Day 1: Madrid - Calera y Chozas (Oropesa) - Aldea del Obispo
The participants landed in Madrid in a sunny and warm day. Paul and Santi met the people of the first ever
known Digiscoping Trip in the world but John was comming in a different flight one hour later. While we were waiting for our
last traveller we decided to drink something in the bar of the airport. We met there to Hugh Harrop who was comming
back to England after a succesful trip and we had the chance to share some information and news about where some birds
were seen within Extremadura.
Once John landed we all left our luggage into our confortable van and then headed towards the first stop placed at
Castilla La Mancha region. Of course the first real interesting species was the ubiquitous Spotles Starling, very common
even along the ring road out Madrid.
After almost two hours driving we reached the Calera y Chozas town, to take then a sandy road which lead into a cultivated
area. A Short-toed Eagle flew far away over the orchards and two big flocks of Great Bustards took off at the distance... we
counted about 70 birds in the two groups. Unfortunately they landed just behind a grassy slope too far to take some pics.
We then followed the road seeing our first Montagu's Harriers displaying. After crossing the railway we stoped join a small
pond where some Black-winged Stilts were breeding.
That's was our first real chance to take some pics in a different country. Paul helped to the photographers giving
some tips to take pics agains light and with a very bright light trying to reduce the blitches.
Some Lesser Kestrels were flying over a ruined building, two or three Fan-tailed Warblers called in flight and a solitary
Little Bustard was feeding at about 400 metres... the shimery was hard and we couldn't shot it well but Richard managed
to take a video through his videocamera.
Several Griffon and three Black Vultures flew overhead and some Bee-eaters were perched on the telephone wires. We had our
lunch next to the pond and after that we decided to move to Oropesa town. Just before leaving the area we stopped again when
a white siloutte was hovering to the right hand side of the van... it was a Black-shouldered Kite which landed for a while at
the distance just before flying far and dissapear into the distance. In our way we saw more Bee-eaters and our first
Woodchat and Southern Grey Shrikes, and a male Black-eared Wheatear was perched on a wire of a fence.
Once we reached Oropesa we noticed soon that something extrange was happening in the town. This use to be a very quiet place
and that day the traffic was horrible and lots of pedestrians were everywhere. We had even to park far from the center and then
walking with our equipments over the shoulders... it didn't take much time before to see what was really happening. It was a
nice (and busy) Medieval festival and lot of people were dressing with traditional amours and swords... some horses were
in the streets... it was like we were in the XV century! Soon we noticed that the real strangers were ours and when we
decided to take some pics of the White Storks nesting on the top of the roofs the people thought that we were recording
the domes of the buildings and didn't hesitate to surround us... we were a new attraction!
The Lesser Kestrels were flying overhead all the time but few times landed... the best holes to see them were too close of
the celebration so the "odd visitors" decided to leave the area and head to our hotel for a meal.
In the way back to the hotels we had good views of Red-rumped Swallows, Azure-winged Magpies and many Corn Buntings, and
just before reaching our cottage some Spanish Sparrows were mixed in a House Sparrows flock feeding on the ground of a
nearby farm.
Marisol, the owner was waiting for us and after shorting our rooms we met all in a few minutes for a meal cooked by Soralla.
That was a perfect end for our first day!
Day 2: Monfragüe Natural Park
The morning dawned clean of clouds and not much warm. Some people was outside the cottage taking some pictures to the Spotless
Starlings and Barn Swallows with the first lights till the breakfast time. Marisol had everything ready and after fixing
our own lunch package we all headed to Monfragüe Natural Park, surely one of the best hotspots for birding in Western
Europe. As we were comming from the South the first stop was the Salto del Gitano viewpoint. The morning into the shade
was cold and sweaters and jackets were more than welcome. The sun was rising up offering a fantastic light for the
digiscoping practice. We had soon good chances to catch with our cameras a small party of Red-rumped Swallows sitting on
a death bush while a male Black Redstart started to sing from the top of a big rock. It was amazing to see the dozens of
Griffons flying overhead and then landed in the granitic rock of the called Peñafalcón. Then Santi showed us a Black Stork
nest in a big cave just down the cliffs. An adult was inside and suddenly we had in front of us another one flying low.
