Honeyguide Extremadura
8 – 15 March 2008

Honeyguide Extremadura
8 – 15 March 2008

Holiday participants

Brenda Motley

Richard and Brenda Hawes

Angus and Rosie Ross

Geoff and Anne Wadsworth

Leader

Martin Kelsey                                                                                  Extremadura

As with all Honeyguide holidays, £30 of the price of the holiday was put towards a conservation project, in this case for La Sociedad Española de Ornitología (SEO), the Spanish Ornithological Society, and its work in Extremadura. The conservation contribution this year of £30 per person was supplemented by gift aid through the Honeyguide Wildlife Charitable Trust, leading to a total of £265. During the holiday Marcelino Cardalliaguet of SEO came to Finca Santa Marta to collect a cheque from this year’s holiday in Extremadura.

This year’s donation brings the total given to SEO since the first Honeyguide holiday in Spain in 1991 to £10,426.  The total conservation contribution from all Honeyguide holidays was at £49,098 at the end of February 2008.

Extremadura
8 – 15 March 2008

Itinerary
Saturday 8th March: Arrival in Madrid and travel to Trujillo via A5 motorway, with a stop before Ventas de Retamosa for snacks. Arrived at Finca Santa Marta late afternoon. Tea followed by a walk through the property to the clump of stone pines above the Finca.

Sunday 9th March: Morning visit to Belén Plains with lunch, afternoon stop at Aldeacentenera. Return to Finca Santa Marta across country to Madroñera with stop on heath on hill above the village. Dinner in La Troya, Trujillo.

Monday 10th March: Exploring plains around Santa Marta de Magasca, coffee at the village of Santa Marta de Magasca, with lunch on Tamuja River south of the village.

Tuesday 11th March: From Trujillo to Torrejón El Rubío, then to Monfragüe National Park. Stop at Castle and then at car park opposite the crags of Peña Falcón. Lunch at Mirador de Tajadilla, then to the Portilla del Tietár.

Wednesday 12th March: Free morning in Trujillo, then east towards Villuercas mountains, with lunch on Almonte river near village of Cabañas del Castillo. Visit to village after lunch, with walk along base of cliffs.

Thursday 13th March: South to Zorita with a visit to part of the Zorita Plains and then towards Madrigalejo. Stop at Sierra Brava reservoir and coffee stop just outside Madrigalejo and then exploring area of Casas del Hito, including visit to Charca del Hito (a large pool), where lunch taken. Then visit to Vegas Altas. Drive to rice fields near Palazuelo with a walk beside Rio Ruercas

Friday 14th March: Visit to Arrocampo reservoir, between Almaraz and Saucedilla (with coffee stop at latter village). Visit to Valdecañas. Afternoon walk at Finca Santa Marta.

Saturday 15th March: Early morning departure to Madrid to check-in at airport shortly after 10.15 am for flight back to UK.

Daily Diary

8th March: Madrid to Finca Santa Marta
The party met up at Madrid, with Geoff and Anne having arrived by train earlier in the morning, most of the group coming in on the Easyjet flight from Gatwick, landing just a few minutes late. We set off just after 13.00 hrs. It was a lovely sunny day as we made our way around the M40 ring-road, exiting on the A5 motorway for Extremadura. The Gredos mountains formed a spectacular backdrop to the north, with snow on their peaks, but very little on their southern slopes compared to other springs. We stopped for lunch snacks about 50 kms out of Madrid. The lively bar was packed and the atmosphere happy. Following lunch, several of the party took the opportunity to purchase maps from the adjacent filling station. As we continued along the motorway, we started to see White Storks, as well as Black Kite, Red Kite and Black-winged Stilt, whilst those at the front of the minibus also saw a pair of Great Spotted Cuckoos cross the motorway. As we crossed the border into Extremadura, we also saw distant wheeling groups of Griffon Vultures. We headed off the motorway onto the road that heads south-east from Trujillo and passed through landscape dominated by huge blocks of granite. We arrived at Finca Santa Marta at 17.30 hrs. Henri, our host welcomed us and introduced us to some of the staff, who helped to get the group settled into their rooms. After tea, we took a late afternoon walk up through the Finca, through the almond orchards and olive groves to the stand of stone pines. Good numbers of Blackcaps were heard and seen, as well as Song Thrushes, whilst a few Redwing passed over as dusk approached. We found Sage-leaved Cistus just starting to flower as well as a single Conical Orchid. On our return to the finca, Henri welcomed us with cocktails followed by dinner.

