transcription

1 WILD SPAIN 4-10 MAY 2008 TOUR REPORT LEADER: SIMON HARRAP The 2008 Birdquest to Wild Spain was another very successful trip to one of the greatest birding areas in Europe. We recorded 140 species in the most delightful surroundings. In Extremadura we found both Great and Little Bustards, Black-bellied and Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, three species of vulture, two Spanish Eagles and a Black-shouldered Kite. Other highlights included good views of Eurasian Eagle Owl, European Scops Owl, a Red-necked Nightjar, Black Wheatear and Western Orphean Warbler, and, at the local lakes, Little Bittern, Black-crowned Night Heron, Purple Gallinule and Savi s and Great Reed Warblers. We also visited the Gredos, where Iberian Green Woodpecker, Water Pipit, Bluethroat, Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush, Bonelli s Warbler and Citril Finch were complemented by the good weather and fantastic scenery. We started our adventures in Spain with an epic journey - the walk from the plane to the baggage carousel at Madrid! After picking up our luggage, collecting the van and a light lunch, we finally left town and headed westwards towards Extremadura. It was the end of a four day public holiday and traffic was streaming back to the capital, forming a seemingly never ending queue, but we were not affected and gradually began to see birds - White Storks, a couple of Black Vultures and many Spotless Starlings. Towards Trujillo we stopped at some small lakes and had a very productive hour. Purple Gallinules stood among the reeds and nearby a male Little Bittern prowled around and showed exceptionally well. There were also Purple and Night Herons, Black-winged Stilts, a Kingfisher, Cuckoo and several Bee-eaters. We spent quite some time looking at warblers, and were rewarded with scope views of a singing Great Reed Warbler and, eventually, a singing Savi s Warbler. Well pleased, we continued on to our delightful hotel rural, situated at the food of some wooded hills with a view out over a wide expanse of countryside. Our first night in Extremadura was notable for the Scops Owl that called loudly through the night, but despite the noise we were all up bright eyed and bushy tailed for a pre-breakfast walk around the hotel, and this produced a brief Cirl Bunting as well as Hoopoes and good looks at shaggy Spotless Starlings. After breakfast we headed out to the Belen Plains and were soon watching our first Little Bustards, both standing calling with their heads thrown back and in fluttering display flights. A male Great Bustard followed, not too close (they seldom are) but in perfect light. We spent a long time admiring him, serenaded all the while by the abundant Calandra Larks and watching scores of White Storks, Black Kites and Griffon Vultures. Three Black-bellied Sandgrouse flew by and then we found a 1 Birdquest: Wild Spain 2008

