Birdwaching Routes Guide

Segunda edición, diciembre de 2009

REGIONAL GOVERNMENT OF EXTREMADURA Department of Culture and Tourism General Coordination Directorate General of Tourism Coordinator of texts and photos Juan Pablo Prieto Clemente Texts Casimiro Corbacho Amado, routes 5, 15, 16 and 19 Atanasio Fernández García, routes 9, 11, 12, 14 and 17 Víctor Manuel Pizarro Jiménez, routes 1, 4, 10 and 18 Javier Prieta Díaz, routes 2, 3, 6 and 7 Juan Pablo Prieto Clemente, routes 8 and 13 Photographs Juan Pablo Prieto Clemente, pages: 3, 5, 6, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 26, 30, 45, 54, 55, 65 izq., 68, 75, 76, 77, 81 der., 85, 86, 102, 107 der., 110, 118 izq., 120, 121, 123, 125, 141, 142, 144, 147, 168 y 173 izq., Atanasio Fernández García, pages: 87, 90, 91, 103, 107 izq., 109, 111, 113, 115, 118 der., 128, 129, 131, 133, 153, 155, 156, 160 y 175.

Víctor Manuel Pizarro Jiménez, pages: 43, 50, 95, 97, 161 y 167 José Gordillo Caballero, pages: 4, 46, 58, 63, 66, 81 izq., 99, 136, 164 y 172 Javier Prieta Díaz, pages: 21 top, 23, 24, 31, 34, 35, 42, 59, 61, 62, 65 der., 69, 72, 73 y 74 Ricardo Peralta, pages: 8, 21 bottom, 53, 57, 98, 127, 140 y 173 der.

Casimiro Corbacho Amado, pages: 28, 51, 137, 145, 152 y 169 Illustrations Juan M. Varela Simó Graphic production XXI Estudio Gráfico Printing Grafiprím Legal Depository BA-095-09

European Bee-eaters

Black Redstart

2

1

3

5

6 7

4 9

10

8 13

12

11

14 17

15

16

18 19

BIRDWATCHING

ROUTES

IN

EXTREMADURA

Index

routes

Página

Introduction

7

.....................................................................................

Specialist companies

10

..................................................................

1

Sierra de Gata

2

Valle del Ambroz / Tierras de Granadilla-Cáparra

3

La Vera and el Jerte

4

Tajo internacional

5

Canchos de Ramiro / Portaje Reservoir

6

Monfragüe National Park

7

Arrocampo Reservoir

8

Sierra de San Pedro

9

Plains of Cáceres, Magasca and Trujillo

13

...............................................................................

21

...................

31

.....................................................................

43

.........................................................................

51

....................................

59

.............................................................

69

...................................................................

77

.....................................................................

10

Villuercas

11

Diversion dam of the River Guadiana

12

Cornalvo and Los Canchales

13

Moheda Alta / Sierra Brava

14

Orellana Reservoir and Puerto Peña

15

Lakes and plains of La Albuera

16

Central Sierras of Badajoz

17

La Serena and Sierra de Tiros

18

Dehesas de Jerez

19

Arroyo Conejo / Campiña Sur

87

...................................

95

.......................................................................................

Field Guide

103

.....................................

111

.....................................................

121

.......................................................

129

.......................................

137

................................................

145

........................................................

153

..................................................

161

.......................................................................

169

...................................................

177

.................................................................................

Bird watching trips

8

INTRODUCTION

Extremadura, with its wide range of habitats, from the high mountains of the Gredos to the plains of La Serena or Cáceres and Trujillo, and its strategic geographical situation within the migratory routes of many birds, has become a popular destination for birdwatching. The internationally renowned optics brand specializing in binoculars and telescopes, Swarovski, used by the birdwatchers around the world, has even decided to name its latest backpack model, designed for naturalists to carry optical materials in, Extremadura. The recent declaration of Monfragüe as a National Park, with the consequent publicity and funding this brings from the Ministry of the Environment, Rural and Marine Affairs and the Ministry of Tourism, has brought a significant and growing number of visitors to Extremadura, coming to observe many species of birds difficult to find elsewhere. However, Monfragüe is only one area within a well-conserved region that has many other natural areas well worth discovering. This birdwatching route guide aims to provide a simple and convenient introduction to other places in Extremadura that are not as well-known as Monfragüe National Park and that in some cases aren’t even under any form of protection, but are full of natural resources that would delight any birdwatcher spending a few days in these areas.

We have tried to keep the routes simple, but without losing any detail. They are aimed at both birdwatchers from other parts of Spain or from other countries who may visit and as well as Extremaduran families who want to discover areas that have gone unnoticed until now. Each route includes the following information: a sketch of the route and a table with the route’s most representative bird species and the best time to see them. This is divided into the following categories: Residents: birds which stay in the region throughout the whole year.

Summer visitors: breeding birds which are in the region in spring and summer, migrating to their winter quarters at the end of summer.

Winter visitors: birds which don’t breed in Extremadura but spend the autumn and winter months here.

Passage migrants: birds that pass through the region on migration from their breeding areas to the north of Extremadura to their winter areas further south and so normally pass through twice a year, before and after breeding.

9

Each route also includes the following information: •

Location and access: with the necessary information to be able to reach the starting point of each route.

•

Description of the route: with GPS coordinates where the route forks or at points of interest to enable you to make the most of the route.

•

Ornithological value: this gives details about the most exceptional birds you can see along the route, although there are always many more species in the area.

•

Best time to visit: the best time to do the route or what you can find during it in each season.

•

Other environmental and cultural interest: additional information about each area’s resources and how you can find them.

Finally we would just like to express our hope that everyone who decides to do one of these routes enjoys a wonderful day in the countryside and that the information in this guide proves useful.

Juan Pablo Prieto Clemente

Barn Owl

10

Birdwatching best practices You must bear in mind that your birdwatching should not disturb birds or any other living creatures. Please remember to observe the following guidelines as you carry out these birdwatching routes: •

Avoid disturbing the birds during the breeding period. Try not to go close to nests because if an adult bird is frightened while it is incubating its eggs or when its chicks are young breeding may fail.

•

Try to dress in discreet colours, which blend into the landscape and don’t make a visual impact.

•

Speak in low voices when you are walking along the route, enjoying the sounds of nature, particularly the birds’ songs and calls, as many species can best be detected by their vocalisation.

•

Wherever possible, walk the route rather than drive it, so you can make the most of the route and use all your senses.

•

If you use optics (binoculars and telescopes) you won’t need to get close to the birds and it will be easier to distinguish and enjoy the different species. It is also advisable to seek the services of specialised field guides.

11

Contact

Name

Languages

Badajoz Castuera

SERTUR. NATURALEZA, OCIO Y TIEMPO LIBRE EN LA SERENA

Recreation and natural history Nicolás Peña

La Codosera

Paredes Calvario, 142 • Tlf.: 610 390 793 / 661 711 721 Fax: 924 760 635 • www.serturextremadura.com / sertur@laserena.org GODFRIED SCHREUR

Birdwatching, botany. natural history and hiking guide Godfried Schreur

Sierra de La Lamprona, 3 •Tlf.: 924 404 473 / 676 429 013 ESP/ING /HOL godfried.schreur@gmail.com

Cáceres Cáceres

AOSSA EXTREMADURA, S.L.

Birdwatching and adventure activities Juan A. García Chaves

Cáceres

Sgto. Serrano Leite, 2 • Tlf.: 670 591 675 / 927 627 616 Fax: 927 627 617 • www.aossaextremadura.com info@aossaextremadura.com ESQUIEXTREMD, S.L.

Outdoor activities including river trips, paragliding, photo safaris and hiking Juan J. Enrique Salgado Collado de La Vera

Plaza de Gante, 1 bajo • Tlf.: 927 626 587 www.grupogentours.com / esquiextremm@yahoo.es ACTION VERA

Birdwatching, hiking, cultural routes, 4x4 safaris, descending ravines, cycle routes and cycle hire Vicente Riolobos Peris

Coria

Finca Saltaderos, s/n - Apdo. Correos 122 • 650 829 856 www.actionvera.com / info@actionvera.com www.veraventura.es EXTREMAVELA

Birdwatching, windsurfing, cycle routes and kayaking Ramón Torres G. Ortega Jaraíz de la Vera

Ancha del Carmen, 9 • Tlf.: 627 905 242 / 927 232 670 www.extremavela.com / ramon@extremavela.com JARAMANDA

Hiking and paragliding J.M. Cano Riquelme Malpartida de Plasencia

Finca Jaramanda. Apdo. 27 • 608 618 932 / 629 542 691 www.jaramnda.com / jaramanda@jaramanda.com EN RUTA, NATURALEZA Y AVENTURA

Birdwatching in Monfragüe, 4x4 safaris, photo safaris, hiking, thematic routes and adventure activities J. L. García Jerez

12

El Egido, 23 • Tlf.: 927 404 829 / 605 898 154 www.rutaspormonfrague.com / contacto@rutaspormonfrague.com

EMPRESAS ESPECIALIZADAS Contact

Name

Languages

Cáceres Malpartida de Plasencia

MONFRAGÜE NATURAL

Birdwatching in Extremadura, hiking, 4x4 safaris and photo safaris Eduardo Calzaas Martín

Joaquina Alcalde, 49 • 638 520 891 www.monfraguenatural.com info@monfraguenatural.com

Malpartida de Plasencia

ESP / ING

MONFRAGÜE VIVO

Wildlife watching in Monfragüe National Park, 4x4 safaris, scenic routes, hiking, canoeing and adventure activities Raul Virosta Merino

Navaconcejo

Rosas, 41 • Tlf.: 927 459 475 / 620 941 778 Fax: 927 404 276 www.monfraguevivo.com / info@monfraguevivo.com VALLE AVENTURA. SERVICIOS TURÍSTICOS

Nature guide, 4x4 safaris, environmental education and hiking Raul Salgado Muñoz

Navazuelas

Barrero, 2 - 3º E • Tlf.: 927 173 114 / 636 631 182 www.valleaventura.com valleaventura@valleaventura.com CIRCAETUS

Hiking routes, wildlife watching, thematic routes, 4x4 safaris, cycle routes, horse riding, cycle hire, environmental education Jaime Cerezo Cortijo Serradilla

Mártires, 23 • Tlf.: 927 151 777 / 630 568 011 RUTAS “DEHESAS DE MONFRAGÜE”

Birdwatching and other wildlife routes Mª del Mar Cobos Trujillo

Tlf.: 605 732 252 • www.rutasdehesasdemonfrague.com reserva@rutasdehesasdemonfrague.com GUIAS DE NATURALEZA “EL ELANIO”

Birdwatching and hiking guide Jesús S. Porras Mateos

Conquista de la Sierra, 2 - 2º D Tlf.: 927 320 103 / 676 784 221 www.extremadurabirds.net / info@extremadurabirds.net

Trujillo (Pago de S. Clemente)

ESP / ING

BIRDING EXTREMADURA

Birdwatching and hiking guide Martin Kelsey

Apdo. Correos, 28 • Tlf.: 927 319 349 / 609 687 719 www.birdingextremadura.com info@birdingextremadura.com

ESP / ING

13

Chaffinch

14

R U T A S

Sierra de Gata

O R N I T O L Ó G I C A S

P O R

E X T R E M A D U R A

1

Location and access The route is in the region of Sierra de Gata, in the dehesa of the River Alagón and in the valley of the River Árrago, on the southern slope of the Sierra de Gata. You can start the route in the town of Moraleja (Cáceres), on the EX-108 road (Coria-Moraleja), where you take the road leading to the town of La Moheda and Borbollón Reservoir or from the EX-205, turning off towards Moraleja or going upriver in the valley of Árrago.

Description of the route The route is about 106 km long, from the town of Moraleja to the end of the suggested route and back, taking you on a mixture of roads and forest trails.

It is intended to be done by car in one day, stopping at the most interesting observation points.

15

Sierra de Gata

EX-205

EX-1

09

EX-1

09

Sketch of the route and selected species

Residents

Summer visitors Winter visitors

16

Eurasian Black Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Bonelli’s Eagle, Coal Tit Black Stork, Egyptian Vulture, Ortolan Bunting, Tawny Pipit, Northern Wheatear Dunnock, Yellowhammer, Eurasian Bullfinch, Common Crane

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Part of the route goes through the dehesa, pastures and irrigated farmland of the River Alagón, in which the wintering population of Common Crane is noteworthy. Then it takes you up the River Árrago among shady groves of ash and alder trees, between mountains such as Bolla and Gomara, which are over 1100 metres high and where there is a large breeding population of Eurasian Black Vulture, with over fifty breeding pairs. The route peaks at Puertos Nuevo and Viejo, at the provincial border with Salamanca, in the Sierra de los Ángeles, an area of pines, heathers and brooms. Halfway along the route, between the mountains and the plains, the Holm and Pyrenean oak dehesas soften the contrasts between the peaks and the plains. The Borbollón Reservoir is an important site for many wintering water birds, such as ducks, geese, Great Cormorant, gulls and Common Crane, which use an islet – that of Parra Chica or Borbollón – as a regular roost during winter, as well as a breeding ground for White Stork, Cattle Egret and Grey Heron during the summer.

Start the route in the town of Moraleja. From the EX-108 take the road leading to the town of Moheda and the Embalse de Borbollón reservoir. Turn off to the left at point (X:0703715, Y: 4442234), following the signs towards the reservoir of the Rivera de Gata. As you go along you will find mosaics of cornfields, pastures and dehesa where you can easily see Common Crane feeding or Black-winged Kite. The landscape is dominated by traditional tobacco drying sheds and, to the north, in the distance, you can see the mountaintops of the Sierra de Gata. Returning to the road turn left towards Borbollón Reservoir, declared a Special Protected Area for birds. Once you reach the campsite take the road to Hoyos and Villasbuenas de Gata, turning right at point (X:0705617, Y: 4445362). From here there is a path going around Borbollón Reservoir, where we suggest you leave your car and walk along the bank at dusk, after

Great Tit

17

Sierra de Gata

having completed the suggested route. It’s a good place to watch Common Crane, moving from their feeding site to the islet where they roost. From one of the nearest points to the island you can see the birds on the banks, as well as Great Cormorant, which roost in the eucalyptuses.

Continue towards the EX-205 and turn right towards the town of Hervás, then turn left at the crossroads of Cadalso and Descargamaría. Go upstream in the valley of the River Árrago, shaded by a cool grove, where you can see the nervous flight of the Dipper. Once you have reached the pretty town of Robledillo de Gata, declared a Historical Artistic Ensemble, take the narrow road leading to Puerto Viejo mountain pass. At point (X:0715446, Y: 4446783) you will find the “Mirador de la Lagartera” viewpoint, where there is a good view of the narrow valley of Árrago and from where a Roman road starts, a small path that goes up the gorge towards the river’s source. Its slopes are dense, full of black pine, stunted Holm oaks, oaks and enormous treelike heathers, an ideal spot to watch small scrubland birds: warblers, Dunnock, Robin, etc.

When you get to Puerto Viejo, at point (X:0715802, Y: 4470009), take the forest trail to the left. This trail goes over an area of high peaks, dominated by plantations of black pine and thick bushes of heathers and broom. In this habitat you can find common summer breeding birds such as Ortolan Bunting, Northern Wheatear and Tawny Pipit as well as Yellowhammer, a winter visitor that can only be seen in this isolated mountain corner of Extremadura. You can also see Great Tit and Coal Tit in patchy clearings within the mountain pine forest. Scavengers such as Eurasian Black Vulture, Griffon Vulture and Egyptian Vulture, are also commonly seen flying over. The trail continues to the road of “Puerto Nuevo”, at point (X:0710899, Y: 4467314), between the towns of Descargamaría and Ciudad Rodrigo (Salamanca). Along it you should turn

Northern Wheatear

18

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

off at the following points: Point (X:07149172, Y: 4469784). Turn right. Point (X:0714467, Y: 4469218). Turn right. Point (X:0713105, Y: 4468702). Turn right. Point (X:0711596, Y: 4468458). Turn left.

When you reach the road turn left towards Descargamaría. The road twists and turns, giving views of steep valleys and slate hills, with junipers and stunted Holm oaks growing among their slabs. Eurasian Black Vulture is more common here, particularly in the shady spots of the Gomara. There is a good observation point of the mountain range from the road at point (X:0712815, Y: 4464117).

Once you reach Descargamaría take the road to Robledillo de Gata again, turning off to the right at point (X:0713912, Y: 4464947). The route goes up a steep slope towards the peak and Chorrito viewpoint, from where you can see a spectacular waterfall known as “Chorro de los Ángeles”. The proximity of a rubbish dump (recently reopened and part of the rubbish dump network authorized by Extremadura’s Administration) makes this site a perfect place to watch the incessant activity of large scavengers, particularly Griffon Vultures, which roost by the dozen in the slates of the waterfalls and crags of the “Sierra de los Ángeles”.

Ornithological interest Due to the diversity of the habitats this route has many and varied ornithological interests. The wintering population of Common Crane stands out, with an estimated population of about 4000 birds. In winter the Black-winged Kite is common in the irrigated lands and dehesa of the rivers. Borbollón Island is the nesting site of, amongst other species, Cattle Egret (240 breeding pairs) and Grey Heron, which has its biggest breeding colony in Extremadura here, with 160 nests. There are over fifty breeding pairs of Eurasian Black Vulture in this region. Together with the northern groups in Hurdes and Granadilla its numbers reach 100 breeding pairs. You can also see other species such as overwintering Black Stork, although these habitats are not very favourable for them. In some mountain pine forests you can see Coal Tit and in the heather and broom thickets you can see the typical breeding birds of these mountain habitats, such as Northern Wheatear, Ortolan Bunting and Tawny Pipit, as well as characteristic scrubland species, such as Dunnock and Common Whitethroat. In the pine forests and deciduous woodland areas the birds of prey you can see include Booted Eagle, Eurasian Sparrowhawk and Northern Goshawk, as well as Tawny Owl and Long-eared Owl.

19

Sierra de Gata

Best time to visit This route can be done at any time of the year. In winter you can enjoy the spectacle of the wintering birds, mainly Common Cranes, drawn to the irrigated lands, dehesa and water bodies. In spring the summer birds return, such as Black Stork, Egyptian Vulture, Booted Eagle or Short-toed Eagle. Spring is also the breeding season, so you must not stray from the established route to avoid disturbing the birds during this sensitive period. Although part of the route goes through a mountain area it is very hot in summer, so avoid the hottest hours of the day if you do this route then, which are also less favourable for seeing birds.

Other environmental and cultural interest Several areas listed in the Natura 2000 network are found in this district, such as the Gata and Acebo valleys, the Enjas, Árrago and Tralgas Rivers, the seasonal lagoon of Valdehornos and a number of bat roosts. The Cedar of Gata, declared a Singular Tree, is also noteworthy.

There are many attractive spots in the valleys descending from the mountains, especially along the Eljas, Acebo, Gata and Árrago rivers, as well as very beautiful waterfalls, gallery woodland and natural swimming pools.

There are many attractive small hill towns and villages, particularly fine examples include Robledillo de Gata, Hoyos, Trevejo, San Martín de Trevejo and Gata. In the past, this district established defences against neighbouring Portugal and the Arabs and this is reflected in the forts and watch towers such as La Almenara de Gata and castles like those at Trevejo and Santibáñez el Alto.

Local crafts here include lacework of Hoyos and Axebo, the goldsmiths of Gata and basketwork of San Martín de Trevejo.

Amongst the rich cultural traditions of the district, mention must be made of “a fala”, a dialect with Portuguese and Galician roots, unique in the area, that is most widely spoken in places such as Valverde del Fresno (where it is known as “Valverdeiru”), San Martín de Trevejo (“Manhegu”) and Eljas (“Lagarteiru”).

The olive groves bestow a special character and identity to this mountainous landscape, so much so that a denominación de origen Olive Oil (“Gata-Hurdes”) of excellent quality is recognised.

Texts: Víctor Manuel Pizarro Jiménez

20

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Areas of interest (SPA Sierra de Gata and Valle de las Pilas) ACCOMMODATION

DESCARGAMARÍA

ACEBO

CR ZAGUÁN DEL BAILE

CR EL PAJAR

625864324 ATR LA BOTICARIA

FINCA ALBERCAS-EL BECERRIL

927141724 CR LA CASA DEL CABRERO FINCA ALBERCAS-EL BECERRIL

927141724 CR LAS FUENTES DE AGATA

LAS PARRAS, 13

PL. MAYOR,10

927237916 ATR LA CASITA DEL MONTE TEODORO GARCÍA, 40

605670210 • 699912732

927514151 CR LAS MARTAS

CTRA. EX-205 KM. 19,2 659434803

GATA

927141685 CR LOS ROBLES

P LAS RUEDAS

FINCA REVOLCOBO

AV. DE ALMENARA, 3

927514121 CR BUENOS AIRES

927672093 CR CASA MAIRE

PISCINAS NAT. JEVERO, S/N

HUMILLADERO, 66

678326657 CR CORVINA

TOMILLAR S/N

927672079 CR EL FORTÍN

927141785 ATR EL PILAR

689729480 CR LA POSADA DE NORBERTA

PARAJE EL PILAR, S/N

RINCON HORNOS, 7

679490542 • 629948712

627350185 CR LAS JAÑONAS

CADALSO HR TRES AZULES PARAJE DEHESA DE ARRIBA, S/N 927441414

P LOS PILARES PARAJE LOS CACHONES 927 441500

CR EL MOLINO DE LOS PILARES PARAJE LOS PILARES S/N 927441020 • 656757103

CR LA SIERRA IGLESIA, 1 659 757 103

ATR LA ALMENARA PLAZA DE ESPAÑA, 4 927414288

DERECHA BAJA, 17

669046383 MOHEDA, LA CR LA MOHEDILLA CTRA. DEL PANTANO KM. 35

927140110 CR ALMAZARA DE SAN PEDRO

RAMON Y CAJAL 17

927514461 ATR CASA AGUEDA

ELJAS

CTRA. ACEBO • PARAJE LAS FUENTES

TTE. GONZALEZ ARROYO, 7

CR EL MADROÑAL FINCA EL TESO

CORREDERA, 11

PERALES DEL PUERTO HR DON JULIO AVDA. SIERRA DE GATA, 20 927514651

ROBLEDILLO DE GATA AT LA SOLANA CAMPANARIO,1

648217035 • 615317687 CR AZABAL MATADERO, 2

927671073 CR CAZAPOLEN LA PUENTE, 8

927671109 • 651010802 CR COSMOPOLITA PLAZUELA, 7

927671048 • 665551337 CR EL PONTÓN LA PUENTE, 20

927672284 • 676655379 CR ZOCAILLA

927501797 • 652927026 CR LUNA MENGUANTE

EL NEGRÓN, 48

CONGOSTO,14

927672302 • 646115948 ATR LA COLMENA

927671014 ATR LUNA MENGUANTE

CORREDERA, 16

BARRERO

927672308 • 690816329 C BUNGALOWS SIERRA DE GATA

BARRERO, 18

CTRA. EX-109, KM. 4,10

927672168

655807808 ATR BARRERO 927671122 ATR CASA MANADERO MANADERO, 2

HERNÁN PÉREZ

927671118 ATR LOS BALCONES

H CUATRO VIENTOS

RUA, 23

AVDA. CONSTITUCIÓN, 20 927445132

927414288 SAN MARTÍN DE TREVEJO

HOYOS

ATR PILARES

HS* REDOBLE, EL

PARALE LOS PILARES, S/N 927441020 • 656757103

PL. DE LA PAZ, 14

927514665

HR EL DUENDE DE CHAFARIL LOS CAÑOS, 29 927513051 • 606340572

21

Sierra de Gata

CR CASA ANTOLINA

HR A VELHA FABRICA

LA FUENTE, 1

MIGUEL ROBLEDO CARRASCO, 24

927510529 CR CASA ZOILA

927511933 CR A ANTIGUA

SAN PEDRO, 1

MAESTRO D. MANUEL FERNÁNDEZ, 46

VILLANUEVA DE LA SIERRA CR EVAMAR LARGA, 66 927445272

927513130 CR LA HUERTA DE VALDOMINGO

687825299 • 927510042 CR LOS MONTEJOS

CAMINO DE LA PISCINA, S/N

CTRA. EX-205 KM 17,4

CR CASA DONATILA

927141724 CR LA POSADA MAÑEGA

927510266 CR MANANTIO BLANCO

CALLE DE LA IGLESIA, 8 927673037 • 670816272

LA CIUDAD. 26 678616444

FINCA MANANTIO BLANCO

CR SIETE VILLAS

927510574 ATR LA RAMALLOSA

ESCUELAS, 6 927673110 • 696367222

SANTIBÁÑEZ EL ALTO AT VILLAS LAGOS GOLF CTRA. GUIJO-MORALEJA, KM 112 648164729

FINCA LA RAMALLOSA

629085007 CT VALVERDE NATURAL CAMINO DE ELJAS 627903892

CT BORBOLLÓN CTRA. MORALEJA-PLASENCIA, KM 10

VILLAMIEL CR EL CABEZO

927197008

FINCA EL CABEZO; CTRA. C513, KM. 22,800

TREVEJO AR EL CORRILLO

927193106 CR EL HORNILLO

PLAZA DEL CORRO, 1

CTRA. CILLEROS-VILLAMIEL

927513070 • 630791053

927193061 CR EL PARADOR

TORRE DE DON MIGUEL CR EL VÍNCULO D. CASTO GÓMEZ, 2 927441451

A SIERRA DE GATA 927 441032 • 927214433

VALVERDE DEL FRESNO

VILLASBUENAS DE GATA

CR EL TESO TESO DE ARRIBA, 9 927673046 • 605532181

ATR EL TESO TESO DE ARRIBA, 9 927673046

OFICINAS DE TURISMO O.T. ROBLEDILLO DE GATA PZ. DEL VADILLO, 1 ROBLEDILLO DE GATA

TEL.: 927671011 FAX: 927671080 www.sierradegata.org/es turismo@sierradegata.es

PIO XII, 37 BIS

927513215 • 656906669 CR EL SALTO CTRA. VALVERDE DEL FRESNOHOYOS, KM. 27,3

699839290 CR FUENTE ARCADA CTRA. EX-205, KM. 23,5

H** PALMERA, LA

927193081 CR BOADA

AV. DE SANTOS ROBLEDO, 10

EL CHORLITO, 2

927510323

927513039

O.T. OFICINA COMARCAL DE TURISMO DE MANCOMUNIDAD DE SIERRA DE GATA PLAZO MAYOR, 1 BAJO 10892 SAN MARTÍN DE TREVEJO TLF.: 927514585 FAX: 927144055

www.sierradegata.es turismo@sierradegata.es

H: HOTEL / HA: HOTEL APARTMENTS / HS: HOSTAL / P: PENSIÓN / AT: TOURIST APARTMENTS / CR: GUEST HOUSE ATR: RURAL APARTMENTS / HR: HOTEL RURAL / A: RURAL HOSTEL / CT: CAMPING

22

R U T A S

R E X T R E M A D U R A Valle delP O Ambroz /

O R N I T O L Ó G I C A S

Tierras de Granadilla-Cáparra

2

Location and access The Valle del Ambroz is in the centre-north of the province of Cáceres, bordered by the spurs of Gredos to the north and south and by the River Alagón to the west. The River Ambroz, which gives it its name, crosses the region diagonally, from the northeast to the southwest. The marked contrast of altitudes favours the presence of many ecosystems, from dehesa to plains to high mountains.