We specially enjoyed much these two birds.
A new interesting bird was a male Blue-rock Thrush who was singing in flight and then landed. The distance was perfect
for the scopes and Paul started again to give the corresponding tips to the participants. Richard was really surprised to
see the magnificent vultures soaring as huge kites without spending their energies. Two Common Ravens crossed the distance
between the two banks of the river and disappeared just behind the mountain. Then a pair Rock Buntings showed well and close
but no many people had the chance to get them in their cameras. Two small Serins were singing all the time landed first and
then flying. This superb spot provided also some fantastic view of Crag Martins, Short-toed Treecreeper and a Booted Eagle
light phase in flight well high. After almost a couple of hours in this place we moved to the known as Puente del Cardenal
where Alpine Swifts were breeding under the modern bridge.
We saw soon the shikle-wing shape typical of the swifts... they were huge comparing with the hordes of House Martins! Paul
walked down to have a better view of the swifts comming into the nest and although the distance was considerable and was
very dark because the shade he managed to take some acceptable pictures. People tried to do the same with some dificulties.
A few Nightingales were singing into the thick vegetation and a Subalpine Warbler was also recorded for a while.
After enjoying the swifts and some Black Kites flying close we drove towards the Villarreal de San Carlos, the only one
human habitation within the bondaries of the park. We had time to drink a cold beer and talk about the new species we
were seeing till that moment and once we had rested we moved again to the next viewpoint having first a good view of a
Black-eared Wheatear male sitting on a set of eucaliptus death branches.
The place is called Tajadilla del Tietar and although Santi explained us that was not the most interesting place to visit
we saw both Egyptian Vulture and Blak Kite nest with the adults laying eggs. A Black Vulture flew over the parking area
showing its size... almost three metres wingspam! And it was then when we saw two Hawfinches landed in a tree next to us
giving us a wonderful oportunity to pic this bird. Although we though that they were shy it seemed that were really
worried to colect some seeds. These birds took off but more came back to the same tree. We enjoyed all with fantastic
views of the Hawfinches and of course our lunch although it was dificult to take a quaility picture because the numerous
leaves and twigs. A few noisy Azure-winged Magpies came to us to disappear then into the vegetation. What a dificult to
photograph them!
The plan was to finish our day at La Portilla viewpoint where a pair of Spanish Imperial Eagle was nesting. After leaving
the van we saw soon one of the adults flying low and then landed in the tree where the nest was placed. It was so close just
in the other side of the Tietar river! The heat haze and a very bright light made us to give up to take some acceptable
pictures, however the views of the eagles were excellent. In the rocky face in front of us several Griffons were providing
shade to the chicks and a Short-toed Eagle flew over the slope at the distance... and two more Black Storks at the distance.
We also knew that Eagle owls were nesting somewhere into the cliffs and thanks to the tips of a birder we met there we
found the nest with four chicks just behind a broom. The young owls were not very active but sometimes moved their heads...
then one of the chicks came into the open and we could see all through the scops how impresive is the biggest owl of Europe.
It was to come back to the cottage but having some views on our way to see Woodlark, Woodchat Shrike, Crested Lark, Corn
Bunting and Red-legged Partridge.
After a brief rest we met all for another fantastic dinner while were reviewing some of the pics taken by our "teacher"...
that night we had a delicious chocolate mousse made by Soraya for our dessert.
Day 3: Arrocampo Reservoir - Cabañas del Castillo - Belen plains
After our usual walk into the village and take the first pics of the day we had our breakfast and then heading towards the
Arrocampo reservoir. The water of such reservoir is being used to cold the motors of the nuclear station of Almaraz. A
controversial in the last years... and still now, about the station between ecologists and the regional government of
Extremadura has now a new dimension because the interesting species that can be found nesting here. There is no other place into
Extremadura where Little Bittern, Squacco Heron, Purple Heron and Purple Swamp Hen breed...