2 group of eight Great Bustards, which mysteriously managed to vanish again - amazing! More vultures followed, including several Black Vultures, and we had great views of this huge beast on the ground. It was late morning by the time we dragged ourselves away and after a quick stop in town we headed west towards Caceres. As we approached we stopped at a rather barren reservoir that produced several Little Terns and a couple of Black Terns and we then move on to the Rio Almonte for lunch. Alpine Swifts swept past below us and we also had great looks at Crag Martins and Red-rumped Swallows. In an excellent piece of spotting a male Black Wheatear was then found and we could admire his white rump and tail base and rather thrush-like shape. The afternoon was the time to look for raptors, and a careful check of the pylons along the road produced a couple of Short-toed Eagles and a light phase Booted Eagle. The dehesa held numerous Woodchat Shrikes as well as Thekla Larks and we eventually tracked down some calling Rock Sparrows. Around a stork colony we found another Thekla Lark as well as pylon-nesting Ravens, and it was then time to head for home. One final stop in Trujillo produced half a dozen or more Lesser Kestrels at the bullring, and these showed superbly, and it was a contented crew that arrived, at last, at the hotel. All was not over, however, for after dinner a brief night foray produced prolonged views of the calling Scops Owl, and we could indeed rest in peace. Our second full day in Extremadura was as good as the first - in fact it was tremendous. We were up before dawn and found a pair of Barn Owls right by the hotel. Just a short drive away we looked and listened for Red-necked Nightjar (serenaded by Nightingales, Cuckoos and a Woodlark). We had no luck until, right at the last moment, one flew in and showed well but briefly. Back at the hotel we scoped the Cirl Bunting and had a fly-by Hawfinch, and then it was time for breakfast. After this we headed north via the fast roads to Monfragüe. Our first stop was at Portilla del Teitar and we had barely stopped the bus when we saw two well-grown Eagle Owl chicks sitting in full view. They flapped around and showed very well until they finally took cover in the shade. Then an adult Spanish Imperial Eagle flew over, showing its white leading edge to good advantage. Not surprisingly, we spent quite some time at the rock, enjoying more good views of the eagle, the abundant Griffon Vultures, Egyptian Vultures, Black Storks (looking truly prehistoric), Blue Rock Thrushes and Rock Buntings. A while spent in the adjacent Cork Oak forest added Eurasian Nuthatch, Short-toed Treecreeper, Golden Oriole and Jay, but a singing Orphean Warbler proved very hard to see. We then headed further south into Monfragüe for lunch at a viewpoint, where there was little on view but where we did eventually track down Subalpine Warbler. Another stop along the road produced good views of a singing Orphean Warbler and then we continued on to Pena Falcon. This large rock is surely the most famous place in Monfragüe and there were dozen of Griffon Vultures, as well as more Black Storks (including one on a nest), Blue Rock Thrushes, Rock Buntings and Black Redstarts, and we even scoped a Wren. The steep road up to the monastery produced even more Blue Rock Thrushes and a couple of distant Bonelli s Eagles and then we headed towards home. Stopping on the way back at a narrow valley, we had our first good looks at Spanish Sparrow, as well as singing Sardinian and Subalpine Warblers, and the final event of the day was a visit to the Plaza Major in Trujillo. As well as admiring the architecture and the statue of Pizarro, Conquistador de Peru, we watched dozens of Lesser Kestrels and several Pallid Swifts. Back at the hotel at the end of a long but rewarding day, some of the party were not too tired for an after dinner stroll, finding the Barn Owls again! The following morning we started before dawn again and headed off to the steppe areas north-west of Trujillo. At the first stop we saw a Stone-curlew briefly (it was chased off by a Buzzard) and admired some Spanish Sparrows, and once out into the steppes proper - a mixture of huge arable fields and areas of grassland that are periodically cultivated - we found some Montagu s Harriers floating over the fields and several Greater Short-toed Larks. Our main quarry was, however, sandgrouse, and we heard Pin-tailed Sandgrouse quite a lot, but they were very distant and we did not even have a glimpse of one. Black-bellied Sandgrouse were more co-operative, and we had several fly-bys that culminated in good views of a flock of 14. Careful scrutiny of the fields also produced Little Owl and a Red Fox carrying a dead Hare, and we had a glimpse of some very, very distant Pin-tailed 2 Birdquest: Wild Spain 2008