9th March: Belén Plains and Madroñera
A fine clear and calm start to the day, but it quickly clouded over and although there were sunny spells, the day overall was quite chilly with a fresh northerly wind.  As we gathered for departure, a Hawfinch was seen flying over by some, whilst Serin and Barn Swallow were singing around us. We spent most of the day slowly exploring the open plains north-east of the small village of Belén. At our first stop just outside the village, we enjoyed a superb panorama of the habitat and saw Thekla Lark quite close-by. Shortly afterwards we stopped again in a gateway and saw our first Calandra Larks of the day, as well as wintering Meadow Pipit whilst Corn Buntings sang from roadside fences. Two Little Owls were found perched on pile of stones in the middle of a field. We then located a party of eight Great Bustard feeding a couple of fields away, the sun catching their rich brown upperparts. A huge flock of Spanish Sparrows fed in the fields behind us, where a pair of Crested Lark was also present. Griffon, Black and Egyptian Vultures drifted past in the distance.  At subsequent stops we watched more and more Calandra Larks starting to sing, circling at great height with their highly mimetic song, and then descending with their characteristic slow-motion heavy flapping.

We enjoyed a short walk along a sunny track. Although few plants were yet in bloom, we found good numbers of Sand Crocus and several Small Heath butterflies braved the breeze. However, the birds were superb. A group of over half a dozen Lesser Kestrel hovered over the field beside us throughout the whole of our visit, affording us excellent views. A Short-toed Eagle passed overhead. At what appeared to be an avian carcass in the field (possibly Great Bustard) a medley of scavengers was present: Black Vulture dominating, Griffon Vulture, Red Kite, Black Kite and Raven.  A tight flock of about 50 Little Bustards gave us a prolonged view, as they appeared sometimes glimmering white, sometimes dark, as the combination of factors (the birds turning, intermittent sunshine, and different backgrounds of blue sky and cloud) all came into play. Shortly afterwards a large flock of over 20 Great Bustards flew past, with another small flock flying in the opposite direction. It gave us a perfect opportunity to compare the difference in flight between the two species.

We stopped for lunch to view a multi-layered White Storks colony on some dead trees. We continued along the road after lunch, stopping at a roadside pool to watch a pair of Little Ringed Plover, Green Sandpiper, a seemingly injured Redshank and a Greenshank. Another Short-toed Eagle flew over whilst shortly afterwards we saw a pair of Great Spotted Cuckoo in flight.

After a stop at Bar Martín in Aldeacentenera, where we admired the White Storks’ nests on the church tower, we drove through the undulating dehesa to Madroñera, We reached a patch of broom and lavender heath. Hoop Petticoat Narcissus was in flower. However, the windy conditions hampered seeing small birds, although brief flight views of a pair of Dartford Warblers were had and some of us saw Sardinian warbler and Thekla Lark.

Back at Finca Santa Marta, we went through the checklists before heading for Trujillo for dinner at the La Troya. Situated on the fine medieval town square, the restaurant provided an excellent series of local dishes.

10th March: Santa Marta de Magasca
Although the day started quite fine, cloud quickly built up, backed by a fresh breeze, which became quite blustery during the afternoon, with prolonged light rain. Pre-breakfast walks had yielded Redwing and Cetti’s Warbler, and some members of the group had a good view of a Hawfinch close to the finca whilst we waited for the team to assemble after breakfast. Today we drove west of Trujillo, and took the minor road towards Santa Marta de Magasca. Stopping at the edge of the plains, we quickly found a wintering flock of about 60 Little Bustard, partially concealed by banks of dead thistles. Some males were already close to breeding plumage. In an adjacent field we found a party of Great Bustard, then another and then a third group, this time on the skyline. Males in this latter group started some lekking display, and despite the relative distance, the cool windy conditions meant that there was no heat haze to worry about, so the viewing was excellent. Closer at hand, we saw a pair of Great Spotted Cuckoos being mobbed by Magpies and had good views of Rock Sparrows alongside Spanish Sparrows on trackside fences. Several Southern Grey Shrike also provided us with excellent views. Whist standing there, we saw a flock of Pint-tailed Sandgrouse land in a field further to the west. Luckily, the flock was in view from a point along the road and we watched them for a couple of minutes, before they took – the flock revealing itself t be about 70 strong. In a marvellous fashion they wheeled high and low, passing close by before settling again, this time a little further off, but still close enough to see their plumage well. Another group of Great Bustard were present in that field. We made another stop nearby, but the strong wind made conditions difficult, so after a few minutes of botanising, we repaired to the café in Santa Marta de Magasca for some welcome coffee and warmth.

We then headed south to the Rio Tamuja, set in a deep wooded valley. Here we had lunch in this wonderful spot. Despite the strong winds, we were relatively sheltered and watched a procession of raptors passing overhead: a dark phase Booted Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, Black and Griffon Vulture, Black and Red Kite and Sparrowhawk. A Black Stork also came overhead as well as group of nine Raven and we had good views of Hawfinch perched on cables crossing the valley, as well as Crag Martins. Iberian Water Frogs croaked occasionally and several clumps of Common Jonquil were also seen. We then drove towards the Cáceres road. Taking a small country lane for a few hundred metres, we stopped near a pool, watching a Black-tailed Godwit descend and then swerve off to settle in a ploughed field. It looked decidedly out of place. However the worsening weather made us abort plans to continue further along the road and we turned road, seeing minutes later a single Alpine Swift, battling against the strong southerly wind, barely a metre or two above the ground.

