A migrant European Nightjar rests in a small wood on the Ebro Delta as it heads north to breed Fernando Enrique, Limosa

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "A migrant European Nightjar rests in a small wood on the Ebro Delta as it heads north to breed Fernando Enrique, Limosa"

Transcription

1 Spain EBRO DELTA, LLEIDA PLAINS & PRE PYRENEES A migrant European Nightjar rests in a small wood on the Ebro Delta as it heads north to breed Fernando Enrique, Limosa 2019 Sunday 5th Sunday 12th May (8 days) Two-centre, small group tour with Fernando Enrique NEW! The Ebro Delta is easily one of the best birdwatching sites in Europe - on a par with the Coto Doñana and the Camargue. Rarely visited by groups, it is a treasure trove of Mediterranean wetland species - from Little Bittern, Western Swamphen and Red-crested Pochard to Caspian Tern, Slenderbilled Gull and Greater Flamingo. Add the dry plains and mosaic of agricultural fields and natural grasslands around Lleida - with their breeding Montagu's Harrier, Little Bustard, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse and Catalonia's last population of Dupont's Larks and the Pre-Pyrenees for Bearded Vulture, Citril Finch and Western Orphean Warbler... and you have a superb new Limosa tour to Northeast Spain! Unrivalled spring birding, off the beaten track in northeast Spain 3 nights stay in the Ebro Delta one of the most important wetlands in the western Med Little Bittern, Western Swamphen, Glossy Ibis, Collared Pratincole, Slender-billed Gull 4 nights based in the medieval hillside village of Montsonís Lleida Plains for Dupont s and Calandra Larks, Little Bustard, Montagu's Harrier Eurasian Eagle Owl, Roller, Black and Black-eared Wheatears, Southern Grey Shrike Pre Pyrenees for Golden and Booted Eagles, Bearded and Griffon Vultures, Ortolan Bunting Small group tour - maximum 10 participants Expertly led by Limosa's resident, English-speaking Spanish specialist Fernando Enrique What's Included? Limosa Tour Leader Return flights - London to Barcelona 7 nights accommodation at two comfortable hotels All main meals included - with drinking water provided during the day Minibus transport All excursions, entry fees, tour based tips and taxes LIMOSA HOLIDAYS, West End Farmhouse, Chapelfield, Stalham, Norfolk NR12 9EJ (UK) TEL: +44 (0) info@limosaholidays.co.uk WEB: limosaholidays.co.uk

2 Outline Itinerary Day 1: Fly London-Barcelona and transfer to our first hotel, in the heart of the Ebro Delta. Deltebre (3 nts) Days 2-3: Two days to explore the northern Day 4: and southern parts of the Ebro Delta. We travel northwest to Montsonís on the plains. Montsonís (4 nts) Days 5-7: Three full days in different areas of the plains, at Bellmunt and Lleida, plus a day in the Pre Pyrenees. Day 8: Tour Overview We return to Barcelona via the Llobregat Delta. Fly London Our all new tour to the Ebro Delta, Leida Plains and Pre Pyrenees has been specially designed for us by Limosa s very own Fernando Enrique. In a way it is like visiting his own local patch, as Fernando lives in Barcelona and knows the area well. We start with a flight to Barcelona and are soon whisked away to a comfortable hotel right in the heart of the Ebro Delta, where Penduline Tit is a garden bird. Our base for three nights here is within a very short drive (or walk!) of all the important local birding spots. The Ebro Delta is a world renowned Ramsar site and boasts a wide range of fine habitats - from rice fields, sandy beaches, saltmarsh and reed beds to coastal lagoons and marine bays. Over the years, more than 350 bird species have been recorded at this special place - indeed, such is the wealth of birdlife here, that in May we could well see over 100 species in a day! Sweeping flocks of Greater Flamingo sparkle as they feed or take flight; Little Bitterns bark from the reeds and Black-crowned Night Herons are seen heading to and from their daytime roosts, while Great Egrets and Squacco Herons stalk openly across the rice fields. A number of lagoons and reed beds have observation towers from which we will enjoy superb views not just of the birds but also the fascinating landscape. Western Swamphen, Red-crested Pochard, Caspian Tern, Zitting Cisticola and Great Reed Warbler are common. The delta also boasts the largest colony of Audouin s Gull in the world. In May, most of the shorebirds here will be heading north to breed, pausing to rest and feed on the Ebro's saltpans and flooded fields. Now in breeding plumage, cracking orange Little Stints and burnt sienna Bar-tailed Godwits and Curlew Sandpipers are a delight to behold, whilst Blackwinged Stilt and Kentish Plover nest. Inhabiting rough pasture, Collared Pratincole and Greater Short-toed Larks add to the variety, and a small patch of Eucalyptus near the coast can attract an exciting mix of spring migrants, from Nightjars, Hoopoes and Golden Oriole to various warblers and flycatchers and perhaps the odd surprise. After two full days exploring the delta, we head north and inland to Montsonís for a four-night stay. Our journey will take us through the Parc Natura de la Serra de Montsant - one of the secret gems of Catalonia. This mountain range is an area seldom visited by birders but sshhh, don t tell anybody! Picturesque villages sit in a beautiful landscape and the local cliffs are home to one of the highest densities of raptors in this corner of Spain - Golden and Bonelli s Eagles, Short-toed Snake Eagle and Peregrine all breed. Set amidst a mosaic of Holm and Pyrenean Oaks, scrub and rocky areas in the Sierra de Montsec, Montsonís is one of the best-preserved medieval villages of the region. We spend four nights in this very quiet spot, enjoying the rich local flora and fauna, including European Nightjar, Bee-eater, Hoopoe, Western Orphean, Subalpine and Western Bonelli's Warblers, Firecrest, plus Ortolan and Cirl Buntings. Our lovely hotel at Montsonís is well situated for full three days visiting three very different habitats, yet all within easy reach. The steppe around Balaguer and Bellmunt d'urgell holds Little Bustard and Montagu's Harrier, whilst Hobby, Stone Curlew, Roller and Great Spotted Cuckoo should also be found. A veritable symphony of larks includes Crested Lark and Thekla don t worry Fernando will help you with your identification skills - as well as Greater Short-toed and the big Calandra Lark info@limosaholidays.co.uk

3 The terraced landscape to the south of Lleida is home to the last population of Dupont s Lark in Cataluña. This highly sought species is tricky to see as it sings often at night then, just as the sun rises, drops to the ground and shuts up! In order to see it we will need to be at the right spot at first light - but it's well worth making the effort to hear its curious 'rusty swing' song and for a glimpse of one of Europe's least observed birds. But if further incentive is needed, both Pin-tailed and Black-bellied Sandgrouse also frequent the sandy plains. The Pre Pyrenees lie to the north of Montsonís and we will drive into the southern and lower part, close to the border between France and Spain. Here the alpine and subalpine habitats are home to species of birds not yet encountered on our tour. Amongst the limestone gorges of Congost de Collegats and coniferous forests of Parc Natural de Boumort, live montane specialists such as Bearded Vulture, Alpine Chough, Citril Finch and Ortolan Bunting as well a host of butterflies. Finally we head back to Barcelona, concluding this bonanza of birds at the Llobregat Delta close to the airport on the outskirts of the city. Join Limosa's highly rated, English-speaking Spanish specialist Fernando Enrique for a fabulous new tour that will introduce you to the wonderful wildlife of northeast Spain! Daily Itinerary Day 1 FLY BARCELONA, TRANSFER TO DELTEBRE Our spring birdwatching tour to northeast Spain commences with a morning flight from London to Barcelona, where Fernando will be waiting to welcome us. We take a short drive for lunch at a cosy restaurant in the small reserve at the Llobregat Delta, before continuing southwest along the blue Mediterranean coast towards the famous Ebro Delta, a journey of ca. 90 minutes. Arriving at Deltebre, we head to our nice hotel in the heart of the Ebro, settle into our rooms - and if we have time go for a short walk about the grounds. This is an excellent location and boasts garden birds such as Little Bittern, Whiskered Tern and Penduline Tit - amongst many others! Deltebre will be our very convenient base for the first three nights of the tour. Night Deltebre Days 2-3 EBRO DELTA We have two full days to explore and enjoy the wonderful Ebro Delta, not just the birds but also the fascinating landscape. This internationally important Ramsar site covers 320 sq. km, with habitats ranging from reed beds and coastal lagoons to rice fields, sandy shores, salt marsh and marine bays. To the south, there are a number of excellent observation towers, such as at Poblenou del Delta and en route we should pick out the fabulous Squacco Heron in the ricefields, if we have not already bumped into one before. Looking out over l'encanyissada lagoon there are often Little Bittern, Western Swamphen, Red-crested Pochard, Caspian Tern, Blackwinged Stilt, Western Marsh Harrier, Greater Flamingo, Zitting Cisticola and Great Reed Warbler, while Savi's Warbler buzz from the reeds. At another observation tower, we might add Great Egret and Gull-billed Tern, with Bluethroat also possible on migration. The Sant Antoni saltpans are a well-known spot for gulls, holding the largest Audouin s Gull colony in the world, as well as many terns and waders. In May, with the breeding season well underway, Sandwich, Little and Common Terns are especially active. Hulking Caspian Terns can be seen loafing or flying about, but although Lesser Crested Tern breeds nearby, picking up one of these rare birds in flight is a matter of luck! Slender-billed and Yellow-legged Gulls are an almost constant presence, and migrant waders seen regularly include Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Dunlin, Grey Plover, Bartailed Godwit, Greenshank, Spotted Redshank and Ruff - the majority in summer dress and looking at their very best now. Avocet, Kentish and Ringed Plovers nest locally, and pink-hued Knot and the delicate Marsh Sandpiper may be found on migration in May. The white-throated Iberian race of Yellow Wagtail breeds in the low info@limosaholidays.co.uk