3 Sandgrouse on the ground, but they were quickly lost to view before most of the party had got onto them and we decided to make the best of a bad job and head back for breakfast. Suitably refreshed, we headed back out to the steppes. En route we stopped again at the large, barren Embalse de Guadiloba and found Black Terns and an immature Yellow-legged Gull, as well as Southern Grey Shrike and Common Sandpiper, both new to the list. Moving on to the open plains, we had a brilliant first stop, with good views of four Great Bustards and nice flight views of a flock of Black-bellied Sandgrouse, while up to eight Montagu s Harriers floated through the skies and then no less than six Rollers sat together on the wires. Moving on, we took a very rough road for around 25 km through some very pretty countryside. Another Great Bustard was spotted, and there were up to a thousand Spanish Sparrows as well as Lesser Kestrel and Whinchat, but Pin-tailed Sandgrouse again failed to play ball, with just flight views of two birds that not everyone saw. It was then time for lunch and we were pleased when we eventually got back onto a smooth road, but by now it was raining. Fortunately this did not last long and we had a try for Black-winged Kite. It took some time, but eventually one was spotted hovering over the scattered bushes and trees, and we saw it again a little later as it chased off a Black Kite. Another new bird here was Hobby and then, after a stop to admire some tongue orchids, we headed back to the hotel for a relaxing final evening there. Next morning, we started off before dawn again and drove out onto the steppes west of Trujillo. Our goal was yet again sandgrouse but they were silent although in the end we had good views of nine Black-bellied Sandgrouse, both on the ground and in the air. Other notable birds were Little Ringed Plover and a pair of distant Stone-curlews, but it was the bustards that stole the show, with a fine male Little Bustard and up to 12 Great Bustards, including a male in chrysanthemum display. A Merlin was a surprise, and then it was time to return for breakfast. Having packed and said a fond farewell to our hotel rural, with its fine food, great hosts and picturesque setting, we headed back to the steppes. This was to prove a good move, with subadult Spanish and Golden Eagles and, at last, great looks at a flock of four Pin-tailed Sandgrouse as they wheeled overhead. We then meandered north through Monfragüe, with the only bird of note being Nightingale, which showed well, and drove up to the Gredos, arriving in time for some veranda birding, with Pied Flycatcher, Black Redstart and Citril Finch all bagged by various members of the group, as well as Red Squirrel. We had one full day in the Gredos and, despite a poor forecast, enjoyed very pleasant weather and some great birds. We started off with good looks at a couple of Citril Finches on the lawn, followed by Firecrest and Bonelli s Warbler. After breakfast we drove up to some high broom scrub and were soon watching a svelte Bluethroat singing from the bush tops as well as Water Pipits, Spanish Wagtail and a drumming Snipe. A meander along a forest road produced Pied Flycatcher and Crested Tit, with a Honey-buzzard close overhead. After picnicking in very pleasant surroundings we came across an Iberian Green Woodpecker that perched up, allowing close study of its distinctive face pattern. Moving on, we drove up to La Plataforma, where Rock and Ortolan Buntings were tame and conspicuous, there were more Water Pipits and Spanish Wagtails, and we found a volatile Rufoustailed Rock Thrush that jumped up and down in front of us. In a final frustration, we struggled with Dartford Warbler and then the forecasted rain arrived a 15 minute downpour on the way back to the hotel. On the final day of the tour we had a few hours in the Gredos before it was time to go, and during this enjoyed more views of Iberian Green Woodpecker and, at last, got a good look at a Dartford Warbler. The highlight was, however, another singing male Bluethroat. It was time to breakfast, pack and head for Madrid (in constant rain!) for the flight home and the end of a truly memorable experience of Wild Spain. 3 Birdquest: Wild Spain 2008

4 SYSTEMATIC LIST Species which were not personally recorded by the leader are indicated by the symbol (NL). Species which were heard but not seen are indicated by the symbol (H). PODICIPEDIDAE Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus: A couple at the Embalse de Guadiloba and around ten at Almaraz. Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis: Seen briefly on a roadside pond near our hotel. ARDEIDAE Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus: Two at the lake at Almaraz, with a male seen very well as he stalked along in the reeds. Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax: A couple at the lake near Almaraz a write-in. Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis: Small numbers in Extremadura. Little Egret Egretta garzetta: A scatter on the journeys in Extremadura. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea: A scatter throughout the tour. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea: Four at the lake near Almaraz. CICONIIDAE Black Stork Ciconia nigra: Great views at the crags in Monfragüe, including one at a nest at Pena Falcon; they really do look prehistoric. White Stork Ciconia ciconia: Abundant in Extremadura but just a couple on the Gredos. ANATIDAE Gadwall Anas strepera: A pair on a dew pond on the plains west of Trujillo. Mallard Anas platyrhynchos: A scatter seen flying around over the plains. ACCIPITRIDAE European Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus: One soared overhead in the Gredos. Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus: At the second attempt, and after a bit of searching, one seen in the dehesa near Monfragüe. Black Kite Milvus migrans: Common. Red Kite Milvus milvus: Far less numerous than Black Kite, with just a couple in Extremadura, but some excellent views of this superb raptor in the Gredos. Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus: A scatter in Extremadura. Eurasian Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus: Abundant, with great views of the nesting birds at cliff sites in Monfragüe. Eurasian Black Vulture (Cinereous Vulture) Aegypius monachus: Common on the plains around Trujillo, with very good looks both in the air and on the ground. Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus: Four seen, with an especially good look at one on a pylon in the dehesa. Montagu s Harrier Circus pygargus: Good numbers in Extremadura, with up to eight in the air together. Common Buzzard Buteo buteo: A scatter of sightings often sitting on roadside fence posts. Spanish Eagle Aquila adalberti: An adult showed superbly at Portilla del Tietar in Monfragüe and then we saw an immature bird out on the plains west of Trujillo. Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos: A young bird out on the plains west of Trujillo. Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus: A handful seen at Monfragüe and in the Gredos. Suspiciously, most were light-phase birds (perhaps the dark phase individuals are lost among the Black Kites?). 4 Birdquest: Wild Spain 2008