Before returning to Finca Santa Marta we stopped to watch the Lesser Kestrels at the bull ring of Trujillo and had excellent views of the birds, including some very smart males. Whilst enjoying this spectacle, we also noted a party of seven Black Kite passing overhead.

11th March: Monfragüe National Park
After yesterday’s high winds and overcast weather, today dawned much more promising and true enough we enjoyed a sunny, albeit breezy, day, with scattered cloud. We headed north from Trujillo to Monfragüe National Park. The route took us first through the rocky granite terrain around Trujillo, and then through dehesa as far as the eye could see, with the only changes being when we dropped down to cross three river valleys: the Tozo, the Almonte and finally the narrow Arroyo de la Vid. After the last crossing we followed the road winding up to the edge of the Monfragüe Park, heralded by a rocky ridge, capped by a small castle and a spectacular gorge through which passed the Tajo river. Our first stop was the castle itself which we reached by climbing up stone steps through groves of wild olive and cork oak. The view from the top was stunning: a vast dehesa panorama to the south, whilst to the north the hills of the park, the man-made lakes along the river valley and behind the snow-capped Gredos, perfectly clear.  From the top of the escarpment we could look down on passing Griffon and Black Vultures, whilst above us spiralled more still, as well as a pair of Egyptian Vulture. We were lucky enough to see a fine adult Bonelli’s Eagle pass by and then watched it soaring with the vultures. A Swallowtail butterfly settled to sun itself on a stone, whilst there were also a Large Tortoiseshell and several Wall Browns. A Firecrest feeding in the cork oaks beside the minibus provided good views for most of us. Our next port of call was the famous Peña Falcón and Salto de Gitano (the Gypsy’s leap). Here close to the base of the gorge, we enjoyed more spectacular views of all three species of vulture, as well as at least four Black Storks. An immature Spanish Imperial Eagle made a showing as did a Short-toed Eagle, hovering over the highest crags, diving and then re-emerging bearing a snake. We also had excellent views of a male Blue Rock Thrush, as well as Black Redstart,

After a stop at Villareal de San Carlos, where House Martins were collecting mud for their nests, we continued through to Tajadilla, a lovely picnic spot just downstream from one of the dams along the course of the river. It overlooked another rock face with nesting Griffon Vultures, with Black Kites and a pair Egyptian Vulture present as well. A Subalpine Warbler sang from the Cistus scrub, whilst a Hawfinch provided us with superb views as it fed close by on elm mast. A Nettle Tree Butterfly was seen quite well, and a Spanish Festoon more briefly.

At the Portilla, the viewpoint directed our gaze onto the wonderful strata of the cliffs opposite, supporting another colony of Griffon Vulture. A very obliging Subalpine Warbler performed song flights, as well as singing from a bare branch very close to the road. We found one of the pair of resident Eagle Owls, sitting on her nest on the cliff opposite under an Adenocarpus bush. Although at first she was fairly motionless, she later turned round and presented us with a fine view of her face. A Spanish Imperial Eagle made the briefest of appearances, but we had good, prolonged views of a juvenile Golden Eagle high overhead. Shortly afterwards a pair of Short-toed Eagles circled slowly over the cliffs.

Angel Tears and Hoop Petticoat Narcissus grew side-by-side on the bank beside the road, along with Spanish Bluebells.

We returned to Finca Santa Marta for tea and checklist and before dinner, Marcelino Cardalliaguet (Extremadura representative of the Spanish Ornithological Society) gave an illustrated talk on bird conservation in Extremadura and received a cheque from Martin, as a contribution from the group to continue SEO’s work.

12th  March: Trujillo and Cabañas del Castillo
Although the day started rather foggy, it quickly cleared and by the time we left for our free morning in Trujillo, the clouds were breaking and the sun was shining. The beautiful medieval town square and the narrow cobbled streets leading up to the castle are dominated by the old granite-built palaces and large churches built, testimony to the wealth brought back from South America by the conquistadores born in Trujillo. The same buildings with their old tiled roofs, support one of Spain’s most important colonies of Lesser Kestrel as well as pairs of Pallid Swift.