Just after leaving the vehicle we started to walk crossing a very dirty spot but once we reached the bank lots of new birds
were located quickly. The first we saw was a Squacco Heron flying to land into the reeds. Then we saw a Purple Swamp Hen adult
very well in the open, and a young bird just behind, hidden into the vegetation. Then we saw a couple of Little Bitterns
which perched after flying just in front of us. The view of the male was specially amazing, and we all enjoyed it for several
minutes. Three Eurasian Spoonbills crossed in flight with its unmistakeble silouette and almost 3 Marsh Harriers were soaring
at the distance... we also had fantastic view of a nice male who crossed the marsh slowly. At least three Red Avadavat, an exotic
species that now is common in the reservoir, flew and then landed for a while in the reeds.
Suddenly we heard the first Savi's Warbler song... a long and continuous "cherrrrrrrrrrrr" similar to an insect... and there
it was! Sitting on a top of a stem doing that peculiar noise. Several Cetti's Warbler singing, Sedge Warbler, a close view of
a Squacco Heron which was "digiscoped" by all and many White Storks nesting in the surrounding electricity pylons was also
interesting.
Just before leaving the reservoir we managed to see Black Redstard perched on a fence and a nice Yellow Wagtail of the
spanish race (iberiae). We decided then to move to the nearby pond of Cerro Alto seeing Spanish Sparrow well breeding into
a White Stork nest. Two Great Spotted Cuckoos were calling loud and then located being chased by Magpies. Both male and
female were sitting in the crown of a Holm Oak and then on the ground offering us wonderful view of such stunning bird.
Paul and Richard were taking some good pics of the Stork while Bren, Phil, Nick, John and Santi tried for the cuckoos with
no much success as we say. We should also mention among the species recorded here Little and Cattle Egrets, two Red Kites
flying, another Purple Heron and two or three Hoopoes.
Before heading to the Villuercas mountain range we stopped in another spot in the reservoir having good views of White Storks,
more Marsh Harriers, Purple Swamp Hen and Cetti's Warbler... a carcase of Egyptian Mongoose probably killed by a car was found
next to the road and more Savi's Warblers singing at the distance and a Water Rail calling was all.
As we had to drive now about one hour while some people tried to have a nap Paul explained to the rest some of the tips to
manage good digipics...
Once we reached the mountain range of Las Villuercas we saw the first raptors such as Short-toed and Booted Eagles, Griffon and
Black Vultures, Common Buzzards and two Golden Eagles flying over the road. We decided to stop to see the eagles soaring and
after several minutes they headed towards the cliffs sitting on a small cave one of them... it was the nest! Although it was
far away to photograph the question is that everybody enjoyed the moment. The heat haze was important and after our lunch we
drove till Cabañas del Castillo. The scenic views of the valleys are spectacular but we were looking for Black Wheatears.
Unfortunately we missed the wheatears but we saw Blue-Rock Thrush, Peregrine, Black Redstard, Rock Bunting, Short-toed
Treecreeper, Red-rumped Swallows and wonderful views of Crag Martins sitting on the rocks. A dark silouette flew over the
peaks and we then knew that that typical wings shape only could be of a Bonelli's Eagle. It was a poor glimpse but we had
time to see the eagle-like profile before loosing it between the valleys.
It was time to come back to our cottage but we briefly stopped in the Belen plains next to Trujillo. The light was good but
windy having there two Little Bustards, Bee-eaters, two Montagu's Harrier, Hoopoe, Calandra Lark, two more Black-eared
Wheatears, Spanish Sparrow and into the more wooded area Wood Lark, Azure-winged Magpies and Red-rumped Swallows, but no
signs today of the Bald Ibis seen during the previous weeks.
We decided then to finish the photography session join our cottage in a nearby "dehesa" where Bee-eaters and Montagu's Harrier were common.
Once we reached the place the wind was even stronger and the light also perfect... views of both male "Monties" and a Black-winged
Kite hovering for a while was our last records of the day.
The dinner was excellent again and once we finished we went upstairs where we had a projector to review the pics taken during
the day being commented by Paul. We also saw some of the Richard's videos taken into the two previous days.
