“It’s always a pleasure to be in Extremadura in the springtime and this year’s holiday was another delight – despite a couple of damp days! Luckily the vans proved to be handy mobile hides to watch Great Bustards, Little Bustards, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse and others, while the ‘rain in Spain fell mainly on the plain.’
Great Bustards (Duncan Macdonald)
Guests never fail to fall for the charms of our guesthouse, the delightful Vina Las Torres, not only for the warmth of hospitality from hosts Juan Pedro and Belen, but for the gardens and lanes full of birdy treasures such as Serin, Hoopoe, Red-rumped Swallow, Azure-winged Magpies and Woodchat Shrike. ‘I think I’ve gone to paradise’ said Rosemary! The wetland riches come as a surprise for some – reeling Savi’s Warblers, ungainly Purple Swamphens and striking Little Bittern and Purple Herons, were all on show.
Azure-winged Magipe (Brooke A Miller)
Purple Heron (Brooke A Miller)
Yet as ever, our visit to the spectacular Monfrague National Park was a day of days, with skies full of squadrons of Griffons, along with Black and Egyptian Vultures and countless kites. Hawfinches, Blue Rock Thrush, Subalpine Warblers and Rock Sparrows were wonderful distractions, but the raptors are the real stars and all five Spanish eagle species were on show – including a very close fly-by from a Bonelli’s Eagle and a truly special encounter with the rarest eagle in the world, Spanish Imperial Eagle. Another memorable trip and I can’t wait to get back next year!”
Spanish Imperial Eagle (Brooke A Miller)
Blue Rock Thrush (Simon Eaves)
If you would like to join Darren and Julian next year you can book online.