At 12.30, after coffee in the Plaza Mayor, we left Trujillo and headed to the Villuercas mountains, a lovely series of ridges to the east of the dehesa and plains that we had been exploring over the last few days. We stopped for lunch at a crossing of the Rio Almonte, where the river passes through a narrow gorge. As well as Griffon and Black Vultures, we saw a Short-toed Eagle and had a fine view of a Cirl Bunting singing.  Brimstone butterflies enjoyed the sunshine. Nearby is the tiny village of Cabañas del Castillo, perched at the base of one of a pair of crags, on the top of which sits an ancient castle. We walked through the village as a pair of Short-toed Eagles soared overhead,  then along a path leading to the small village cemetery and a gap between the crags, to afford one a magnificent view of the valley to the east. Quickly we found first a male and then a female Black Wheatear. The rocks above the village also held Black Redstarts and Blue Rock Thrushes. From the vantage point overlooking the valley behind the village, we could watch passing Griffon and Egyptian Vultures. We found a Peregrine perched on a cliff and a few minutes later watched the spectacle of a Peregrine mobbing a Griffon Vulture. Botanically the area was productive with Dwarf Sheep’s Bit and we had excellent views of a Bath White.

13th March: Madrigalejo

With another fine day ahead, we drove south after breakfast. We drove through the quiet town of Zorita, crossing a plateau south of the town before calling in to view a section of the Sierra Brava reservoir. Quickly we found a Black-necked Grebe quite close to the shore, as well as a couple of pairs of Great-crested Grebe and a small flock of Coot. South of the reservoir was a derelict barn, around which flew about five Lesser kestrel, which at one point joined forces to mob a Red Kite. We also saw a group of six Great Bustard, a couple of fields away. A Little Bustard flew over as we watched them.

A brief stop was made to an area behind the old railway station at Madrigalejo, where two Stone Curlew were seen well on a stony rise in the ground. Following coffee at a nearby bar, we then entered the area known as Casas del Hito. Several Southern Grey Shrike were seen, as well as flocks of Spanish Sparrows. Approaching a patch of woodland, we spotted a Black-shouldered Kite perched at the top of tree and then quickly found another on an even closer tree. We had good views of the pair as they moved from one tree to another, gliding past with wings held in a steep V. We then drove up to a pool (Charca el Hito) sited behind embankments. A flock of Red Avadavats thronged in the vegetation beside the track. As we peered over the bank to look at the pool, a small group of Little Ringed Plover moved on, taking our gaze to the series of shingle spits in the centre of the area. Here groups of Dunlin fed, along with a couple of Little Stint and three or four Kentish Plovers. A drake Red-crested Pochard and some Shoveler were on open water, later joined by Teal and a few Grey Lag Geese. As we walked along the bank, we found more birds of interest: a Water Pipit along with a small group of Green Sandpiper, as well as some Greenshank. We had our lunch on the northern side of the pool, watching a group of 35 Common Crane which took off on our approach and gradually gained height on thermals almost overhead. 

We then travelled onto another rice field area, south of Madrigalejo, around the village of Vegas Altas. Although tractors were working on many of the fields, we stopped to scan a quieter zone of arable fields. A juvenile Golden Eagle was found, gliding over the low hill in front of us, and then soaring, to be mobbed by a kite. At the same time a female Hen Harrier and than a Marsh Harrier glided past. Large flocks of Spanish Sparrows lined the roadside wires as we returned to the main road and nearby we found clumps of Barbary Nut Iris in flower.
 
We then headed to a third irrigated zone, near the village of Palazuelo. We stopped beside the River Ruercas to check out a good area of riverine habitat. We saw a large flock of Common Waxbill and the habitat was full of Cetti’s Warblers, but the highlights were a group of at least four Penduline Tits which fed on the seed heads of Great Reed Mace, beautifully back-lit by the afternoon sun and a Jack Snipe which silently rose from close by and just as quietly dropped beyond the tall vegetation where the Penduline Tits were feeding.

14th March: Arrocampo
A Brambling was seen by Brenda on the pre-breakfast walk. After breakfast we headed up to motorway to Almaraz and the reservoir of Arrocampo. The reservoir lies between the town of Almaraz and the village of Saucedilla and provides cooling water for a power station. The water circulating around is slightly warmer than the average, probably accounting for the luxuriant growth of littoral vegetation. We stopped at the Visitors’ Centre and from there walked to the first hide. On the way we quickly found a Purple Swamphen, which put on a showy performance for us, clambering on reed mace in the sunshine close by. A male Little Bittern flew past and descended into the reeds. From the first hide, we looked down a channel fringed by beds of reed mace. At least one Savi’s Warbler sang and two Purple Heron stood preening, one providing superb views for all of us. A Grey Heron nearby provided a good comparison. Sand Martins and Swallows abounded and we saw a Kingfisher zoom past and settle briefly nearby. Visiting anther hide we managed to find a Savi’s Warbler singing atop of a reed stem, giving prolonged, albeit distant views. Finally from another hide, we benefited in having the sun behind us and were able to have excellent views of more Purple Swamphens, two more Purple Herons and a Black-winged Stilt. Whilst we were there a Spoonbill flew in to settle in front of us and proceed to preen, whilst Richard found an obliging Water Rail which all of us managed to see.  A coffee stop in the village of Saucedilla beckoned and we found a bar close to the old church. The latter has a colony of Lesser Kestrel and we had magnificent views of birds wheeling overhead.  We then had a lunch stop beside the pool at Cerro Alto, although the water level was rather high, leaving no exposed mud. However, we had wonderful views of a pair of Great Spotted Cuckoo.