4 scrubby vegetation - a vivid splash of lemon to be looked for atop the Salicornia and proclaiming its territory with its buzzing call. La Tancada lagoon has a hide overlooking it and is another spot good for waders and wildfowl, including Garganey. Osprey can sometimes be seen hovering above the lake, while stub-billed Lesser Short-toed Larks circle in display above the saltings performing their Serin-like songflight. An area of rough pasture at At Erms de la Tancada should reward us with Greater Short-toed Lark and the elegant Collared Pratincole, while a small patch of forest near the coast attracts all kind of migrants at this time of the year. From Nightjars, Hoopoes and Golden Orioles to a host of warblers and flycatchers. These can include some scarce migrants for Spain, such as Icterine and Wood Warblers, and Collared Flycatcher. Thanks to Fernando s contacts with the network of local birders, we shall be among the first to hear the latest news. To the north of Deltebre, further observation towers overlook the southern part of the Canal Vell lagoon. It's a regular spot for croaking Black-crowned Night Heron and Little Bittern, as well as bustling flocks of Greater Flamingo, Great Egret and Black-winged Stilt; Great Reed Warblers sing from the tops of the reeds and the tiny dots of Zitting Cisticolas (that's Fan-tailed Warbler in 'old money') bounce across the landscape. Lo Garxal is a shallow lagoon often alive with terns and waders, where we might find an elegant Marsh Sandpiper or coal-black Spotted Redshank. Excitingly, Little Gulls and Crested Coots have recently become a regular sight here, too. Two further nights Deltebre Day 4 INLAND TO SIURANA & MONTSONÍS We depart Deltebre after an early breakfast today, leaving behind the flat rice fields and lagoons of the Ebro Delta and travelling north towards the Montstant mountain range. The Parc Natura de la Serra de Montsant is one of the secret gems of Catalonia. An area seldomvisited by travelling birders, its picturesque villages, beautiful landscape and excellent wines are a 'must' if you are planning a visit to Cataluña. The numerous cliffs in the area are home to one of the highest densities of birds of prey in this corner of Spain. Species include Egyptian Vulture, Golden and Bonelli s Eagle, Short-toed Snake Eagle and Peregrine. The journey from the coast to Montsonís isn't a particularly long one (just a couple of hours if we were to go direct), but we shall be stopping along the way. Siurana is not only a clifftop village in the most beautiful of settings but home to specialities such as Melodious and Western Orphean Warblers, Firecrest, Blue Rock Thrush, Black Wheatear, Crested Tit and Rock Bunting. Our ultimate destination today is Montsonís, a wonderfully preserved medieval village located halfway between the Lleida plains and the Pre Pyrenees, in the Sierra de Montsec in Catalonia. No more than 20 people live in this tiny hamlet, so peace and quiet are virtually guaranteed - at least until we arrive! Montsonís will be our base for the next four nights - and on the cliff in front of our hotel there is often a nesting pair of Bonelli s Eagles... Having settled into our rooms, we will spend time this afternoon birding between Montsonís and Rubio de Dalt, enjoying the mosaic of Holm and Pyrenean Oaks, scrub, rocky areas and field edges that support a rich flora and fauna. Here we can find Quail, Nightjar, Hoopoe, Bee-eater and Woodlark. Super Sylvias include Subalpine, Western Orphean and Dartford Warblers, and there are Western Bonelli's Warblers, Firecrest, Tawny Pipit and Ortolan, Cirl and Rock Buntings, too! Night Montsonís Days 5-7 BELLMUNT, LLEIDA PLAINS & THE PRE PYRENEES From Montsonís, we have three bird-filled days to discover our surroundings. On each of our days here we'll drive out to three very different areas, focusing on the various landscapes and key birds and wildlife that inhabit them. We may vary the order in which we visit them depending on weather at the time: Drylands of Bellmunt Lying just 20 minutes to the south of our hotel, the dry lands between Balaguer and the village of Bellmunt d'urgell hold important numbers of info@limosaholidays.co.uk

5 Montagu's Harriers and the globally threatened Little Bustard - which at this time of year 'blow raspberries' in display in uncultivated patches! Dryland farming and sheep herding have been the dominant form of land use for centuries in this area. As such these plains are one of the last strongholds for many grassland birds found in the region. Scanning the open steppe should reveal hovering Short-toed Snake Eagle and rakish Hobbies (after very different prey), Stone Curlew, glorious turquoise Rollers and dazzling Bee-eaters as well as the handsome Great Spotted Cuckoo, Little Owl, and several lark species - including Crested, Thekla, Greater Short-toed and Calandra Larks. After enjoying lunch in a local restaurant, we will spend our afternoon at the most important interior wetland of Catalonia. Estany d Ivars is a large lake that was drained during the 20 th Century, but now has returned thanks to a very successful restoration program. Herons are well represented here, with Squacco and Purple Herons, Little Bittern and Black-crowned Night Heron all on the cards. Red-crested Pochard, Western Swamphen, Black-winged Stilt, and Black and Whiskered Terns add further to the appeal. Meanwhile the reeds can be alive with birds such as Penduline Tit, Great Reed and Eurasian Reed Warblers, Melodious Warbler and several pairs of breeding Marsh Harriers. Lleida Plains In the mosaic of agricultural fields and natural grassland near Montoliu de Lleida, the terraced scenery is notable for its low, table-topped hills rising from flat lowlands. The area is attractive to steppe birds, with large numbers of larks that includes the last population of Dupont s Lark in Cataluña. A much-sought after species, Dupont's Lark is notorious for being difficult to see. It sings in flight in the dark just before dawn, and just as the first glimmers of light make you think you will find it, then drops to the ground and runs off like a courser! In order to find this remarkable bird, we will need to be at the right spot at the right time. But with patience and Fernando to help, we have a great chance of finding this elusive species on the ground and in daylight! As we wait and watch for the lark to appear, other key species found here include Stone Curlew with its eerie calls, and Pin-tailed and Black-bellied Sandgrouse. Lleida's hillsides and cliffs are covered with a mix of Mediterranean and semi-desert vegetation that supports a great variety of birds. We will spend time today looking for smart Black and Black-eared Wheatears, Red-rumped Swallow, Red-billed Chough, Southern Grey Shrike, Spectacled Warbler, Tawny Pipit and - with a little local knowledge - Eurasian Eagle Owl. If that is not enough, a nearby rubbish dump (lovely!) attracts large numbers of White and Black Storks, Cattle Egrets and other scavengers, allowing good photo opportunities! Pre Pyrenees Today we head for the hills, driving north into the Pre Pyrenees. Still with peaks rising to over 2000m (6,500ft), these southern and lower ramparts of the Pyrenees possess both alpine and subalpine habitats that are home to a cracking range of species we won't find elsewhere during our tour. Mountain specialists such as Bearded Vulture (Lammergeier), Ring Ouzel, Citril Finch, Crossbill and Ortolan Bunting will occupy our time, along with Red-backed Shrike (here at the southwestern limit of its breeding range), Tree Pipit and Yellowhammer. Driving through the beautiful landscapes of coniferous woodlands, spectacular gorges and immense cliffs, we arrive to our destination on the southern edge of the Parc Natural de Boumort. At this altitude, the forest gradually opens out to more scattered trees, rose bushes, Alpenrose heathland and flowery grasses that hold Tree Pipits and an amazing diversity of butterflies, including two of the most beautiful butterflies in Europe to be seen in May Spanish Festoon and Spanish Fritillary. The cliffs around these meadows are also home to the southernmost breeding population of Alpine Choughs in Spain. High above, the mountains and valleys at Boumort are the domain of all four European vultures - Bearded, Black, Griffon and Egyptian Vultures. This is the only place in the whole of Europe where all four species breed side-by info@limosaholidays.co.uk

