Above: White Stork by Wink Gaines / Audubon Photography Awards
Southwestern Spain's Best Bird Sanctuaries: Extremadura, Coto Donana, and Tarifa
April 25 to May 4, 2022
We have met our minimum group size of 7 participants for this trip. Due to logistics, we are unable to offer the tour for a group of 8-11, but if we reach 12 participants, we can run the tour for up to 15 participants. If you are interested in this trip, please add your name to the waiting list. We will re-open registration once we are able to confirm 12 participants, and you will be contacted for payment to reserve your spot at that time.
European Roller by Billy Dodson/Audubon Photography Awards
|
Greater Flamingos by Richard Simonsen/Audubon Photography Awards
|
Georgia Audubon Host: Melanie Furr, Director of Education
Local Guide: Manuel Soler, owner and guide of Wild Donana Tours
Group Size: Minimum group size of 7 participants / Maximum group size of 15 (please see note below about group size)
Georgia Audubon Member Price: $3,995* per person
Non-member Price: $4,045* per person (includes a one-year Georgia Audubon membership)
Single Supplement: +$325
*Based on double occupancy
Unforgettable birding awaits in southwestern Spain! White Storks nesting on medieval rooftops, soaring Griffon Vultures, the “foam bath” display of Great Bustards, the announcement of spring’s arrival by European Bee-eaters, and thousands of migratory birds making incredible flights across the Strait of Gibraltar are just a few of the sights participants will witness during our tour of southwestern Spain’s best birding sanctuaries, enjoying fine Spanish food and culture in spectacular landscapes along the way. Join Georgia Audubon and Manuel Soler, owner and guide of Wild Donana Tours, for this incredible 10-day tour.
A minimum of 7 participants is necessary to offer this tour. Because of transportation logistics, we cannot book the tour for 8-11 people, but if we reach 12 confirmed participants, we can run the tour for up to 15 people using a bus (or two vans). If you try to register and are told the trip is full, please add your name to the waitlist. We will reopen registration for up to 15 people once we are able to confirm 12 participants and will collect your payment at that time.
Lodging Note: Depending on group construction, single travelers may be asked to pay a single supplement if we are unable to pair you with another guest. All efforts will be made to pair individuals to avoid this expense, though it cannot be guaranteed. Impacted travelers, should they decide to cancel, will be reimbursed following the cancellation policy below.
Local Guide: Manuel Soler, owner and guide of Wild Donana Tours
Group Size: Minimum group size of 7 participants / Maximum group size of 15 (please see note below about group size)
Georgia Audubon Member Price: $3,995* per person
Non-member Price: $4,045* per person (includes a one-year Georgia Audubon membership)
Single Supplement: +$325
*Based on double occupancy
Unforgettable birding awaits in southwestern Spain! White Storks nesting on medieval rooftops, soaring Griffon Vultures, the “foam bath” display of Great Bustards, the announcement of spring’s arrival by European Bee-eaters, and thousands of migratory birds making incredible flights across the Strait of Gibraltar are just a few of the sights participants will witness during our tour of southwestern Spain’s best birding sanctuaries, enjoying fine Spanish food and culture in spectacular landscapes along the way. Join Georgia Audubon and Manuel Soler, owner and guide of Wild Donana Tours, for this incredible 10-day tour.
A minimum of 7 participants is necessary to offer this tour. Because of transportation logistics, we cannot book the tour for 8-11 people, but if we reach 12 confirmed participants, we can run the tour for up to 15 people using a bus (or two vans). If you try to register and are told the trip is full, please add your name to the waitlist. We will reopen registration for up to 15 people once we are able to confirm 12 participants and will collect your payment at that time.
Lodging Note: Depending on group construction, single travelers may be asked to pay a single supplement if we are unable to pair you with another guest. All efforts will be made to pair individuals to avoid this expense, though it cannot be guaranteed. Impacted travelers, should they decide to cancel, will be reimbursed following the cancellation policy below.
The final cost may vary slightly based on the value of the Euro at the time of final payment.
Please contact Melanie Furr by email with any questions.
Please Note: Credit card processing fees are now included in the registration price.
Please contact Melanie Furr by email with any questions.
Please Note: Credit card processing fees are now included in the registration price.
trip overview
Click on each day for more information.
day 1: arrival in madrid & transfer to Trujillo area
After arriving in Madrid, we will transfer by private van to Trujillo, passing through beautiful steppes and wood-pasture lands in this rural part of Spain.
