Group visit - February 2007

February 18th - 25th 2007

This week focusses on the following areas:

• the unique area of steppe called La Serena to see Great and Little Bustards, Sandgrouse etc.
• the RAMSAR area of the Orellana reservoir to see various ducks and waders. Also the high-lying reservoirs of Cijara and Garcia Sola.
• the rocky outcrop topped by its spectacular castle of Puebla de Alcocer.
• The Cranes have started to mark their way north, but good numbers remain feeding in the dehesa and coming together to roost in the irrigated fields. There are good numbers of Harriers - Marsh and Hen - and Black-shouldered Kite.
• the great cliff at Puerto Peña to see the Griffon Vultures. Eagle Owl are present, though easier to hear than see.
• Mérida and Cornalvo. Mérida has the best Roman remains in Spain and a wealth of bird life along the banks of the Guadiana river. Cornalvo is a Natural Park centred round a Roman reservoir. It has large numbers of Azure-winged Magpie, raptors, acuatic species and waders. We will be given an introductory talk at the Reserve's Centro de Interpretación.
• Villuercas and Guadalupe. This is the mountainous area in the north of the area.
• Sierra de Pela - this is an area of Mediterranean woodland which has the status of a ZEPA (Area of Special Protection for Birds)