5 Bonelli s Eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus: Mike saw an adult briefly over the Monastery Monfragüe and we all saw a rather distant immature there. FALCONIDAE Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni: Common at the bullring and in the Plaza Major at Trujillo and a nice party out on the plains west of Trujillo. Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus: Seen almost daily. Merlin Falco columbarius: Seen in flight and at rest at the sandgrouse site west of Trujillo. The head pattern, with dark crown, pale supercilium but rather poorly marked moustache, is diagnostic; spots or bars on the upperparts are not uncommon. Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo: One at the Black-winged Kite site. PHASIANIDAE Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa: Many seen, including some at the roadside very close to the bus. Common Quail Coturnix coturnix (H): Heard in several spots, but never prepared to show itself. RALLIDAE Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus: Three at Almaraz. Purple Swamp-hen (Purple Gallinule) Porphyrio porphyrio: Three seen well at the lake near Almaraz. OTIDIDAE Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax: A few seen on the plains (but more often just heard, the males giving their raspberry call), and we had some nice views of calling birds. Great Bustard Otis tarda: Good numbers on the plains around Trujillo, with parties of up to eight, and we had some really great views of this hulking beast. RECURVIROSTRIDAE Black-winged Stilt Haematopus haematopus: A couple at Almaraz and at the Embalse de Guadiloba. BURHINIDAE Eurasian Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus: Two seen briefly on the first early morning sandgrouse excursion, but they were chased off by a Buzzard, and then two more seen very distantly on the second pre-breakfast foray. CHARADRIIDAE Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius: Three out on the plains west of Trujillo. SCOLOPACIDAE Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos: One at the Embalse de Guadiloba. Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago: One seen in its aerial drumming display high in the Gredos. LARIDAE Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis: Two immatures at the Embalse de Guadiloba on the first visit, with a singleton there on our return. STURNIDAE Little Tern Sterna albifrons: Five at the Embalse de Guadiloba on our first visit; they appeared to be nesting, but were absent on the second visit. Black Tern Chlidonias niger: Two on our fist visit to the Embalse de Guadiloba, with better views of three on our return trip. 5 Birdquest: Wild Spain 2008

6 PTEROCLIDAE Black-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles orientalis: Good numbers seen, including flocks of 13 and 14 and a group of nine that showed well both in flight and on the ground. Pin-tailed Sandgrouse Pterocles alchata: We struggled with this one, with a series of brief or very distant views, but at the last minute had great looks at a party of four as they flew around over our heads in the steppes west of Trujillo. COLUMBIDAE Rock Dove Columba livia: A scatter of feral pigeons. Common Woodpigeon Columba palumbus: Small numbers throughout. Eurasian Collared Dove: Streptopelia decaocto: Quite common, especially around towns and villages. European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur: Several heard in Monfragüe, but just one seen, a bird on roadside wires. CUCULIDAE Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus: Commonly heard and a few seen, including a superb hepatic morph female in the Gredos. TYTONIDAE Barn Owl Tyto alba: Nesting in an old building next to our hotel and two birds were seen well on a couple of occasions. STRIGIDAE European Scops Owl Otus scops: One called all night in the garden of our hotel and was seen very well on a couple of occasions. Eurasian Eagle-Owl Bubo bubo: Two well-grown chicks showed nicely at the traditional rock in Monfragüe. Little Owl Athene noctua: A couple out on the plains, sitting, as usual, on buildings, and also a couple on roadside wires near our hotel. CAPRIMULGIDAE Red-necked Nightjar Caprimulgus ruficollis: At the last minute on flew in and around us on a predawn foray near our hotel, giving brief views, and also heard distantly at our hotel, but unwilling to come any closer there. APODIDAE Common Swift Apus apus: Common. Pallid Swift Apus pallidus: Two at Portilla del Tietar in Monfragüe and a few at the Plaza Major in Trujillo. Alpine Swift Apus melba: Great looks at the Black Wheatear spot. ALCEDINIDAE Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis: One at the lakes at Almaraz and two on the small river as we left Monfragüe for the last time. MEROPIDAE European Bee-eater Merops apiaster: Quite common in Extremadura, although heard more often than seen. 6 Birdquest: Wild Spain 2008