6 side. Other birds typical of this upland region include Golden Eagle, Raven, Crested Tit, Firecrest and Short-toed Treecreeper. After a lovely picnic lunch, we ll drive north to spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the Congost de Collegats. Here, impressive canyons and caves have been cut through the limestone creating an area of high cliffs that hold a healthy population of raptors due to its inaccessibility. We have further chances of Golden Eagle as well as Bearded, Griffon and Egyptian Vultures. After another action-packed day, we then head back south for our final night at our village hotel. Three further nights Montsonís Day 8 RETURN TO COAST & LLOBREGAT DELTA, FLY BARCELONA-LONDON After a final breakfast at lovely Montsonís, we travel two hours back to the coast at Barcelona and enjoy a couple of hours of birding around the Llobregat Delta, close to the airport. The Llobregat Delta is a haven for wildlife on the outskirts of the city of Barcelona. It holds a surprising variety of interesting wetland birds. Although only a small reserve it has excellent hides, and a short visit here can be combined with an often profitable seawatch from the nearby shore, with chances of Balearic and Cory's Shearwaters, and Gannet, plus a good selection of terns and gulls including Audouin's, Little and Mediterranean. After a leisurely lunch, we make the very short drive back to Barcelona Airport for farewells to Fernando and our return flight to London, where our May birdwatching tour to northeast Spain concludes. Trip Information Group Limit Max 10 participants & 2 leaders (or 6 participants & 1 leader) Birds: species Accommodation 7 nights accommodation in Spain, staying at two super hotels - beginning in the Ebro Delta with 3 nights at the well-located Delta Hotel, and concluding with 4 nights at the comfortable La Botiga de Montsonís - a very characterful hotel in the picturesque village of Montsonís, with its well-preserved medieval buildings and views of big cliffs to the north and the plains to the south. All rooms have private facilities. Meals All main meals are included in the tour price, commencing with lunch on arrival in Spain on Day 1 - at a local restaurant at El Prat de Llobregat - and concluding with lunch there on Day 8. Breakfasts and delicious home-cooked dinners will be taken at the hotels. Lunches will be a mix of picnics and sit down meals in local restaurants in some of our favourite places. Walking Overall easy. There are no long walks, not even in the Pre Pyrenees. We drive to most birding locations and take short walks at a relaxed pace to enjoy the magnificent birds and landscapes. Weather The weather in this part of Spain in May is typically warm and sunny (occasional showers or thundery rain some years). More variable at altitude in Pre-Pyrenees, where it is often warm and sunny, but can also be cool, especially first thing. As with all mountain areas of course, it can occasionally be cold and/or wet - so do come prepared with suitably warm and weatherproof clothing, just in case. Snowfall is very unlikely at this time. Flights Return flights from London-Barcelona, nonstop with British Airways, Iberia or Easyjet. Ground Transport By minibus. Photos Opportunities for incidental bird photography good to excellent on this trip info@limosaholidays.co.uk

7 Tour Cost 2019 TOUR PRICE TO BE ANNOUNCED (available Summer 2018) 2019 (8 days): TBA (inc flights from London) Land only: TBA Deposit: 300 Single Supp: TBA Cost includes Services of expert Limosa guide/s Return flights London-Barcelona 7 nights hotel accommodation in Spain All main meals (with drinking water provided) Minibus transport All excursions, entry fees, tour based tips and taxes Map & Limosa checklist of birds Cost excludes Insurance, drinks, airport meals/snacks, in flight meals & other items of a personal nature. About Your Guides Fernando Enrique is our resident Spanish expert, an English-speaking bird tour guide, allround naturalist and biologist whose home is in Andalucia - overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar. As a child, he was fascinated by the kettles of raptors that formed above his home and being born in the Strait, Europe s most important bird migration route, helped shape his love of birds and nature. At age 18, Fernando became one of the youngest bird-ringers in Spain, while his eagerness to learn about more and more species led him to travel widely in Europe, Africa, Asia and Central America. Now in his early 30s, he has worked with a number of species - including Montagu s Harrier, Lesser Kestrel, Griffon Vulture and White Stork - as well as on projects studying the effects of wind farms on birds. Spanish is of course Fernando's first language, but his command of English is excellent and he is a delight to travel with. He leads our tours to Guatemala and Morocco as well as those across Spain. Having lived and worked in north, central and southern Spain, he knows the birds of these regions exceptionally well. Fernando has designed this new tour for us visiting his new local patches as he now lives in Barcelona. Second leader to be announced as group size warrants. Financial Security Limosa Holidays is a fully bonded Tour Operator and a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO). We hold an ATOL (Air Tour Operators Licence) granted by the CAA, providing for your protection in the event of Limosa Holidays' insolvency. Our licence number is ATOL For tours not including the cost of a flight from the UK or for holidays booked by you as Land Only, all payments made to us are fully bonded through the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT). Our ABTOT membership number is For details please see our brochure or website: Limosa Loyalty Discount We are proud of the number of loyal customers who travel regularly with us. As our way of saying thank you, we offer a Frequent Travel Discount. Under the scheme, everyone who takes four trips with us is entitled to claim a 5% discount on their 5th trip *1. Remember to request your discount at time of booking! *1 Please note: This offer applies to the basic tour cost only and excludes certain commissionbased trips, extras such as additional flights, private extensions and cancellations. Discounts cannot be given in lieu of tour deposits or off the cost of single room supplements. How To Book Check availability on our website or with our office. We are happy to hold Provisional Reservations for up to 7 days. After this, we do require a Booking Form and deposit to confirm your place on tour. Any unconfirmed space will be released info@limosaholidays.co.uk

8 Book Online, by Phone or by Post You can book and pay the deposit simply and securely Online via our website, using the Book This Tour button on the relevant tour page or the Booking tab at the top of the page. Telephone bookings must be confirmed in writing by completion of a Booking Form (there's one tucked inside every brochure or as a PDF download from our website), which can be mailed to us in the time honoured way. Be sure to read our Booking Conditions and General Information (found at the back of our brochure, on our website or available from our office on request) prior to booking. When to Book Early booking is advised since flights and accommodation are much more easily secured well in advance. To encourage early booking, we are pleased to offer an Early Bird Discount - see our current brochure or website for details. Our tours are limited to small group sizes. So they can fill up quickly - sometimes even before our new brochure comes out! Single rooms in particular can often be in short supply and among the first to go, so do try to plan well ahead if you definitely require one of these. Last-minute Bookings: We inevitably receive a few unexpected cancellations over the course of a season so it is always worth enquiring about vacancies on any tour - even for those departing in just a few weeks! Payments Deposit: The amount of booking deposit per person is shown alongside every tour. We accept deposit payments by BACS (please ask for our bank details), debit card or cheque (made payable to Limosa Holidays and drawn on a UK bank in GB Pounds Sterling). For payment of booking deposits only we also accept Visa and MasterCard credit cards. Balance: Full payment of the tour balance is due not later than 12 weeks prior to departure (20 weeks in the case of certain tours such as cruises or those involving rail travel). We will send you an invoice before the balance is due. We accept balance payments and any additional payments (e.g. interim flight deposits, flight upgrades, extra hotels etc) by electronic bank transfer, UK debit card or cheque. Please note: From 1 January 2018, credit card payments and overseas debit card payments will not be accepted for interim / balance payments. Payment by overseas customers must be in GB Pounds Sterling and may be made by transfer to our bank (please ask for our bank details). Note that we do not accept cheques on US Banks in US Dollars, or cheques in Euros or Eurocheques. Late Booking Payments: In order for us to guarantee your airline seats, hotels etc., full payment is required at time of booking for all late bookings (i.e. bookings made within 12 weeks of departure). Other Things You Need To Know Passports & Visas For UK passport holders, for stays of up to three months in Spain, your passport must be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required, but when travelling anywhere overseas we always recommend that your passport has a minimum of 6 months left to run after your intended date of return home in case of unforeseen delay. VISA NOT REQUIRED by UK passport holders for this tour. Holders of non-uk passports should contact the nearest Spanish embassy or consulate to enquire whether or not they require a visa. If a visa is required, you need to apply locally. If the embassy or consulate requires you to provide a info@limosaholidays.co.uk

9 letter confirming that you are booked on an allinclusive tour, please contact our office and we will be happy to provide one. Health & Vaccinations Compulsory vaccinations: None. Recommended vaccinations: For travel everywhere (even within the UK) however, we recommend you check you are up-to-date with protection against tetanus, polio and hepatitis A. The above information, together with that contained within our Travel Information sheets (sent to everyone who books), outlines health requirements for this tour. Please note that these details are given for guidance only - and are only for certain diseases - and you must consult your doctor in good time prior to travel as to what immunisations (if any) are needed for your chosen holiday. For full and up-to-date health information we urge everyone to consult The National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website prior to booking any overseas holiday. NaTHNaC is funded by the UK Government s Health Protection Agency and provides health information for both health professionals and travellers, with information compiled by its own clinical and scientific team. You can search for individual country requirements, which are updated regularly. Your Safety & Travel Advice An unavoidable aspect of travelling abroad nowadays is the risk it may pose to your safety and security. The best advice on current risks is provided by the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO). In order to assess and protect against any risks in your chosen destination we strongly recommended that you refer to the relevant FCO Travel Advice - both prior to booking and regularly before you travel. See It is standard Limosa policy for our office to send a copy of the relevant FCO Travel Advice about the tour to all participants along with their Final Letter (ca. 2-3 weeks prior to the trip). Travel Aware - staying safe and healthy abroad - is a travel safety campaign run by the FCO, and another useful resource. Go to: Travel Insurance Good travel insurance is essential before setting off on any overseas trip. In common with all responsible tour operators, it is a condition of booking that all clients are fully and adequately insured before travelling overseas with us. Be aware that some destinations may require you to produce proof of comprehensive travel insurance (e.g. valid insurance certificate) at immigration on arrival in the country, so you should carry your documentation with you. Your travel insurance should cover against cancellation, curtailment, missed departure, delay, personal accident, death, loss of baggage and valuables (see note below), personal liability and legal expenses. Most importantly, your insurance must cover you fully in respect of medical care and repatriation should you become too ill to continue with the tour, including the cost of emergency evacuation by helicopter or air ambulance should this be necessary. Note that passenger liability insurance covering the transportation that we hire may be inadequate; it is therefore important that your insurance cover includes sufficient provision for your dependents in the event of an accident. We recommend that you obtain travel insurance as soon as possible after booking your holiday to ensure you are protected right from the word go in the event of unexpected cancellation prior to departure due to accident or illness. You must inform your insurers of any pre-existing medical conditions (including those of persons not necessarily travelling but upon whom your holiday may depend) that may require treatment during a period of overseas travel or might cause you to cancel the trip info@limosaholidays.co.uk