There is good access to all of the Valle del Ambroz, as the region is crossed from north to south by the A-66 motorway, also called the “Autovía de la Plata”, as it runs parallel to the historic Roman road of this name. The A-66 enters the north of Extremadura through the picturesque Puerto de Béjar and leaves through the Valle del Ambroz in the south, in Plasencia.

Whinchat

23

Valle del Ambroz / Tierras de Granadilla- CĂĄparra

Sketch of the route and selected species

A-

66

EX-205

24

Residents

Griffon Vulture, Eurasian Black Vulture, Northern Goshawk, Peregrine Falcon, Golden Eagle, Black-winged Kite, Black Stork, Grey Heron, Great crested Grebe, Stone Curlew, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Dipper, Dunnock, Azure-winged Magpie, Blue Rock Thrush, Dartford Warbler, Firecrest

Summer visitors

European Honey Buzzard, Short-toed Eagle, Booted Eagle, Egyptian Vulture,European Roller, European Bee-eater, Common Cuckoo, Pallid Swift, Common Whitethroat, Pied Flycatcher, Western Bonelli’s Warbler, Ortolan Bunting, Golden Oriole

Winter visitors

Common Crane, Osprey, Greylag Goose, ducks, Blackheaded and Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Golden Plover, Northern Lapwing, Great Cormorant

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Description of the route The route suggested here has two separate parts: one is the Puerto de Honduras, a mountain route starting in Hervás, and the other is the dehesa between the Roman ruins of Cáparra and the Gabriel y Galán Reservoir.

The ascent up to Puerto de Honduras mountain pass is along a narrow road, with a lot of bends and little traffic, so you can drive slowly and easily and safely stop on the curbs. You go up from Hervás, at 700 m, to the mountain pass, at 1430 m, crossing different types of vegetation, from the oak and chestnut tree groves of Hervás to the broom thickets at the top. The route starts in Hervás, from where you should take the road towards Cabezuela del Valle, staying on it at all times. The species you can see are mostly forest species (Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Northern Goshawk, European Honey Buzzard, Hawfinch, Golden Oriole, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Short-toed Treecreeper, European Nuthatch, Eurasian Jay, Mistle Thrush, Pied Flycatcher, Western Bonelli’s warbler), species of rocky places (Griffon Vulture, Peregrine Falcon, Golden Eagle, Rufous-tailed Rock and Blue Rock Thrush, Black Redstart, Rock Bunting) and scrubland species (Common Whitethroat, Dartford Warbler, Ortolan Bunting, Black-eared Wheatear, Woodlark). You can complement your ascent by car by covering sections on foot in forest areas or at the peaks. Once you have gone up the mountain pass you can return to Hervás or go down through the Valle del Jerte, through similar landscapes, but without the chestnut tree groves.

European Bee-eater

25

Valle del Ambroz / Tierras de Granadilla- Cáparra

Black Stork

The second part goes through a very different habitat: dehesa. It starts at the A-66 exit leading to Guijo de Granadilla and Gabriel y Galán Reservoir, next to the disused train station of Villar de Plasencia. You must pay attention to the access signs to this small road, as the entry isn’t direct. Once you have started the route you will cross a typical dehesa, where you can see Common Crane in winter and Azure-winged Magpie, Hoopoe and other species throughout the year. There are many White Stork and Raven nests (sometimes occupied by the Common Kestrel) on the electricity pylons, although the electricity companies have recently started to get rid of them. The European Roller is also present, although scarce, normally found perched on electricity cables or rural buildings. 4.4 km from the start, to the left, another road starts, which leads to a livestock pool (be careful, as just before it there is another road to the left, which you don’t want to take). You are now in an area of ash tree

26

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

groves where you can see Black Stork throughout the year; Spoonbill and Great White Egret on passage; Northern Lapwing, Common Crane and Golden Plover in winter and European Roller and Rock Sparrow in spring. However, the presence of many of these species is irregular and occasional. Returning to the previous road continue towards the Gabriel y Galán Reservoir, passing by the ruins and Roman Arch of Cáparra. Next cross the River Ambroz and you will enter a treeless area, where you can see Stone Curlew and Golden Plover in winter, as well as Common Crane and Black-winged Kite. Keep on the same road until it ends in the EX-205, next to the Gabriel y Galán Reservoir. We recommend you watch from the dam (there’s a large car park on the right), where, downstream, there is a colony of Grey Heron in the black poplars, also the winter roosting area of Great Cormorant (if you are lucky you might see Black Stork and Osprey) and, upstream, you can see the large expanse of water of the reservoir. The best area to watch water birds is the southeast end of the reservoir, with the peninsula, where the Club Náutico is located, being a good site (recently reconverted into a sports centre). This is an excellent spot to see Common Crane and gulls returning to their roosts, and to watch ducks, geese and Great Crested Grebe in winter. The Eurasian Black Vulture breeds to the north of the reservoir, and is easily seen, and it was the best site for the Iberian Lynx in Extremadura.

Ornithological interests The diversity of the Valle del Ambroz means that you can see forest, mountain, scrubland, dehesa, farmland and aquatic birds all within a small area. In general, it is an area little visited by birdwatchers, mainly as it is unknown. The area doesn’t have large populations of emblematic species, but does have great diversity, and also offers the possibility of discovering its rich monumental heritage and enjoying its beautiful scenery.

Best time to visit The suggested routes can be visited at any time of the year, complementing each other. The ascent to the Puerto de Honduras mountain pass is best undertaken in spring and summer, between March and September, with the best time being between May and July. On the other hand, winter is the best time to cover the dehesa, and in particular, to see Common Cranes and water birds on the reservoir.

27

Valle del Ambroz / Tierras de Granadilla- Cáparra

Pied Flycatcher

Other environmental and cultural interest The Valle del Ambroz offers visitors many areas of beautiful scenery, including the surroundings of La Garganta gorge, the pine forests of Granadilla and the dehesa of Oliva de Plasencia. There are many special trees in the region: the birch grove of Puerto de Honduras (near the top, on the northern slope), Acarreadero oak in Cabezabellosa (the biggest in the region), the enormous chestnut trees of Casas del Monte and Segura de Toro and La Fresneda cork oak in Aldeanueva del Camino.

Monuments of interest include the ensemble of Hervás, particularly its Jewish quarter and churches; the Roman ruins of Cáparra (with a centre of interpretation); the Palace of the Duques de Alba in Abadía; the spa complex of Baños de Montemayor; the town of La Garganta; and the abandoned walled town of Granadilla, now converted into an educational centre (it is advisable to check visitor opening times). Well-known typical products are cherries and chestnuts, Casas del Monte strawberries, kid goat meat, trout, sausages and the traditional pitarra wines. “El Otoño Mágico” (Magical Autumn) is a notable festival, which is celebrated in November throughout the region. Several towns and villages have colourful carnivals and theatrical works of Jewish origin are performed in summer in Hervás.

Texts: Javier Prieta Díaz

28

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Areas of interest (SPA Gabriel y Galán reservoir) HS* RIOMALO

HS* MONTEMAYOR

CALLE LARGA 927434003 • 927434020

AVENIDA DE LAS TERMAS, 30 923428281

CR RIOMALO DE ABAJO

HS* RUTA DE LA PLATA

C/ CARRETERA S/N 927479291

LA JURDANA C/ LAS HERAS S/N 927434050

AVDA. DE LAS TERMAS, 96 645258105

CR LAS ERAS

CT RIOMALO DE ABAJO

C/ MAYOR, S/N 927484085 • 927479163

RIOMALO CARRETERA DE CORIA 927434020 • 608109610

AVENIDA TERMAS, 69 923428125

ACCOMMODATION ABADIA HS** GUÍA DEL ABAD, EL

ALDEANUEVA DEL C. HR POSADA TRESMENTIRAS C/ MATANZAS, 2 927484333 • 927484006

HS** ROMA CARRETERA NACIONAL 630, KM. 435 927484038 • 927479097

HS* MONTESOL

BAÑOS DE MONTEMAYOR HR LA SOLANA C/ LOS POSTIGOS,15 927488117

HR LOS POSTIGOS C/ MAYOR, 48 927488117

H*** BALNEARIO

CARRETERA NACIONAL 630, KM. 436 927484335

AVENIDA DE LAS TERMAS, 66 927488005

CR EL CAÑO DE ABAJO

H** ALEGRIA

C/ LA CAÑADA, 94 605971855 • 615210967

AVENIDA DE LAS TERMAS, 42 923428063 • 927488063

CR LA ESENCIA

H** GLORIETA, LA

AVDA. GABRIEL Y GALAN, 74 927479201 • 618473045

AVENIDA DE LAS TERMAS, 83 927488018

ATR POSADA TRESMENTIRAS

H* MARTIN II

C/ MATANZAS,2 927484333 • 667620585

DON VICTORIANO , 5 923428066

CT ROMA

HS** ELOY

CARRETERA NACIONAL 630, KM. 435 927479132 • 927479097

AVENIDA DE LAS TERMAS, 59 927488002

CAMINOMORISCO HR CRISTANIA

HS** GALICIA AVENIDA DE LAS TERMAS,139 927488162

HS** LAS TERMAS

P DON DIEGO

CR LA HORNERA FINCA LA HORNERA 923428187

CR LA PESQUERA C/TRIANA,1 927481330 • 629347329

CR VIÑA DEL BAÑO CAMINO DEL CALVARIO 927488231

ATR LA CASA DE SU C/ MAYOR,50 629046067

ATR EL SOLITARIO CTRA. NAC. 630, KM. 426 927488231

ATR LA FUENTECILLA C/ FUENTECILLA, 7 927488329 689772706

ATR CASA DEL ZARZO C/ TRIANA,8 669861539

AT LA PEÑA AVDA. DE LAS TERMAS,53 923488223 • 675923163

A VÍA DE LA PLATA C/ CASTAÑAR, 40 923020328 • 679228208

CT CAÑADAS, LAS CARRETERA NACIONAL 630, KM.432 927481126 • 927481314

AVDA. DE LAS HURDES, 12 927435338 • 627043292

AVDA. DE LAS TERMAS,79 2-A 923428320 • 659185756

HS** LOS AMIGOS

HS** MARTIN

C/ ROCANDELARIO Nº 56 927435248

PLAZA DE HERNAN CORTES, 5 927488066

HS* ABUELO, EL

HS** MOLINO, EL

CR LA CASA DE LA ABUELA

ROCANDELARIO, S/N 927435114 • 927435005

CALLE DEL BAÑO, 46 927488009

PLAZA DE ESPAÑA, 21 927473414 • 660597421

HS* LABRADOR, EL

HS** SOLITARIO, EL

CR EL BALCON

CARRETERA N-512 927434050

Ctra. Nacional 630, Km. 426,5 923428231 • 902877531

CALZADA, 6 927179055

CASAS DEL MONTE

29

Valle del Ambroz / Tierras de Granadilla- Cáparra

ATR DEHESA DE ARRIBA

CR LA CUESTECILLA

AT LA CASITA DEL TEJO

BARRIO DE SAN MARCOS,50 600677075 • 983340734

CUESTECILLA, 17 927473414 • 678588906

MAXEDO, Nº 5 653771364

ATR EL NARANJO

CR VALDEAMOR

AT ALDEA VETONIA

PLAZA DE ESPAÑA Nº 21 BIS 927473414 • 660597421

VALDEAMOR, S/N 927481644 • 678937323

Ctra. N-513, KM. 2,400 927473457

ATR LA DEHESA

ATR CENTIÑERA

AT EL CASTAÑAR

C/ CENTIÑERA,10 669169540 • 620132554

GABRIEL Y GALÁN, 25 927481398 • 659266559

ATR EL CABILDO

AT LA IGUANA 1

C/ SUBIDA AL CABILDO Nº 38 927414288

DE LA CUESTECILLA, S/N 927481503

AT EL CAMOCHO

ATR EL CANCHAL DE LA GALLINA

A CAMPAMENTO INDIO "SHUNCA"

CTRA. DE SEGURA DE TORO. 927179104 • 659660543

PARAJE EL LOMO S/N 607260000

A AURORA BOREAL

ATR EL MANANTIAL DEL FRESNO

C/ NUEVA S/N 927179116 • 650728384

ATR ACEBUCHE PARAJE DE LAS OLIVITAS 617270643 • 927420820

AYTO. CASAS DEL MONTE 669610480 • 927179263

GARGANTILLA

PARAJE EL PINO S/N 927191063 • 615500586

ATR EL ZARZO

ATR ALEJANDRA

C/ CORREDERA,13 661460533 • 927481465

SAN BARTOLOMÉ, 24 927484148

ATR FUENTES DEL ALISO

HERVÁS

PARAJE FUENTES DEL ALISO S/N 927473673

ATR LA CALLEJA

H**** EL SALUGRAL CTRA, N. 630, KM.434. APDO. 61 927474850

PLAZA DEL HOSPITAL,14-A 927481520 • 927411520 927481520

ATR LA IGUANA 2

H**** HOSPEDERÍA VALLE DEL AMBROZ

C/CUESTECILLA S/N 927481503

Plaza del Convento s/n 927474828 • 927474829

ATR LA JUDERÍA

FINCA "LA AMBRIGÜELA" S/N 927194146 • 608707120

A VALLE DEL AMBROZ CAMINO DE MARINEJO, KM. 1,6 927473292

A VIA DE LA PLATA Pº. DE LA ESTACIÓN, S/n 927473470 • 639402583

CT PINAJARRO CARRETERA COMARCAL 513, KM. 2,7 - Aptdo. 21 927481673 • 927481673

JARILLA H* JARILLA CARRETERA NACIONAL 630, KM. 448,5 927477040 • 927477040

HS* ASTURIAS

C/ ABAJO,54 927414288

CARRETERA NACIONAL 630, KM.448 927477057

ATR LA PLATEA

CR SOLAZ DE AMBROZ REAL, 67 615027795

CR LA CALAMORCHA

CARRETERA NACIONAL 630 K. 433 927473020

AVDA. FRANCISCO SANZ LOPEZ,8 927473191 • 618258936

ATR VICTOR CHAMORRO DEL ARCO

DEL HORNO, 7 927402029 • 927477020

CR BEIT SHALOM

SUBIDA AL CABILDO,32 647791877 • 927481402

H*** SINAGOGA PLAZA DE LA PROVINCIA, 2 927481191

HS** EUROPA

CONVENTO, 38 927473508 • 650736979

CR EL JARDÍN DEL CONVENTO

ATR LA PLAZA PLAZA GENERAL SANJURJO, 9 927473668 • 625030997

AT EL ACEBO

CR PIEDRAS LABRADAS GRANADOS, 21 617990363

ATR LA CALAMORCHA DEL HORNO, 7 927402029 • 619343709

PLAZA DEL CONVENTO,22 927481161 • 660452292

LA CUESTA, 7 927473414 • 660597421

CR LA ATALAYA

AT ESTELA, LA

HS* EL AVIÓN

BODEQUILLA, 7 927473414 • 660597421

PIZARRO, 10 927473406

CTRA. NAC. 630, KM.452 927489186

VILLAR DE PLASENCIA

H: HOTEL / HA: HOTEL APARTMENTS / HS: HOSTAL / P: PENSIÓN / AT: TOURIST APARTMENTS / CR: GUEST HOUSE ATR: RURAL APARTMENTS / HR: HOTEL RURAL / A: RURAL HOSTEL / CT: CAMPING

30

B I R D W A T C H I N G

CR EL RINCON DE VILLAR C/ EL RINCON, 11 BAJO 927489247 • 696452842

CR LA CASA DE TIA EMILIA C/ QUEIPO DE LLANO,5 927489028

ATR TIA ANTONIA C/ REAL, 15 927489028

CABEZABELLOSA HS** LA BELLOSINA C/ LA FUENTE,82 927489056 • 639903173

CR CARVAJAL CRUCERO,10 656978234 • 669795310

CR EL TALLER

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

ATR LAS CUATRO ESQUINAS - CASETA DEL MOLINO C/ LA CUESTA, S/N 927473605 • 678044812

ATR LAS CUATRO ESQUINAS - CASILLON DE LA TORRE, 6 927473605 • 678044812

ATR LAS CUATRO ESQUINAS - EL SEQUERO C/ VALENTIN GIL, 3 927473605 • 678044812

ATR EL MIRADOR DE SEGURA SUBIDA DE LA CUESTA DEL CEMENTERIO 918161081 • 625434566

CASAR DE PALOMERO

CR LA COMARCA AVDA. HURDES, 38 927674537 • 913861598

ATR LA COMARCA AVDA. HURDES, 38 927674537 • 629967464

ZARZA DE GRANADILLA HS* JUNCO FRESCO CTRA. DE LA ESTACION, 58 927486275 • 927486275

P JACINTO CARRETERA DEL GUIJO, 10 927486221

CR GRANADILLA DEL DUQUE CTRA. DE LA ESTACIÓN, 19

Los Barreros, 6 927489044

HS** MARIAN

605931060 • 670638491

CR VILLA LUCÍA

VARIANTE, S/N 927436310

AT LA CASA JARDIN

CTRA. VILLAR DE PLASENCIA A CABEZABELLOSA, KM 6,800 670627662 • 659388008

HR LA POSADA DEL CASAR

C/ ESPRONCEDA,115

ATR EL NEVERO

C/ MAYOR, 36 927436410 • 927436410

DE GRANADILLA II

C/ MANZANAR,41 927427085 • 927464482

CR LA COMENDADORA

ATR PEÑANEGRA C/ LA CUESTA, 22 927464570 • 618748216

LA GARGANTA ATR EL NEVERO C/ MANZANAR,41 927427085 • 927464482

ATR PEÑANEGRA C/ LA CUESTA, 22 927464570 • 618748216

CT BALCÓN DE EXTREMADURA CRTA. DE BAÑOS A LA GARGANTA 923414538 • 927481377

SEGURO DE TORO

VARIANTE, 30 927436048 • 670030999

AT POSADAS CARRETERA DE GUIJO, 13 927486257 • 654346813

AT TIERRAS DE

CR DON ROMUALDO

GRANADILLA

DON ROMUALDO MARTIN SANTIBAÑEZ, 6 924270811 • 645790666

649377694

CTRA. DE GUIJO, S/N

ATR GRANADILLA GUIJO DE GRANADILLA

DEL DUQUE

CR EL LABRIEGO

CTRA. DE LA ESTACIÓN,19

LA PLACILLA, 13 692166798 • 610392656

605931060 • 670638491

CR EL OLIVO

GRANADILLA

EL OLIVO, 2 669732677

ATR POSADAS DE CTRA. DEL QUIJO, S/N 927486257 • 654346813

MOHEDAS DE GRANADILLA P RUTA DE LAS HURDES CRUCE DE MOHEDAS 927673646 • 927673646

ATR AMBROZ C/ ESPRONCEDA,143 678462991 • 924374214

LA PESGA

CR CIUDAD DE VERDEOLIVA

HS* ALMAZARA

C/ PIZARRO, 15 927484162 • 600819064

LA FUENTE,12 927674715

31

Hobby

32

La Vera / Valle del Jerte R U T A S

FROM

THE

O R N I T O L Ó G I C A S

MONASTERY

OF

YUSTE

TO

P O R

PUERTO

E X T R E M A D U R A

DE

3

PIORNAL

Location and access Extremadura is crowned by the peaks of Gredos. This granite mass spreads across three regions: Valle del Ambroz, Valle del Jerte and La Vera. The Valle del Jerte is in the centre, forming a large valley of 40 km protected by two large mountainous spurs: Tras-la-sierra and the Valle del Ambroz to the north and Tormantos and La Vera to the south. The high areas are protected by the Natura 2000 network as SCI “Valle del Jerte y Sierra de Gredos”, while a small area of the Valle del Jerte of 6800 ha has been declared a Nature Reserve, called “Garganta de los Infiernos”. La Vera and the Valle del Jerte are unique within Extremadura, as they are the only high mountain areas here and have the best indigenous forests areas, chiefly of Pyrenean oak trees.