After lunch we took a short walk below the dam at Valdecañas. There we had good views of a Firecrest, as well as Short-toed Treecreeper and several sightings of a Cleopatra butterfly. But most interesting were the orchids: Naked Man, Sawfly and Yellow Ophrys all growing within a short distance of each other.

Back at the Finca we had our final afternoon tea and checklist call-over we took the opportunity to walk up the track to the top of the property and beyond. Good views of Woodlark and Short-toed Treecreeper were obtained and for those of us who continued higher up the path, we found large colonies of Champagne and Conical Orchid, as well as some splendid Iberian Fritilleries.   

15th March: Finca Santa Marta to Madrid
As we set off at 06.50 for the airport, with the wind freshening, in contrast to the calm weather of the last few days. Swallows started the dawn chorus. We had an easy run to the airport, arriving in good time for the check-in and farewells.

Systematic list – Birds

A summary of sightings contributed by the whole group at the daily “call-over”

Little Grebe              One on a pool near Madrigalejo on 13th March.

Great Crested Grebe Pairs on Sierra Brava reservoir on 13th March and at Arrocampo on 14th March.

Black-necked Grebe         One at Sierra Brava reservoir on 13th March.

Cormorant               Seen almost daily along rivers and on water bodies.

Little Bittern             One male seen at Arrocampo on 14th March.

Cattle Egret             Seen daily.

Little Egret               Small numbers seen on the rice fields on 13th March and at Arrocampo on 14th March.

Great White Egret  Two or three at Arrocampo on 14th March.

Grey Heron              Seen in small numbers almost every day.

Purple Heron          Four seen at Arrocampo on 13th March.

Black Stork              One seen over Rio Tamuja on 10th March and at least six in Monfragüe on 11th March.

White Stork              Common throughout the week, around towns and villages, as well as in the fields.

Spoonbill                 Excellent views of one at Arrocampo on 14th March.

Grey Lag Goose     Six on a pool at Casas del Hito on 13th March.

Gadwall                    Two at Arrocampo on 14th March.            

Teal                            Six on a pool at Casas del Hito on 13th March.

Mallard                      Pairs seen almost daily.

Shoveler                   Four on a pool at Casas del Hito on 13th March.

Red-crested Pochard Male on a pool at Casas del Hito on 13th March.

Black-shouldered Kite A pair at Casas del Hito on 13th March.

Black Kite                Double figures seen everyday.

Red Kite                   Single figures seen everyday, especially over dehesa and the plains.

Egyptian Vulture    Seen, generally in pairs, at Monfragüe and the Villuercas mountains as well as Valdecañas, with one bird also seen near Santa Marta de Magasca on 10th March.

Griffon Vulture        Good numbers seen everyday, especially at Monfragúe on 11th March.

Black Vulture          Seen daily, often totalling double figures, especially on Belén Plains. Monfragüe and near Santa Marta de Magasca.

Short-toed Eagle    Seen almost daily, often in pairs.

Marsh Harrier          Three or four on the rice fields on 13th March and a similar number at Arrocampo on 14th March.

Hen Harrier              A female at Vegas Altas on 13th March.

Sparrowhawk         Seen almost daily.

Common Buzzard Seen almost daily.

Spanish Imperial Eagle One bird soaring at Peña Falcón in Monfragüe on 11th March.

Golden Eagle          Juveniles seen at Portilla del Tiétar in Monfragüe on 11th March and near Vegas Altas on 13th March.

Bonelli’s Eagle       One bird at the castle and then at Peña Falcón in Monfragüe on 11th March.

Booted Eagle          One bird (dark phase) passing high overhead at Rio Tamuja on 10th March.

Lesser Kestrel        Seen daily in double figures. Excellent views obtained in Trujillo and Saucedilla of this exquisite little falcon.

Common Kestrel    Seen almost daily in single figures.

Peregrine                 A pair at Cabañas del Castillo on 12th March, including a spectacular mobbing incident with a Griffon Vulture

Red-legged Partridge Seen most days, especially common around Santa Marta de Magasca.

Quail                          One heard on rice fields on 13th March.

Water Rail                Excellent views of one at Arrocampo on 14th March.

Moorhen                   Small numbers on rice fields and Arrocampo.

Purple Swamphen Excellent views of at least ten birds at Arrocampo on 14th March.

Coot                          Present at the reservoirs of Sierra Brava and Arrocampo.

Common Crane      35 at Casas del Hito on 13th March.