10 Once you have arranged your insurance, please be sure to send us the following essential details: name and contact details of your insurance provider, your policy number, expiry date and your insurers 24hr Emergency Assistance number. Important Things to Note about Insurance Travel Insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover for valuable optical equipment, which is often best protected under your own household insurance policy. If in doubt ask your insurers for advice prior to travel. Most travel insurance policies limit the amount of cover, typically up to a maximum tour cost of 5000 per person. If the tour you are booking exceeds this amount, additional cover can usually be provided upon payment of additional premium. We recommend all travellers check their individual policy limit to ensure the full cost of their holiday is covered. Arranging Your Insurance: due to UK Government legislation, under Financial Services Authority (FSA) regulations, we are not allowed to offer or recommend travel related insurance to customers. Premiums can vary widely according to your age, needs, health, choice of destination and other factors, while many people nowadays have Annual Travel Insurance cover. For these reasons, we leave you free to shop around and pick your own policy, one best suited to your own individual needs. needs will be met. Please be sure to tell us about these (in as much detail as possible) at the time of booking, to allow good time to make the necessary arrangements. Smoking Almost all of our clients prefer a smoke-free environment. For the enjoyment and comfort of all, we ask that smokers refrain from smoking in proximity to the group and respect our NO SMOKING policy in the vehicle, at meal times and when watching wildlife. Any Questions? If you have any questions at any time, you ll find our office staff friendly, efficient, approachable - and just a phone call away, eager to assist you in every way. Our office is open hrs Mon-Fri, and can also be reached by . In the event we are unable to take your call, please leave a message on our answerphone (24 hrs) and our office will contact you as soon as we can. Thank you for your interest in our tours. We do hope that you will be able to join us - and we look forward to hearing from you again! CKBS General Information Our website gives easy access to detailed tour itineraries (Tour Info Packs), trip reports, trip photos and the latest Limosa News. Special Diets & Other Requests We pass on all such requests to the airlines, hotels and other suppliers, and do our best to ensure (but of course cannot guarantee) that your info@limosaholidays.co.uk

Birding In Spain

Birding In Spain Birding In Spain Looking forward to a rainy October? A cold November? A dark December? A winter that never ends? From October to March, look at what you could be doing, instead of staying at home and talking

More information

BIRD MIGRATION IN THE STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR

BIRD MIGRATION IN THE STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR BIRD MIGRATION IN THE STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR 16 20 September 2019 Honey buzzard Our birding holidays will be focus on Tarifa, a wonderful area to witness the busiest migration fly-way of Western Europe, with

More information

And the price? From 495 euros (plus flights)

And the price? From 495 euros (plus flights) 4-DAY BIRDING TRIPS IN NORTHEAST SPAIN WITH BIRDINGINSPAIN Birding breaks in northeast Spain the concept Enjoy a 4-day, 3-night birding break in northeast Spain organized and led by an expert local guide.

More information

4-DAY BIRDING TRIPS IN NORTHEAST SPAIN WITH BIRDINGINSPAIN

4-DAY BIRDING TRIPS IN NORTHEAST SPAIN WITH BIRDINGINSPAIN 4-DAY BIRDING TRIPS IN NORTHEAST SPAIN WITH BIRDINGINSPAIN Birding breaks in northeast Spain the concept Enjoy a 4-day, 3-night birding break in northeast Spain organized and led by an expert local guide.

More information

Spain - The Best of Coto Donana in Spring

Spain - The Best of Coto Donana in Spring Spain - The Best of Coto Donana in Spring Naturetrek Tour Itinerary Outline itinerary Day 1 Day 2/4 Day 5 Fly Seville & transfer to Coto Doñana Coto Doñana Return Seville; fly London Departs April Focus

More information

The Camargue in Spring

The Camargue in Spring The Camargue in Spring Naturetrek Tour Itinerary Outline itinerary Day 1 Day 2/4 Day 5 Fly Montpellier, transfer Arles Daily programme of birding walks and excursions in the Camargue region Drive Montpellier;

More information

Bulgaria, 19th July - 6th August 2004

Bulgaria, 19th July - 6th August 2004 Bulgaria, 19th July - 6th August 2004 Monday 19th - We arrived in Bulgaria at Burgas Airport and transferred to our hotel in the resort of Sozopol where we spent 3 nights. Tuesday 20th and Wednesday 21st

More information

In winter, the limestone hills of Les Alpilles are a regular haunt of Wallcreeper (above) and Alpine Accentor David Fairhurst

In winter, the limestone hills of Les Alpilles are a regular haunt of Wallcreeper (above) and Alpine Accentor David Fairhurst France WALLCREEPERS, CAMARGUE & PROVENCE In winter, the limestone hills of Les Alpilles are a regular haunt of Wallcreeper (above) and Alpine Accentor David Fairhurst 2016 Saturday 5th - Friday 11th March

More information

Birdwatching Trips Spring in South Portugal

Birdwatching Trips Spring in South Portugal Birdwatching Trips Spring in South Portugal Introduction Iker Cortobarria. CC BY-NA 2.0 Neil McMahon Nuno Barros Francesco Veronesi. CC BY-NA 2.0 Introduction The Algarve is one of the most interesting

More information

ALGARVE 17 to 30th SEPTEMBER Observer IAIN BROWN

ALGARVE 17 to 30th SEPTEMBER Observer IAIN BROWN ALGARVE 17 to 30th SEPTEMBER 2017 Observer IAIN BROWN Main areas birded were the area surrounding the village of Pinheiro just west of Tavira. Our cottage overlooked part of the Ria Formosa. There are

More information

Extremadura Birdwatching Tour 3rd 10 th April 2012

Extremadura Birdwatching Tour 3rd 10 th April 2012 TOUR OVERVIEW This trip offered a great overview of some specialist Spanish & European species, Little Bustard, Great Bustard, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Black-winged Kite, Eagle owl, Azure-winged Magpie,

More information

France - Cranes and Woodpeckers

France - Cranes and Woodpeckers France - Cranes and Woodpeckers Naturetrek Tour Itinerary Outline itinerary Day 1 Eurostar from St Pancras to Lille. Drive to Lac du Der Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Birding around Lac du Der Lac du Der; drive to

More information

BIRDING TOUR SWEDEN: SPRING LONG WEEKEND BIRDING ADVENTURE

BIRDING TOUR SWEDEN: SPRING LONG WEEKEND BIRDING ADVENTURE BIRDING TOUR SWEDEN: SPRING LONG WEEKEND BIRDING ADVENTURE 6-9/10 May 2020 Great Grey Owl is one of the key species we search for on this trip 2 I T I N E R A R Y Birding Tour Sweden: Spring Long Weekend

More information

In winter, the limestone hills of Les Alpilles are a regular haunt of Wallcreeper (above) and Alpine Accentor Robert Dolezal, birdwatcher.

In winter, the limestone hills of Les Alpilles are a regular haunt of Wallcreeper (above) and Alpine Accentor Robert Dolezal, birdwatcher. France WALLCREEPERS, CAMARGUE & PROVENCE In winter, the limestone hills of Les Alpilles are a regular haunt of Wallcreeper (above) and Alpine Accentor Robert Dolezal, birdwatcher.cz 2018 Saturday 10th

More information

In winter, the limestone hills of Les Alpilles are a regular haunt of Wallcreeper (above) and Alpine Accentor Robert Dolezal, birdwatcher.