Access to both regions is by two roads that run through most of the towns and villages in each region. The Valle del Jerte is crossed by the N-110 between Plasencia and Puerto de Tornavacas, which continues towards Ávila. Most of the towns and villages of La Vera are situated along the EX-203, between Plasencia and Candeleda (Ávila). To start the suggested route in Cuacos de

33

La Vera / Valle del Jerte

Sketch of the route and selected species

91 -3 EX

Residents

Griffon Vulture, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Peregrine Falcon, Tawny Owl, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Thekla Lark, Crag Martin, Black Wheatear, Dipper, Dunnock, Azure-winged Magpie, Blue Rock Thrush, Dartford Warbler, Firecrest, Carrion Crow

Summer visitors

European Honey Buzzard, Short-toed Eagle, Booted Eagle, Common Cuckoo, European Nightjar, Eurasian Scops Owl Pallid Swift, Black-eared Wheatear, Melodious Warbler, Spectacled Warbler, Pied Flycatcher, Western Bonelli’s Warbler, Ortolan Bunting, Golden Oriole

Winter visitors

34

Eurasian Woodcock, Goldcrest, Siskin, Redwing, Brambling

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Yuste, it is advisable to first go to Jaraíz de la Vera, either by the EX-203 from Plasencia (32 km) or by the EX-A1, taking the exit at Casatejada. Cuacos de Yuste is 5 km north from Jaraíz along the EX-203.

Description of the route The suggested route consists of 22 km between Cuacos de Yuste and Puerto de Piornal mountain pass, to be covered by car, then another 5 km on to Peña Negra of Piornal, to be done on foot. The whole route is in the mountains, ascending from Cuacos at 600 m to Peña Negra at nearly 1500 m, across different types of vegetation, mostly oak groves along the road section and heath and broom thickets along the foot trails. The route takes you along narrow roads with little traffic, so you can drive slowly and calmly and easily and safely stop at the curbs.

The starting point is in Cuacos de Yuste, at the crossroads between the main road and the road leading off to the Monastery of Yuste. Follow this small road until you reach the monastery through a dense oak grove. A stop at the monastery or in its surrounding area will afford the first sightings of forest birds that you will see along the whole route (Hawfinch, Golden Oriole, Robin, Common Chaffinch, Great and Blue Tits, Short-toed Treecreeper, European Nuthatch, Eurasian Jay, Mistle Thrush, Long-tailed Tit, Blackcap, Carrion Crow, etc.). After the forest the route takes you through an area of rocky outcrops with low scrubland. In this area you can see Black and Black-eared Wheatears and Thekla Lark, with a spot next to a rock on the left hand side of the road that has a green triangle painted on it being a good place. The route takes you back into another forest, then between cherry and olive trees, interesting in winter for Song Thrush and Redwing and, some years, Bramblings.

Further on the route crosses the Garganta Mayor, a mountain stream surrounded by shady alder trees, suitable for seeing Dipper and Grey Wagtail (or for bathing, as there is a natural pool here).

Just after this you will reach the picturesque village of Garganta la Olla. Here you will have to pay special attention to keep to the route, which turns right towards Piornal. From here go up the narrow road to Piornal mountain pass for 12 km, which has sharp bends (about a dozen), but is very beautiful, passing through a magnificent oak grove. Throughout this section you must drive slowly and carefully, stopping when you want at picturesque points (springs, waterfalls, large chestnut trees) or when you spot birds of interest. At a certain height you will start to hear a lot of Western Bonelli’s Warblers and the scarce Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Pied Flycatcher (better in areas with

35

La Vera / Valle del Jerte

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker

old trees) and if you are lucky you’ll see birds of prey such as European Honey Buzzards and Eurasian Sparrowhawks. Once you have reached the mountain pass, beyond the forest and open ground, the route by car ends.

The section you have to do on foot starts with the first trail on the right after you have reached the top of the pass, which has a wide entrance and a cattle grid (kilometre point 16.7; coordinates 30-266050-4445600). However, we recommend you to go towards the small pine forest some 500 m to the left, where you may see Azure-winged Magpie, Coal Tit, Crested Tit and Firecrest during the breeding season (and sporadic sightings of the breeding Crossbill) as well as Firecrest and Siskin in winter (and occasionally Brambling and Fieldfare). Common Whitethroat is common in the area around the pine forest and Garden Warbler and Iberian Chiffchaff occasionally breed here. Returning to km point 16.7 the foot trail begins with a paved section and then continues for about 3.5 km along a dirt track to the reservoir. It crosses heath land at first and broom thickets at the end, dotted with oak trees. In spring it is easy to see Dunnock, Woodlark, Nightingale, Wren, Dartford and Subalpine Warblers, Common Whitethroat and Rock and Ortolan Buntings. You must keep to the same track until you reach a small house (“Villa Martín”), where you should turn left. At this junction you can see Spectacled Warbler if you carry straight on, and even Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush in the rocks to the south. In spring and summer Lesser Kestrels come up from Jaraíz de la Vera to hunt in this area and in August and September you can see Montagu’s Harrier on passage. The path to the left will take you to the reservoir, behind which you will see a large rocky formation, Peña Negra, which you will have to reach cross-country as there isn’t a path.

36

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

Spectacled Warbler

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Ortolan Bunting

From here there is a magnificent view of the Valle del Jerte and you can see Rufous-tailed and Blue Rock Thrushes, Spectacled Warbler, Black Redstart, Common Kestrel and, if you are lucky, birds of prey such as Eurasian Sparrowhawk, European Honey Buzzard, Peregrine Falcon, Booted and Short-toed Eagles and Hobby. The route ends here and you must go back along the same path. If you go back by the village of Piornal look out for swifts, as large numbers of Pallid Swift breed here.

Ornithological interests The regions of La Vera and Valle del Jerte are home to unique species of birds within Extremadura, with the best regional representation of forest and mountain birds. They are mostly birds of northern areas (Carrion Crow, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Dunnock, Hawfinch, Mistle Thrush, Pied Flycatcher, etc.), but are complemented by certain Mediterranean mountain species, both forest (Western Bonelli’s Warbler) and, in particular, scrubland (Dartford, Spectacled and Subalpine Warbler, Ortolan Bunting, Woodlark) and rock species (Crag Martin, Rufous-tailed and Blue Rock Thrushes, Black-eared and Black wheatears). Amongst the birds of prey, it is easy to find European Honey Buzzards, with a small presence of Peregrine Falcon, Hobby and Eurasian Sparrowhawks and the curious appearance of Lesser Kestrel and Montagu’s Harrier in the high mountains.

37

La Vera / Valle del Jerte

Best time to visit Unlike most of the routes of ornithological interest in Extremadura, this route is highly suitable to being done in summer. The best months to visit are between April and October, with May, June and July being particularly good. However, winter can be a good time to do the first part of the route, bringing new species (Siskin, Goldcrest, wintering thrushes). However, at this time there aren’t usually many species in the final part, on foot, over the mountain scrubland. Another winter attraction is the presence of snow, which is common here then. In this instance you have to plan ahead and get information beforehand, as the Piornal mountain pass is normally closed to traffic when it snows.

Other environmental and cultural interest Both La Vera and Valle del Jerte have places of great scenic beauty and many bathing areas. Just a couple of places we would recommend you to visit are Los Pilones (Garganta de los Infiernos) and the Cascada del Caozo waterfall (going down from Piornal towards the River Jerte). There are also several special trees: the large chestnut trees of Casas del Castañar (along a sign-posted route starting in this village), Solana oak in Barrado and Prado Sancho oak in Cabezuela del Valle and the Aldeanueva de la Vera pine tree. The Puerto de Tornavacas mountain pass is very interesting to see other breeding birds such as the Skylark, Northern Wheatear and Red-backed Shrike.

The towns and villages in the area, particularly those of La Vera, have good examples of traditional architecture. We recommend visiting Garganta la Olla, Cuacos de Yuste and its monastery (the final residence of Carlos V), Jarandilla de la Vera and its castle, converted into a National Parador, Guijo de Coria and Madrigal de la Vera. In Jerte, Tornavacas, Jerte and the Cherry Museum in Cabezuela del Valle are interesting.

As for typical products, any visit would be incomplete without trying the famous Jerte cherries, La Vera paprika and chestnuts. La Vera’s goat’s cheeses are also well-known, as are Piornal’s sausages, trout and farmhouse sweets and liquors. Notable festivals include “El Peropalo” in Villanueva de la Vera (during its carnival), “Los Escobazos” in Jarandilla de la Vera (7 December), “El Jarramplas” in Piornal (20 January), “Los Empalaos” in Valverde de la Vera (Holy Thursday, during Easter) and “El cerezo en flor” - the cherry trees in blossom - across the whole of Valle del Jerte (date varies each year).

Texts: Javier Prieta Díaz

38

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Areas of interest (La Vera y El Jerte) ACCOMMODATION

ATR EL BALCON DE CABEZUELA

BARRADO

LA PINA, 8 927472677 / 617020553

HS** ALMAZARA DE BARRADO, LA AVDA. DE PLASENCIA, 3 927478328 / 679551435

CR EL CALLEJÓN C/COSTANILLA,14 927412406 / 678832955

CR LOS MORALES CALLE MORALES, 45 626952761

ATR LA CASA DE LAS CALABAZAS Y LA BUHARDILLA C/ CHORRO,6 646529599 / 927478094

CABEZUELA DEL VALLE H* ALJAMA FEDERICO BAJO, 18 927472291

HS** CABEZUELA PARQUE DE SAN ANTONIO, S/N 927472434 / 927472686

CR LA CERECERA PARAJE DE VADILLO, S/N 927472644 / 629365857

CR LOS PORTALES PLAZA DE EXTREMADURA,17 927472601 / 629422957

CR LA CASA VIEJA C/ JOSE MARIA MUÑOZ, 34 696516787

AT LAS TURONAS CALLEJA LAS SANCHEZ, S/N 65417757 / 615179872

AT PRADO DEL ABUELO PARAJE EL REVENTÓN S/N. AVDA. PLASENCIA, 65 927472610 / 678646469

ATR EL CAHOZ C/ CAHOZ,23 927173490 / 696571718

ATR LAS TURONAS CALLEJA LAS SANCHAS S/N 615179872 / 654177575

CABRERO CR EL ABUELO SANTIAGO C/ SAN ISIDRO, 60 678408927 / 927411113

CASAS DEL CASTAÑAR HS* REGINO CTRA. NAC. 110, KM. 390 927478246

P ASPERILLA LA RAÍZ, 1 / 927478555

VENTOSILLA, 10 629514529 / 676484069

EL TORNO CR EL REGAJO PARAJE EL REGAJO S/N 686092597

CR LA SOLANA PLZ HONORIO URBANO, 2 927175301 / 667450958

ATR ABUELA PASTORA C/ POLEO,6 927419408 / 686379314

ATR EL MIRADOR C/ CAMINO DEL PUENTE S/N 927422680 / 657976230

ATR EL PADRE DE LA CALLE HELIODORO HERNÁNDEZ,14 927175164 / 608100311

ATR EL PORTUGAL C/ PORTUGAL Nº 59 927422083

CR CASA DE LA CUEVA

ATR ALAMEDA DEL JERTE

C/ BARRIO BAJO,6 665551337

CRTA. DEL TORNO, KM 6 927175043

CR CASA DEL CALLEJÓN

A ALBERJERTE

LA GILA,2 667768571 / 667768570

C/ PLAZA MAYOR,1 927175221 / 619800072

CR CASA DEL PASADIZO BARRIO BAJO, 31 667768571 / 667768570

CB CASA GRANDE RUFO MARTÍN RIVERA,9 667768571 / 667768570

JERTE H**** HOSPEDERÍA VALLE DEL JERTE

CR LA VIGA

C/ RAMÓN CEPEDA, 118 927470403

C/ RUFO MARTIN RIVERA,4 667768571 / 667768570

H** ARENALES, LOS

CR VILLAFLOR CTRA. NAC. 110, KM. 388,911 927421448 / 927478375

CARRETERA NACIONAL 110, KM. 368 927470250 / 927470059

HR TUNEL DEL HADA

ATR MIRADOR DE LAS CASAS

TRAVESIA FUENTE NUEVA, 2 927470000

FUNDADORES, 53 927478176 / 639355227

CR EL CEREZAL DE LOS SOTOS

ATR LA GRANJA DEL PESCADOR

CAMINO DE LAS VEGAS S/N 927470429 / 607752197

PARAJE EL MESON, CTRA. N.110, KM, 391,922 927478307 / 660797646

CR HURACÁS

AVDA. HONDÓN, 53 Y 55 927472078 / 607746884

ATR LA PRADERA DEL VALLE

CR LA CASONA

ATR VALLE DEL JERTE

VALLE DEL JERTE, KM. 17 927478306 / 629685774

ATR PICAZA DEL JERTE SAYANS CASTAÑO, 8 606557481 / 927472486

ATR QUINTANA EL HONDÓN, 10 927472070 / 617626477

ATR TAURO

AVDA. DE EXTREMADURA,52 927414288

ATR 3 NAVALARREINA

FINCA HURACAS 927470253 / 656418558 C/ Ramón y Cajal, 71 927470313 / 647710078

CR VALLE DEL JERTE CAMINO REAL

39

La Vera / Valle del Jerte

927470313 / 647710018

CR LA CASERÍA

ATR EL ARROYO

AT LAS PALOMAS

Carretera, C-110, Km. 378,5 927173141

FUENTE POCITO,3 927173659 / 679045129

CR LA PICOTA DEL JERTE

ATR EL CEREZAL

LAS VIGUILLAS 927173609 / 615836309

C/ ACERAS,3 927173202 / 606914231

CR LOS CARAZOS

ATR LA CAÑADA DEL JERTE

PARAJE LA PERALEDA, S/N 927470204 / 689282116

AT LOS NARANJOS C/ PUENTE,10 927470424 / 679984607

AT LOS PAPUOS TEJERILLA, 21 655159318

AT VALLE DEL JERTE CAMINO REAL 927470313 / 647710018

ATR CASA BETHONA CORONEL GOLFÍN,34 619885792 / 927470503

ATR EL PONTÓN C/ CORONEL GOLFÍN,68 927470451

ATR LOS CHOZOS CTRA. NACIONAL 110,KM.368927470376 927470195

ATR LOS HEBILES CTRA. NAC. 110, Nº 28 927470185 / 660697779

PARAJE "LOS CARAZOS" 651375610 / 927173507

CR CASA BÁRBARA C/ CAÑADA REAL,73 610088219 / 927472205

CR CASA JOSEFINA C/ LA PRENSA,15 927173297 / 636908395

CR EL CAMINO PARAJE EL TUMBA, S/N 927173453 / 607497961

CR EL SERRANO PARAJE EL TUMBA S/N 927173453

PARAJE "VEGA DE LA HIGUERA" 927239951 / 652321781

ATR LA POSADA DEL VALLE C/ GABRIEL Y GALÁN,2 927173540 / 615540308

ATR RIO JERTE PARAJE LA VIÑA 696171478 / 626515970

ATR CLEVAL C/ LOS CEREZOS,12 927173001 / 600755499

CR LA CASA BLANCA

ATR EL CERRO

CRTA- N-110 KM. 378,5 927173202 / 606914231

PARAJE GUERRILLAS POLIGONO 2 PARCELA 195-B 689440780 / 927173386

CR LA CASA DEL BOSQUE

ATR EL NOGALÓN

PARAJE PAZUELAS S/N 927173140 / 625176810

ATR EL CORDEL DEL JERTE

C/ DEL PUENTE, S/N 927470130 / 639048048

CR LA PARRA

JOSE MARIA PIZARRO, 28 600812294

ATR LA PICOTA

C/ FELIPE MARCOS, 8 927173220 / 699212064

RAMON Y CAJAL, 81 927470253 / 656418558

CR LA TAHONA

ATR EL SOTILLO

ATR LA VEGA DEL JERTE

PARAJE "LAS GUERRILLAS" 927173013 / 927173654

PARAJE LOS SOTILLOS POLIG 5 PARCELA 2886-87 927418122

TIERRA AL PARAJE DE LA VEGA 610778189

AT CASERÍA, LA

ATR JOSEFINA

CN-110, KM.378,5 927173141 / 626933146

CAÑADA REAL,53 927173297 / 636908395

AT LA VIÑA

ATR LA RANA

PARAJE LA VIÑA 927173276 / 699352926

CTRA. NAC. 110 690678621

AT LOS ABUELOS

ATR LA RIBERA

C/REAL,19 927173351 / 650957580

PARAJE LAS VEGUILLAS, S/N 927425428

ATR LA ANTIGUA TAHONA

CT RIO JERTE

ATR LAS PALOMAS PARAJE LA PERALEDA, S/N 927470204 / 689282116

ATR LOS PANJALOS LOS PANJALOS,6 695244201

CT VALLE DEL JERTE CARRETERA NACIONAL 110, KM. 367,9 927470127 / 927470259

NAVACONCEJO

CARRETERA NACIONAL 110 KM 376,7 626147105 / 625669836

ATR CARROYOSA HR XERETE PARAJE LA CERCA 927194240 / 639187322

CR EL MOLINO DEL SOL Carretera N-110, Km. 373,3 927470313 / 647710078

CTRA. NAC. 110, KM. 376, Nº 54 927173315 / 615060387

ATR CASA CARRIZOSA CRTA. DEL CERRO REAL 616800861 / 627089225

CR EL CERRILLO

ATR EL ALAMBIQUE & LA ALQUITARA

AVDA. DE EXTREMADURA,130 927173276

AVDA. RAFAEL ALBERTI, 64 617886261 / 636184990

CARRETERA NACIONAL 110, KM. 375,8 927173006

PIORNAL H*** SERRANA, LA CTRA. GARGANTA LA OLLA, KM. 1,5 927476034 / 927476053

CR EL BOSQUE CTRA. LOCAL DE LA NACIONAL 110 A PIORNAL KM. 11,600 927476330 / 669858273

H: HOTEL / HA: HOTEL APARTMENTS / HS: HOSTAL / P: PENSIÓN / AT: TOURIST APARTMENTS / CR: GUEST HOUSE ATR: RURAL APARTMENTS / HR: HOTEL RURAL / A: RURAL HOSTEL / CT: CAMPING

40

B I R D W A T C H I N G

CR MAJADA DE ALBARRÁN CTRA. LOCAL DESDE LA N-110 A PIORNAL, KM. 11,600 927476330 / 669858273

AT LA FLOR DEL CEREZO C/ HERNAN CORTES,13 927476224 / 636064902

AT SANTI C/ Estación, 9 927476135 / 659315918

ATR EL ARTESANO

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

CR LA ESCONDIDA C/ REAL DE ARRIBA,160 637082515 / 927177232

ATR EL PUENTE C/ REAL ARRIBA, 61 927420101

ATR TIA JOSEFA C/ REAL DE ARRIBA, 106 927177297 / 654595110

VALDASTILLAS

C/ LIBERTAD, 4 927476135 / 659315918

H**** BALNEARIO VALLE DEL JERTE

ATR EL PASTOR

NACIONAL 110 KM 383 927633000 / 927633001

CRTA. LOCAL DE LA N-110 A PIORNAL KM 11,600 927476330 / 669858273

ATR LA ABUELA NICOLASA AVDA. DE LA VERA,63 609198618

ATR LA ESPIGADERA C/ LA ESPIGADERA,18 669837979

REBOLLAR CR LA PURIA CALVO SOTELO,25 BIS 927471015 / 620945996

CR GARZA REAL PISCINA 12 927475055 / 626982784

ALDEANUEVA DE LA VERA HS** NOGA MAESTRO APARICIO, 37 927572547 / 645778047

CR EL YEDRÓN AVDA.DE EXTREMADURA 661202994

CR LAS GAMELLAS

CR PUERTO DEL EMPERADOR

C/ CALVO SOTELO,25 927471015 / 620945996

AVDA. DE EXTREMADURA, 87 927572540 / 615565369

ATR EL RINCÓN DEL JERTE

ATR LAS CABAÑAS DE LA VERA

CTRA. REBOLLAR, KM, 0,7 627913161 / 927471036

CTRA. EX.203, KM. 45 620970693

ATR REGAJO DEL TEJAR CTRA. DE REBOLLAR, KM,1 606418166 / 610678960

TORNAVACAS HS* PUERTO DE TORNAVACAS CARRETERA NACIONAL 110, KM. 356,8 927177046 / 660838992

ATR LA LANCHA LA RENTA,44 927572699 / 679381522

CT YUSTE CARRETERA DE PLASENCIA, KM. 47 927572522 / 649780799

ARROYOMOLINOS DE LA VERA

HR FINCA EL CARPINTERO NACIONAL 110, KM 360,500 927177089

CR ANTIGUA POSADA C/ Real de Abajo, 32 608852131 / 927177019

CR EL PUENTE C/ REAL DE ARRIBA,61 927420101

HR PEÑA DEL ALBA CTRA. DE GARGUERA (Finca Matasanos) 927177516 / 690662729

CR LA TOZA AVDA. DE LA CONSTITUCIÓN, 39, 2º.