Little Bustard          Winter flocks of 50 on Belén Plains on 9th March, and 60 near Santa Marta de Magasca on 10th March.

Great Bustard         35 on Belén Plains on 9th March, a total of over 35-40 birds seen near Santa Marta de Magasca on 10th March and 6 near Sierra Brava on 13th March.

Stone Curlew          Two birds near Madrigalejo on 13th March.

Black-winged Stilt Two seen from motorway on 8th March and one at Arrocampo on 14th March.

Ringed Plover         One with the following species at Casas del Hito on 13th March.

Little Ringed Plover          Two beside pool on Belén Plains on 9th March and four at Casas del Hito on 13th March.

Kentish Plover        Three or four at Casas del Hito on 13th March

Lapwing                   Very few of this winter visitor still present: 5 west of Santa Marta de Magasca on 10th March were the only records.

Little Stint                 Two seen Casas del Hito on 13th March.

Dunlin                       About 30 at Casas del Hito on 13th March.

Jack Snipe               One at Rio Ruercas on 13th March.

Snipe                         Singles on Belén Plains on 9th March and west of Santa Marta de Magasca on 10th March. Four or five on the rice fields on 13th March and one at Arrocampo on 14th March.

Black-tailed Godwit          One west of Santa Marta de Magasca on 10th March..

Redshank                One on Belén Plains on 9th March and one at Casas del Hito on 13th March.

Greenshank            One on Belén Plains on 9th March and three at Casas del Hito on 13th March.

Green Sandpiper   Two on Belén Plains on 9th March, one west of Santa Marta de Magasca on 10th March, seven at Casas del Hito on 13th March and two at Arrocampo on 14th March.

Common Sandpiper         One at Casas del Hito on 13th March.

Black-headed Gull Small flocks seen near Santa Marta de Magasca and on the rice fields.

Lesser Black-backed Gull Small flocks seen near Santa Marta de Magasca and on the rice fields.

Pin-tailed Sandgrouse Over 70 seen in flight and several of the flock seen well on the ground on plains east of Santa Marta de Magasca on 10th March.

Rock Dove/Feral Pigeon Seen daily

Woodpigeon           Small numbers seen almost daily.

Collared Dove         Seen daily.

Great Spotted Cuckoo Seen almost everyday, generally in pairs.

Scops Owl               Heard in the evening at the Finca from 11th March.

Eagle Owl                 Female at the nest at Monfragüe on 11th March.

Little Owl                  Two seen at Belén Plains on 9th March.

Pallid Swift               Excellent views at Trujillo on 12th March.

Alpine Swift             One west of Santa Marta de Magasca on 10th March and seen distantly at Monfragüe and at Cabañas del Castillo.

Kingfisher                One seen on Rio Tamuja on 10th March, heard at Rio Ruercas on 13th March and seen at Arrocampo on 14th March.

Hoopoe                    Commonly seen everyday.

Great Spotted Woodpecker One at Finca Santa Marta on 12th March.

Calandra Lark         Seen on visits to open plains at Belén and near Santa Marta de Magasca.  

Crested Lark           Common and seen daily.

Thekla Lark             Present in suitable habitat, especially on hills above Madroñera and near Sierra Brava.

Woodlark                 Heard east of Santa Marta de Magasca on 10th March and seen well at Finca Santa Marta on 14th March.

Skylark                     Small flocks of this winter visitor seen near Santa Marta de Magasca and Vegas Altas.

Sand Martin             One over Finca Santa Marta on 13th March and common at Arrocampo on 14th March.

Crag Martin              Common near bridges and in rocky areas in Monfragüe and in the Villuercas mountains, also present in Trujillo.

Swallow                    Common every day.

Red-rumped Swallow Seen daily.

House Martin          Seen almost every day.

Meadow Pipit          Small numbers seen almost daily.

Water Pipit               Individuals coming into breeding plumage at Casas del Hito on 13th March.

Grey Wagtail            Seen almost every day.

White Wagtail          Seen every day.

Wren                          Recorded daily.

Robin                        Small numbers seen daily.

Black Redstart        Present around the Finca and also seen at Monfragüe on 11th March and Cabañas del Castillo on 12th March.

Stonechat                Common and seen almost every day.

Northern Wheatear           Two east of Santa Marta de Magasca on 10th March.

Black Wheatear      Two birds at Cabañas del Castillo on 12th March.

Blue Rock Thrush Seen at Finca Santa Marta, in Monfragüe on 11th March and Cabañas del Castillo on 12th March.

Blackbird                 Seen daily.

Song Thrush           Seen daily.

Redwing                   Heard and sometimes seen almost daily at Finca Santa Marta.

Cetti’s Warbler        Heard and seen on the rice fields on 13th March and at Arrocampo on 14th March, as well as near Finca Santa Marta.