In winter, the limestone hills of Les Alpilles are a regular haunt of Wallcreeper (above) and Alpine Accentor Robert Dolezal, birdwatcher. France WALLCREEPERS, CAMARGUE & PROVENCE In winter, the limestone hills of Les Alpilles are a regular haunt of Wallcreeper (above) and Alpine Accentor Robert Dolezal, birdwatcher.cz 2017 Saturday 4th -

More information

Spain. Strait of Gibraltar Extension 21 st to 25 th April 2019 (5 days)

Spain. Strait of Gibraltar Extension 21 st to 25 th April 2019 (5 days) Spain Strait of Gibraltar Extension 21 st to 25 th April 2019 (5 days) Southern Spain scenery and Africa on the other side of the Strait by Yeray Seminario This brief yet exciting extension to the Strait

More information

2016 Thursday 13th - Monday 17th October (5 days) Single-centre, small group tour with Stephen Daly

2016 Thursday 13th - Monday 17th October (5 days) Single-centre, small group tour with Stephen Daly Germany BERLIN & BRANDENBURG Great Bustards may look impressive on the ground, but just wait until these magnificent heavyweights get up into the air! This impressive squadron of 21 birds was photographed

More information

TRIP REPORT SPAIN SIERRA DE GREDOS & EXTREMADURA 18 APRIL TO 25 APRIL 2018 ROLLER, SANTA MARTA GLYN & CHRIS SELLORS

TRIP REPORT SPAIN SIERRA DE GREDOS & EXTREMADURA 18 APRIL TO 25 APRIL 2018 ROLLER, SANTA MARTA GLYN & CHRIS SELLORS TRIP REPORT SPAIN SIERRA DE GREDOS & EXTREMADURA 18 APRIL TO 25 APRIL 2018 GLYN & CHRIS SELLORS ROLLER, SANTA MARTA FACTS & FIGURES EASYJET FLIGHTS FROM LUTON TO MADRID - 135 EACH CAR PARKING AT LUTON

More information

The Spanish steppes are a vital stronghold for many threatened species, including Griffon Vulture Stephen Daly/Daly Wildlife

The Spanish steppes are a vital stronghold for many threatened species, including Griffon Vulture Stephen Daly/Daly Wildlife Spain SPANISH STEPPES IN WINTER The Spanish steppes are a vital stronghold for many threatened species, including Griffon Vulture Stephen Daly/Daly Wildlife 2017 Sunday 22nd - Saturday 28th January (7

More information

LIMOSA HOLIDAYS, West End Farmhouse, Chapelfield, Stalham, Norfolk NR12 9EJ (UK)

LIMOSA HOLIDAYS, West End Farmhouse, Chapelfield, Stalham, Norfolk NR12 9EJ (UK) Portugal SOUTHERN PORTUGAL IN SPRING LIMOSA HOLIDAYS TOUR INFO PACK The Alentejo steppe holds important populations of Great Bustard, and we may see them displaying in April Pedro Marques 2016 Saturday

More information

Spain - The Best of Coto Donana in Winter

Spain - The Best of Coto Donana in Winter in Winter Naturetrek Outline itinerary Day 1 Day 2/4 Day 5 Fly Seville & transfer to Coto Doñana Coto Doñana Return Seville; fly London Departs February and November Focus Birds Grading A. A traditional

More information

TOM BEDFORD S OXFORDSHIRE LIST [IOC 2017] UPDATED

TOM BEDFORD S OXFORDSHIRE LIST [IOC 2017] UPDATED 1 Canada Goose 2 Barnacle Goose 3 Greylag Goose 4 Pink-footed Goose 5 Tundra Bean Goose 6 Greater White-fronted Goose 7 Mute Swan 8 Tundra Swan 9 Whooper Swan 10 Egyptian Goose 11 Common Shelduck 12 Gadwall

More information

Fuerteventura is probably the best place in the world to see the rare Houbara Bustard Brian Small, Limosa Holidays

Fuerteventura is probably the best place in the world to see the rare Houbara Bustard Brian Small, Limosa Holidays Canary Islands FUERTEVENTURA IN AUTUMN LIMOSA TOUR INFO PACK Fuerteventura is probably the best place in the world to see the rare Houbara Bustard Brian Small, Limosa Holidays 2017 Monday 6th - Sunday

More information

!"#$%&'()&*+,)'-&#./,01** 23()*4 0' *5*6 #/ *78),9* ---:03);39<=,)',01:.3%

!#$%&'()&*+,)'-&#./,01** 23()*4 0' *5*6 #/ *78),9* ---:03);39<=,)',01:.3% OVERVIEW OF THE EXTREMADURA TOUR This will be a great opportunity to see some of Central Spain s special & most sought after birds. The main emphasis of the tour will be on locating the Extremadura steppe

More information

The Spanish steppes are a vital stronghold for many threatened species, including Griffon Vulture Stephen Daly/Daly Wildlife

The Spanish steppes are a vital stronghold for many threatened species, including Griffon Vulture Stephen Daly/Daly Wildlife Spain SPANISH STEPPES IN WINTER The Spanish steppes are a vital stronghold for many threatened species, including Griffon Vulture Stephen Daly/Daly Wildlife 2019 Sunday 20th - Saturday 26th January (7

More information

TRIP REPORT ROMANIA 17 TO 24 MAY 2014 SAKERTOUR PHOTO TOUR GLYN SELLORS MALE RED- FOOTED FALCON

TRIP REPORT ROMANIA 17 TO 24 MAY 2014 SAKERTOUR PHOTO TOUR GLYN SELLORS MALE RED- FOOTED FALCON TRIP REPORT ROMANIA 17 TO 24 MAY 2014 SAKERTOUR PHOTO TOUR GLYN SELLORS MALE RED- FOOTED FALCON WE MET OUR SAKERTOUR TOUR GUIDE, ZOLTAN NAGY, AT BUCHAREST AIRPORT - THERE WERE 4 BIRD PHOTOGRAPHERS ON THIS

More information

TRIP REPORT GIBRALTAR & SOUTHERN SPAIN T (PHOTOGRAPHING RAPTORS) GLYN SELLORS

TRIP REPORT GIBRALTAR & SOUTHERN SPAIN T (PHOTOGRAPHING RAPTORS) GLYN SELLORS TRIP REPORT GIBRALTAR & SOUTHERN SPAIN 1-9-2012 T0 8-9-2012 (PHOTOGRAPHING RAPTORS) GLYN SELLORS MALE HONEY BUZZARD - LA JANDA ITINERARY WE FLEW INTO GIBRALTAR ( EVENTUALLY ), WE WERE DIVERTED TO MALAGA

More information

Montagu s Harrier. Extremadura with Wild Insights Springtime in the Dehesa 14th 21st April The Ultimate Travel Company Escorted Journeys

Montagu s Harrier. Extremadura with Wild Insights Springtime in the Dehesa 14th 21st April The Ultimate Travel Company Escorted Journeys Montagu s Harrier Extremadura with Wild Insights Springtime in the Dehesa 14th 21st April 2018 The Ultimate Travel Company Escorted Journeys Trujillo Extremadura with Wild Insights With Keith and Linda

More information

A Guide To Birding Lytchett Bay

A Guide To Birding Lytchett Bay A Guide To Birding Lytchett Bay Lytchett Bay is situated on the northern shores of Poole Harbour and is made up of several important wildlife rich habitats. The area is owned and managed by several different

More information

A Guide To Birding Lytchett Bay

A Guide To Birding Lytchett Bay A Guide To Birding Lytchett Bay Lytchett Bay is situated on the northern shores of Poole Harbour and is made up of several important wildlife rich habitats. The area is owned and managed by several different

More information

A trip to Northern Greece, May 2011

A trip to Northern Greece, May 2011 A trip to Northern Greece, 16-22 May 2011 This brief report is the result of a leisurely week spent in the area by Carol and Francis Hicks, Doug Page and Renton Righelato. We flew Easyjet from Gatwick

More information

Menorca 4 th 18 th May 2018 Trip Report By Bob Shiret

Menorca 4 th 18 th May 2018 Trip Report By Bob Shiret Menorca 4 th 18 th May 2018 Trip Report By Bob Shiret Spring Flower meadow above Algender Gorge Introduction This was our second visit to Menorca, last October we visited Punta Prima (see cloudbirders

More information

TRIP REPORT RHODES, GREECE

TRIP REPORT RHODES, GREECE TRIP REPORT RHODES, GREECE 4 TO 11 MAY 2016 GLYN & CHRIS SELLORS MALE LITTLE BITTERN, KREMASTI FACTS & FIGURES CAR PARKING AT EAST MIDLANDS AIRPORT - 50 JET2 FLIGHTS EAST MIDLANDS TO RHODES - 200 EACH

More information

In winter, the limestone cliffs of the beautiful Dordogne region are a regular haunt of Wallcreeper Robert Dolezal, birdwatcher.cz

In winter, the limestone cliffs of the beautiful Dordogne region are a regular haunt of Wallcreeper Robert Dolezal, birdwatcher.cz France THE DORDOGNE IN AUTUMN In winter, the limestone cliffs of the beautiful Dordogne region are a regular haunt of Wallcreeper Robert Dolezal, birdwatcher.cz 2018 Friday 9th - Tuesday 13th November

More information

GREECE: 9-DAY BIRDING ADVENTURE WITH OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO LESVOS

GREECE: 9-DAY BIRDING ADVENTURE WITH OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO LESVOS GREECE: 9-DAY BIRDING ADVENTURE WITH OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO LESVOS 23 April 1 MAY 2019 Rock Partridge (Alectoris graeca) is one of our targets on this trip. 2 I T I N E R A R Y Greece: 9-day Birding Adventure

More information

A spectacular showing of the Northern Lights photographed on a previous winter tour to Iceland Iceland Naturalist

A spectacular showing of the Northern Lights photographed on a previous winter tour to Iceland Iceland Naturalist Iceland HARLEQUINS & NORTHERN LIGHTS A spectacular showing of the Northern Lights photographed on a previous winter tour to Iceland Iceland Naturalist 2016 Thursday 3rd - Monday 7th November (5 days) Single-centre,

More information

The Spanish steppes are a vital stronghold for many threatened species, including Lesser Kestrel Stephen Daly/Daly Wildlife

The Spanish steppes are a vital stronghold for many threatened species, including Lesser Kestrel Stephen Daly/Daly Wildlife Spain EXTREMADURA & GREDOS The Spanish steppes are a vital stronghold for many threatened species, including Lesser Kestrel Stephen Daly/Daly Wildlife 2017 Wednesday 17th - Wednesday 24th May (8 days)

More information

The Birds of Brandenburg & Berlin

The Birds of Brandenburg & Berlin The Birds of Brandenburg & Berlin Naturetrek Tour Itinerary Outline itinerary Day 1 Day 2/4 Day 5 Fly Berlin from regional airports: transfer Semlin. Daily programmes of birding excursions from Semlin.