927177549

COLLADO DE LA VERA HR ALCOR DEL ROBLE FINCA LA JARA 927460044 / 699390075

CR EL OLIVAR DEL EJIDO CALLE CRUCERA, 14 609575061 / 927460792

CR GINKGOS AVDA. JARAIZ,10 927461059 / 606201344

CR VIÑA GRANDE PLAZA HERNAN CORTES, 4 927460308 / 669231061

CUACOS DE YUSTE HR ABADÍA DE YUSTE AVDA. DE LA CONSTITUCION, 73 927172241

H** DATO VERA AVENIDA DE LA CONSTITUCION, 5 927172178 / 927172348

H* MOREGÓN AVENIDA DE LA CONSTITUCION, 77 927172181

HS* MIRAFLOR DE LAS CADENAS CRTA. COMARCAL 501 KM 40,700 689400082

CR COLMENAREJO FINCA COLMENAREJO 699988571 / 927172210

CR HOSTERIA CANTARRANAS C/ PIZARRO,4 680435560 / 927194109

CR LA CASA GRANDE DE YUSTE FUENTE LOS CHORROS, 6 629235333 / 639112235

CR LA CASONA DE VALFRIO CTRA. DE VALFRIO, KM.4 927194222 / 629464572

CR LA VERA DE YUSTE Teodoro Perianes, 17 927172289 / 689686216

CR CASA LA CIEGA FINCA LOS ARROMADILLOS 609071623 / 913527611

41

La Vera / Valle del Jerte

CR EL CAMINO DE YUSTE AVDA. DE LA CONSTITUCIÓN,31652927749 927172345

AT VERA HOTEL AVDA. DE LA CONSTITUCIÍN, 5 927172178 / 927172281

ATR CASASTURGA PARAJE ASTURGA S/N 927194090 / 605883777

ATR LA HACIENDA DE CUACOS CAMINO DE ARROMADILLOS KM 3 637098138

ATR ARROYO RIQUEJO FINCA EL RIQUEJO 686305263 / 927194198

ATR LOS BANCALES CTRA. VALFRIO, KM. 4,300 676830988 / 927194491

A EL LAGO Carretera Comarcal EX 203, km.38 927460323

A GREDOS ADVENTURE CTRA. DE NAVALMORAL-JARANDILLA, KM. 27,500 927194127 / 915447918

CT CARLOS I AVENIDA CERALEJO, S/N 927172092

GARGANTA LA OLLA HS** YUSTE Avda. de la Libertad, 45 927179604

HR CARLOS I AVDA. DE LA LIBERTAD, S/N 927179678 / 927179687

CR MANSION "EL ABUELO MARCIANO" CTRA. ALCORCON, S/N. JARAIZ DE LA V. 927460426 / 608100905

CR PARADA REAL CHORRILLO, 28 927179605 / 660074968

GARGÜERA CR ROSA DE LOS VIENTOS ERAS, 7-9 927478900 / 699847732

GUIJO DE SANTA BÁRBARA HR CAMINO REAL C/ DEL MONJE, 27 927561119

CR LA CASA DE LA ABUELA C/ DEL TEJAR,63 665614804 / 927561008

CR SIERRA DE TORMANTOS C/EL BARRIO,6 927560394 / 699701445

CR SANTA BARBARA CARRETERA NUEVA 11 660886788 / 927560424

AT CUMBRES DE GREDOS C/ MAESTRO EUTIQUIANO BARROSO,2 651698549 / 651698550

AT VAQUERÍA CANTA EL GALLO PARAJE LAS LAGUNAS DE CANTA EL GALLO 608809925

ATR LA OROPENDOLA CRTA. EXTREMADURA 203 KM 35,200 689401291 / 620978578

ATR FINCA VALVELLIDOS FINCA VALVELLIDOS. APTO. CORREOS 181 927194143 / 626122121

JARAIZ DE LA VERA

JARANDILLA DE LA VERA

HR VILLA XHARAIZ

HR DON JUAN DE AUSTRIA

PARAJE SAN MARCOS, PARC. 35, A,B,C. POLÍG. 2 927665150

H* JEFI AVENIDA DE GARGANTA, 7 927461363

HS* D'ACOSTA AVENIDA DE LA CONSTITUCION, 22 927460219

CR CASA RURAL FINCA LOS CEREZOS

AVENIDA SOLEDAD VEGA, 101 927560206

HR RUTA IMPERIAL C/ MACHOTERAL, S/N 927561330 / 927560312

H**** MIRADOR DE LA PORTILLA CTRA, PLASENCIA-ALCORCON, KM. 47 927560604 / 679538374

TOLEDO, 13 606965484

H**** PARADOR DE TURISMO CARLOS V

CR EL CERRO

CARRETERA DE PLASENCIA 927560117

CAMINO LOS MARTIRES, S/N 667889412 / 927170057

CR EL CERRO DE LA AURORA CAMINO LOS MARTIRES, S/N 667889412 / 927170057

CR FINCA VALVELLIDOS FINCA VALVELLIDOS APART. CORREOS 181 927194143 / 626122121

CR PARQUE PUENTE BOLOS FINCA LLANADAS, S/N 659449428 / 619361077 927194275

HS** EL DESCANSO DEL EMPERADOR AVDA. SOLEDAD VEGA ORTIZ, 93 927560655 / 651355170

HS** POSADA DE PIZARRO, LA CUESTA DE LOS CARROS, 1 927560727 / 605177707

HS* GANTE PLAZA SOLEDAD VEGA, 3 927561200

CR COLORES

CR CANTAGALLO

C/ ANCHA.26 927561081 / 669464784

PARAJE CANTAGALLO 927194320 / 609393347

CR EL CASERIO DE LOS 10 CEREZOS

CR CASA CHURRUCA

CRTA JARANDILLA A NAVALMORAL KM 29,5 927198072 / 667654035

EL COSO, 47 927170820 / 606351135

H: HOTEL / HA: HOTEL APARTMENTS / HS: HOSTAL / P: PENSIÓN / AT: TOURIST APARTMENTS / CR: GUEST HOUSE ATR: RURAL APARTMENTS / HR: HOTEL RURAL / A: RURAL HOSTEL / CT: CAMPING

42

B I R D W A T C H I N G

CR LA BODEGA

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

MADRIGAL DE LA VERA

ROBLEDILLO DE LA VERA

HS** CARDENILLO

HR HALDON COUNTRY

GARGANTA DE ALARDOS, 35 927565301 / 927565121

FINCA EL HALDON, S/N 927571004 / 927570541

ATR LA VERA

HS** HOSTERIA LAS PALMERAS CASA COLONIAL

ATR 3 HOSPEDERÍA DEL SILENCIO

FRANCISCO PIZARRO, 16 639885523

CARRETERA DE PLASENCIA, 16 927565011 / 669528237

CT JARANDA

HS* VICTORIA

PARAJE DE LAS CAÑADAS S/N927570730 927570693

GARGANTA DE JARANDACTRA. N-501, KM. 52 927560454

CARRETERA DE PLASENCIA, 3 927565110

CT VERA, LA

GARGANTA DE ALARDOS, 7 927565353

C/MACHÍN,4 659348077 / 927560222

AT LOS CANCHALES EL GUINDO, S/N. 660981542 / 927561328

CARRETERA COMARCAL 501, KM. 53, 5 927560611 / 609815450

LOSAR DE LA VERA

CR LA PUENTE VIEJA CR ANTIGUA FABRICA DE LA LUZ CAMINO DE LA SIERRA S/N 927565183 / 667304314

CR ALMA DE GREDOS

TALAVERUELA DE LA VERA CR LALISEA FINCA LA ALISEDA S/N 618124955 / 610944610

TEJEDA DE TIÉTAR

HR ANTIGUA CASA DEL HENO

PARAJE LOS MALAGONES, S/N 620893697

FINCA "VALDEPIMIENTA" 927198077 / 609603606

CR LAR DEL CUCO

PASEO DE LA VERA,19 927404636

CAMINO DE LA SIERRA S/N 626888962 / 927565101

HR HOJARANZOS

HS** HOSTERIA FONTIVIEJA PARAJE DE LOS MARTIRES, 11 927570108

HS** VADILLO PLAZA DE ESPAÑA, 2 927570501 / 699428106

HS* BREZO, EL AVDA. EXTREMADURA 927570140 / 625579842

HS* EL RINCON DE VICENTE C/ REAL,8 609062028

HS* JARDÍN, EL C/ EL JARDÍN, 14 927570782

P GODOY CTRA. EX-203, KM 60 927570838 / 927570770

CR LA GARZONA AVDA. CARLOS V, 21 927570639 / 649287927

CT GARGANTA DE CUARTOS

AT MARCOS CARRETERA PLASENCIA 927565297

CT ALARDOS CARRETERA NACIONAL 501 ("EL VADO") 927565066

CT LA MATA GARGANTA DE ALARDOS S/N 927565370 / 677768181 927565238

PASARÓN DE LA VERA HR LA CASA DE PASARÓN C/ LA MAGDALENA, 18 927469407

CR EL ROLLO C/ REAL, 38 927469174

CR ANTIGUA BOTICA C/ M. LOPEZ APARICIO, 12 927469067 / 927469230

HS* ROSALES, LOS

CRTA. A PLASENCIA S/N 927469381 / 927469239 hojaranzos@hotmail.com

CR LA VALLEJERA Carretera C-501, Km. 15,300 927194121 / 689198048

CR LA ANTIGUA CASA DE LOS PESCADORES C/ LA FUENTE, 35 927469439

TORREMENGA HR EL TURCAL CTRA. EX203 KM 28,800 616611116

CR LA CASONA FINCA VALVELLIDOS 927194145 / 629645930

ATR LA CASONA FINCA VALVELLIDOS 927194145 / 629645930

CR EL TOMILLAR

ATR MIRADOR DE LOS COTOS

REAL, 88 927469368

FINCA LOS COTOS S/N 927194454

CTRA. N-501, KM.59 (FINCA LOS GREGORIOS) 927570727

CR LOS SERRANOS

CT GODOY

CR LA SOLANA DE LA VERA

CR LA PICOTA DE VALVERDE

C/ REAL, 89 670824669

BANASTEROS S/N, PZA. PICOTA 649933890 / 927566361

CTRA.N-501, KM.62,5 FINCA LOS GREGORIOS 927570838

C/ LOS SERRANOS,9 670824669

VALVERDE DE LA VERA

43

La Vera / Valle del Jerte

CR EL HORCO

CR CASA VILLALBA

CRTA. VVDE. DE LA VERA-BARQUILLA PINARES KM. 8.400 629457714

OROPESA, 6 620894148

CR EL SOTANILLO

CR ENTREAGUAS

REAL, 2 666405254

PARAJE DE PIURRUYO, S/N 667525095 / 667525098

ATR ECOPANGEA

CR LA CASA DEL POZO

FINCA LAS JARAS S/N 660384288

ATR LOS VERGELES C/ CABEZUELOS,33 927566630 / 626509267

VILLANUEVA DE LA VERA HR EL BALCON DE LA VERA

C/REAL, 36 927566262 / 927566206

ATR EL CALAMBUCO URB. LAS SOLANAS 927567324 / 609340061

TOURIST OFFICES

CTRA. EX-203, KM. 75,600 927567164 / 927567092

O.T. CABEZUELA DEL VALLE

HR QUINTA DEL CASTRO

PARAJE DE PEÑAS ALBAS S/N

CRTA EX-203 KM 76 927115509 / 625496774

H** FINCA LA HERRERÍA CRTA. DE VEGA DE LA BARCA KM 1,400 605252065

HS**EL ENCUENTRO AVDA. DE LA VERA, 58 927566595 / 635409258

CR A TU VERA APARTADO DE CORREOS, 36927198038 620159127 / 927567372

TEL.: 927472558 FAX: 927472558 O.T. JERTE AV. RAMÓN Y CAJAL, S/N

O.T. JARANDILLA DE LA VERA PZ. CONSTITUCIÓN, 1 TEL.: 927560460 FAX: 927560460

O.T. NAVALMORAL DE LA MATA ANTONIO CONCHA, 91 TEL.: 927532328 FAX: 927535360

O.T. VILLANUEVA DE LA VERA AV. DE LA VERA, S/N TEL.: 927567031

INTERPRETATION CENTRES C.I. DE LA RESERVA NATURAL CTRA N-110 JERTE

TEL.: 927014936 C.I. DE LA ALTA MONTAÑA Y LA TRASHUMANCIA REAL DE ARRIBA, 3 TORNAVACAS

TEL.: 927470453 FAX: 927470379 O.T. JARAÍZ DE LA VERA

TEL.: 927177018 C.I. DEL AGUA

AV. CONSTITUCIÓN, 167 TEL.: 927170587

PARAJE DE PEÑAS ALBAS, S/N CABEZUELA DEL VALLE

FAX: 927460646

TEL.: 927472004

H: HOTEL / HA: HOTEL APARTMENTS / HS: HOSTAL / P: PENSIÓN / AT: TOURIST APARTMENTS / CR: GUEST HOUSE ATR: RURAL APARTMENTS / HR: HOTEL RURAL / A: RURAL HOSTEL / CT: CAMPING

44

R U T A S

Tajo Internacional

O R N I T O L Ó G I C A S

P O R

E X T R E M A D U R A

4

Location and access The route is in the southwest of the province of Cáceres, on the border with Portugal marked out by the River Tajo, a section of river known as River Tajo International and declared a Natural Park in 2006. The suggested route can be reached from Valencia de Alcántara by the N-521 (Cáceres-Portuguese border), turning off onto the EX-374 towards the town of Cedillo, or from the town of Membrío, by the CC-126. From the north you can reach it from the EX-117.

Description of the route The suggested route is a circular trip combining roads and dirt tracks. The route is designed to be done by car in one day, making strategic stops at the most interesting observation points.

The route takes you across plains, with pastureland and vast areas of broom scrubland, rich in small game and so highly frequented by birds of prey that come from the nearby mountain ranges and riverbanks. As it is a livestock

45

Tajo Internacional

EX-376

Sketch of the route and selected species

EX-3 74

N-521

Residents

Summer visitors Winter visitors

46

Spanish Imperial Eagle, Eurasian Black Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Bonelli’s Eagle, Eagle Owl, Carrion Crow Black-winged Kite, Black Stork, Egyptian Vulture, Short-toed Eagle, Booted Eagle Dunnock, Eurasian Bullfinch, Common Wood Pigeon

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Black Kite farming area, you can see various species of scavengers, such as Griffon Vulture, Eurasian Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture patrolling the land in search of food. As you continue you will see dehesas of purely Holm or cork oak or a mixture of both, which contain a lot of livestock drinking pools that are frequented by Black Stork. It is common to see the silhouette of Red Kite, Common Buzzard and Short-toed Eagle perched above on the electricity pylons.

Then the predominance of gentle undulating slopes gives way to the uneven and impassable riverbanks of Tajo International, thrust so violently and spectacularly into the landscape that they are invisible from afar. In fact, from Spain you can see the towns and fields of Portugal but not the riverbanks of the Tajo, which are often only given away by the fog banks that cover the valley in winter. One of the largest breeding populations of Black Stork and Egyptian Vulture find refuge along the riverbanks, as well as other birds of prey, such as the Griffon Vulture, Eurasian Black Vulture, Golden Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle, and Eagle Owl. The Spanish Imperial Eagle breeds on the neighbouring bank and in the nearby mountain ranges, completing the catalogue of birds that are sought after by birdwatchers. Away from the riverbank, the route goes up the Sierra de Santiago, which overlooks a vast dehesa landscape. If the large birds of prey in flight and the graceful silhouette of the Black Stork are spectacular, the flocks of tens of thousands of Common Wood Pigeons that winter in this area are no less so. They form clouds that fly to their feeding areas to eat the young, small cork oak acorns, or to their roosts, in the eucalyptus groves of the mountain ranges and riverbanks every day.

From Valencia de Alcántara, on the N-521, take the turning towards Cedillo on the EX-374 and then towards Herrera de Alcántara on the EX- 376 to go down to the riverbanks of the Tajo International, where you can see the scenery in all its splendour and the most representative habitats of this protected nat-

47

Tajo Internacional

ural area. At point (X:0636373, Y: 438969) there is a viewpoint next to the road overlooking the valley of the River Tajo. The wonderful shade that covers this area, with masses of strawberry tree, laurustinus, wild olive and olive groves that grow on slate terraces, make this place an unbeatable spot to see small scrubland birds, thrushes, Hawfinch and Eurasian Bullfinch, mainly in autumn and winter, when there is a generous supply of fruits for the thousands of wintering birds. In the stretch towards Herrera de Alcántara you can see flocks of Azure-winged Magpie as well as Black-winged Kite and Carrion Crow, a highly localized resident species in the region.

From here return towards the town of Santiago de Alcántara along the CC-37, crossing rivers such as the Alburrel, which twists between slate rock faces, before flowing into the River Tajo. It is easy to spot the striking Black Wheatear on the slates, always associated to rocky habitats. Once you reach Santiago de Alcántara go towards the Centre of Interpretation of Nature “El Péndere”, following the road signs. From here starts the short road towards Geregosa Spring (PR CC-59), 7 km long, leading to the banks of the Tajo and the famous medicinal spring. The route isn’t difficult as it is well signposted and the road is in a good state. At point (X:0650063, Y: 43486053) continue straight on. Once you have reached the bank of the Tajo you will find some public facilities, such as a viewpoint and interpretative panels about the area. The site offers a good possibility of seeing riverside birds such as Grey Heron, Great Cormorant, Griffon Vulture, Black Stork, Egyptian Vulture, etc.

Returning to Santiago de Alcántara, take the CC-126 towards the town of Membrío. Leaving this town, take the road on the left at point (X:0651072, Y: 4386209), which will take you to the spot known as “Las Viñas”. The route is easy and is sign-posted throughout (PR-CC 96). Once you reach the end of the road there are several public facilities, such as a car park, a viewpoint and

Bonelli's Eagle

48

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

a spectacular observation tower from which you can enjoy the beauty of the rugged scenery of the Tajo International. From the viewpoint you can easily see the slate rock faces that tower over the river where Griffon Vulture, Black Stork and Egyptian Vulture nest.

Take the CC-37 back to Santiago de Alcántara, which will take you back towards the N-521, the start and end point of this route. At point (X:0651077, Y: 4384412) take a road on the left that will take you to the summit of Sierra de Santiago. We recommend you leave your car at the foot of the mountain range and walk up to the viewpoint you will find at the top and that looks out over a spectacular dehesa landscape. On the way up you can see Peña de los Barreros, some quartzite cliffs on which there is a colony of Griffon Vulture.

Ornithological interests The Spanish Imperial Eagle and Black Stork should be highlighted. They are species in “danger of extinction” and there are good numbers of breeding pairs, both in the mountain range and in the dehesa and riverbanks in the area.

The Spanish Imperial Eagle extends eastwards from this area, following the slopes of the Sierra San Pedro and giving rise to the largest breeding group in Extremadura. The Black Stork also has many pre-migration gatherings spread over the pools of the dehesa and the riverbanks. The Eurasian Black Vulture, linked to the dense and impenetrable patches of Mediterranean scrubland, is present in large numbers in the area, also continuing on from the numerous colonies in the neighbouring Sierra de San Pedro.

It isn’t difficult to find species such as Bonelli’s Eagle, Golden Eagle, Shorttoed Eagle, Booted Eagle, Griffon Vulture and Eagle Owl, of which there are many pairs nesting in the safety of the cliffs and trees. Egyptian Vulture has one of its largest breeding populations in Extremadura here.

The excellent degree of conservation of the scrubland of the riverbanks and the shade of the mountain range provide shelter and food for a countless number of small species: Common Whitethroat, Robins, Dunnocks, etc.

In the deshesa Black-winged Kite, Carrion Crow – very scarce and localized in the region – and numerous flocks of the argumentative Azure-winged Magpies are often present.

In winter the flocks of tens of thousands of Common Wood Pigeons that form spiralling clouds as they move around are spectacular. The region of the Tajo International, together with the Sierra de San Pedro, is by far the best area during winter in Extremadura. There are also large winter concentrations of Great Cormorant in the waters of the Tajo.

49

Tajo Internacional

Best time to visit The route can be done at any time of the year. In winter you can enjoy the spectacle of the flocks of Common Wood Pigeon and in spring the summer visitors return: Black Stork, Egyptian Vulture, Booted Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, etc. Spring is also the breeding period, so you must keep to the established routes to avoid disturbing the birds during this sensitive period. Summer is very hot, so avoid the middle of the day, which is also less favourable for watching birds. The pre-migration concentrations of Black Stork gather in this season.

Other environmental and cultural interest The area includes the Sierra de San Pedro which is an SPA supporting one of the largest number of breeding pairs of Spanish Imperial Eagle and Black Vulture in the Iberian peninsular. The Alcántera and Brozas plains are also important, combining natural pasture, rain-fed arable land, scrub and Holm oak groves, rich in open-country birds such as Great Bustard, Little Bustard, Blackbellied Sandgrouse and Calandra Lark. The area is crossed by the Tajo river and its network of tributaries, such as the Eljas, Salor, Aurela and Sever. These waters are rich with fish and have good populations of Otter. During the autumn, the dehesas resonate with the sound of the rutting Red Deer stags, a common sight thanks to healthy populations of game in this area.

The district is well endowed with megalithic monuments. Particularly important are the groups of dolmens of Santiago de Alcántara, Herrera de Alcántara and Cedillo. Prehistoric cave-paintings are well represented as well in the “El Buraco” cave (Santiago de Alcántara).

Alcántara offers good examples of vernacular architecture, such as its farm houses, as well as palaces, estate houses and convents, such as San Benito, which hosts the Festival of Classical Theatre in the first fortnight of August or the Convent San Bartolomé, which is now a hotel. One must not miss the Roman bridge over the Tajo, on the Vía de la Estrela.

Texts: Víctor Manuel Pizarro Jiménez

50

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Areas of interest (Natural Park TAJO INTERNACIONAL) ACCOMMODATION

CARBAJO

SANTIAGO DE ALCÁNTARA

ALCÁNTARA

HR BALDIO GRANDE

ATR EL BURACO

CTRA. CARBAJO A SANTIAGO DE ALCÁNTARA, KM. 1,5 927491014 • 696466773

CRTA. VALENCIA DE ALCANTARA S/N 927592029 • 629515647

CR BALDIO GRANDE

A EL BURACO

CRTA. CARBAJO-SANTIAGO DE ALCÁNTARA KM 1.5 927491014 • 696466773

CAMINO DEL MIRADOR, S/N 927592257 • 927234893

H**** HOSPEDERIA CONVENTUAL DE ALCANTARA CTRA. DEL POBLADO DE IBERDROLA, S/N 927390638

HS** KÁNTARA AL SAIF AVENIDA DE MERIDA, 2 927390246 • 927390833

HA* KANTARA-AL-SAIF AVDA. DE MÉRIDA S/N 927390833 • 927390246

ATR TAJO INTERNACIONAL C/ LA CONSTITUCIÓN,13 667743627 • 609361689

CEDILLO

CR LA CAÑADA

P ROBLEDO

C/ REGIMIENTO DE ARGEL, 20 927390298 • 676826796

ANTONIO MORENO, 9 927590068

CR LA NACENCIA ALTOZANO, 7 927390522

HERRERA DE ALCÁNTARA

VALENCIA DE ALCÁNTARA HR CONVENTO, EL CASERIA DE SAN PEDRO, S/N 927584129

H**** CASA ESCOBAR JEREZ ALFACAR, 13 927668139

H* CLAVO, EL

CR SAN ANTONIO

HS* PURI

RAMON Y CAJAL, 14 927580268 • 927581020

C/ SAN ANTÓN,40 927390822 • 676847706

CALLE ARRABAL, Nº 1 927591002

H* IBERICA

CR EL GALAPERO CTRA. MATA-GARROVILLAS, KM. 17 649551054

ATR LA CASINA SOLEDAD, 2 655448881 • 927390105

CT PUENTE DE ALCANTARA FINCA LOS CABEZOS, C-523 KM. 53,300 927390947

BROZAS HR EL VAQUERIL

CR LA ROMERA FINCA " TRES RIVEROS" 923238185 • 606434515

CR LA SOLANA FINCA SOLANA. CTRA. DE CEDILLO, KM. 24,300 927491081 • 927491055

CR CASA LOLA C/ SAN SEBASTIAN,3 927591060

CR LA GALANA

EX-207 CRTA. CACERES ALCANTARA KM 33 927395341

SAN JUAN, 8 927580020

CR LA PORTILLA DEL JINIEBRO

CR SOTO DE NISA

FINCA "TRES RIVEROS" 923238185 • 606434515

FINCA LA MORERA DE ARRIBA ACEÑA BORREGA, LA 924220776 • 600432574

CR LA MALVAZUL CR LA SERENA

H** LA LAGUNA

P SERRANA, LA

CR LA MALVARROSA

FINCA " TRES RIVEROS" 923238185 • 606434515

CTRA. SAN GREGORIO S/N 927191050

HERNAN CORTES, 9 927580136

PARAJE EL JINIEBRO ACEÑA BORREGA, LA 927599015

H**** CONVENTO DE LA LUZ H** BALNEARIO SAN GREGORIO

HS* NAIROBI

FINCA "TRES RIVEROS" 923238185 • 606434515

FINCAL EL VAQUERIL 927375257 • 659101710

CRTA. DE HERRERUELA S/N 927395439

PASEO DE SAN FRANCISCO, 14 927580150

FINCA "TRES RIVEROS" 923238185 • 606434515

HERRERUELA HR SIERRA DE SAN PEDRO ZURBARÁN, 8 927371641 • 686948442

MEMBRÍO

HS* POSADA, LA

CR TURISMO RURAL LA NORA

PLAZA DE OVANDO, S/N 927395019

SAN BERNABÉ, 7 927594125 • 927584178

CR LA HUERTA

ATR LA NORA

PLAZA DEL COSO, S/N 699354473 • 927395009

SAN BERNABÉ,7 927594125 • 617452233

CR LA TORA CORTIJO DE LA TORA VALENCIA DE ALCANTARA 686965445 • 927491066

CR EL LINCE CORTIJO LA TORA, APDO. 20 VALENCIA DE ALCANTARA 686965445 • 927491066

CR EL ZORRO CORTIJO LA TORA, APDO, 20 VALENCIA DE ALCANTARA 686965445 • 927491066

CR LA JIGUERA C/ CASIÑAS BAJAS, S/N VALENCIA DE ALCANTARA 669550655 • 927582591

CR MONTENUEVO PARAJE MONTENUEVO S/N ACEÑA DE LA BORREGA 927599021 • 630621385

51

Tajo Internacional

CR VIRGEN DE LA CABEZA

ATR HUERTA DEL SEVER

FINCA LA MORERA DE ARRIBA 924251791 • 676830547

HUERTA LUNA S/N APDO. 10 639483667 • 924221157

CR EL CASTAÑAR II

ATR LA JIGUERA

HUERTA LUNA S/N. 639483667

NAL. 521, KM.149,8. PUERTO ROQUE 927584040

CASIÑAS BAJAS 927582591 • 669550655

HELECHO, S/N 660080648 • 699051305

CR EL CASTAÑAR III NAL. 521K, KM.149.8.