Day 4: Cáceres Plains - Plaza de toros de Trujillo
Another fantastic morning and much more calm than in the last evening. It was just a little bit cooler and earlier but the
temperatures were starting to warm up quickly. After our breakfast and taking our lunch package we headed then to the plains placed
between Cáceres and Trujillo. We reached the area just at dawn having the best light during the first two hours for the
digiscoping. In a small pond we saw several Mallards, Gadwalls and Little Grebes but the first bird we tried digiscoped was
a male Montagu's Harrier sitting first in a fence post and then on the ground. It was one of the many Montys who were
displaing in the next fields... males against males, females against females, females against males... it was a fantastic
experience!
The Corn Buntings were really excited and singing all the time... they were really everywhere, and with the warm the raptors
started to fly using the thermals. We saw then Black and Griffon Vultures, Black Kites, Short-toed Eagle and Booted Eagle.
Two Rollers took off and then sitting on the telephone wires at the distance so we decided to approch them and try to take
some pics. Unfortunately the birds flew and didn't see them again. Rollers use to breed into the nest boxes fitted on the
poles. These nest boxes were mainly for Lesser Kestrels but now Jackdaws, Spottles Starlings, Little Owls and Rollers are
also occupiying them. Two raves flew calling over the road and we had then closer views of the Montagu's displaying.
We also saw a huge male Great Bustard in flight and then landed into the crop fields while several Little Bustards were
detected thanks to the call. Among the most interesting species we saw in this area was Stone Curlew (2 individuals),
Bee-eaters, Calandra and Short-toed Larks, Hoopoe and Northern Wheatear.
Then Santi decided that was time to go for the Sandgrouse... the temperature was higher now and the heat haze present.
We stopped in one of the traditinal places for both Sandgrouse. Quickly a small party of Black-bellied were found on
flight being followed but several more. We heard then all the call of the Pin-tailed Sandrouse and they were seen
flying low to land in a fallow fields. They were like rocks walking... its camuflage plumage and short legs give to them
a very odd luck in the mid of the bare grounds. Unfortunately the distance was considerable and the heat haze a problem
to take pictures.
Then we found soon several orquids and it was a wonderful chance to practice our macro lens, there were at least three
different species but we concentrate in the Mirror Orquid.
After lunch we decided to drive back towards Trujillo although we had before leaving the plains views of two Great
Spotted Cuckoos, Lesser Kestrels, Hoopoe, Fan-tailed Warbler, Southern Grey Shrike, more Great Bustards, many, many Cork
Buntings and an interaction of three young Golden Eagles... what a look of the three eagles flying overhead!
Once we reached Trujillo we decided to do a walk into town recording then Pallid and Common Swifts. Some Lesser Kestrels,
our targes species for our digiscoping intentions, flew over the main square but were still far for our scopes.
Santi decided then to go to the bull ring where there is a small colony of these small falcons. It seemed that the kestrels
were shy and didn't want to come into the nest under the roof tiles but after few minutes waiting they probably thought that
they didn't have reasons to be afraid. A nice male brought a bush cricket for the female and in that few seconds everybody
was shooting their cameras... I thought for a while that the Contax ones was going to be burned!
The moments of the Lesser Kestrels sitting on the roofs of the bull ring were not many so we trained then with the numerous
Spotless Starling.
With some good pictures of the Lesser Kestrels we came back to our cottage where Marisol was again cooking for our dinner.
And again a fantastic meal! We were in Spain after all!
Day 5: Almonte River - Monroy - Talaván - Guadiloba reservoir
The day dawned clean and warm. We had some time to digiscope the Barn Swallows into the shade thanks to the advice given by
Paul and of course the Spotless Starlings join the cottage while a Goldfinch pair was breeding in one of the plum-trees
next to the door. After a very complete breakfast we headed towards the Almonte river doing first a few kilometres past
the Aldea del Obispo for the Bee-eaters, Woodchat Shrikes and Crested Larks. The light was good and weather perfect so
after a sesion to the Bee-eaters we decided to continue our journey.