More information

In winter, the limestone cliffs of the beautiful Dordogne region are a regular haunt of Wallcreeper Robert Dolezal, birdwatcher.cz

In winter, the limestone cliffs of the beautiful Dordogne region are a regular haunt of Wallcreeper Robert Dolezal, birdwatcher.cz France THE DORDOGNE IN AUTUMN In winter, the limestone cliffs of the beautiful Dordogne region are a regular haunt of Wallcreeper Robert Dolezal, birdwatcher.cz 2018 Friday 9th - Tuesday 13th November

More information

HOLIDAYS HIGHLIGHTS. Andalucía in Autumn: Granada, Málaga and Doñana National Park. 25 November 1 December 2016

HOLIDAYS HIGHLIGHTS. Andalucía in Autumn: Granada, Málaga and Doñana National Park. 25 November 1 December 2016 HOLIDAYS HIGHLIGHTS Andalucía in Autumn: Granada, Málaga and Doñana National Park 25 November 1 December 2016 Guide: Pau Lucio Guests: Jenny Tunningley, Margaret Leonard and Clare Sheils Day 1 Sadly, the

More information

Birds of Pego Marshes

Birds of Pego Marshes Birds of Pego Marshes Pego Marshes Birding Tour Our Pego Marshes Birding tour is design to watch a wide range of species. During the morning, we will visit the Pego Marshes which are a significant wetland

More information

Spring Birdwatching Trip developed in partnership with the Parc Naturel Régional de la Narbonnaise en Méditerranée

Spring Birdwatching Trip developed in partnership with the Parc Naturel Régional de la Narbonnaise en Méditerranée Spring Birdwatching Trip 2016 developed in partnership with the Parc Naturel Régional de la Narbonnaise en Méditerranée Overview Sat 30 th April Day 1 Arrival Béziers airport 16h30 and transfer to accommodation

More information

The Spanish steppes are a vital stronghold for many threatened species, including Lesser Kestrel Stephen Daly/Daly Wildlife

The Spanish steppes are a vital stronghold for many threatened species, including Lesser Kestrel Stephen Daly/Daly Wildlife Spain EXTREMADURA & GREDOS The Spanish steppes are a vital stronghold for many threatened species, including Lesser Kestrel Stephen Daly/Daly Wildlife 2018 Wednesday 16th - Wednesday 23rd May (8 days)

More information

Northern Spain Birds and Mammals Photography Workshop. Ron R Bielefeld Whistling Wings Photography. Winter 2017

Northern Spain Birds and Mammals Photography Workshop. Ron R Bielefeld Whistling Wings Photography. Winter 2017 Winter 2017 Northern Spain Birds and Mammals Photography Workshop Ron R Bielefeld Whistling Wings Photography Winter 2017 Introduction This photography workshop is focused on the winter birds and mammals

More information

At home in the mountain pine forests, the elfin Corsican Nuthatch is unique to the island of Corsica Brian Small, Limosa

At home in the mountain pine forests, the elfin Corsican Nuthatch is unique to the island of Corsica Brian Small, Limosa Corsica THE SCENTED ISLE At home in the mountain pine forests, the elfin Corsican Nuthatch is unique to the island of Corsica Brian Small, Limosa 2018 Sunday 13th - Sunday 20th May (8 days) Small group

More information

The lagunas of La Mancha are an important stronghold for the endangered White-headed Duck Stephen Daly/Daly Wildlife

The lagunas of La Mancha are an important stronghold for the endangered White-headed Duck Stephen Daly/Daly Wildlife Spain EXTREMADURA & LA MANCHA The lagunas of La Mancha are an important stronghold for the endangered White-headed Duck Stephen Daly/Daly Wildlife 2016 Sunday 20th - Sunday 27th November (8 days) Two-centre

More information

EXTREMADURA & ANDALUCIA, May 2010

EXTREMADURA & ANDALUCIA, May 2010 EXTREMADURA & ANDALUCIA, May 2010 Five Birdwatching Lads From St Mary s College Blackburn Reunite After 34 Years! by Mark Jarrett Hotels Hospederia Parque De Monfrague, Torrejon El Rubio nights of 8-10th

More information

An adult Eleonora s Falcon against the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Stephen Daly/Daly Wildlife

An adult Eleonora s Falcon against the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Stephen Daly/Daly Wildlife Mallorca AUTUMN IN THE BALEARICS An adult Eleonora s Falcon against the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Stephen Daly/Daly Wildlife 2019 Thursday 3rd - Thursday 10th October (8 days) Single-centre,

More information

Go Slow in Andalucia in Spring

Go Slow in Andalucia in Spring Go Slow in Andalucia in Spring Naturetrek Outline itinerary Day 1 Fly Gibraltar, transfer Tarifa Days 2-6 Tarifa area Day 7 Fly to London Departs March Focus Birds Grading A. A traditional birding tour

More information

Alicante, Spain June 2013

Alicante, Spain June 2013 Alicante, Spain. 21-29 June 2013 This was not a birding holiday, more a spot of birding whilst on holiday! Having rented a hire car for our 8-day summer holiday to Alicante, the opportunity presented itself

More information

Spain - Extremadura & Gredos Mountains

Spain - Extremadura & Gredos Mountains Spain - Extremadura & Gredos Mountains Naturetrek Tour Itinerary Outline itinerary Day 1 Day 2/4 Day 5/7 Day 8 Fly Madrid and transfer to Trujillo Monfrague/Trujillo Gredos Mountains Fly Madrid to London

More information

Gibraltar & Tarifa - Whales, Dolphins & Autumn Migration

Gibraltar & Tarifa - Whales, Dolphins & Autumn Migration Gibraltar & - Whales, Dolphins & Autumn Migration Naturetrek Tour Itinerary Outline itinerary Day 1 Day 2/4 Day 4 Day 5 Fly Gibraltar and transfer to Gibraltar Fly London Departs September Focus The autumn

More information

COSTA BLANCA SPECIES GUIDE SPECIES COMMON/SCARCE/RARE WHEN PRESENT PREFERRED HABITAT COMMENTS. Scarce Winter Wetlands/at sea Breeds

COSTA BLANCA SPECIES GUIDE SPECIES COMMON/SCARCE/RARE WHEN PRESENT PREFERRED HABITAT COMMENTS. Scarce Winter Wetlands/at sea Breeds COSTA BLANCA SPECIES GUIDE SPECIES COMMON/SCARCE/RARE WHEN PRESENT PREFERRED HABITAT COMMENTS DIVERS AND GREBES Red throated Diver Rare Winter At sea Black throated Rare vagrant Winter At sea Diver Little

More information

At home in the mountain pine forests, the elfin Corsican Nuthatch is unique to the island of Corsica Brian Small, Limosa

At home in the mountain pine forests, the elfin Corsican Nuthatch is unique to the island of Corsica Brian Small, Limosa Corsica THE SCENTED ISLE At home in the mountain pine forests, the elfin Corsican Nuthatch is unique to the island of Corsica Brian Small, Limosa 2019 Sunday 12th - Sunday 19th May (8 days) Small group

More information

Birding with Mohamed Bargache in and around Agadir and the Desert

Birding with Mohamed Bargache in and around Agadir and the Desert Birding with Mohamed Bargache in and around Agadir and the Desert March 17 th to 20 th, 2014 Day One 17 th March (Oued Souss, Oued Massa and National Park of Souss- Massa) Mohamed met me bang on time at

More information

Birdwatching on the Isles of Scilly Trip Itinerary 2018

Birdwatching on the Isles of Scilly Trip Itinerary 2018 Birdwatching on the Isles of Scilly Trip Itinerary 2018 Operated by Wildlife Tours & Education Thursday 11 th October to Thursday 18 th October 2018 1649 This is a trip focusing on seeking out migratory

More information

Extremadura - 4th to 10th May 2006

Extremadura - 4th to 10th May 2006 Extremadura - 4th to 10th May 2006 Jonathan Cooke, Francis Hicks, Renton Righelato The benefits of an early start to Heathrow, a BA flight spot on time and prompt disembarkation were irritatingly countered

More information

Menorca 13 th -27 th October 2017 Trip Report By Bob Shiret

Menorca 13 th -27 th October 2017 Trip Report By Bob Shiret Menorca 13 th -27 th October 2017 Trip Report By Bob Shiret S`Albufera Nature Reserve Introduction This was our first visit to Menorca, the holiday was booked through Thomsons and cost around 870 each