PUERTO ROQUE 927584040

CR EL CASTAÑAR IV NAL.521, KM. 149,8.

PUERTO ROQUE 927584040

CR EL CASTAÑAR I NAL. 521, KM. 149,8 PUERTO ROQUE 927584040

ATR LA MACERA FINCA LA MACERA 927582299 • 639548709

ATR LOS OLIVOS AVDA. LISBOA URB. LOS OLIVOS S/N 927581006 • 927582312

ATR QUINTA DE LUNA ACEÑA LA BORREGA, S/N 924221157 • 639483667

ATR ROCAMADOR FINCA LA MACERA S/N 927582299 • 639548709

ATR ALBORADA DEL SEVER ATR SAN PEDRO CT AGUAS CLARAS CTRA. DE JOLA, KM. 3 927549099 • 927549099

ZARZA LA MAYOR ATR PEÑAFIEL AVDA.CONSTITUCIÓN 927370465 • 616763958

TOURIST OFFICES O.T. ALCÁNTARA

ATR VALBÓN

AV. DE MÉRIDA, 21 TEL.: 927390863 FAX: 927390863

CR EL JABALI

FINCA LA MACERA 927582299 • 639548709

O.T. VALENCIA DE ALCÁNTARA

CORTIJO LA TORA. APDO. 20 927491066 • 686965445

ATR EL JINIEBRO

HERNÁN CORTÉS, S/N TEL.: 927582184 FAX: 927582184

CR EL CIERVO CORTIJO LA TORA, APDO, 20 686965445 • 927491066

CR SALTO DE CABALLO

ACEÑA LA BORREGA 927584062 • 636417812

CASERÍO LA FONTAÑERA 927580865

ATR EL REGATO

ATR PINAR DE JOLA ANTOLINA DURÁN, S/N JOLA 690821624

ATR EL ARROYO LOS ARROYOS DE ABAJO (LAS HUERTAS DE CANSAS) 666829177 • 626195615

HUERTA LUNA, S/N 927491078 • 660451270

ATR MARCELINO C/ CASA NUEVA, S/N 927599059 • 650408988

ATR PUERTO ROQUE PUERTO ROQUE, S/N 927584171 • 627483550

INTERPRETATION CENTRES C.I. TAJO INTERNACIONAL VELÁSQUEZ, S/N CEDILLO TEL.: 927590029

C.I. EL PÉNDERE LAGAR, 3 SANTIAGO DE ALCÁNTARA TEL.: 927592311

H: HOTEL / HA: HOTEL APARTMENTS / HS: HOSTAL / P: PENSIÓN / AT: TOURIST APARTMENTS / CR: GUEST HOUSE ATR: RURAL APARTMENTS / HR: HOTEL RURAL / A: RURAL HOSTEL / CT: CAMPING

52

O R E X T R E M A D U R A Canchos Pde Ramiro 5 and Portaje Reservoir

R U T A S

O R N I T O L Ó G I C A S

Location and access Towns of reference for this route are Torrejoncillo, Portaje, and Cachorrilla, all within the region of Coria. To access the route we recommend you take the A-66 (N-630), taking the turning off to Torrejoncillo-Coria (EX-371) at Puerto de los Castaños (Cañaveral). Then once you reach Torrejoncillo go towards Coria (EX-109) and after just over 4 km turn left onto a local road which will take you to the towns of Portaje (5 km) and Cachorrilla (15 km; after turning off towards Pescueza). Pages 1:50,000 numbers 621 and 622 of the IGN.

Griffon Vultures

53

Canchos de Ramiro and Portaje Reservoir

Sketch of the route and selected species

09 -1 EX

Residents

Summer visitors Winter visitors Passage migrants

54

Griffon Vulture, Eurasian Black Vulture, Spanish Imperial eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle, Golden Eagle, Grey Heron, Red-crested Pochard Black Stork, Egyptian Vulture, Black Kite Common Wood Pigeon, Common Crane, ducks Aquatic birds

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Green Sandpiper

Description of the route 1) Canchos de Ramiro: Los Canchos de Ramiro (large rocky outcrops), together with the riverbanks and mountain ranges in the area (Sierras de la Garrapata, Solana, etc.) have been declared SCI and SPA for their exceptionally rich flora and fauna, forming part of the Network of Protected Natural Areas of Extremadura. Los Canchos, in particular, form a spectacular quartzite pass over the River Alag贸n, now dammed for the Alc谩ntara Reservoir. The suggested route is 10 km long (there and back), so is perfect to be done in half a day, either on foot (recommended) or by car. Access to Los Canchos (or to Boquer贸n) is very simple: you just have to take a sign-posted path that starts in Cachorrilla. To be precise, take the road to Ceclav铆n and 200 m along, when you reach the Ermita del Cristo (chapel) and a small pool (29S-699309442090), the path leads off to the right (called Camino del Chorrillo), passing through beautiful countryside of dehesa and riverbanks and leading to the rocky outcrops of Los Canchos.

2) Portaje Reservoir: This small man-made reservoir of great ornithological importance is very close to the towns of Portaje (4.5 km) and Torrejoncillo (3 km) and is reachable from them along asphalted roads. Altogether the suggested route is 17 km long, designed to be done by car in half a day. From the first town take the reservoir service track southwards for 2.5 km (next to the chapel Ermita del Cristo). At this point you will reach a crossroads (29S70852-441903); turn left and, after going 800 m and crossing the Ribera de Fresnedosa riverbank, you will reach the reservoir (where you will see the Chapel of La Virgen del Casar). At the reservoir turn right, following the path

55

Canchos de Ramiro and Portaje Reservoir

Peregrine Falcon

56

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Grey Heron

that goes all the way around the left bank of the reservoir, and after crossing a bridge at one of its ends you will reach the town of Torrejoncillo. Before this, at one of the crossroads (29S-714624-441808), very close to the water, you can take another track that goes round part of the reservoir’s right bank.

Ornithological interests 1) Canchos de Ramiro: Large concentrations of large birds of prey nest in the steep quartzite crags of the pass. This includes a colony of Griffon Vulture (over 100 pairs) as well as several pairs of Golden Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle, Egyptian Vulture, Eagle Owl, Common Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon and Black Stork. Walking along the riverbanks there are typical dehesa species (Shorttoed Eagle, Booted Eagle, Azure-winged Magpie, as well as many other passerine species associated with this Mediterranean habitat).

The Spanish Imperial Eagle, Red and Black Kite and Eurasian Black Vulture also nest in the dehesa and mountain ranges in the area. In the reservoir it’s possible to see numerous species of water birds, including Great Cormorant, Grey Heron and different species of duck.

57

Canchos de Ramiro and Portaje Reservoir

2) Portaje Reservoir: This reservoir is one of the most important wetland areas for water birds (in terms of number and diversity) in the Extremaduran basin of the River Tajo, following habitat management activities (diversion dams at the ends, man-made islands, hides, etc.). During winter it supports, on average, more than 2500 birds of a great diversity of species (duck, grebes, coot, etc.). In the breeding season Red-crested Pochard are noteworthy, this being one of only a few breeding sites for this species in Extremadura, as well as the colony of Grey Heron and White Stork at the end of the reservoir.

Best time to visit This route can be done at any time of the year, particularly in the spring breeding period and in winter.

Other environmental and cultural interest Environmental values. Magnificent thick forests of Holm and cork oak cover the whole region, especially the dehesa and plains around the Ribera de Fresnedosa. This and other watercourses have wonderful ash tree forests along their banks.

Ethnographic values, examples of traditional architecture in the small towns and villages (Cachorrilla, Pescueza, Portaje, etc.), and in the typical agricultural constructions in the area (stone walls, huts, wells, etc.).

Traditional festivals. These include festivals that have been declared of Interest for Tourists: Las Carantoñas (Acehuche, 19-20 January), Los Sanjuanes (Coria, 24 June) and Encamisá (Torrejoncillo, 7 December).

Monuments. Declared a site of interest for tourists, the historical-artistic centre of the city of Coria has one of the most outstanding collection of fine buildings in Extremadura (Roman walls and bridge, castle, cathedral, palaces, convents, etc.). The Monastery-convent of Palancar (Pedroso de Acim), defined as the “smallest monastery in the world”, is a wonderful example of religious architecture.

Texts: Casimiro Corbacho Amado

58

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Areas of interest (ZEPA Canchos de Ramiro and Ladronera) ACCOMMODATION

CILLEROS

CACHORILLA

CR LA MESONERA

CR EL BOQUERÓN PLAZA MAYOR,4 927140748 • 606518463

CR CASA CANDIDO PLAZA MAYOR, 1 927140748 • 606518463

CR LOS CANCHALES PLAZA MAYOR,6 927140748 • 606518463

CASILLAS DE CORIA ATR EL MOLINO PLAZA MAYOR, 1 927146001 • 927146008

CECLAVÍN P SAN MARCOS C/ RETIRO,1 605571523

CR EL LAGAR C/ MOLINO ESQ. CALLES ELJAS 927393397 • 627471134

CAMINO DEL TESO MORENO, S/N 646486338

ATR LA MESONERA CAMINO DEL TESO MORENO, S/N 646486338

HS** DELPHOS AVENIDA PUREZA CANELO, 15 927515425 • 927515403

HS* REYPAL AVDA. LUSITANIA, 19 927147942

HS* VOLANTE, EL AVDA. DE PUREZA CANELO, 40 927515177 • 927515406

CORIA ZARZA LA MAYOR H**** PALACIO PLAZA DE LA CATEDRAL, S/N 927506449

H** MONTESOL CALLE PUENTE DE HIERRO 927501049 • 927500277

H** SAN CRISTOBAL Carretera Ciudad Rodrigo, km.33 927501412

H* KEKES, LOS AVENIDA SIERRA DE GATA, 49 927504080 • 927500494

P EL CASERO DE GUIJO C/ EL GUIJO,32 927500245

MORALEJA

ATR LA BORRASCA

H* ENCOMIENDA, LA

C/RETIRO, 1 605571523 • 927393282

PLAZA DE ESPAÑA, 13 927147759 • 927515833

ATR PEÑAFIEL AVDA.CONSTITUCIÓN 927370465 • 616763958

TOURIST OFFICES O.T. CORIA AV. DE EXTREMADURA, 39

TEL.: 927501351 FAX: 927500735 www.coria.org oficinaturismo@coria.infomail.es O.T. MORALEJA AV. PUREZA CANELO, S/N

TEL.: 927147088 FAX: 927147088 www.sierradegata.org turismo@moraleja.es

H: HOTEL / HA: HOTEL APARTMENTS / HS: HOSTAL / P: PENSIÓN / AT: TOURIST APARTMENTS / CR: GUEST HOUSE ATR: RURAL APARTMENTS / HR: HOTEL RURAL / A: RURAL HOSTEL / CT: CAMPING

Bonelli's Eagle

59

Eurasian Black Vulture and Griffon Vulture

60

Monfragüe National Park R U T A S

O R N I T O L Ó G I C A S

P O R

E X T R E M A D U R A

6

Location and access Monfragüe is roughly in the centre of the province of Cáceres, at the confluence of the rivers Tajo and Tiétar. It is at present the only National Park in Extremadura, with 18,118 ha under this protection. The park and its immediate surrounding area, a total of 116,151 ha, are protected by the Natura 2000 network as a SPA. The centre of the park consists of several small, parallel mountain ranges, between which flows the River Tajo. The River Tiétar and other lesser watercourses carve out deep gorges as they flow towards the Tajo, creating a spectacular system of rocky cliffs in which a huge number of birds breed. Nowadays the river courses are dammed up by the reservoirs of Alcántara, Torrejón-Tajo and Torrejón-Tiétar. Despite the area’s low height, the uneven relief and the water barrier has meant that areas of Mediterranean forest and scrubland of extremely high value in terms of their fauna and flora have been conserved. But what really gives the area its value are the large dehesa areas that extend to the north and south of the National Park, providing an abundant food supply for Monfragüe’s most valuable birds.

61

MonfragĂźe National Park

Sketch of the route and selected species

EX-20 8

Residents

Summer visitors

Winter visitors

62

Grey Heron, Red-legged Partridge, Red Kite, Griffon Vulture, Eurasian Black Vulture, Northern Goshawk, Spanish Imperial Eagle, Golden Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Eagle Owl, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Black Wheatear, Crag Martin, Thekla Lark, Blue Rock Thrush, Azure-winged Magpie, Red-billed Chough, Hawfinch Black Stork, White Stork, Black Kite, Egyptian Vulture, Short-toed Eagle, Booted Eagle, Red-necked Nightjar, Alpine Swift, White-rumped Swift, Pallid Swift, European Bee-eater, Red-rumped Swallow, Black-eared Wheatear, Western Orphean Warbler, Subalpine Warbler Spectacled Warbler, Dartford Warbler, Golden Oriole Great Cormorant, Dunnock, Eurasian Bullfinch, Redwing, Firecrest, Goldcrest, Siskin

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Access to Monfragüe is easy and well sign-posted. Within the park there is only one town, Villarreal de San Carlos, a municipality of Serradilla, which is small and completely connected to the park, accommodating the visitor centre and centre of interpretation. There are three roads you can take to get into the park. From the north, by the EX–208, about 20 km from Plasencia and 15 km from the EX-A1. From the south, also by the EX-208, but from Trujillo, about 50 km away, after going through Torrejón el Rubio. Or finally, from the northeast, by a small road leading off from the EX-A1, the exit being by the River Tiétar. Also, from the south, the EX-390 connects the city of Cáceres with Torrejón el Rubio and the EX-385 connects the EX-208 with the A-5, passing through Jaraicejo.

Description of the route Most of the National Park is closed to visitors, with the area open to the public being relatively small. However, this area offers all the best of the birds of Monfragüe. In fact, there are some world famous birdwatching spots here, thanks to the ease of observing some emblematic birds in exceptional conditions.

Due to the restrictions the best way of enjoying a birdwatching trip to Monfragüe is to go round the main viewpoints, all along the road, well sign-posted and equipped with car parks. If visiting for several days the normal choice is to repeat the route round the viewpoints or to do one of the established walking routes in the park or the surrounding area. The species you can see in various places can vary slightly from year to year, as, like any biological phenomenon, they are subject to a certain dynamism.

The park’s main viewpoints, from south to north, are:

Hoopoe

63

Monfragüe National Park

“Salto del Gitano” Salto del Gitano-Peña Falcón. At the entrance from Trujillo, this incredible rocky cliff is, without doubt, the most symbolic and most-photographed spot in Monfragüe. The community of birds it supports is equally amazing, with the biggest colony of Griffon Vulture in an area open to the public (over 100 pairs between both sides of the river and over 400 birds at times), Black Stork (2-5 pairs in recent years), Spanish Imperial Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Egyptian Vulture and Eagle Owl. It is also possible to see Golden Eagle. Small birds you should look out for include White-rumped Swift and Black Wheatear.

La Serrana. At the entrance from Plasencia, here there are Griffon Vulture, Egyptian Vulture and, at times, Bonelli’s Eagle and White-rumped Swift.

La Tajadilla. Next to the Torrejón reservoirs, this has a hide, picnic area and large car park. It is a small gorge that enables good observations of Griffon Vulture and Egyptian Vulture, also being a good area to see Bonelli’s Eagle.

Black Stork and White-rumped Swift have recently established themselves here, but their presence could be temporary.

La Báscula. This is a good site to see the Eurasian Black Vulture and, if you are lucky, the Spanish Imperial Eagle.

64

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

La Higuerilla. This affords a pretty view of the River Tiétar, where you can see Black Stork and Egyptian Vulture. Eurasian Black Vultures breed on the opposite bank.

Portilla del Tiétar. At the park’s northeast exit, although it is smaller than the Peña Falcón, it is another of Monfragüe’s hot spots. It’s an exceptional site to see, and hear, Griffon Vulture as well as Spanish Imperial Eagle, Eagle Owl (the best place in the park) and Egyptian Vulture.

We would also recommend you to follow the road towards La Bagazona and the EX-A1, driving slowly, or even walking carefully, as this section goes firstly through an old cork oak forest where Lesser Spotted Woodpecker breeds and, perhaps, the Iberian Chiffchaff. Next there is a dehesa area that is a favourite haunt of stags during their bellowing and where there is a colony of White Stork and Grey Heron in the west, next to the River Tiétar. The final part consists of deshesa and irrigated farmland and is of interest in winter due to the recent presence of noisy Common Cranes, as well as Brambling some years.

You could complement your tour of the viewpoints mentioned earlier by doing the three main foot trails: Red route. This is between Villarreal de San Carlos and the castle of Monfragüe. There are several options, with routes of between 10 and 16 km (between 3 h 30 min and 6 hours). It goes through a variety of areas, such as olive groves, rock rose patches, Holm oak groves and, in particular, a thick forest of strawberry tree and oaks in the shade of the castle. A visit to the castle of Monfragüe is a must, which you can also reach from the south via an asphalted road between Holm oaks and wild olives. The view from the castle is magnificent and is made even more enjoyable by the spectacular flight of the vultures and the possible presence of White-rumped Swift and Red-billed Chough.

Yellow route. This is between Villarreal and La Tajadilla, about 8.5 km and 3 hours there and back. This route goes through dehesa and rock rose patches.

Green route. Between Villarreal and Cerro Gimio, about 7 km and 2 h 30 min-

Griffon Vultures

65

Monfragüe National Park

utes there and back. It goes through scenery typical of Monfragüe, ending at a viewpoint with a beautiful view.

Ornithological interests Monfragüe is possibly the best place to see birds, particularly birds of prey, in Extremadura. The following figures fully illustrate their variety and abundance.

Perhaps the most characteristic species is the Eurasian Black Vulture, with a maximum of 339 pairs for certain and estimates of over 400 pairs. There are 12 established pairs of Spanish Imperial Eagle, with some recently settled near to the best viewpoints. There are more than 30 pairs of Egyptian Vulture and close to this number of Black Stork. The most visible bird of prey is, undoubtedly, the Griffon Vulture, of which there are 635 pairs for certain and estimates of almost 800. There are small numbers of Golden Eagle (6-7 pairs), Bonelli’s Eagle (also 6-7 pairs) and Peregrine Falcon (3-4 pairs). There aren’t any precise figures for other birds of prey, but several dozen pairs of Eagle Owl, Red Kite, Common Buzzard, Booted Eagle and Short-toed Eagle occur in Monfragüe, above all in the dehesa in the area. The Black Kite is a lot more common, with 150-200 pairs; but Northern Goshawk, Eurasian Sparrowhawk and Black-winged Kite are much scarcer and more difficult to see.

Apart from birds of prey, other birds of interest are those of rocky habitats, such as White-rumped Swift, Red-billed Chough, Black Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Rock Sparrow, Red-rumped Swallow and Black Redstart. The forest birds are less special, as most of them are common all over Extremadura, however, they include Western Orphean Warbler, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Iberian Chiffchaff, Hawfinch and Eurasian Bullfinch. Some birds of open and steppe environments are more important, easy to see in treeless areas of the park where the eucalyptuses are being eliminated. These are Black-eared Wheatear, Thekla Lark and Spectacled, Dartford, Subalpine and Sardinian Warblers.

Best time to visit Spring, between March and May, is the best time to see all the variety of birds.

However, it’s also the busiest time for visitors, especially at the weekends and during the public holidays at Easter and in May. In any event, you can see characteristic species at any time of the year, although in July and August it is best to make the most of the first and last hours of the day, as the middle of the day is usually very hot. Autumn and winter offer the attraction of nonbreeding species being present in the area. Finally, between September and October the spectacular bellowing of the many stag in the area takes place.

66

B I R D W A T C H I N G

Sardinian Warbler

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Eurasian Black Vulture

Other environmental and cultural interest As well as the birds you can see other animals in Monfragüe, such as approachable Red Deer, some tame foxes that frequent the viewpoints, elusive Wild Boar and, particularly in winter, Otters. On the other hand, there have not been any reliable sightings of the emblematic Iberian Lynx recently. Other attractions of Monfragüe are the scenery, spectacular in places, and the geological formations, with explanatory panels in the places of greatest interest.

There are also two special trees: the European Hackberry of Lugar Nuevo (next to Villarreal de San Carlos, in Ojaranzo orchard, which has a circular trail and a small picnic area) and the Cork oak Abuelo de Toril (next to the road between Portilla del Tiétar and La Bazagona).

The main artistic elements within the park are the castle of Monfragüe, the Bridge del Cardenal (sometimes submerged under the waters of the Tajo) and the prehistoric rock art, for which there are specific guided tours. Places of interest in the municipal areas just outside the park include the pre-Roman stelas and settlement of Torrejón el Rubio, the Convent del Santo Cristo and the ethnographical museum of Serradilla, the parish churches of Serrejón and Malpartida de Plasencia, Mirabel Castle and the traditional architecture of the Casas of Miravete. The monumental architecture of Plasencia and Trujillo are a bit further away.

Food specialities are cheeses, honey, “migas extremeñas” (fried breadcrumbs) and large game dishes. Las Candelas in Torrejón el Rubio and Cristo de la Victoria in Serradilla are the most notable festivals. Regarding handicrafts, in some of the towns and villages in the area you can find wood and textile works (lace, traditional dress).

Texts: Javier Prieta Díaz

67

Monfrag端e National Park

Spanish Imperial Eagle

68

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Areas of interest ACCOMMODATION JARAICEJO

CR LA ALMAZARA DEL CRISTO LIBERATO ALONSO, 27 927407090 / 636495283

HS** MONT-BLANC CARRETERA N-V, KM. 226 927336030 / 927336148

SERREJÓN

ATR LA CAÑADA CAÑADA REAL S/N 927455295 / 920818967

ATR NATURA C/ TRAVESÍA DE PIZARRO,11 679475955 / 679475956

HR MONTEFRAGOSO

H**** AGUAS DE SERREJON

ATR SIERRA DE MONFRAGÜE

PLZ. DE LA CONSTITUCIÓN 15-16 927336189 / 927336289

FINCA CASADELMAZO, 927547749 / 617355479

PLAZA DE PIZARRO,8 699729500 / 927455205

MALPARTIDA DE PLASENCIA H*** CAÑADA REAL CARRETERA EX-108., KM. 42 927459407 / 927459434

H* SANTA MARTA CARRETERA NACIONAL 630, KM. 491 927453260 / 927453416

HS* ROSALES, LOS PLAZA DE LA DIPUTACION, 21 927404636

CR DEL CORRAL C/ CABRERO, 2 927459522 / 636144910

CR LA POSADA DE AMONARIA

HR EL ALCAUDÓN C/ CAGANCHAS, 13 927547600 / 924547601

TORIL HR PUERTA DE MONFRAGÜE LA HERGUIJUELA - VEGA DEL CHIQUERO 927198110 / 609202425

TORREJÓN EL RUBIO H**** HOSPEDERÍA PARQUE DE MONFRAGÜE

C/ Nuestra Señora de la Luz, 7 927459446 / 608702070

CTRA. PLASENCIA-TRUJILLO, KM 39,100 927455278 / 927455279

CR TIA TOMASA

H* CARVAJAL

C/ JUEGO DE LAS CARAS, 6 696634156

PASEO DE PIZARRO, 54 927455260 / 927455254

CR FLOR DE JARA

P AVENIDA

MUSICA,11 927459430 / 605877788

SAN JOSE, S/N 927455050

ATR DEL CORRAL C/ CABRERO,4 927459522 / 636144910

ATR LA SOLANA C/ MUÑOZ TORRERO, 31 653799213 / 927404270

ATR MAJALON FINCA MAJALON 605940878 / 608504019

A EL CARRASCAL FINCA EL CARRASCAL 927459475 / 620941778

CT MONFRAGÜE CTRA. DE TRUJILLO, KM. 10 927459233 / 605940878

SERRADILLA H* LAUREL PAIJUAN, 17 927407481 / 625496971

P MONFRAGÜE PASEO DE PIZARRO, 25 927455026

CR PALACIO VIEJO DE LAS CORCHUELAS FINCA CORCHUELAS DEL PALACIO VIEJO 626812318 / 608821961

CR CASA BABEL MONFRAGÜE CERVANTES, 8 699769177 / 655027891

CR PEÑA FALCÓN

ATR LEYENDAS DE MONFRAGÜE Pº. PIZARRO, 16 650408971 / 927455153

ATR MONFRAGÜE CORCHITO, 27 927455079 / 618712980

VILLARREAL DE SAN CARLOS CR AL-MOFRAG VILLARREAL, 19 927199205 / 686454393

CR EL CABRERIN VILLARREAL, 3 927199191 / 927199002

CR MONFRAGÜE VILLARREAL, 15 927199002 / 927199191

TOURIST OFFICES O.T. CENTRO DE INFORMACIÓN DEL PARQUE NACIONAL DE MONFRAGÜE VILLARREAL DE SAN CARLOS

TEL.: 927199134 FAX: 927198212 O.T. TORREJÓN EL RUBIO MADROÑO 1 (URB. CERCA DEL OLIVO) TORREJÓN EL RUBIO

TEL.: 927455292 FAX: 927455234 oittorrejon@yahoo.es INTERPRETATION CENTRES

C/ BREZO,21 927455184 / 620978624

C.I. DEL PARQUE NACIONAL DE MONFRAGÜE

CR POSADA EL ARRIERO

VILLARREAL DE SAN CARLOS

PASEO PIZARRO,22 927455050

TEL.: 927199134 C.I. DEL AGUA

CR REFUGIO LA SERRANA

VILLARREAL DE SAN CARLOS

CR LA SIERRA DE MONFRAGÜE

SAN MIGUEL, 45 927455159 / 687476049

CTRA. EXTREMADURA 208 (PLASENCIA-ZORITA), KM. 14 616192917 / 676450921

TEL.: 927199134 C. DE DOCUMENTACIÓN E INVESTIGACIÓN

Avda. Virgen de Guadalupe, 5 927455288 / 927455161

CR LA CAÑADA

VILLARREAL DE SAN CARLOS

TEL.: 927199134

H: HOTEL / HA: HOTEL APARTMENTS / HS: HOSTAL / P: PENSIÓN / AT: TOURIST APARTMENTS / CR: GUEST HOUSE ATR: RURAL APARTMENTS / HR: HOTEL RURAL / A: RURAL HOSTEL / CT: CAMPING

69

Black-crowned Night Heron

70

R U T A S

Arrocampo Reservoir

O R N I T O L Ó G I C A S

P O R

E X T R E M A D U R A

7

Location and access The Arrocampo Reservoir is in the northeast of the province of Cáceres, at the western border of the region of Campo Arañuelo and very close to Monfragüe.