7 CORACIIDAE European Roller Coracias garrulus: A group of six that suddenly appeared out on the plains near Trujillo may have been newly-arrived migrants, then two more seen by the bus later the same day. UPUPIDAE Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops: Great views of several in Extremadura. PICIDAE Iberian Green Woodpecker (Sharpe s Green Woodpecker) Picus viridis: Seen twice in the Gredos, the first bird flew in and sat up for scope views, the second was seen well from the bus in roadside trees. Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major: A couple in the Gredos. ALAUDIDAE Calandra Lark Melanocorypha calandra: Abundant in some areas of the plains, the song was almost constantly audible. Greater Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla: Good numbers in the fields at the sandgrouse spot near Trujillo, with nice close views of birds on the track. Crested Lark Galerida cristata: Scattered, especially along the roads, but also present in the dehesa. Thekla Lark Galerida theklae: Good views of two running around in the dehesa, then another seen singing at the Black-winged Kite spot; only subtly distinct from Crested Lark. Wood Lark Lullula arborea: One of the characteristic sounds of the dehesa, especially before dawn (e.g. at the Red-necked Nightjar spot), but not seen until the Gredos, where we scoped one sitting on top of a pine. Eurasian Skylark Alauda arvensis: Common at higher altitudes in the Gredos. HIRUNDINIDAE Eurasian Crag Martin Hirundo rupestris: Common, with some great views, especially at the bridges in Monfragüe and at the Parador Gredos Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica: Seen in small numbers. Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica: Common in Extremadura, with some lovely views (e.g. at the Black Wheatear spot) Common House Martin Delichon urbica: Common, and often found around ravines and steep valleys. MOTACILLIDAE Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta: Nice views of birds in breeding plumage in the Gredos. Spanish Wagtail Motacilla [flava] iberiae: Several of the race iberiae in the Gredos; a split for some. Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea: A few in the Gredos. White Wagtail Motacilla [alba] alba. Just small numbers seen, all of the nominate form, alba. TROGLODYTIDAE Winter Wren Troglodytes troglodytes: A few seen in Monfragüe and the Gredos. PRUNELLIDAE Dunnock Prunella modularis: Abundant in the Gredos. 7 Birdquest: Wild Spain 2008

8 TURDIDAE European Robin Erithacus rubecula: A couple in the Gredos. Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos: Commonly heard, with two seen on the last day in Monfragüe. Bluethroat Luscinia svecica: Great views of two in the broom scrub high in the Gredos and one on the Plataforma road; as usual, they lacked a white spot on the throat. Voted bird of the trip. Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros: A few at Pena Falcon and in the Gredos. Whinchat Saxicola rubetra: A couple of migrants out on the plains in Extremadura. European Stonechat Saxicola rubicola: Common in Extremadura and the Gredos. Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe: A few in the Gredos. Black Wheatear Oenanthe leucura: Good views a male near Trujillo, conjured up by Richard. Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis: A male was called in at the Gredos, it performed short fluttering vertical display flights, showing of its puffed-up white back. Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius: Several around the crags and gorges in Monfragüe. Common Blackbird Turdus merula: Indeed common. Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus: A couple seen from the bus. SYLVIIDAE Cetti s Warbler Cettia cetti: A few heard, and seen briefly at the bridge as we left Monfragüe and headed north. Zitting Cisticola (Fan-tailed Warbler) Cisticola juncidis: Commonly heard, with several good views of birds zitting around our heads in their aerial display flight. Savi s Warbler Locustella luscinioides: Good views of a singing bird at the lake near Almaraz. European Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus: Several flitting in the reeds at the lake near Almaraz. Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus: Great scope views at the lake near Almaraz. Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata: After something of a struggle, we eventually got good views of a couple in the Gredos. Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans: Around three seen in Monfragüe, with good looks at the last one, and also seen by Mike in the Gredos. Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala: Good views of several, especially when looking for Blackshouldered Kite. Western Orphean Warbler Sylvia hortensis: Two seen well, showing their hulking bodies and pale eyes. The first was at our usual spot in Monfragüe, but the second was by the supermarket in Trujillo! Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis: A few in the Gredos. Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla: Commonly heard and a couple seen in the Gredos. Bonelli s Warbler (Western Bonelli s Warbler) Phylloscopus bonelli: Common in the Gredos. Goldcrest Regulus regulus: A few in the Gredos. Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus: A couple showed well outside the Parador Gredos; a little stunner. MUSCICAPIDAE European Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca: A smart male in the Gredos. AEGITHALIDAE Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus: Parties in Monfragüe and in the Gredos; very dusky in Iberia. PARIDAE Crested Tit Parus cristatus: Seen nicely in the Gredos; a much-wanted bird! 8 Birdquest: Wild Spain 2008