More information

GUIDED BIRDING & WILDLIFE TOURS SINCE 1985 Tour Info

GUIDED BIRDING & WILDLIFE TOURS SINCE 1985 Tour Info Limosa GUIDED BIRDING & WILDLIFE TOURS SINCE 1985 Tour Info Spain Autumn Birding in Andalucia The mass migration of birds of prey - like this magnificent Short-toed Eagle - and storks across the Strait

More information

Great shot... Great Shearwater! Photographed from the boat trip on our October tour to the Algarve robinchittenden.co.uk

Great shot... Great Shearwater! Photographed from the boat trip on our October tour to the Algarve robinchittenden.co.uk Portugal THE ALGARVE IN AUTUMN LIMOSA HOLIDAYS TOUR INFO PACK Great shot... Great Shearwater! Photographed from the boat trip on our October tour to the Algarve robinchittenden.co.uk 2017 Tuesday 3rd -

More information

SOUTH AFRICA BIRDING PHOTO TOUR WESTERN CAPE, WITH EXTENSION TO KRUGER NP

SOUTH AFRICA BIRDING PHOTO TOUR WESTERN CAPE, WITH EXTENSION TO KRUGER NP SOUTH AFRICA BIRDING PHOTO TOUR WESTERN CAPE, WITH EXTENSION TO KRUGER NP 1 11 SEPTEMBER 2018 Cape Rockjumper (photo Andre Stapelberg) is one of our targets on this trip. 2 I T I N E R A R Y South Africa

More information

Portugal The Algarve at Christmas

Portugal The Algarve at Christmas Portugal The Algarve at Christmas Naturetrek Outline itinerary Day 1 Fly to Faro and transfer to Sagres Day 2/4 Birdwatching excursions from Sagres Day 5 Transfer to Tavira Day 6/7 Birdwatching excursions

More information

OMAN TO

OMAN TO & Oasis 3-0- TO 7-03- DATE 4 5 5 6 7 8 8 9 9 0 0 3 4 5 5 5 6 6 8 8 3 3 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 6 Cotton Pygmy-goose Greylag Goose Mallard 8 Gadwall 8 Pintail y Shoveler 58 Wigeon y 3 Teal y Pochard y Ferruginous

More information

Short-toed Snake Eagles are common in Spain, and often seen carrying snakes - an amazing sight! Stephen Daly/Daly Wildlife

Short-toed Snake Eagles are common in Spain, and often seen carrying snakes - an amazing sight! Stephen Daly/Daly Wildlife Spain EXTREMADURA & ANDALUCIA Short-toed Snake Eagles are common in Spain, and often seen carrying snakes - an amazing sight! Stephen Daly/Daly Wildlife 2019 Wednesday 24th April - Wednesday 1st May (8

More information

Northern Cape, November 2018

Northern Cape, November 2018 Northern Cape, November 2018 Itinerary Day 1, 5/11/2018 We depart from Johannesburg early in the morning (a 4AM pick up). Today we drive to Pofadder, where we arrive in the late afternoon. Birding en route

More information

Yellow-browed Warbler is a scarce but increasing autumn visitor - all the way from Siberia Arnoud van den Berg, Limosa

Yellow-browed Warbler is a scarce but increasing autumn visitor - all the way from Siberia Arnoud van den Berg, Limosa Norfolk Coast NORTH NORFOLK IN AUTUMN LIMOSA HOLIDAYS TOUR INFO PACK Yellow-browed Warbler is a scarce but increasing autumn visitor - all the way from Siberia Arnoud van den Berg, Limosa 2017 Friday 15th

More information

The lagunas of La Mancha are an important stronghold for the endangered White-headed Duck Stephen Daly/Daly Wildlife

The lagunas of La Mancha are an important stronghold for the endangered White-headed Duck Stephen Daly/Daly Wildlife Spain EXTREMADURA & LA MANCHA The lagunas of La Mancha are an important stronghold for the endangered White-headed Duck Stephen Daly/Daly Wildlife 2018 Monday 19th - Monday 26th November (8 days) Small

More information

TICK LIST GAMBIA 2016

TICK LIST GAMBIA 2016 LITTLE GREBE GREAT CORMORANT REED CORMORANT AFRICAN DARTER GREAT WHITE PELICAN PINK-BACKED PELICAN WHITE-BACKED NIGHT HERON SQUACCO HERON CATTLE EGRET STRIATED HERON BLACK HERON WESTERN REEF HERON INTERMEDIATE

More information

Don't forget to bring your camera... Brown Bear in the Carpathian Mountains! tour participant Jim Bennett

Don't forget to bring your camera... Brown Bear in the Carpathian Mountains! tour participant Jim Bennett Romania BIRDS & BROWN BEARS Don't forget to bring your camera... Brown Bear in the Carpathian Mountains! tour participant Jim Bennett 2019 Wednesday 24th - Sunday 28th April (5 days) Single-centre, small

More information

The lagunas of La Mancha are an important stronghold for the endangered White-headed Duck Stephen Daly/Daly Wildlife

The lagunas of La Mancha are an important stronghold for the endangered White-headed Duck Stephen Daly/Daly Wildlife Spain EXTREMADURA & LA MANCHA The lagunas of La Mancha are an important stronghold for the endangered White-headed Duck Stephen Daly/Daly Wildlife 2019 Monday 18th-Monday 25th November (8 days) Small group

More information

A spectacular showing of the Northern Lights photographed on a previous winter tour to Iceland Iceland Naturalist

A spectacular showing of the Northern Lights photographed on a previous winter tour to Iceland Iceland Naturalist Iceland HARLEQUINS & NORTHERN LIGHTS A spectacular showing of the Northern Lights photographed on a previous winter tour to Iceland Iceland Naturalist 2015 1: Thursday 19th - Monday 23rd November (5 days)

More information

TRIP REPORT TO

TRIP REPORT TO TRIP REPORT EXTREMADURA, SPAIN 7-4- 2015 TO 15-4- 2015 GLYN & CHRIS SELLORS MALE LESSER KESTREL, TRUJILLO FACTS & FIGURES FLIGHTS WITH EASYJET LUTON TO MADRID WE COLLECTED OUR CAR FROM EUROPCAR A GOLF

More information

Algerian Nuthatch. June 1 st 3 rd Diedert Koppenol & Lonnie Bregman. Lonnie Bregman

Algerian Nuthatch. June 1 st 3 rd Diedert Koppenol & Lonnie Bregman. Lonnie Bregman Algerian Nuthatch June 1 st 3 rd 2018 Diedert Koppenol & Lonnie Bregman Lonnie Bregman Introduction Ever since we saw the page of the Algerian Nuthatch in our bird guide we cherished the ambition to search

More information

One of Europe s great wildlife spectacles - the mass arrivals of Common Cranes in the Hungarian Hortobágy Agoston Paksz

One of Europe s great wildlife spectacles - the mass arrivals of Common Cranes in the Hungarian Hortobágy Agoston Paksz Hungary CARNIVAL OF CRANES One of Europe s great wildlife spectacles - the mass arrivals of Common Cranes in the Hungarian Hortobágy Agoston Paksz 2016 Saturday 8th - Saturday 15th October (8 days) LEADERS

More information

Spain - The Ebro Delta & Southern Catalonia

Spain - The Ebro Delta & Southern Catalonia Spain - The Ebro Delta & Southern Catalonia Naturetrek 2010 Outline itinerary Day 1 Day 2/4 Day 5/7 Day 8 Fly Stansted/Reus; transfer Montsant A full programme of birdwatching Excursions from Montsant

More information

Northern Spain Bird Photography Workshop. Ron R Bielefeld Whistling Wings Photography. Spring 2018

Northern Spain Bird Photography Workshop. Ron R Bielefeld Whistling Wings Photography. Spring 2018 Spring 2018 Northern Spain Bird Photography Workshop Ron R Bielefeld Whistling Wings Photography Spring 2018 Introduction This photography workshop is focused on the spring birds of the Pyrenees and Cantabrian

More information

Yellow-browed Warbler is a scarce but increasing autumn visitor - all the way from Siberia Arnoud van den Berg, Limosa

Yellow-browed Warbler is a scarce but increasing autumn visitor - all the way from Siberia Arnoud van den Berg, Limosa Norfolk Coast AUTUMN MIGRATION LIMOSA HOLIDAYS TOUR INFO PACK Yellow-browed Warbler is a scarce but increasing autumn visitor - all the way from Siberia Arnoud van den Berg, Limosa 2017 Friday 15th - Monday

More information

LIMOSA HOLIDAYS, West End Farmhouse, Chapelfield, Stalham, Norfolk NR12 9EJ (UK)

LIMOSA HOLIDAYS, West End Farmhouse, Chapelfield, Stalham, Norfolk NR12 9EJ (UK) Sweden SCANDINAVIAN AUTUMN Up to 20,000 Cranes gather to roost at Bergslagen in autumn... where the unexpected appearance of this hot air balloon put the whole lot to flight on our September 2014 tour

More information

HEIGHTS HOTEL WILDLIFE BREAKS Friday April 19th Sunday April 21st 2019

HEIGHTS HOTEL WILDLIFE BREAKS Friday April 19th Sunday April 21st 2019 HEIGHTS HOTEL WILDLIFE BREAKS Friday April 19th Sunday April 21st 2019 Saturday April 20th Weather: warm sunshine all day in a light north-easterly breeze, 0900 In the most beautiful Spring weather we

More information

France - Butterflies of La Brenne

France - Butterflies of La Brenne Naturetrek Tour Itinerary Outline itinerary Day 1 Day 2/5 Day 6 Eurostar train from London St Pancras to Poitiers, via Lille, and drive La Brenne. La Brenne Drive Poitiers for TGV/Eurostar London St Pancras

More information

ULTIMA FRONTIERA TARGET SPECIES MONTH BY MONTH

ULTIMA FRONTIERA TARGET SPECIES MONTH BY MONTH ULTIMA FRONTIERA TARGET SPECIES MONTH BY MONTH FEBRUARY On this month can be very hard arrive to UF: the temperature can fall down to -15 and the Danube can freeze. Urged by the ice, birds are gathered

More information

Upon arrival at Baltra you will be met by the crew from the Angelito and your Galapagos experience will begin.