Today 687 ha of the reservoir and its surrounding banks are protected within the Natura 2000 Network with the category of SPA. An Ornithological Park has also been created in Saucedilla to make visiting the area easier.

Arrocampo Reservoir has such exceptional characteristics that it has become a unique site within Extremadura, with unusual birds that are difficult to see inland in most of the peninsula. The reservoir’s function is to cool Almaraz nuclear power station, so the water level is constant; thanks to the constant pumping from the River Tajo it doesn’t undergo the fluctuations that are typical of other reservoirs. As a result a lot of the bank is covered by masses of marsh vegetation. The higher than normal water temperature and the plains that surround it, used to grow irrigated crops, also favour the diversity of birds.

The reservoir is easily accessible as it is near to two major roads. From the north, from the EX-A1 between Navalmoral de la Mata and Plasencia, turn off towards Casatejada and continue to Saucedilla, where you will find the Ornithological Park Information Office at the southern end of the town. Coming

71

Arrocampo Reservoir

A- 5

Sketch of the route and selected species

Residents

Summer visitors

Winter visitors

72

Grey Heron, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Little Bittern, Squacco Heron, Purple Swamphen, Great Crested Grebe, Common Coot, Gadwall, Marsh Harrier, Red Kite, Eurasian Black Vulture, Black-winged Kite, Penduline tit, Bearded tit, Red Avadavat White Stork, Eurasian Spoonbill, Black-crowned Night Heron, Black Kite, Short-toed Eagle, Booted Eagle, Lesser Kestrel, Gull-billed Tern, Red-necked Nightjar, European Bee-eater, Reed Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Savi’s Warbler Great Cormorant, Great Bittern, Osprey, Merlin, Golden Plover, Bluethroat, Reed Bunting

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

from the south, from the A-5 between Navalmoral de la Mata and Trujillo, there are two options: you can take exit 190 towards Saucedilla or go through Almaraz, which has three exits from the A-5 between kilometre 193 and 200.

The road between Almaraz and Saucedilla crosses one of the ends of the reservoir via a low bridge.

Description of the route The trip suggested is the two routes offered by the Ornithological Park of Saucedilla. Route 1 is 4 km long over dirt tracks, with stops at four hides. It can be done on foot or by car, if the track is in an adequate state. Route 2 is a short car journey between Saucedilla and a nearby irrigation pool. Both routes start at the Information Office, at the south end of the town of Saucedilla, next to a canal and a football pitch. Inside the office there is a panel describing the routes, which are easy to follow as they are well marked out and sign-posted.

In total there are five hides, which are relatively small and, unless someone is using them, are kept locked. The keys can be borrowed from the Information Office, but this has slightly irregular opening times and days that aren’t always adapted to the best times to see birds (dawn, for example). If you find the hides locked an alternative is to use the access ramps as viewpoints. Although certain species are mentioned here at each stop point in reality it’s possible, with time and luck, to see these birds throughout the whole route.

Route 1 starts at the office and Hide no. 1 is only 200 m further on. It offers a wide view and the possibility of seeing marsh birds such as Purple Swamphen, Water Rail, Little Bittern, Savi’s Warbler and Squacco Heron. Continuing southwest you reach Hide no. 2, perhaps more interesting, with the difficult Great Bittern and Bluethroat present in winter and the Purple Heron, Bearded Tit and Penduline Tit in spring. Again going southwest you will find Hide no. 3, with a good view of the reservoir and its inner wall, a nesting site for White Stork and a resting place for Great Cormorants and herons. It’s also a good place to see duck, Common Coot, Great White Egret and grebes. Returning eastwards you will reach Hide no. 4, located next to the road bridge.

Although the main windows look over a mass of bulrushes populated by the usual marsh birds, the view towards the east is more interesting, towards an end of the reservoir that is a favourite haunt of Marsh Harrier and all species of heron. You can also watch from the road bridge, which has a large improvised car park and where you can also walk. The water extends on both sides of the bridge, and is a good place to watch birds in flight, such as herons (and bitterns), Gull-billed Tern and Osprey. Return to the starting point on foot via

73

Arrocampo Reservoir

a path parallel to the road. You can vary the route by doing it in reverse, just visiting some of the hides or stopping as you choose along the banks.

Route 2 also starts at the Information Office, crossing Saucedilla northwards and taking the last street on the left in the town. It continues along a paved and dirt track that passes through farmland, pasture and dehesa for 3.8 km. In this section it’s possible to see Black-winged Kite and Great Spotted Cuckoo, among other birds. At the end of the track there is a large concrete tower (to raise the irrigation water), where you should turn left, staying on the right of Cerro Alto pool, where you will find Hide no. 5. There are remains of flooded dry Holm oaks within the pool, which in their day had a colony of Grey Heron and that now serve as a roost for Great Cormorant and, occasionally, Great White Egret and Osprey. Route 2 ends at this point, however, Dehesa Nueva pool is about 2.5 km southwards and several kilometres after you cross another end of Arrocampo Reservoir. This expanse of water opens up new possibilities of seeing more aquatic birds: European Bee-eater during the breeding season; geese, Golden Plover and Stone Curlew in winter; and various birds of prey throughout the year. Finally, don’t forget that the towns and villages in the area (Saucedilla, Casatejada, Almaraz) have colonies of Lesser Kestrel living in their churches, birds that abound throughout the route.

Ornithological interests Arrocampo Reservoir is the best place to see marsh birds in Extremadura. The biggest populations in the region, and sometimes the only ones, of various species can be found here, such as Purple Swamphen, Purple and Squacco Herons, Savi’s Warbler and Bearded Tit. You are almost certain to see Marsh

Squacco Heron

74

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

Harrier and it’s possible to see Hen Harrier in winter. During the migration periods the richness of the species here is increased by the appearance of Bluethroat (present in winter), Sedge Warbler, Eurasian Spoonbill, Great White Egret and Little, Spotted and Baillon’s Crakes.

In general, amongst the aquatic birds the herons are best represented, with the possibility of seeing all the Spanish species. There is also a large group of rallidae (Purple Swamphen, crakes, Water Rail, Moorhen, Common Coot), ducks (particularly Gadwall and Mallard), Great Cormorants, storks and grebes. All these make Arrocampo, without doubt, the best place in Extremadura to watch marshland species.

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Osprey

Best time to visit Arrocampo can be visited throughout the year, although in July and August the high temperatures can be uncomfortable during the middle of the day. In these months we recommend doing the route at dusk or dawn. The biggest attractions in spring are watching the herons that breed here (Little Bittern, Purple, Grey, Squacco and Black-crowned Night Herons, with recent attempts by the Eurasian Spoonbill to breed) and marsh birds (warblers, including Savi’s Warbler, Bearded and Penduline Tit, Purple Swamphen). In winter, if you are lucky, you can see Great Bittern and Osprey and there are numerous Marsh Harriers and Great Cormorants. Due to the exceptional conditions of the water temperature occasionally there are birds typical of the summer here in winter, such as various species of swallows, Squacco Heron and Little Bittern. During migration periods (August to October and March and April) there is a mixture of the species previously mentioned, plus the appearance of numerous birds on passage, increasing the ornithological richness of Arrocampo.

75

Arrocampo Reservoir

Other environmental and cultural interest There is a large expanse of dehesa between Arrocampo and Monfragüe. It’s best to keep to the minor roads to enjoy them, such as that linking Serrejón and La Bazagona or those leading to Toril. The hundred-year old cork oak tree “El Abuelo” (the grandfather) is in this municipality and the enormous Holm oak “La Marquesa” is in Navalmoral de la Mata. The ecological corridor of the pine groves of the River Tiétar is also nearby, with the only indigenous pine groves in Extremadura. They grow along the banks of the Tiétar in the municipalities of Talayuela, Casatejada, Majadas and Toril. Some of these pine groves shelter magnificent colonies of White Stork, Grey Heron and Black Kite.

The towns and villages in the area have small examples of traditional and monumental architecture, such as the parish churches of Saucedilla, Casatejada and Almaraz and the medieval castle of Belvís de Monroy, dating from the 13th and 14th centuries. You can also see the remains of another castle in Almaraz.

Food specialities include cheeses, sausages, “migas extremeñas” (fried breadcrumbs) and large game dishes. The Romería de Rocamador in Almaraz (a religious procession) and the Carnivals of Navalmoral de la Mata are the most notable festivals.

Texts: Javier Prieta Díaz

Birdwatchers

76

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Areas of interest (ZEPA Embalse Arrocampo) ACCOMMODATION

SERREJÓN

ALMARAZ

H**** AGUAS DE SERREJON

HS* PORTUGAL AVENIDA DE LA CONSTITUCION, 7 927544070 / 927544095

HS* PORTUGAL II AUTOVÍA DE EXTREMADURA, KM. 200 927545161 / 927545162

ROMANGORDO HS* LA PLAYA DE ROMANGORDO

FINCA CASADELMAZO, 927547749 / 617355479

HR EL ALCAUDÓN C/ CAGANCHAS, 13 927547600 / 924547601

NAVALMORAL DE LA MATA H* LOS GRANADOS CTRA. NACIONAL V, KM. 181 927530750 / 927530758

H* MOYA

HS** SAUCES, LOS CTRA. NACIONAL V, KM. 182,2 927533303

P SALAMANCA ANTONIO CONCHA, 67 927534844 / 627034122

P ZARAGOZA ZARAGOZA, 10 927531822

CASATEJADA HS* NOGAL DE CASATEJADA, EL CARRETERA NAVALMORAL, KM. 9,7 927547325

CTRA. NACIONAL V

CARRETERA N-V, KM. 180,800 927530500

CR LA SARTENILLA

HS** BAMBA, LA

CR EL BOTANICO

C/ RETAMAR, 22 927576538 / 686089117

CTRA. NACIONAL V, KM. 178,7 927530850 / 927530854

PLAZA ESPAÑA, 5 927547325

H: HOTEL / HA: HOTEL APARTMENTS / HS: HOSTAL / P: PENSIÓN / AT: TOURIST APARTMENTS / CR: GUEST HOUSE ATR: RURAL APARTMENTS / HR: HOTEL RURAL / A: RURAL HOSTEL / CT: CAMPING

White Stork

77

Blackcap

78

R U T A S

Sierra de San Pedro

O R N I T O L Ó G I C A S

P O R

E X T R E M A D U R A

8

Location and access The route is in the region of the Sierra de San Pedro, on the border of the provinces of Cáceres and Badajoz, although this route is completely in the last.

It starts from the town of Alburquerque, which can be reached from Badajoz by the EX –110, from Herreruela by the EX -324, from Aliseda by the EX -303, or from San Vicente de Alcántara by the EX -110.

Description of the route The route is 27.4 km long, there and back, from Alburquerque to the Castle of Azagala. It is best done partly by car and partly on foot, in one day. The most notable thing about this route is that it goes through a thinly populated area, which has not been altered by any large infrastructures (except for the Peña del Águila Reservoir). From the top of Sierra de Santiago you look over a large dehesa area flanked by mountain ranges of less than 600 m.a.s.l. (only Mount Torrico is higher than this, at 703 m.a.s.l.), with a few farmhouses dotted around them

79

Sierra de San Pedro

Sketch of the route and selected species

Residents

Summer visitors Winter visitors Passage migrants

80

Spanish Imperial Eagle, Eurasian Black Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Bonelli’s Eagle, Common Stonechat Black Stork, Egyptian Vulture, Short-toed Eagle, Booted Eagle Dunnock, Eurasian Bullfinch, Common Wood Pigeon, Common Crane Osprey, Pied Flycatcher, Spotted Flycatcher

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

and hardly any electricity cables, thanks to the various actions to modify these carried out within LIFE projects by the General Directorate of the Environment.

This means you can see many species of birds in a density that would be unthinkable in other areas of Europe. This interesting route in the Sierra de San Pedro goes through the most representative habitats of this protected natural area and, with a bit of luck, you will be able to see the most representative birds, as in the area of this route several pairs of Spanish Imperial Eagle, Eurasian Black Vulture, Black Stork, Golden Eagle and Egyptian Vulture nest.

The route starts from the town of Alburquerque, at the street San Antón, next to the bullring “plaza de toros” (X:0673458, Y: 4343090), (it is best to do this first part by car, as it is quicker and the asphalted road doesn’t have a hard shoulder so could be dangerous to walk along). The first part of the route is along an asphalted road that runs between traditional stone walls and some wire fencing, next to small orchards and family farms set in a wonderful dehesa of Holm and cork oaks. The route goes along the side of the Sierra del Puerto del Centinela, which is very close by, on the right, and dehesa and plains on the left, with Mount Torrico of the Sierra de San Pedro in the background.

(X: 0675300, Y: 4342685) At this point the turn off to the entrance of the Convent de los Frailes Viejos is on the right and at the top of the mountain range you can make out a large hollow known as “El Ojo del Diablo” (the devil’s eye). Continue straight on along the road and at point (X:0676387, Y: 4342515) you will find the turn off on the right, in a eucalyptus grove, to the cork oak “El Abuelo” (the grandfather) which is 600 m away in a pretty livestock dehesa. Keep going straight on along the road, which now has a eucalyptus grove on the right and an orange orchard on the left. A little further on you will find the spring “Elvira Vaca” on the right, with a large pool in which you can refresh yourself on hot days. From here you will have a good view of a large part of the Sierra de San Pedro and a magnificent Holm oak in front of you. Continue along the road to point (X:068547, Y: 4341837), where you should turn left. Here you will find a slate sign with “al Castillo” (to the castle) written on it.

It is best to leave your car here and continue on foot, as some sections of the road are in a bad state, not suitable for cars, and as it will also then be possible to see more species of birds and enjoy the nature around you. By this point you have already done about 6 km of the route, with about 12 more to go, out and back, which can be done in a few hours, stopping to eat something at midday. Continuing straight on down the road you will see several pig farms and a lot of sheep. There are also some slate signs with “al Castillo” (to the castle), to help you find the way. When you reach point (X: 0678840, Y: 4343035) you will find a sign saying “Ermita de los Santiagos” (a small chapel which is worth visiting) and a sign with “al Castillo” on the right, which you should fol-

81

Sierra de San Pedro

low. After a fair walk between dehesa with varying densities of trees and going past a large Iberian pig farm you will reach point (X: 0683882, Y: 4342860), where there is another fork in the road, signposted “el Pantano” to the right and “al Castillo” to the left. You can clearly see both from here: the castle is on top of the low Sierra de Santiago and the reservoir is within the gully of the valley of the River Albarragena. Go left and continue on until you reach the castle.

It is 13.7 km from the start of the route in Alburquerque to here and the road up to the castle is private so it’s a good spot to stop for a picnic lunch, enjoy the view and rest a little before starting back. From the Castle of Azagala there is a good view of most of the Sierra de San Pedro and its spurs. You can also see Mount Torrico and the mountain ranges Sierra de Los Leones, Sierra del Puerto del Centinela, Sierra de La Caraba, Sierra Fría, etc.

Ornithological interests The jewel of this route is, without doubt, the Spanish Imperial Eagle, of which there are four breeding pairs in a 15 km radius from the route. It is also easy to see Eurasian Black Vulture, which has a large breeding population in the area; Black Stork, which, as well as breeding in the area, uses the end of the reservoir as a gathering area before migration; and Bonelli’s Eagle, of which there are several pairs nesting in the cliffs and trees. However, Peregrine Falcon is very scarce; it nested in the gully of the Albarragena for some years, but now it’s only possible to see in winter. In contrast, Golden Eagle can frequently be seen at any time of year, as can Griffon Vulture, which has a large breeding population and so can easily be found right from the start of the route. Other frequently seen birds of prey are Short-toed Eagle, Booted Eagle, Egyptian Vulture and Eurasian Sparrowhawk and in the historical centre of Alburquerque there is a large breeding population of Lesser Kestrel. Nocturnal species include Eagle Owl, a rock-dwelling species that lives in large numbers in the rocky cliffs, even in the area close to the town. The most abundant owl is Little Owl, which can be found at dusk in most open Holm oak groves and the areas of granite rocks.

Tawny Owl can be found in the thickest Holm oak groves and Barn Owl in various farmhouses in the area and in some of the old, ruined houses in the town.

Other common species in the area are European Nuthatch, closely linked to the mature cork oak groves and very frequent in the area around the cork oak “El Abuelo”; Azure-winged Magpie, a very pretty colonial corvid associated with dehesa; Woodlark, the lark species most closely connected to wooded areas in Extremadura, easily detected by its melodic song, Hoopoe, Common Cuckoo, Nightingale, Great, Blue and Long-tailed Tits.

82

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

Eurasian Black Vulture (behind) and Griffon Vulture

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Cork oak “El Abuelo”

Best time to visit This route can be done at any time of the year and won’t be disappointing in any season, although you should take some considerations into account.

There are more species to observe in spring and summer, as there are various migratory species in the area in these seasons, such as Black Stork, Egyptian Vulture, Booted and Short-toed Eagles. However, you must bear in mind that spring is the breeding period, so you must keep to the route to avoid causing any disturbance that could affect the breeding success.

This area is very hot in summer, so avoid the middle hours of the day (which are also the hours in which the birds are less active and so it’s difficult to see them).

The stag rutting occurs in autumn and it’s easy to hear the bellowing and crashing of antlers on the banks of the reservoir. From some look-out posts it is also easy to watch the event if you have good optical equipment (telescopes or binoculars).

Winter is the hunting season. The farms that surround the route in the area of the castle and the reservoir are private farms dedicated to big game hunting and hunts often take place between November and February. As a result you should check in the village if there are any hunts happening and you shouldn’t do the route if there are.

83

Sierra de San Pedro

Don’t forget: Don’t disturb the people who live or work in the surrounding area. Most of the farms that surround the route are private farms so you must not leave any gate open or disturb the livestock.

Other environmental and cultural interest The stag rutting season is at the end of August and in September (the date can vary according to the climatic conditions), commonly known in Extremadura as the “berrea” (bellowing). The males fight to keep the harem of females with which they mate, becoming more confident at this time and leaving the thick cover of the forests for the open plains and dehesa.

It’s worth making the 600 m deviation from the route to see the cork oak “El Abuelo” (the grandfather). This magnificent cork oak was designated an “outstanding tree” by the botanist Diosdado Simón Villares.

Ethnographic interest: In the surrounding area there are a lot of traditional constructions built using local materials which are worth stopping to have a look at, such as stone walls, traditional huts, stone ovens, pigsties, etc.

Mushrooms: in autumn you can find a lot of species of edible mushrooms in the area, including Boletus aereus, Boletus edulis, Macrolepiota procera and, less common, Amanita caesarea.

Rock Art: there are a lot of expressions of rock art in the area, such as the paintings of La Cruz de San Blas, or in the gully of the castle. There are also others in various small caves in the crags in the area, but these are more difficult to get to. There are numerous megalithic monuments in the area around San Vicente de Alcántara and Valencia de Alcántara, with almost a hundred dolmens and menhirs.

Castles, apart from the Castle of Azagala, which this route takes you to, there are three more castles you can see nearby: Castle of Luna in Alburquerque, to which you can take a guided tour.

Castle of Mayorga in the farm Galana de Mayorga, which is on the road that connects La Codosera and San Vicente de Alcántara. This is a private farm but a minor road crosses the bottom of the farm, leading to Alcorneo, which will take you up to the castle, set in well-conserved countryside.

Castle of Piedrabuena, in the dehesa of Piedrabuena, you can reach this castle via an asphalted road that connects the road from San Vicente de Alcántara to Alburquerque with the road that connects Alburquerque and Herreruela. The castle is very well conserved but is privately owned, so you can’t go inside.

Texts: Juan Pablo Prieto

84

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Areas of interest (ZIR Sierra de San Pedro) ACCOMMODATION

H**** PARADOR DE TURISMO DE CACERES

ALISEDA

ANCHA, 6 927211759

A EL PERICUTO

H**** V CENTENARIO

PARAJE DE LA MINA 699817346

MANUEL PACHECO, S/N 927232200

AT LOS ALISOS

H*** CASA DON FERNANDO

CRTA. ALBURQUERQUE 660503384 / 927277388 APARTAMENTOS TURÍSTICOS

PLAZA MAYOR, 30 927214279 / 927627176

HS** NEPTUNO AVDA. DE ALEMANIA, 19-1º 927236423

HS** PLAZA DE ITALIA C/ CONSTANCIA, 12 927627294

HS** ROSA, LA SANGUINO MICHEL, 8 927221750

HS* AL-QAZERES

AT EL POZO

H*** HUSA ALCANTARA

CAMINO LLANO, 34 927227000 / 927626959

CRTA. DE ALBURQUERQUE,10 927239973

AVENIDA VIRGEN DE GUADALUPE, 14 927223900

GENERAL MARGALLO, 61 927226329 / 927230402

H** ALFONSO IX

P CARRETERO

MORET, 20 927246400 / 927246404

PLAZA MAYOR, 22 927247482 / 927216122

H** DON CARLOS

P VIRGEN DE FATIMA

C/ DONOSO CORTÉS, 13-15 927225527

AVDA. VIRGEN DE LA MONTAÑA, 17, 2º IZQUIERDA 927211844

CR LOS ALISOS CTRA. DE ALBURQUERQUE 927240568 / 927277388

CARBAJO AT TAJO INTERNACIONAL C/ LA CONSTITUCIÓN,13 667743627 / 609361689

CR BALDÍO GRANDE BALDIO GRANDE CRTA. CARBAJO-SANTIAGO DE ALCÁNTARA KM 1.5 927491014 / 696466773

CÁCERES

H** DON JOSE PINTORES, 28 927240470 / 927213990

H** IBERIA-PLAZA DE AMÉRICA HERMANDAD, 12 927210906

P AMADO

P ZURBARÁN ROSO DE LUNA, 11 927210452

A LAS VELETAS C/ MARGALLO,36 927211210

H** NARANJOS, LOS

A CIUDAD DE CÁCERES

ALFONSO IX, 12 927243508 / 927243512

AVDA. UNIVERSIDAD, S/N 927102001 / 927216109

H* ARA

AT CASA PINTADA "EL LIBRO"

H***** PALACIO DE ARENALES

JUAN XXIII, 3 927223958

CN-521, KM.52,100 927620490 / 927620491

H* ARABIA RIAD

PLAZA LAS CANTERÍAS,7 695690556

PLAZA DEL DUQUE, 5 927220065 / 661304061

AT CASAS PINTADAS URBANAS "EL CUADRO"

H* CASTILLA

SANJUSTO, 45.