9 Coal Tit Parus ater: Common in the Gredos. European Blue Tit Parus caeruleus: Scattered throughout. Great Tit Parus major: A few in Extremadura and the Gredos. SITTIDAE Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea: One attending a mud-plastered nest in Cork Oaks just north of Monfragüe, and a couple in the Gredos. CERTHIIDAE Short-toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla: Fairly common in the dehesa and in the pinewoods of the Gredos, but heard much more often than seen. ORIOLIDAE Eurasian Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus: Several in the Cork Oaks just north of Monfragüe. LANIIDAE Southern Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor: A few on the roadsides in Extremadura, with some good views. Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator: Many good views of this handsome shrike. CORVIDAE Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius: One in the Cork Oaks just north of Monfragüe and a couple in the Gredos. Iberian Magpie (Iberian Azure-winged Magpie) Cyanopica cyanus: Common in Extremadura. Eurasian Magpie Pica pica: Scattered along the roadsides. Western Jackdaw Corvus monedula: Surprisingly local, but common in Trujillo town. Carrion Crow Corvus corone: Only seen in the Gredos, where common. Common Raven Corvus corax: Good numbers in Extremadura, where seen nesting on pylons. STURNIDAE Spotless Starling Sturnus unicolor: Truly spotless, but rather shaggy. One sang loudly outside our restaurant at the hotel rural. PASSERIDAE House Sparrow Passer domesticus: Common. Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis: A few at the lakes at Almaraz, but the first to be seen well were at nests on poles in Monfragüe. We went on to seen hundreds, if not thousands, in the fields west of Trujillo. Rock Sparrow Petronia petronia: We came across a noisy party in the dehesa and eventually tracked down a coupe for scope views. FRINGILLIDAE Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs: Ubiquitous. European Serin Serinus serinus: Common, the jangly song was a constant backdrop to our explorations, especially in Monfragüe. Citril Finch Serinus citrinella: Good views of two in the Gredos. European Greenfinch Carduelis chloris (NL): A couple of sightings in Extremadura. European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis: This delicate little finch was rather common. Common Linnet Carduelis cannabina: A few in Monfragüe and common in the Gredos. 9 Birdquest: Wild Spain 2008

10 Common Crossbill Loxia curvirostra: A party of four were heard and seen briefly by Mike and Simon from their room at the Parador Gredos. Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes: One seen briefly in the garden of the hotel rural. EMBERIZIDAE Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus: One showed well in the garden of the hotel rural. Rock Bunting Emberiza cia: A few in Monfragüe and common in the Gredos. Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana: Great views in the Gredos, some grovelling around in the car park at La Plataforma. Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra: One or two. MAMMALS European Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus (NL): A few brief sightings. European Hare (Brown Hare) Lepus europaeus (NL): A couple of brief sightings. Eurasian Red Squirrel (Red Squirrel) Sciurus vulgaris (NL): Seen by Slim, Anne and Richard in the Gredos. What ears! Common Genet Genetta genetta: One seen sitting on power wires during our nightjar excursion was a real surprise. Red Fox Vulpes vulpes: Good views in Extremadura and the Gredos, including one bold animal carrying a Hare at the sandgrouse site near Trujillo. Eurasian Otter Lutra lutra (NL): One seen by Mike as we left the Gredos. Spanish Ibex Capra pyrenaica: 30 at the Plataforma de Gredos. 10 Birdquest: Wild Spain 2008

11 WILD SPAIN 2008: all photographs by Simon Harrap CLOCKWISE: Little Bustard, Red-legged Partridge, Corn Marigolds with viper s-bugloss sp, and Lesser Kestrel. Wild Spain 2008: colour page 1

12 Wild Spain 2008: colour page 2 Pena Falcon and its Griffon Vultures.

13 Wild Spain 2008: colour page 3 CLOCKWISE: Eagle Owl well grown chick, Corn Bunting, Rock Bunting, Tongue Orchid Serapias ligua and Black Storks.

14 CLOCKWISE: A Gredos scene, Crag Martins on the Parador, Bluethroats. Wild Spain 2008: colour page 4