Days 2-4: Extremadura/steppes
After an early breakfast on Day 2, we will most likely drive to the undulating plains surrounding Trujillo in search of the displaying Great and Little Bustards that inhabit the area in good numbers. The sight of a male Great Bustard in full display has to be one of the most spectacular birding sights in all of Europe: one moment a turkey-sized bird, then after a remarkable feat of contortion, a ball of white feathers on legs! We will also have ample opportunities to watch raptors and other species that make this area such an exciting destination, including Montagu’s Harrier, Short-toed Eagle, Calandra Lark, European Roller, Spanish Sparrow, Stone Curlew, and with luck, Black-bellied and Pin-tailed Sandgrouse. Spanish Imperial Eagles are sometimes seen soaring overhead. We will be sure to set aside time to wander the narrow streets in the medieval quarter of town, watching the Lesser Kestrels and White Storks which breed on the rooftops.
After breakfast on Day 3, we will drive to Monfrague National Park, roughly 50 kilometers north of Trujillo. Incredibly beautiful and rich in bird life, Monfrague is home to numerous pairs of Griffon Vultures, and seeing Chough, Peregrine Falcons, or Egyptian Vultures drifting overhead is not uncommon. With luck, we will find one of the nesting pairs of rare Black Storks which breed in the area. Black Wheatear, Blue Rockthrush, and Rock Bunting all inhabit the rocky slopes found in the park, and in the cork-oak woodlands, we will find Short-toed Treecreeper, Hawfinch, Cirl Bunting, and Golden Oriole. In the afternoon, we will focus our search on the huge numbers of birds of prey that inhabit the park, possibly encountering Short-toed Eagle, Booted Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle, Red and Black Kites, and with luck, the Spanish Imperial Eagle, one of Monfrague’s most sought-after inhabitants. We will also take a series of short walks in search or warblers such as the Subalpine, Dartford, and Orphean, as well as spend time at the main bridge over the reservoir watching the flocks of screaming Alpine Swifts.
On our last day in Trujillo, we will continue to explore the environs of Monfrague, planning our day’s itinerary based on the weather and what we have seen so far. Each day in the steppes will include a full day out in the fresh air with a picnic lunch, followed by a late afternoon return to the hotel in time to enjoy our evening meal and complete the daily checklist.
After breakfast on Day 3, we will drive to Monfrague National Park, roughly 50 kilometers north of Trujillo. Incredibly beautiful and rich in bird life, Monfrague is home to numerous pairs of Griffon Vultures, and seeing Chough, Peregrine Falcons, or Egyptian Vultures drifting overhead is not uncommon. With luck, we will find one of the nesting pairs of rare Black Storks which breed in the area. Black Wheatear, Blue Rockthrush, and Rock Bunting all inhabit the rocky slopes found in the park, and in the cork-oak woodlands, we will find Short-toed Treecreeper, Hawfinch, Cirl Bunting, and Golden Oriole. In the afternoon, we will focus our search on the huge numbers of birds of prey that inhabit the park, possibly encountering Short-toed Eagle, Booted Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle, Red and Black Kites, and with luck, the Spanish Imperial Eagle, one of Monfrague’s most sought-after inhabitants. We will also take a series of short walks in search or warblers such as the Subalpine, Dartford, and Orphean, as well as spend time at the main bridge over the reservoir watching the flocks of screaming Alpine Swifts.
On our last day in Trujillo, we will continue to explore the environs of Monfrague, planning our day’s itinerary based on the weather and what we have seen so far. Each day in the steppes will include a full day out in the fresh air with a picnic lunch, followed by a late afternoon return to the hotel in time to enjoy our evening meal and complete the daily checklist.
Day 5: Transfer to El Rocio
Today we have a long drive south, leaving Trujillo by mid-morning after acquiring our provisions for the day. Stopping for lunch next to a scenic river on the border of Extremadura and Andalusia, we have a chance of Wryneck and Melodious Warbler. Continuing south, we pass through the fertile farmland and orange groves that lie west of the great Guadalquivir River. We aim to arrive in El Rocio by late afternoon for a couple hours of birdwatching before dinner.
The remarkable village of El Rocio lies at the western edge of the Parque National de Coto de Donana, one of the finest wetlands in Europe, overlooking the adjacent Madre de las Marismas lagoon, laden with numerous waders and other waterbirds. Described as a living relic, a flashback to the days when this area was accessible only by horse, El Rocio is the perfect base for three nights as we enjoy the wealth of birds and other wildlife found in this world-class national park. Our hotel on the edge of the village overlooks the bird-filled marshes.
The remarkable village of El Rocio lies at the western edge of the Parque National de Coto de Donana, one of the finest wetlands in Europe, overlooking the adjacent Madre de las Marismas lagoon, laden with numerous waders and other waterbirds. Described as a living relic, a flashback to the days when this area was accessible only by horse, El Rocio is the perfect base for three nights as we enjoy the wealth of birds and other wildlife found in this world-class national park. Our hotel on the edge of the village overlooks the bird-filled marshes.