We didn't go far when stopped again, this time join an eucaliptus plantation where dozens of Spanish Sparrow were breeding,
unfortunately the birds were really shy, keeping always far from us. Two Great Spotted Cuckoos called at the distance but
were comming closer and closer offering fantastic views of the birds in flight, even one of them perched into the set of
trees where the sparrow were nesting. Some Calandra Larks, a Hoopoe and two Little Bustards were the species more
representative. A new chance to see Montagu's Harrier made to remind us the great views we had the previous day of
several individuals displaying. We decided then to drive down the Almonte river for the Black Wheatear, one of our target
species for that day.
The Almonte river spot is a very quiet place with a small and old bridge over the stream. The wooded slopes logde a wide
variety of species but most of the people come here to see the scarce Black Wheatear, which use to be seen in the rocky
areas of the ridge. Once we left the van we saw some Crag Martins and Red-rumped Swallows flying over the bridge. Serins
were singing perched on the trees while we found a new Goldfinch nest placed this time into a thistle. It was like to have
the supermarket at home! Down in the river hundreds of damselflies flew over the aquatic vegetation while Phil found the
first Iberian Pond Frog. Everybody soon concentrated in the frogs a new subjects to be photographed. Then Nick and Brend
saw for a while a black shadow into the rocky outcrops... we all saw soon that it was a male of Black Wheatear. The bird
was moving all the time and the distance was not advisable to take some pictures... after brief seconds the bird disapaired
and didn't come back past about half an hour. We managed to get the bird through our scopes and could see well the bird
but it was really far for our cameras. A Booted Eagle flew over the slopes and several Griffons did the same. The temperature
was higher and higher so we decided to have our lunch in the shade of the oaks join the banks. A Spanish Festoon fluttered
in front of Phil and Santi who took some acceptable pics of the butterfly. A solitary Great Cormorant flew up the river and
we heard a Common Cuckoo calling.
The warm of the mid day was hard so we decided to go to Monroy town for a cold drink and coffees. A relaxed break that even
gave us the oportunity to see some Lesser Kestrels flying over the roof and a male Blue-rock Thrush on the walls of the
old fortreiss. Monroy was the typical village of Extremadura having its own White Stork nest on the highest point of the
main square. Nick will remember for some time when an odd hand was bothering him through the barrs of the window of the bar
avoiding him to have a brief and needing nap.
The next spot was the Talaván reservoir for the Great Reed Warbler although unfortunately was probably too early and missed
the bird. There we saw Grey Heron, Great Crested Grebe, Purple heron and two Egyptian Vultures flying over the nearby fields.
Other raptors seen during our staying in the reservoir were Black Vultures, Common Buzzard, Black Kites and a Short-toed
Eagle. Both Southern Grey and Woodchat Shrikes, Bee-eaters and Stonechats were seen perched on the telephone wires while a
Common kestrel probed our skills on identification.
As we didn't have luck with the warbler we moved to a close area where several White Storks were breeding over the Pine trees.
The light was hard making that most of our pics were blitched but following the tips of Paul we all improbed fast. We walked
between orchards of Olive Oils plantations and opern farms scattered of some Fig Trees where Azure-winged Magpies stopped
for a while and rest in the shade.
A male Sardinian Warbler started to sing and then we managed to atract him having acceptable pictures of a bird that was
moving all the time having sometimes an against light view. Anyway it was great to have a so close views of the warbler!
We were ready to come back to the cottage but doing a new stop at Guadiloba reservoir very close where we were the previous
day into the plains.
There we saw Black-winged Stilts, Little Ringed Plovers, one Spoonbill and a very odd egrett with some dark feathers what
remided us to think in a posible hybrid between a Little Egret and a Western Reef Egret. Paul showed us how we had to move
when trying to approach to a bird... it took a long time to be close to a Crested Lark but the pics taken were one more
time excellent. This time Richard tried to follow him having some good video stills.
After spending 30 min. in the reservoir we decided to come back to the cottage for a meal and rest.