Zitting Cisticola      Heard and seen almost daily.

Savi’s Warbler        Three or four singing at Arrocampo on 14th March.

Sedge Warbler        One burst of song heard at Casas del Hito on 13th March.

Dartford Warbler    Two singing above Madroñera on 9th March.

Subalpine Warbler Two singing in Monfragüe on 11th March.

Sardinian Warbler  Seen almost daily.

Blackcap                  Seen daily and in good numbers around Finca.

Chiffchaff                 Seen almost daily and especially numerous in waterside vegetation.

Firecrest                   One near Monfragüe castle on 11th March and one at Valdecañas on 14th March.

Long-tailed Tit        Small numbers seen most days.

Blue Tit                     Seen daily.

Great Tit                    Seen daily.

Penduline Tit           Four birds watched feeding on reed mace in Rio Ruercas on 13th March.

Short-toed Treecreeper Seen and heard almost daily, especially around the Finca.

Southern Grey Shrike Seen almost daily.

Jay                             Three near Cabañas del Castillo on 12th March and one at Valdecañas on 14th March.

Azure-winged Magpie Common and seen everyday.

Magpie                      Common and seen every day.

Red-billed Chough           Heard at Valdecañas on 14th March.

Jackdaw                   Common and seen almost everyday.

Raven                       Seen daily.

Spotless Starling   Common every day.

House Sparrow      Common every day.

Spanish Sparrow   Seen commonly most days, often in large flocks.

Tree Sparrow          One at Vegas Altas on 13th March.

Rock Sparrow        Two or three with Spanish Sparrows east of Santa Marta de Magasca on 10th March.

Common Waxbill   About 40 near Rio Ruercas on 13th March.

Red Avadavat         Small flocks on the rice fields on 13th March.

Chaffinch                 Small numbers seen every day.

Brambling                Seen at Finca Santa Marta on 14th March.

Serin                          Seen every day, often in song-flight.

Greenfinch               Seen daily near the Finca.

Goldfinch                 Small flocks seen daily: over 40 on Belén Plains.

Siskin                        One seen at Finca Santa Marta on 9th March.

Linnet                        Seen almost daily.

Hawfinch                  Recorded almost every morning at the Finca, as well as at Monfragüe on 11th March.

Cirl Bunting             Male singing near Cabañas del Castillo on 12th March.

Rock Bunting         Seen briefly at Monfragüe on 11th March.

Reed Bunting         One at Arrocampo on 14th March.

Corn Bunting          Seen almost daily. One of the commonest birds of the plains.

Wildlife sightings of the week, as nominated by group members

Viv: Looking down on birds of prey from Monfragüe castle.
Richard: Great Bustards in flight.
Rosie. The “secret valley” behind Cabañas del Castillo.
Brenda: Cirl Bunting, the Eagle Owl and, best of all, the two Little Owls on Belén Plains.
Angus: Penduline Tits feeding on reed mace and the Jack Snipe.
Geoff: The Dehesa landscape.
Anne: walking around the Finca and the Peregrine chasing the Griffon Vulutre.
Martin: Four Penduline Tits feed on flowering heads of Great Reed Mace, perfectly back lit by the afternoon sun.

MAMMALS

Greater White-toothed Shrew Crocidura russula
Iberian Hare Lepus granatensis
Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus
Iberian Mole Talpa occidentalis
Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus

REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS

European Pond Terrapin Emys orbicularis
Iberian wall lizard Podarcis hispanica
Moorish Gecko Tarentola mauretanica
Natterjack toad Bufo calamita
Iberian water frog Rana perezi

BUTTERFLIES

Swallowtail
Spanish Festoon
Large White
Bath White
Brimstone
Clouded Yellow
Cleopatra
Comma
Nettle-tree Butterfly
Large Tortoiseshell
Red Admiral
Small Heath
Wall Brown
Small Copper
Holly Blue
Brown Argus
Meadow Brown

OTHER INVERTEBRATES

Egyptian grasshopper/locust Anacridium aegyptium
Rhinoceros Beetle Copris lunaris
Hummingbird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum
Pine Processionary moth Thaumetopoea pityocampa
A tiger moth Ocnognyna boetica
Violet carpenter bee Xylocopa violacea
A large ant possibly Camponotus vagus
A bee-fly sp (Bombyliidae)
A Hornet

 
PLANTS

(Selected species)

Numbers on the right refer to Blamey & Grey-Wilson, Mediterranean Wild Flowers

Pinaceae                  Pinus pinea                          Stone/umbrella Pine (3)

Cupressaceae        Juniperus communis          Common Juniper (13)

Fagaceae                 Quercus rotundifolia           Evergreen Oak (26)
                                   Q. suber                                Cork Oak (27)

Ulmaceae                 Ulmus minor                        Elm sp (c.38)
                                   Celtis australis P.                Southern nettle-tree (39)                