Day 6-7: El Rocio and Coto Donana
Coto Donana National Park hosts a remarkable variety of Mediterranean wetland and woodland birds, and seeing 100 species a day is not unusual. In spring, the marshes and ponds adjacent to El Rocio can hold an amazing diversity of wetland birds, including Greater Flamingos, Squacco Heron, Whiskered and Gull-billed Terns, Spoonbills, and Black-winged Stilts. Overhead, Red Kites mingle with ever-present Black Kites and Booted Eagles, while both Short-toed Eagles and Griffon Vultures are regular.
We will have two days to explore the wealth of habitats within driving distance. Some new species we expect to encounter are: Spectacled Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Iberian Magpie, Azure-winged Magpie, Bee-eater, Crested Tit, Hoopoe, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Lesser Short-toed Larks, and Red-crested Pochard. The park is also one of the best places to look for the elusive Purple Swamphen, as well as Marbled Teal, one of Spain’s rarest and most beautiful ducks. One evening we will also head out to look and listen for Red-necked Nightjars, whose European range is limited to Spain.
A highlight of our stay in El Rocio will be a 4x4 excursion into the national park. Our adventures will take us through marshes and woodlands into less accessible areas of the park, including the area known as Coto del Rey, which holds the densest population of raptors in Coto Donana. Both species of kites are common, as are Booted Eagles and European Honey-buzzards. Flocks of Griffon Vultures are often joined by Short-toed Eagles, Marsh Harriers, and Goshawks, and if we are fortunate, we may find one of the few pairs of the Spanish Imperial Eagles that breed in the park. Occasionally, Iberian Lynx are spotted in the area!
We will have two days to explore the wealth of habitats within driving distance. Some new species we expect to encounter are: Spectacled Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Iberian Magpie, Azure-winged Magpie, Bee-eater, Crested Tit, Hoopoe, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Lesser Short-toed Larks, and Red-crested Pochard. The park is also one of the best places to look for the elusive Purple Swamphen, as well as Marbled Teal, one of Spain’s rarest and most beautiful ducks. One evening we will also head out to look and listen for Red-necked Nightjars, whose European range is limited to Spain.
A highlight of our stay in El Rocio will be a 4x4 excursion into the national park. Our adventures will take us through marshes and woodlands into less accessible areas of the park, including the area known as Coto del Rey, which holds the densest population of raptors in Coto Donana. Both species of kites are common, as are Booted Eagles and European Honey-buzzards. Flocks of Griffon Vultures are often joined by Short-toed Eagles, Marsh Harriers, and Goshawks, and if we are fortunate, we may find one of the few pairs of the Spanish Imperial Eagles that breed in the park. Occasionally, Iberian Lynx are spotted in the area!
Days 8-9: Bonanza Saltpans and Tarifa
After an early breakfast, we will depart from our hotel and spend a full day on the eastern side of the Guadalquivir River at the Saltpans at Bonanza. While not the most scenic area in Andalusia, these extensive salt flats often hold large numbers of Greater Flamingos, as well as a variety of migrating shorebirds, including Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, and perhaps even Temminck’s Stint or Marsh Sandpiper. Bonanza is also one of the best sites in southern Spain to see the Slender-billed Gull, which often gather in large numbers.
In the early afternoon we will head to our hotel in Tarifa, the southernmost point of continental Europe on the Strait of Gibraltar. The shortest point between Europe and Africa, situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, the Strait of Gibraltar is a favorite crossing for millions of migratory birds each spring and fall, and Tarifa is a place no birder should miss! Soaring birds like European Honey-buzzards, White Storks, and Black Kites sometimes form huge flocks as they cross.
On our last full day excursion, we will cover the area between the towns of Algeciras and Tarifa, exploring a diversity of habitats from the mountains to the sea, enjoying the rich bird life, beautiful landscape, and spectacular views of the African continent.
In the early afternoon we will head to our hotel in Tarifa, the southernmost point of continental Europe on the Strait of Gibraltar. The shortest point between Europe and Africa, situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, the Strait of Gibraltar is a favorite crossing for millions of migratory birds each spring and fall, and Tarifa is a place no birder should miss! Soaring birds like European Honey-buzzards, White Storks, and Black Kites sometimes form huge flocks as they cross.
On our last full day excursion, we will cover the area between the towns of Algeciras and Tarifa, exploring a diversity of habitats from the mountains to the sea, enjoying the rich bird life, beautiful landscape, and spectacular views of the African continent.