Day 6: Monfragüe Natural Park
As we had a wonderful day at Monfragüe on second day the plans for that day was to spend the whole day there concentrating
only in the digiscoping. Our intention was start first at La Portilla viewpoint when the rocks are lit by the first rays of
sun. We did very well and reached the viewpoint at the right time but unfortunately we had a very windy morning.
The adult Spanish Imperial Eagle was still lying eggs and the Griffon Vultures started to strech their wings and fly over
the cliff. The light was surprisingly good but the wind still blowing.
The group had to shelter then just behind one of the walls of the building having better conditions and reducing considerably
the shaking of the scopes. Paul and the rest concentrated in the Griffons while Santi started to scan every ledge and crevice
till found the Eagle Owls. Three nice chicks this time... we were wondering where was the fouth!
The distance was just a little be important but we managed to get some good pics thank to our patience and the tips given by
Paul during our digiweek into Extremadura.
A little bit later the wind stopped and the Eagles began to fly over the wooded slope where its nest was placed. Every time
the female left the platform and started to call one of the adults Eagle Owl hidden into the rocks did the same. It was
amazing to see the elegancy of the Spanish Imperial Eagles flying first and then perched. For several times we saw one of
the adults sitting on a death branch well high in the cliffs. What amazing bird!
After spending the whole day in the park and after having good views of Black Stork, Egyptian, Griffon and Black Vultures,
Peregrine Falcon, Red-legged Partridge, Hoopoe, Bee-eater, Black Redstart, Red-rumped Swallow, Crag Martin, Sardinian
Warbler, Short-toed Treecreeper and Red-billed Chough we left the park to come back to the hotel for packing and having
the last wonderful dinner at El Tenado rural cottage.
That night we were a review of the pics taken during the week and talked about the plans for the following day just before
heading to Madrid for our night flight.
Day 7: Gredos mountains - Tietar Valley - Madrid
After saying goodbye to Marisol and leaving the cottage we drove towards the Gredos mountains where we expected to see new
species. Once we left Extremadura to come into the Castilla León region what till that moment was warm and sun turned to
very cloudy and a really chilly day. After having even some showers during the driving we finally reached to the Plataforma
de Gredos where we should start our walk uphill looking for Bluethroat, Ortolan Bunting and Rock Thrush... none was
unfortunately found and after a brief walk we decided to come back the van because the cool and wind. Just a few Dunnocks,
two Red-billed Choughs and Northern Wheatear were recorded.
Down in the valley we saw some Water Pipits and outside the bar where we decided to drink somthing hot a male Black Redstart
and two Red Kites. Although most of the people preferred come into the bar Phil decided that was time to get a pic of the
Redstart. It was still cool and cloudy and the barman told us that that day was probably the coolest in the last two months!
We didn't have certanly good luck with the weather into the mountains but we couldn't complain about the fantastic days we
had in Extremadura.
As it seemed that the weather wouldn't change along the day we decided to drive down the Tietar valley, a wonderful place
for Bee-eaters and raptors. We followed the road till Ramacastañas and then turned towards the famous Cuevas del Águila.
We saw soon several flocks of Azure-winged Magpies and a Green Woodpecker of the iberian race called into the trees.
We parked the van just under a huge Holm Oak and then walked towards the Ramacastañas river. At about 300 metres some
Bee-eaters were perched on the wires of the fence and we tried all to approach the birds for having the chance to take
good pics. Although we followed the instructions of Paul and did well the birds seemed to be very shy and we could only have
a close view of a male Woodchat Shrike. Some Rock Sparrows flew from the nearby grounds and then perched on the same wires
of the Bee-eaters having the first record of the species in the trip. We spent the rest of the afternoon taking pictures to
some common birds such as Crested Larks and Barn Swallows to come back to the van a few minutes later.
Next our vehicle some Azure-winged Magpies were in the very well open and Richard and Santi enjoyed much waiting for the
rest of the people who tried to get a view of such special bird.
We decided then to drive towards Madrid through a different way we took on the first day reaching the airport just in time.
We agreed then that we would meet us again at Doñana on 2006 to continue with our Digiscoping experience.
Tours 2000
Tours 2005