Urticaceaea             Urtica membranacea          Membranous nettle (49)

Caryophyllaceae   Paronychia argentea          Paronychia (136)
Spergularia purpurea         Purple Sand-spurrey (148)
                                   Silene colorata                    Campion sp (180)

Ranunculaceae      Ranunculus sp.                   Water Crowfoot sp.
                                   R. macrophyllus                  Large-leaved buttercup (237)
                                  
Fumariaceae           Fumaria capreolata            Ramping Fumitory (303)

Cruciferae                Matthiola sp.                        A stock
                                   Brassica nigra                      Black Mustard
                                   Raphanus raphanistrum    Wild Radish (369)

Crassulaceae         Umbilicus rupestris             Navelwort

Saxifragaceae        Saxifraga tridactyla             Rue-leaved saxifrage
                                   Saxifraga granulata            Meadow saxifrage

Leguminosae         Acacia dealbata                  Silver Wattle (432)
                                   Adenocarpus argyrophyllus          Spanish adenocarpus
                                   Astragalus lusitanicus        Iberian Milk-vetch (504)
                                   Cytisus multiflorus               White Broom
                                   Cytisus scoparius                Broom (456)
                                   Lupinus angustifolius         Narrow-leaved Lupin (486)
Lathyrus cicera        A vetchling of cultivated fields (545)
                                   Medicago arabica               Spotted Medick
                                  
Oxalidaceae                        Oxalis pes-caprae               Bermuda Buttercup

Geraniaceae            G. molle                                Dovesfoot Cranesbill (741)
                                   G. rotundifolium                   Round-leaved Cranesbill (743)
                                   Erodium cicutarim               Common Storksbill (751)

Meliaceae                 Melia azedarach P  Indian bead tree or Persian lilac (843)

Violaceae                 Viola (arvensis) kitaibeliana          Dwarf Pansy (931)

Thymelaeaceae      Daphne gnidium                 Daphne (936)

Cistaceae                 Cistus salviifolius                Sage-leaved Cistus (965)
                                   C. monspeliensis                Narrow-leaved Cistus (966)
                                   C. ladanifer                           Gum Cistus (971)

Cactaceae               Opuntia maxima (=ficus-indica) Prickly Pear (1040)

Umbelliferae            Ferula communis                Giant Fennel (1141)
                                   Smyrnium olustratum                     Alexanders (1087)

Ericaceae                 Arbutus unedo                     Strawberry Tree (1176)
                                   Erica arborea                                   Tree Heath (1178)
                                   Erica lusitanica                    Portuguese Heath (1179)

Oleaceae                  Phillyrea angustifolia                      (1246)                       
Olea europaea                    Olive (1248)
Olea europaea spp oleaster Wild Olive (1248a)

Boraginaceae         Nonea sp. Prob. vesicaria A nonea (1375)       
Echium plantagineum        Purple viper’s bugloss (1383)
Anchusa undulata               Undulate anchusa (1406)

Labitae                     Lamium amplexicaule       Henbit Deadnettle (1478)
                                   Rosmarinus officinalis        Rosemary (1526)
                                   Lavandula stoechas           French Lavender (1528)

Campanulaceae     Jasione crispa                     Dwarf Sheep’s Bit (Polunin 1355c)

Compositae            Anthemis sp. arvensis        An abundant mayweed
                                   Bellis annua                         Annual Daisy (1791)
                                   Calendula arvensis             Field Marigold (1908)
                                   Galactites tormentosa        Galactites (1971)
                                   Silybum marianum             Milk Thistle (1982)

Liliceae                     Asphodelus aestivus          Common Asphodel (2089)
                                   Gagea elliptica                    Yellow Star-of-Bethlehem (2106)
                                   Fritillaria lusitanica              Iberian fritillary (2152)
                                   Urginea maritima                Sea Squill (2163)
                                   Hyacinthoides hispanica   Spanish Bluebell (2191)
                                   Asparagus acutiflorus?      A shrubby asparagus (c 2212)
                                   Ruscus aculeatus               Butcher’s broom (2219)
                                   Narcissus triandrus papyraceus Angel’s Tears (Polunin)
                                   Narcissus jonquilla             Common Jonquill (2279)
                                   N. bulbocodium                   Hoop-petticoat Narcissus (2281)

Iridaceae                  Gynandriris sisyrinchium   Barbary Nut Iris (23059
                                   Romulea columnae                        Sand Crocus (2320)

Orchidaceae           Orchis (morio) champagneuxii Champagne Orchid (2403)
                                   Orchis conica                       Conical Orchid
                                   Orchis italica                        Naked man orchid (2409)
                                   Ophrys tenthredinifera        Sawfly orchid (2442)
                                   Ophrys lutea                         Yellow Ophrys (2423)

Gramineae               Arundo donax                      Giant Reed (2494)