Day 10: Tarifa and transfer to Malaga
If time allows, we will do some final exploration of the area before concluding the tour at the Malaga airport.
additional details
Price Includes:
Price Does Not Include:
Payment Plan:
The final cost may vary slightly based on the value of the Euro at the time of final payment. Participants may pay in full by choosing the Georgia Audubon Member or Non-Member price. For those who wish to pay in multiple installments, we will accept a $500 down-payment at the time of registration ($550 for non-members). Thereafter, additional payments will be billed:
COVID-19 Travel Precautions:
As of May 2021, all participants in the Georgia Audubon Travel Program must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of their travel date. According to the CDC, individuals are considered fully vaccinated when they are at least two weeks past the 2nd dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or at least two weeks past the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Georgia Audubon may verify participants' vaccination status at least two weeks prior to the travel dates. Participants will also be expected to adhere to all local travel guidelines and restrictions at the destination at the time of travel. If you are unable or unwilling to comply with the COVID-19 travel precautions, please do not register for this event at this time.
Also, please note that as of May 2021, all air passengers coming to the United States, including U.S. citizens and fully vaccinated people, are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 3 days before travel or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 3 months before they board a flight to the United States. We will adhere to all local and international travel requirements at the time of our travel dates.
Cancellation Policy:
If notice of cancellation by the participant is received by October 25, 2021, a refund of all payments made will be given (less a $50 administrative fee). If notice of cancellation is received between October 26, 2021, and November 26, 2021, a 50% refund of the tour fee will be given unless the space(s) can be filled, in which case a full refund will be given (less a $50 administrative fee). Thereafter, all deposits and payments are non-refundable unless the space(s) can be filled, in which case a full refund will be given (less a $50 administrative fee). In the event of tour cancellation due to weather, strike, war, quarantine, or other unforeseen emergency situation, a 100% refund will be given, less any expenses incurred by the tour operator.
Tipping:
We encourage participants to tip our local guide(s) for exceptional service. While tipping is never expected, if you feel that your local guide(s) went above and beyond, you are welcome to leave them with a gratuity.
Travel Insurance:
We recommend purchasing travel insurance in case you must make an unforeseen trip cancellation past our refund period. Check with your own insurance carrier or consider a travel insurance specialist.
- All lodging for nine nights.
- All ground transportation during the trip, including pick-up and drop-off at the airport.
- All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 10.
- Entrance fees to parks.
Price Does Not Include:
- Costs of obtaining passports
- Airfare and any accompanying baggage fees
- Alcohol or specialty drinks.
- Snacks, beverages, room service, or sightseeing not specified in itinerary.
- Souvenirs
- Laundry
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Medical costs
- Gratuities
- Personal communications
- Any other incidentals that participants may wish to purchase
Payment Plan:
The final cost may vary slightly based on the value of the Euro at the time of final payment. Participants may pay in full by choosing the Georgia Audubon Member or Non-Member price. For those who wish to pay in multiple installments, we will accept a $500 down-payment at the time of registration ($550 for non-members). Thereafter, additional payments will be billed:
- Due by October 1, 2021, payment in the amount of $1,500 per person.
- Due by January 10, 2022, final payment in the amount of $1,995 per person. The single supplement, if selected, will also be billed at this time.
COVID-19 Travel Precautions:
As of May 2021, all participants in the Georgia Audubon Travel Program must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of their travel date. According to the CDC, individuals are considered fully vaccinated when they are at least two weeks past the 2nd dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or at least two weeks past the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Georgia Audubon may verify participants' vaccination status at least two weeks prior to the travel dates. Participants will also be expected to adhere to all local travel guidelines and restrictions at the destination at the time of travel. If you are unable or unwilling to comply with the COVID-19 travel precautions, please do not register for this event at this time.
Also, please note that as of May 2021, all air passengers coming to the United States, including U.S. citizens and fully vaccinated people, are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 3 days before travel or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 3 months before they board a flight to the United States. We will adhere to all local and international travel requirements at the time of our travel dates.
Cancellation Policy:
If notice of cancellation by the participant is received by October 25, 2021, a refund of all payments made will be given (less a $50 administrative fee). If notice of cancellation is received between October 26, 2021, and November 26, 2021, a 50% refund of the tour fee will be given unless the space(s) can be filled, in which case a full refund will be given (less a $50 administrative fee). Thereafter, all deposits and payments are non-refundable unless the space(s) can be filled, in which case a full refund will be given (less a $50 administrative fee). In the event of tour cancellation due to weather, strike, war, quarantine, or other unforeseen emergency situation, a 100% refund will be given, less any expenses incurred by the tour operator.
Tipping:
We encourage participants to tip our local guide(s) for exceptional service. While tipping is never expected, if you feel that your local guide(s) went above and beyond, you are welcome to leave them with a gratuity.
Travel Insurance:
We recommend purchasing travel insurance in case you must make an unforeseen trip cancellation past our refund period. Check with your own insurance carrier or consider a travel insurance specialist.