695690556 / 927626312

H**** A.H. AGORA C/ PARRAS,25 927626360 / 927260456

H**** EXTREMADURA HOTEL AVDA. V. DE GUADALUPE, 28 927629639

H**** GRAN HOTEL DON MANUEL SAN JUSTO, 15 927215478

H**** HOTEL CACERES GOLF

RIOS VERDES, 3 927244404

H* IBERIA PINTORES, 2 927247634

HS** ALAMEDA

PLAZA DE OBISPO GALARZA, 2 927246400

AT CACERES A

PLAZA MAYOR, 33-3º 927211262

PLAZA DE LA CONCEPCIÓN, 19,BAJO 927225150 / 645895361

HS** ALAMEDA PALACETE

AT CACERES B

MARGALLO, 45 927211674 / 627474404

PLAZA DE LA CONCEPCIÓN, 19, 1ºA 927225150 / 645895361

HS** ARGENTINA

CN-630, KM.558 927234600

SANGUINO MICHEL, 7 927222854

H**** NH PALACIO DE OQUENDO

HS** HERNAN CORTES

PLAZA DE SAN JUAN, 11-13 927215800

AT SALOR

FRAY BARTOLOMÉ DE LAS CASAS, 5 927243488

AT CACERES D CALLE VALDES,18 BAJO A 645895361

AT CACERES E C/ VALDES,18 BAJO B 645895361

85

Sierra de San Pedro

AT CASA PINTADA CUM LAUDE C/ MARGALLO Nº 102-A 927626312

AT CASA PINTADA LA PLAZUELA C/ GODOY,12 BAJO 695690556

AT CASA SIERPES SIERPES, 2 927180072 / 659706336

AT CASAS DE LA JUDERIA BARRIO DE SAN ANTONIO, 30 927220065

AT CIUDAD MONUMENTAL PLAZA DE LA CONCEPCIÓN , 19, 2ºB 927216306 / 627502749

HERRERUELA HR SIERRA DE SAN PEDRO ZURBARÁN, 8 927371641 / 686948442

AT EL BURACO

CR EL LINCE

CRTA. V. DE ALCANTARA S/N 927592029 / 629515647

CORTIJO LA TORA, APDO. 20 VALENCIA DE ALCANTARA 686965445 • 927491066

SAN VICENTE DE ALCÁNTARA H***** RIO SUBER CAMINO DE PIEDRA BUENA S/N 924410143 / 924410970

HR DEL PUEBLO

AT LA NORA 927594125 / 617452233

CR TURISMO RURAL LA NORA SAN BERNABÉ, 7 927594125 / 927584178

PUEBLA DE OBANDO HS* KILOMETRO 40 CARRETERA CACERES K. 40 924407196

HS* HERMANOS MENDEZ

A MOLINO DE JOLA

CR MONTENUEVO

CARRETERA SAN VICENTE-LA CODOSERA, K. 14 616346762

PARAJE MONTENUEVO S/N ACEÑA DE LA BORREGA 927599021 • 630621385

CR SIERRA DE SAN PEDRO

CR VIRGEN DE LA CABEZA

FINCA PARAJE LAS COSTERAS, 924410070 / 649303865

FINCA LA MORERA DE ARRIBA 924251791 • 676830547

CR LA VEGA

CR EL CASTAÑAR II

CAMINO DE LA VEGA S/N 924411202 / 616740091

NAL. 521, KM.149,8. PUERTO ROQUE 927584040

VALENCIA DE ALCÁNTARA CASERIA DE SAN PEDRO, S/N 927584129

CR EL CASTAÑAR IV

ALFACAR, 13 927668139

CR EL CASTAÑAR I

H* CLAVO, EL RAMON Y CAJAL, 14 927580268 • 927581020

H* IBERICA PASEO DE SAN FRANCISCO, 14 927580150

HS* NAIROBI HERNAN CORTES, 9 927580136

CR LA PORTILLA DEL JINIEBRO

CTRA CACERES-BADAJOZ, KM 39.5 924407316 / 669957883

PARAJE EL JINIEBRO ACEÑA BORREGA, LA 927599015

86

NAL. 521K, KM.149.8.

PUERTO ROQUE 927584040 NAL.521, KM. 149,8.

PUERTO ROQUE 927584040

HS* MIRASIERRA PACHECO

A EL BURACO

CR EL CASTAÑAR III

H**** CASA ESCOBAR JEREZ

P SERRANA, LA

CAMINO DEL MIRADOR, S/N 927592257 / 927234893

CR LA JIGUERA C/ CASIÑAS BAJAS, S/N VALENCIA DE ALCANTARA 669550655 • 927582591

CTRA. CACERES-BADAJOZ, KM 39 924407509

SANTIAGO DE ALCÁNTARA

CORTIJO LA TORA, APDO, 20 VALENCIA DE ALCANTARA 686965445 • 927491066 927491140

AVDA. DE EXTREMADURA,21 667078020

HR CONVENTO, EL

MEMBRÍO

CR EL ZORRO

SAN JUAN, 8 927580020

CR SOTO DE NISA FINCA LA MORERA DE ARRIBA ACEÑA BORREGA, LA 924220776 • 600432574

NAL. 521, KM. 149,8 PUERTO ROQUE 927584040

CR EL CIERVO CORTIJO LA TORA, APDO, 20 686965445 • 927491066

CR EL JABALI CORTIJO LA TORA. APDO. 20 927491066 • 686965445

CR SALTO DE CABALLO CASERÍO LA FONTAÑERA 927580865

ATR PINAR DE JOLA ANTOLINA DURÁN, S/N (JOLA) 690821624

ATR EL ARROYO LOS ARROYOS DE ABAJO (LAS HUERTAS DE CANSAS) 666829177 • 626195615

ATR HUERTA DEL SEVER

CR LA TORA

HUERTA LUNA S/N APDO, 10 639483667 • 924221157

CORTIJO DE LA TORA VALENCIA DE ALCANTARA 686965445 • 927491066

CASIÑAS BAJAS 927582591 • 669550655

ATR LA JIGUERA

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

ATR LA MACERA

CT AGUAS CLARAS

FINCA LA MACERA 927582299 • 639548709

CTRA. DE JOLA, KM. 3 927549099 • 927549099

ATR LOS OLIVOS AVDA. LISBOA URB. LOS OLIVOS S/N 927581006 • 927582312

ATR QUINTA DE LUNA ACEÑA LA BORREGA, S/N 924221157 • 639483667

ATR ROCAMADOR FINCA LA MACERA S/N 927582299 • 639548709

ATR VALBÓN FINCA LA MACERA 927582299 • 639548709

ATR EL JINIEBRO

VILLAR DEL REY

CALLE EMILIO RIVERO, 1 924414098

NTRA. SRA. DE GUADALUPE, S/N 685745103 / 924414475

PL. JOAQUÍN SALGADO, S/N SAN VICENTE DE ALCÁNTARA

TOURIST OFFICES

PLAZA MAYOR, 3

HUERTA LUNA, S/N 927491078 • 660451270 C/ CASA NUEVA, S/N 927599059 • 650408988

TEL.: 927010834 / 36 FAX: 927010835 O.T. MUNICIPAL DE CÁCERES

ATR PUERTO ROQUE

ANCHA,7

PUERTO ROQUE, S/N 927584171 • 627483550

TEL.: 927247172 O.T. ALBURQUERQUE

ATR SAN PEDRO HELECHO, S/N 660080648 • 699051305

INTERPRETATION CENTRES C.I. DE LA NATURALEZA ALAS

ATR EL REGATO

HUERTA LUNA S/N. 639483667

TEL.: 927 58 21 84 FAX.: 927 58 21 84

CR HACIENDA LOS CANCHALES

O.T. CÁCERES

ATR ALBORADA DEL SEVER

HERNÁN CORTES, S/N

HS* GALLEGO

ACEÑA LA BORREGA 927584062 • 636417812

ATR MARCELINO

O.T. VALENCIA DE ALCÁNTARA

PLAZA DE ESPAÑA, S/N

TEL.: 924 40 12 02 FAX: 924 40 12 02 O.T. ALISEDA

TEL.: 924 00 23 95 C.I. EL PÉNDERE LAGAR, 3 SANTIAGO DE ALCÁNTARA

TEL.: 927592311 C.I. DEL RÍO ZAPATÓN GUARDIA CIVIL S/N VILLAR DEL REY

TEL.: 924414002 WILDLIFE RECOVERY CENTRE C.R. DE FAUNA Y EDUC. AMBIENTAL LOS HORNOS

TESORO, S/N

CTRA. DEL RISCO S/N SIERRA DE FUENTES

TEL.: 927277002

TEL.: 927200170

H: HOTEL / HA: HOTEL APARTMENTS / HS: HOSTAL / P: PENSIÓN / AT: TOURIST APARTMENTS / CR: GUEST HOUSE ATR: RURAL APARTMENTS / HR: HOTEL RURAL / A: RURAL HOSTEL / CT: CAMPING

87

Great Bustard

88

P O R E X T R E M A D U R A Plains of Cáceres, 9 Magasca and Trujillo

R U T A S

O R N I T O L Ó G I C A S

Location and access A large plateau extends to the south of the River Tajo, cleaved by the Rivers Almonte and Tamuja, forming a gently undulating landscape, used mainly for livestock farming in the pastures and for growing rain-fed cereal crops. The route runs between the towns of Cáceres, Santa Marta de Magasca and Trujillo.

It is most easily accessed via the A-58 (formerly the N-521), which connects Trujillo and Cáceres. The main road to Cáceres is the A-66, whether coming from Mérida or from Plasencia. To reach Trujillo, take the A-5 from Mérida or Navalmoral de la Mata. If you are starting out from Monfragüe National Park there are various routes you can take, along less busy roads through beautiful countryside. As you leave Torrejón el Rubio you will find a crossroads from where you can head towards Trujillo along the EX-208 or to Cáceres via the EX-390.

89

Plains of Cáceres, Magasca and Trujillo

Sketch of the route and selected species

N-5

A-58

21

A-5

N-52 1

Residents

Summer visitors Winter visitors Passage migrants

Great Bustard, Little Bustard, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, White Stork Lesser Kestrel, Montagu’s Harrier, European Roller, Short-toed Lark Northern Lapwing, Golden Plover, Meadow Pipit, Skylark Northern Wheatear, Black-eared Wheatear, Whinchat, Tawny Pipit

Description of the route The route starts at the exit off the A-58 onto the CC-99 towards Santa Marta de Magasca. If you are travelling from Cáceres this exit is 7 km after the turning to Sierra de Fuentes (on the right) and from Trujillo the exit is10 km after the road crosses the River Gibranzos.

90

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Once you are on the CC-99 continue along this road for 14 km until you reach the town of Santa Marta de Magasca, after having passed the deep valley of the River Tamuja. Just after you enter the town, past the bus stop, take the road on the left that goes around the town. The route goes through an area of dehesa first and then goes down to the banks of the River Magasca before again crossing a vast area of pastures and farmland. 8 km from Santa Marta de Magasca you will reach a junction at which you can turn towards Monroy (22.2 km away) or to Trujillo (23.8 km). If you choose the first option you will get to the spectacular valley of the River Almonte (18 km from the junction), after going through areas of pastureland and some open dehesa. If you go towards Trujillo you will reach the EX-208, 18 km from the junction, which will take you directly to the town. The route ends in the historical centre of Trujillo, where you will continue to see interesting birds.

Ornithological interests This route goes through one of the most interesting areas in the region for birdwatching, not by chance crossing four areas that have been designated as Special Protection Areas for birds (SPA “Llanos de Cáceres y Sierra de Fuentes”, SPA “Magasca”, SPA “Riveros del Almonte” and SPA “Colonias de Cernícalo primilla de Trujillo”).

The complete route will allow you to see a great diversity of species in the most representative habitats of the region, with a clear predominance of natural pastureland and rain-fed cereal crops, interspersed with areas of Holm oak grove dehesa and scrubland (mostly broom and Spanish lavender). The main scenic contrasts arise around the river valleys, where there is an abrupt change from the dryness of the plains to the leafiness of the river courses, whose steep sides are completely covered by a dense vegetation of Holm oaks and wild olives.

There is a complete representation of steppe bird species in the areas of pastureland, with the populations of Calandra and Thekla Larks, Corn Bunting and Spanish Sparrow standing out for their abundance, which you can see throughout the route. Other species in this area include the Little Owl, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Hoopoe, Common Stonechat, Zitting Cisticola, Spotless Starling, Southern Grey Shrike and European Bee-eater. If you stop your car and look carefully you can also spot other birds that are present in smaller numbers, such as Short-toed Lark and Black-eared Wheatear.

You can see Great Bustards at any time of year, but they are easier to spot in spring when they are in display. It’s advisable to station yourself in high areas

91

Plains of Cáceres, Magasca and Trujillo

with good visibility and scan around the area using binoculars or a telescope to find these birds in these extremely vast areas. Little Bustards are also very abundant, although they can pass by unnoticed in the areas where the pasture or cereal crops have grown very high. Their insistent call during the mating period usually gives away their presence, as well as the sound they make in flight, which is a spectacular sight when they are in large flocks.

It’s best to stay in one place or walk around to see other pastureland species, such as Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Black-bellied Sandgrouse and Stone Curlew; you could follow the drovers’ trails that cross the route, for example.

There are also large numbers of European Roller and Lesser Kestrel, with some of the nesting boxes on the electricity poles being occupied by these species.

Colonies of Montagu’s Harrier have established themselves in various sections of the route, nesting in the cereal fields next to the road. They are intensely active from May onwards, when the first chicks hatch.

At the end of spring and start of summer the populations of migratory locust and other orthoptera are at their highest numbers and the birds feed on this resource. You can often see European Rollers, kestrels, Black Kites and other birds that feed on the thousands of invertebrates that can be found on the road alighted on the electricity poles and cables and on the wire fences near to the roads, where they are much more visible than in the pastures. This also forms the basis of the diet of the White Stork and Cattle Egret, species that form large colonies in the few trees in the area.

You shouldn’t be surprised to see Eurasian Black Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Raven or Egyptian Vulture, as the large numbers livestock feeding on these pastures offer a source of carrion for these scavengers. This area provides the main food supply for the large colonies of Eurasian Black Vulture that nest in the SPA “Sierra de San Pedro”. In the same way, large birds of prey, such as Spanish Imperial, Golden and Bonelli’s Eagles hunt in this area, attracted by the abundance of prey (rabbits, hares and partridges).

Montagu’s Harrier

92

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

During the autumn passage there are large numbers of Northern Wheatear, Black-eared Wheatear, Tawny Pipit, Pied Flycatcher, Whinchat and Yellow Wagtail, which you can often see from the road.

In winter species such as Golden Plover, Northern Lapwing, Hen Harrier, Meadow Pipit, Skylark, White Wagtail are common and even Black-headed and Lesser Black-backed Gulls, which fly around the many livestock pools. Large flocks of finches, mainly Goldfinch, Linnet, Greenfinch and European Serin gather in the large areas of thistles and other plants with seeds attractive to birds.

In the dehesa and scrubland areas that you’ll find before you reach the rivers Tamuja and Magasca the bird species change notably, with Common Buzzard, Booted Eagle, European Turtle Dove, Azure-winged Magpie, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Subalpine Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Dartford Warbler, Blue Tit, Great Tit, etc. being common in this habitat. On the slopes down to the riverbanks the vegetation is usually much thicker and more wooded, almost impenetrable. Some birds of prey exploit the safety of this thick cover to nest in (Black Kite, Short-toed Eagle, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Eagle Owl), along with Black Stork and typical forest species (Common Wood Pigeon, Eurasian Jay, Wren, European Nuthatch, Short-toed Treecreeper, Melodious Warbler). In the rocky outcrops of the slopes you can also find Blue Rock Thrush, Black Wheatear and Rock Bunting.

Along the river courses the presence of birds that nest on bridges is of interest, such as Crag Martin (easy to spot on the bridge over the River Tamuja), Redrumped Swallow and House Martin. There are good numbers of Little Ringed Plover, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, White Wagtail and Grey Wagtail on the sand and gravel banks, incessantly moving up and down the river.

At the end of this route you reach the town of Trujillo, one of only a few urban centres that have been declared a SPA, due to its large colonies of Lesser Kestrel. As you explore the streets of its historical centre you can see many of this species in flight, making their characteristic sound. You can also visit the breeding colonies that can be found in Plaza Mayor, the Convent of San Fran-

Male Montagu’s Harrier

Calandra Lark

93

Plains of Cáceres, Magasca and Trujillo

cisco, the Parador Tourist Hotel, Encarnación Street and the Palace of Albaida, the Palace of Luís Chaves and Plaza de Toros (this bullring is located in the outskirts of the town and has the biggest colony). You can also enjoy watching the many pairs of White Stork that build their nests on the roofs and bell towers of the historical buildings and have become one of the symbols of Trujillo.

The breeding population of Pallid Swift is also worth mentioning, which shares the habitat with the Common Swift.

Best time to visit Spring is the best time to do this route, as the birds in these areas include many summer visitors. It is also interesting in winter, when the winter visitors are present. The beauty of the steppe landscapes and their huge contrast with the river valleys makes this route a pleasure at any time of the year, even summer (avoiding the middle hours of the day).

Due to the low volume of traffic on the roads you can drive slowly so you can spot the birds more easily.

You mustn’t stay too long in the areas around the nesting colonies (Montagu’s Harrier, White Stork, Lesser Kestrel, Cattle Egret) and it’s advisable to keep a safe distance away to avoid disturbing the birds.

Other environmental and cultural interest You should visit Cáceres, a city that has been declared a World Heritage Site.

It has a very beautiful historical centre, which is in an excellent state of conservation, as well as a variety of cultural attractions.

Trujillo also has a lot of tourist appeal; within its historical centre you can visit the Jewish quarter, Church of San Martín, Church of Santiago, Arabic Castle and the museums of Pizarro and of Cheese and Wine.

In Cáceres you can also visit the Centre of Environmental Education “Olivar de los Frailes”, which has a lot of information about the protected areas in the region. In the town of Sierra de Fuentes you can visit the Centre of Recuperation of Fauna and Environmental Education “Los Hornos”.

Texts: Atanasio Fernández García

94

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Areas of interest (ZIR Llanos de Cáceres y Sierra de Fuentes, ZEPA Magasca y ZEPA Llanos de Trujillo)

ACCOMMODATION

H** IBERIA-PLAZA DE AMÉRICA

ALDEA DEL CANO

HERMANDAD, 12 927210906

CR VÍA DE LA PLATA

H** NARANJOS, LOS

PLAZA MAYOR, 8 927383060 / 666431420

ALFONSO IX, 12 927243508 / 927243512

CÁCERES H***** PALACIO DE ARENALES CN-521, KM.52,100 927620490 / 927620491

H**** A.H. AGORA C/ PARRAS,25 927626360 / 927260456

H**** EXTREMADURA HOTEL AVDA. VIRGEN DE GUADALUPE, 28 927629639

H**** GRAN HOTEL DON MANUEL SAN JUSTO, 15 927215478

H**** HOTEL CACERES GOLF CN-630, KM.558 (RESIDENCIAL CERES GOLF) 927234600

H**** NH PALACIO DE OQUENDO

A LAS VELETAS C/ MARGALLO,36 927211210

A CIUDAD DE CÁCERES AVDA. UNIVERSIDAD, S/N 927102001 / 927216109

H* ARA

AT CASA PINTADA "EL LIBRO"

JUAN XXIII, 3 927223958

PLAZA LAS CANTERÍAS,7 695690556

H* ARABIA RIAD

AT CASAS PINTADAS URBANAS "EL CUADRO"

PLAZA DEL DUQUE, 5 927220065 / 661304061

H* CASTILLA RIOS VERDES, 3 927244404

H* IBERIA PINTORES, 2 927247634

HS** ALAMEDA PLAZA MAYOR, 33-3º 927211262

HS** ALAMEDA PALACETE MARGALLO, 45 927211674 / 627474404

HS** ARGENTINA SANGUINO MICHEL, 7 927222854

HS** HERNAN CORTES FRAY BARTOLOMÉ DE LAS CASAS, 5 927243488

HS** NEPTUNO

SANJUSTO, 45.