Upon arrival at Baltra you will be met by the crew from the Angelito and your Galapagos experience will begin. Angelito 4 Days Loving run by a local Galapagos family, Angelito I is an excellent option within her price category. Tourist superior, but first class service. Very charming, and whilst not the sleekest

More information

Alpine Chough in grand alpine surroundings! Photographed on our June tour to the Swiss Alps Brian Small/Limosa

Alpine Chough in grand alpine surroundings! Photographed on our June tour to the Swiss Alps Brian Small/Limosa Switzerland SWISS ALPS IN SUMMER Alpine Chough in grand alpine surroundings! Photographed on our June tour to the Swiss Alps Brian Small/Limosa 2018 Sunday 17th - Sunday 24th June (8 days) Single-centre

More information

GUIDED BIRDING & WILDLIFE TOURS SINCE 1985 Tour Info

GUIDED BIRDING & WILDLIFE TOURS SINCE 1985 Tour Info Limosa GUIDED BIRDING & WILDLIFE TOURS SINCE 1985 Tour Info Hungary Carnival of Cranes One of Europe s great wildlife spectacles - the mass arrivals of Common Cranes in the Hungarian Hortobágy Agoston

More information

Where to go birding in March: Mouth of the Guadalhorce Nature Reserve

Where to go birding in March: Mouth of the Guadalhorce Nature Reserve Where to go birding in March: Mouth of the Guadalhorce Nature Reserve Natural Values The Mouth of the Guadalhorce Nature Reserve is located just between the city of Malaga and Torremolinos. It extends

More information

ANDALUCIA AMAZING MIGRANTS TOUR REPORT 5th-12th SEPTEMBER 2016

ANDALUCIA AMAZING MIGRANTS TOUR REPORT 5th-12th SEPTEMBER 2016 ANDALUCIA AMAZING MIGRANTS TOUR REPORT 5th-12th SEPTEMBER 2016 Participants:- David Bosworth, Helen Coe, Tony Herbert, Richard Horton, Peter Leach, Maurice Local & Marian Wootton Tour Guide for Norfolk

More information

Brown Bears can be seen on the slopes foraging for berries and hazlenuts before hibernation WildWatching Spain

Brown Bears can be seen on the slopes foraging for berries and hazlenuts before hibernation WildWatching Spain Spain WOLVES, BEARS, WILDCATS... & WALLCREEPERS! Brown Bears can be seen on the slopes foraging for berries and hazlenuts before hibernation WildWatching Spain 2019 2020 Wednesday 28th August - Wednesday

More information

Portugal. 30th September - 5th October 2014 ORIOLE BIRDING TOUR REPORT

Portugal. 30th September - 5th October 2014 ORIOLE BIRDING TOUR REPORT Portugal 30th September - 5th October 2014 ORIOLE BIRDING TOUR REPORT TOUR LEADER David Gosney PARTICIPANTS Chris Bamford Andrew Bates Darren Buxton Marlay John David Millar David Stanbridge DAY ONE Having

More information

Go Slow in Southern Spain

Go Slow in Southern Spain Naturetrek Outline itinerary Day 1 Day 2/6 Day 7 Fly Malaga and transfer to hotel Daily wildlife & cultural excursions from Malaga Fly UK Departs May Focus Birds, culture and gastronomy Grading A. A Go

More information

Baltic Flyway Tour: Lithuania Latvia Estonia

Baltic Flyway Tour: Lithuania Latvia Estonia Baltic Flyway Tour: Lithuania Latvia Estonia Baltic flyway is one of the most imortant birds migration route in Wester Palearctic. Each spring millions of birds pass along the Baltic Sea towards breeding

More information

TRIP REPORT BIEBRZA & BIALOWIEZA, POLAND 16 TO 23 MAY 2015 WHITE- WINGED BLACK TERN, BIEBRZA

TRIP REPORT BIEBRZA & BIALOWIEZA, POLAND 16 TO 23 MAY 2015 WHITE- WINGED BLACK TERN, BIEBRZA TRIP REPORT BIEBRZA & BIALOWIEZA, POLAND 16 TO 23 MAY 2015 RICHARD PITTAM, MIKE RICHARDSON, GLYN SELLORS & STEVE WHITELEY WHITE- WINGED BLACK TERN, BIEBRZA FACTS & FIGURES RYANAIR FLIGHTS - 140 EACH (

More information

2019 Monday 10th - Friday 14th June (5 days) Single-centre, small group tour with Gary Elton

2019 Monday 10th - Friday 14th June (5 days) Single-centre, small group tour with Gary Elton Norfolk & Suffolk NIGHTJARS, BRECKS & COAST LIMOSA HOLIDAYS TOUR INFO PACK This remarkable daytime photo of a Nightjar was taken on a previous summer tour to the Norfolk Brecks Gary Elton/Limosa 2019 Monday

More information

PATAGONIA AND TIERRA DEL FUEGO

PATAGONIA AND TIERRA DEL FUEGO BIRDING CHILEAN PATAGONIA AND TIERRA DEL FUEGO PROGRAMMES BIRDING CHILE KING PENGUIN Try Us!! We are Chileans; we know about birds, we know our country BIRDING CHILE PHONE NUMBER: +56 9 75 82 80 85 E-MAIL:

More information

GUIDED BIRDING & WILDLIFE TOURS SINCE 1985 Tour Info

GUIDED BIRDING & WILDLIFE TOURS SINCE 1985 Tour Info Limosa GUIDED BIRDING & WILDLIFE TOURS SINCE 1985 Tour Info Bulgaria Black Sea Birding in Autumn Watching for raptors... participants on our September tour to Bulgaria Robin Chittenden/www.robinchittenden.co.uk

More information

Alpine Chough in grand alpine surroundings! Photographed on our June tour to the Swiss Alps Brian Small, Limosa

Alpine Chough in grand alpine surroundings! Photographed on our June tour to the Swiss Alps Brian Small, Limosa Switzerland SWISS ALPS IN SUMMER Alpine Chough in grand alpine surroundings! Photographed on our June tour to the Swiss Alps Brian Small, Limosa 2019 Sunday 16th - Sunday 23rd June (8 days) 2020 Sunday

More information

The weekend includes a guided tour of the Mapungubwe archeological site itself.

The weekend includes a guided tour of the Mapungubwe archeological site itself. Venetia-Limpopo and Mapungubwe Weekend 8 11 February 2007 Mapungubwe is a superb new park in the Limpopo Valley. It offers a host of specials such as Tropical Boubou, Meve's Starling, Senegal Coucal, Threebanded

More information

Tripreport. Lake Kerkini April Page 1

Tripreport. Lake Kerkini April Page 1 Tripreport Lake Kerkini 23-28 April 2018 Page 1 Lake Kerkini From 23-28 april I went to Lake Kerkini in Northern Greece with another photographer, Kees Kroon. I visited the region before in april 2011,

More information

HOLIDAY REPORT FOR JANET, CYRIL, CAROL AND DAVE Casa Rural El Recuerdo & Birding Extremadura 14 th 21 st May 2018 Itinerary 14 th May 2018: Transfer

HOLIDAY REPORT FOR JANET, CYRIL, CAROL AND DAVE Casa Rural El Recuerdo & Birding Extremadura 14 th 21 st May 2018 Itinerary 14 th May 2018: Transfer HOLIDAY REPORT FOR JANET, CYRIL, CAROL AND DAVE Casa Rural El Recuerdo & Birding Extremadura 14 th 21 st May 2018 Itinerary 14 th May 2018: Transfer from Madrid airport to Casa Rural El Recuerdo 15 th

More information

Florida Birds East Coast

Florida Birds East Coast Florida Birds East Coast The very best place to see and photograph birds and other wildlife during the frigid northern winter months is warm, sunny Florida. It s at this time of year that the flow of people

More information

Close to the bird hide we saw groups of Dark bellied brent goose, Greylag goose and Barnacle goose.

Close to the bird hide we saw groups of Dark bellied brent goose, Greylag goose and Barnacle goose. Date: 02-05-2018 Tour: Texel Bird island (full day) Guide: Pim Around 8.15 I met Susanne & Max from Switzerland at their hotel in the Koog on Texel. In the garden of their hotel we heard a singing Lesser

More information