695690556 / 927626312

AT SALOR PLAZA DE OBISPO GALARZA, 2 927246400

AT CACERES A PLAZA DE LA CONCEPCIÓN, 19,BAJO 927225150 / 645895361

AT CACERES B PLAZA DE LA CONCEPCIÓN, 19, 1ºA 927225150 / 645895361

AT CACERES D CALLE VALDES,18 BAJO A 645895361

AT CACERES E C/ VALDES,18 BAJO B 645895361

AT CASA PINTADA CUM LAUDE C/ MARGALLO Nº 102-A 927626312

PLAZA DE SAN JUAN, 11-13 927215800

AVDA. DE ALEMANIA, 19-1º 927236423

H**** PARADOR DE TURISMO DE CACERES

HS** PLAZA DE ITALIA

AT CASA PINTADA LA PLAZUELA

C/ CONSTANCIA, 12 927627294

C/ GODOY,12 BAJO 695690556

ANCHA, 6 927211759

H**** V CENTENARIO MANUEL PACHECO, S/N 927232200

HS** ROSA, LA SANGUINO MICHEL, 8 927221750

HS* ALMONTE

H*** CASA DON FERNANDO

GIL CORDERO, 6 927240925

PLAZA MAYOR, 30 927214279 / 927627176

CAMINO LLANO, 34 927227000 / 927626959

H*** HUSA ALCANTARA AVENIDA VIRGEN DE GUADALUPE, 14 927223900

H** ALFONSO IX MORET, 20 927246400 / 927246404

H** DON CARLOS

HS* AL-QAZERES

AT CASA SIERPES SIERPES, 2 927180072 / 659706336

AT CASAS DE LA JUDERIA BARRIO DE SAN ANTONIO, 30 927220065

AT CIUDAD MONUMENTAL PL. LA CONCEPCIÓN , 19, 2ºB 927216306 / 627502749

P AMADO GENERAL MARGALLO, 61 927226329 / 927230402

CÁSAR DE CÁCERES

P CARRETERO

HS** ENCINAS, LAS

PLAZA MAYOR, 22 927247482 / 927216122

CARRETERA NACIONAL 630, KM. 543 (Apdo. 10) 927291228 / 927291260

P VIRGEN DE FATIMA AVDA. VIRGEN DE LA MONTAÑA, 17, 2º IZQUIERDA 927211844

HS** RICHARDSON

C/ DONOSO CORTÉS, 13-15 927225527

H** DON JOSE

P ZURBARÁN

CR LA ENCARNACIÓN

PINTORES, 28 927240470 / 927213990

ROSO DE LUNA, 11 927210452

CAMINO DE LA ENCARNACIÓN S/N 927290701 / 630071070

CTRA. NACIONAL 630, KM 541 927290001

95

Plains of Cáceres, Magasca and Trujillo

SIERRA DE FUENTES CR LAS AVUTARDAS PLAZA DE COLON,12 927226233 / 652944335

TORREORGAZ HS** PARADOR DE LOS LLANOS C/ LA CRUZ,26 / 927205158

LA CUMBRE HS** NAYA AVDA. DE LA CONSTITUCION, 28 927331275 / 927331337

SANTA MARTA DE MAGASCA HS** SANTA MARTA PLAZA DE ESPAÑA, S/N 927284021 / 615936664

TRUJILLO HR PATRICIO PLAZA DEL CAMPILLO ,16 927659257

HR LAS HUERTAS PALMERA, 1 927659209 / 650953137

HR VIÑA LAS TORRES CAMINO DE BUENAVISTA S/N 927319350

H**** ISLA DEL GALLO PLAZA DE ARAGÓN,2 927320243

H**** NH PALACIO DE SANTA MARTA

927321963 / 927659351

P CRUCE, EL

HS** CONDE DE LA ENCINA

CARRETERA N- V, KM. 240 927338304

Conde de la Encina, 16 927323176 / 699485286

DOMINGO RAMOS, 11 927321604

PLAZA SANTIAGO, 2 927659223

P PLAZA MAYOR

HS** LEÓN

PLAZA MAYOR,6 927322313

PLAZA DEL CAMPILLO, 23-25 927321792

AT ARQUILLO

HS** PAULINO

ARQUILLO, 2 629781541

AVDA. MADRID, Nº 48 927659108 / 653994281

AT CASA BALLESTEROS

HS** EMILIA

C/ BALLESTEROS, 12B 927321695 / 627506855

PLAZA DEL CAMPILLO, 28 927320083 / 927321216

CR EL RECUERDO

HS** SAN MIGUEL SAN MIGUEL, 3 927322571

HS** HUESO C/ ARQUILLO, 1 927322820

HS** HIGUERA, LA Cañada Fria, s/n 927319041

HS** DOS ORILLAS C/ CAMBRONES,6 927659079

HS* ESTACIÓN, LA CARRETERA N-V, KM. 252 927321253

HS* VENTA DE MAGASCA Apartado Correos nº 63 927320149 / 927320132

HS* JULIO

C/ BALLESTEROS,6 927659190 / 927323165

Plaza del Campillo, 13 927321963 / 675615736

H**** PARADOR DE TURISMO DE TRUJILLO

HS* TRUJILLO

PLAZA DE SANTA BEATRIZ DE SILVA, 1 / 927321350

H**** IZAN TRUJILLO PLAZA DEL CAMPILLO, 1 927458900

H*** CIGÜEÑAS, LAS AVENIDA DE MADRID, S/N 927321250 / 927321251

H*** VICTORIA PLAZA DEL CAMPILLO, 22 927321819 / 927322962

H*** CASA DE ORELLANA PALOMAS, 5-7 927659265

H** PERÚ CTRA. DE MADRID, KM 251 927320745 / 927322599

H* JULIO PLAZA CAMPILLO, 9

P BONI

HS** EL MIRADOR DE LAS MONJAS

FRANCISCO PIZARRO, 4 927322274

HS* PAULINO II AVDA. DE LOS QUINTOS, 35 679424767

HS* NURIA PLAZA MAYOR, 27 927320907

HS* CADENA, LA PLAZA MAYOR, 5 927321463

HS* BLASÓN C/ SAN MIGUEL,19 927323406 / 619213608

HS* ORELLANA C/ RUIZ DE MENDOZA,2 610819847 / 927320753

P CASA ROQUE DOMINGO DE RAMOS, 30 927322313

PAGO DE SAN CLEMENTE 927319349 / 609684719

CR SANTA TERESA PAGO DE SAN CLEMENTE 927319203 / 658914355

CR LOS ÁLAMOS PAGO DE SAN CLEMENTE 927319203 / 658914355

CR LOS TORREJONES FINCA LOS TORREJONES 927490049 / 626747200

CR LAS CANTERAS CTRA. DE TRUJILLO A MONROY, KM. 6 609861315

PLASENZUELA P MOLOKAY TIENDA, 37 927331198

HR EL LABRIEGO C/ TIENDA S/N 927313716 / 927313715

TOURIST OFFICES O.T. MALPARTIDA DE CÁCERES MUÑOZ TORRERO, S/N MALPARTIDA DE CÁCERES 927276723 / 927276723

INTERPRETATION CENTRES C.I. SOBRE EL MONUMENTO NATURAL CTRA. BARRUECOS, S/N MALPARTIDA DE CÁCERES 927276236 C.I. DEL AGUA EL MOLINILLO CTRA. BARRUECOS, S/N MALPARTIDA DE CÁCERES TEL.: 927276236

H: HOTEL / HA: HOTEL APARTMENTS / HS: HOSTAL / P: PENSIÓN / AT: TOURIST APARTMENTS / CR: GUEST HOUSE ATR: RURAL APARTMENTS / HR: HOTEL RURAL / A: RURAL HOSTEL / CT: CAMPING

96

Sierra de Las Villuercas

R U T A S

O R N I T O L Ó G I C A S

P O R

E X T R E M A D U R A

10

Location and access This route is in the mountainous massif of the Sierra de Las Villuercas, in the southeast of the province of Cáceres. The suggested route starts in the town of Guadalupe, which can be reached, from the north, from the A-5 (Navalmoral de la Mata) by the EX-118; from the south, from the N-430 by the EX116 and the EX-102; from the east, from the A-5 (Miajadas); and, from the west, from Talavera de la Reina.

Description of the route The route is about 54 km long, out and back, along a mix of roads and forest trails, from the town of Guadalupe to the end of the suggested route. It’s designed to be done by car in one day, stopping and taking short walks at the most interesting observation points. The route goes through varied habitats.

At first it takes you towards the sources of the Rivers Guadalupejo and Ibor, between thick of groves of alder, ash, hazel and black poplar trees, then it goes up the mountain of Pico Villuercas, the highest point in the region at 1601 m.

97

Sierra de Las Villuercas

Sketch of the route and selected species

EX -11 8

Residents

Summer visitors

Winter visitors

Eurasian Black Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Bonelli’s Eagle, Coal Tit, Red-billed Chough Black Stork, Egyptian Vulture, European Honey Buzzard Short-toed Eagle, Booted Eagle, Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush, Alpine Swift Dunnock, Alpine Accentor, Eurasian Bullfinch, Common Wood Pigeon

The route starts in the town of Guadalupe, taking the small road that leads towards the viaduct of the abandoned railway line. Turn right at point (X:0299392, Y: 4368912), which coincides with a hairpin bend. From here the route takes you along a dirt track up the River Guadalupejo, a protected natural area that has been declared an Ecological Corridor. As you go along you

98

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

will discover a very well conserved riverine grove which is good for woodpeckers: Great Spotted, Green and Lesser Spotted. It’s also possible to see Dipper here, flying rapidly over the currents, hopping over the stones or diving in the clean, transparent water that is so essential to its survival. It has a small population in these mountain ranges. As well as the natural and scenic values of the area you can also enjoy the presence of flourmills, and blacksmiths, associated with the prosperity of Guadalupe and its monastery, declared a Historical-Artistic Ensemble and a World Heritage Site, respectively.

The route takes you to Los Molinos Reservoir, from where there is a magnificent view of the area known as Los Hoyicios, the source of the River Guadalupejo. Griffon Vulture, Egyptian Vulture and Peregrine Falcon nest in the quartzite crags of this spot. Continue along the track and turn right at point (X:0296656, Y: 4370768). From here you go upwards, skirting the mountain range, to admire one of the route’s most spectacular views: a mosaic of leafy Pyrenean oak, chestnut, black pine and gall oak groves and riverbank groves of alder, ash and poplar trees. The scenery is even more spectacular in autumn, when the deciduous trees turn golden. In spring and summer it’s possible to see European Honey Buzzard, which has a small breeding population in this area, the most southern in all of Spain. Continue along the track until you reach Guadalupe.

From here you should take the EX-118 towards Navalmoral de la Mata, then turn left at point (X:0297920, Y: 4371232) and take the road known as “la Carrera del Caballo”. This beautiful route runs next to the River Ibor along the Camino Real, a centuries-old pilgrimage road from Madrid to Guadalupe.

The nearby Humilladero is worth visiting, a Mudejar style chapel where pilgrims knelt down on seeing the Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe for the first time.

We would recommend you carry on by car, parking next to the sawmill located at point (X:02979900, Y: 4372083), to then continue on foot along the bank of the River Ibor, where it’s possible to see – or hear – the Western Bonelli’s

Castle of Cabañas del Castillo

99

Sierra de Las Villuercas

Warbler, restricted to the mountain tops of the Sistema Central, Villuercas and Sierra de Tentudía in Extremadura. You can also see other species of birds typical of deciduous woods and groves: Golden Oriole, Cirl Bunting, Nightingale, Eurasian Jay, Long-tailed Tit, etc. With a bit of luck you will also see some indigenous species such as the Iberian Frog, Schreiber’s Green Lizard and Roe Deer, which will bark at you from the thickness of the chestnut groves.

Go back to your car when you reach the point where the path starts veering away from the river. From here return to the turning off point, then take the narrow road that leads up to a military base (now disused) and the highest point in the region: Pico Villuercas (1.601 m). As you go upwards you will see an obvious change in the vegetation, with the forest masses of chestnut, pine, Pyrenean oak, gall oak and whitebeam being progressively substituted by the junipers, brooms and heathers of the mountains, where the conditions are more hostile towards vegetation. The geological beauty of the scenery and its extraordinary relief is equally striking; called Appalachian relief, it is a peculiar succession of parallel valleys and mountain ranges, with many folds, faults and residual rocky areas. It is a perfect nesting habitat for lots of species: Griffon Vulture, Bonelli’s Eagle, Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Black Stork, Egyptian Vulture, Eagle Owl, etc.

As a curious aside it’s worth mentioning that the road up to the summit forms the dividing line of waters between the basins of the Tajo and Guadiana in such a way that the currents that flow on the left belong to the Guadiana (Rivers Guadalupejo, Ruecas, Gargáligas, etc.) and those on the right to the Tajo (Rivers Viejas, Ibor, Almonte, etc.).

Park your car on the left at point (X:0295440, Y: 4371720) to visit “Pozo de la Nieve”. This huge well, dug out of the rock, was filled with ice during winter in order to conserve the food and medicines of the Monastery and town of Guadalupe. From here you can see the vast landscapes of the valley of the River Guadalupejo and the low mountain range of Rañas de Cañamero.

Peregrine Falcon

100

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

Once you reach the summit it isn’t difficult to see characteristic species of mountain scrubland and rocky outcrops, including: Black Wheatear, Black Redstart, Dunnock, Alpine Accentor, Blue Rock Thrush and Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush, a rare breeding summer species that only nests in these mountain tops in Villuercas. You can also hear the shrill carrousels of the Alpine Swifts, a species that has important breeding areas in these mountain ranges, and the jubilant calls of the flocks of Redbilled Chough, a bird which has an irregular and localized distribution in Extremadura.

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Eurasian Black Vulture

Ornithological interests Due to the diversity of the habitats this route has many and varied ornithological interests. The summer visitors that breed here stand out, such as the European Honey Buzzard, Black Stork, Booted Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, Blue Rock Thrush, Alpine Swift and Egyptian Vulture. The deciduous forest masses are the perfect habitat for nocturnal birds such as the Tawny Owl and there are isolated groups of Coal Tit in the pine groves. Western Bonelli’s Warbler and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker are common in the best conserved mountain forests. Peregrine Falcon, Golden Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle, Eagle Owl and Griffon Vulture nest in the crags and rocky outcrops, among other species. Numerous species, such as the Black Wheatear, Black Redstart, Dunnock, Alpine Accentor, Blue Rock Thrush and Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush, can be found in the summits, between the rocks and the creeping bushes. The Spanish Imperial Eagle, which still doesn’t breed regularly in this region, shares the habitat with another large scavenger, the Eurasian Black Vulture, which started to nest in these mountain ranges just over a decade ago, in what appears to be an expansion from the colonies of Monfragüe. Pairs now nest in the most northern enclaves of the region, giving almost spatial continuity to the colonies of Monfragüe.

101

Sierra de Las Villuercas

Best time to visit It can be done at any time of the year. Spring is the most productive season, with good daytime temperatures and the return of the summer birds: Black Stork, Egyptian Vulture, Booted Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, European Honey Buzzard, etc. Spring is also the breeding season and, as a general recommendation for all the routes, you must not stray from the established route to avoid disturbing the birds during this sensitive period. Although part of the route goes through a mountain area it is very hot in summer, so make sure you drink plenty of fluids and protect yourself properly from the sun, avoiding the middle hours of the day, which are also less favourable for watching the birds.

In autumn the colour of the deciduous trees, with their golden and yellow hues, marks this region culturally and scenically.

Other environmental and cultural interest The Villuercas mountains are scenically outstanding because of their formation, a succession of valleys and mountain ridges in parallel, known as Appalachian relief. Both within the central zone as well as the edges one can find a great diversity of residual reliefs, folds, fossils, old quarries and deposits.

The area is important in terms of endemism and botanical interest, with numerous species of woodland orchid, relict trees such as the laurel (Prunus lusitanica ssp. lusitanica), a survivor of the temperate periods of the Tertiary.

There is a high diversity of butterflies and dragonflies, indicators of the quality and diversity of the environment in this district.

Without doubt, Guadalupe with its monastery, declared a World Heritage Site

by UNESCO in 1993, and surrounding historic buildings, stands out amongst the towns and villages of the district.

On the summits and strategic ridges, there are many pre-Roman settlements and castles, which formed a defensive line along the Tajo valley during the reconquest.

The mountains conserve one of the most important collections of cave paintings in Extremadura, with more than 90 known sites where rock paintings can be found in sheltered overhangs, small caves and even exposed rocks. In Cañamero the Cueva Chiquita or Álvarez (Álvarez or Chiquita cave) is easy to visit. Some of the small caves around Berzocana are sign-posted and have information boards in place.

Texts: Víctor Manuel Pizarro Jiménez

102

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Areas of interest (ZEPA de las Villuercas y Valle del Guadarranque) ACCOMMODATION ALÍA H* VALMAYOR CARRETERA EX-102, PARC. 91.

POL. 21 927366515 / 927366270

CR PUERTA SOLANA C/ LOS POSITOS,4 927150225

CR LA COSTANA FINCA LOS CONCEJILES 927151626

CASTAÑAR DE IBOR HS** SOLAIRE CTRA. DE GUADALUPE, 29 927554125 / 927554125

HR LAS MOZAS

P GARCÍA

CR LA JARA DE LAS VILLUERCAS

AVDA. DE GUADALUPE, 10 927554387

PANTANO DE CIJARA 927366475

CALLE ESTRECHA, 2 927151009 / 676631137

CR AMANECER

ATR EL NIDO DE LA COLLALBA

CT LOS IBORES

P MONTERO, EL AVDA. LUIS CHAMIZO, 40 927366011

CR EL ESTRECHO DE LA PEÑA CTRA. EX.102, KM.92,300 927366289 / 616683486

ATR EN PLENA SIERRA LA CALERA 616683486

ALDEACENTENERA

Plaza Juan de Ureta,13 927151009 / 676631137

AT LA PEÑA C/ CUESTA, 2,4,6,8 927151067 / 620254612

CAÑAMERO

C/ EUROPA,17 927554730 / 927554733 CRTA. GUADALUPE-NAVALMORAL DE LA MATA KM 30 927554654 / 927554654

DELEITOSA CR LLANO DEL PINO CTRA. RETAMOSA, KM. 650 659962323

ATR LA CORAJA

H** RUIZ

HERNAN CORTES,99 927314129 / 676098523

PABLO GARCIA GARRIDO, 2 927157125 / 927157075

HR LOS IBORES

AT CRISTINA

CR EL TALLER DE BENITO

LIBERTAD, Nº 7 927419028 / 653068019

C/ALCORNOCAL, 2 927369471 / 646951533

C/ CALVO SOTELO,21-23 927575251 / 927575238

BERZOCANA HR REAL VILLA DE BERZOCANA

ATR CANCHO DEL FRESNO UMBRÍA DEL COLMENAR 680452006 / 659230881

ATR LA ALBERGUERÍA

PLAZA DE ESPAÑA,15 927150052 / 927150139

CRTA. EX102 KM. 61,700 902193014 / 670432681

CR EL RINCÓN DE LOS CEREZOS

ATR CANDELA

FINCA SOLANA DEL CUERVO 927195001 / 690667582

CR FINCA LA SIERRA FINCA LA SIERRA (CASA RURAL) 669264449 / 676806861

ATR FINCA LA SIERRA FINCA LA SIERRA 669264449 / 676806861

CABAÑAS DEL CASTILLO

PARAJE "HORCAJO" PARECELA 97 POL. 4 653673373 / 927195316

FRESNEDOSO DE IBOR

CR CASA GRANDE C/ CALVO SOTELO, 13 927575382 / 679818120

ATR ALVAREZ C/PRIMO DE RIVERA,8 927575346

GUADALUPE HR ATALAYA CTRA. DE NAVALMORAL, S/N 927154322 / 927154226

HR POSADA DEL RINCÓN CARRASCALEJO CR LA CASA DEL PRACTICANTE GARCIA TAFALLA, 14 689037634

CR LA PEÑA

ATR CARRASCALEJO R USTICO

PLAZA DE JUAN URETA, 8 927151067 / 620254612

CTRA. DE NAVATRASIERRA S/N 927555058 / 927555200

PLAZA DE SANTA MARÍA DE GUADALUPE,11 927367114

H**** PARADOR DE TURISMO ZURBARÁN MARQUES DE LA ROMANA, 12 927367075

H** HISPANIDAD BLAS PEREZ, 1 927154210

103

Sierra de Las Villuercas

H** HOSPEDERÍA DEL REAL MONASTERIO

ALFONSO ONCENO, S/N 927367301 927154144

PLAZA DE JUAN CARLOS I 927367000

CR BAÑOS

HS** ALBA TARUTA EL CHORRO GORDO, 2 927154444 / 927367301

HS** ALFONSO XI ALFONSO ONCENO, 21 927154287

HS** CEREZO II

ALFONSO MORENO, 25 649857541 / 646247383

VILLAR DEL PEDROSO CR LAS LUCIAS

PLAZA DE SANTA MARIA,44 927154067 / 665818001

FINCA LAS LUCIAS, CTRA. GUADALUPE, S/N (NAVATRASIERRA) 927198626 / 629784609

CR ABACERIA

CR EL PEDROSO

C/ NUEVA, 22 927154282 / 650208405

PLAZA DEL AYUNTAMIENTO,7 607943314 / 648113786

CR LA CLARA

PLAZA SANTA MARIA DE GUADALUPE, 33 927154177

CR LOS CHORRANCOS

HS** ISABEL

CR MOLINO EL BATÁN

O.T. GUADALUPE

NUEVA DE LOS CAPELLANES, 10 927367126 / 676233675

CAMINO DEL MATO KM 7 927154184 / 927154287

PZ. STA. Mª DE GUADALUPE

HS** LUJUAN

CARRETERA DE VILLANUEVA, S/N 927367139 / 927367028

GREGORIO LOPEZ, 21 927367170

HS** POLKY AVENIDA ALFONSO XI, 26 927367057 / 927367375

HS* ALTAMIRA LA CRUZ, 4 927367493 / 927154265

HS* CEREZO GREGORIO LOPEZ, 12 927367379

HS* ISABEL PLAZA SANTA MARIA DE GUADALUPE, 13 927367126

HS* TARUTA

CUARTEL, 9 675954106

AT PISCINA SILOE

TOURIST OFFICES

GUADALUPE

TEL.: 927154128 FAX: 927154128

C LAS VILLUERCAS-GUADALUPE

INTERPRETATION CENTRES

CARRETERA VILLANUEVA (HUERTA DEL RIO) 927367139 / 927367561

C.I. SOBRE EL MONUMENTO NATURAL Y LA COMARCA

NAVEZUELAS HS** J.B.

CTRA. DEL CAMPING, S/N CASTAÑAR DE IBOR

TEL.: 927554635

AVDA. DE EXTREMADURA,66 927151800 / 927151688

CR VALLE DEL ALMONTE C/ ROTURAS 7 A 927151624 / 650923739

H: HOTEL / HA: HOTEL APARTMENTS / HS: HOSTAL / P: PENSIÓN / AT: TOURIST APARTMENTS / CR: GUEST HOUSE ATR: RURAL APARTMENTS / HR: HOTEL RURAL / A: RURAL HOSTEL / CT: CAMPING

Common Swift

104

O R N I T O L Ă“ G I C A S P O R E X T R E M A D U R A Diversion Dam Rivers 11 Guadiana and Caya

R U T A S

Location and access The River Guadiana is dammed by a diversion dam as it flows past the city of Badajoz, a small regulation dam that keeps the level of the river practically constant. Downstream from the diversion dam the River Guadiana returns to its natural form and 6.5 km later the River Caya flows into it on its right side.

Both banks of the river are reached from Badajoz.

Description of the route You can make an ornithological trip along the River Guadiana along either of its banks, as both have good access and present lots of opportunities for birdwatching.

105

Diversion Dam rivers Guadiana and Caya

Sketch of the route and selected species

0 -1 EX

Residents

Summer visitors

Winter visitors Passage migrants

7

EX-310

A -5

Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Common Coot Mallard, Common Sandpiper Reed Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Sand Martin, European Bee-eater, Black-crowned Night Heron, Little Bittern Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Common Snipe, Great Cormorant Squacco Heron, Wood Sandpiper, Osprey, Water Pipit

ROUTE ALONG THE LEFT BANK Section 1. The route starts at the bridge “Puente de la Autonomía”, which is the first of four bridges over the Guadiana as you go downstream. It can be reached without problems from any point of the city, as it is one of main exit routes towards Cáceres by the EX-100 via the ring road (Ronda de la Circunvalación). The way up to the bridge is at the junction of the streets Suárez Figueroa, Morales, San Antón and Joaquín Costa, where you will find a roundabout presided over by the unmistakable sculpture of “The Three Poets”. From

106

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

the bridge you can enjoy excellent views of a section of the river where its course narrows, coinciding with the River Zapatón flowing into it from the left and the River Gévora from the right, a bit further up. There are also excellent views of the Arabic Castle (Alcazaba) and the Old Centre of Badajoz. From the head of the bridge you can comfortably travel along the bank, reaching a section over 800 m long that has been perfectly conditioned for its recreational use (benches, terraces, viewpoints, landscaped areas) and that affords magnificent views of the river, completely isolating you from the hustle and bustle of the city. Keep going along this path until you reach the bridge known as Puente Viejo or Puente de Palmas, opposite Puerta Palmas, a monumental gate that formed part of the wall that surrounded the city in ancient times and which is one of the symbols of Badajoz. Puente Viejo is a footbridge, so it’s perfect for birdwatching, giving an exceptional viewpoint. It’s possible to see many species in the water and the thick vegetation along the banks, as well as birds in flight over the river. Next the route continues parallel to the riverbank until you reach the third bridge, Puente de la Universidad, where the footpath ends and a narrow track starts that goes through river groves for 1 km.

The track ends at Puente Real (the fourth bridge), easily recognisable due to its central pillars, over 80 m high, and radial support braces. The first section along the left bank, which is 1.9 km long and can only be done on foot, ends at this point.

Section 2. At the junction of the Calle del Paseo Fluvial and the Avenida del Guadiana a dirt track leads off that goes under the bridge Puente Real and that, 250 m later, joins an asphalted road that runs parallel to the river. The road is 1800 m long and ends at a roundabout after the building of Badajoz Canoeing Club.

This section of the route can be done by car, stopping to watch birds or take short walks. The route can also be done on foot, following the path between the asphalted road and riverbank, which lets you get closer to the water and vegetation of the riverbank. A dirt track leads off from the roundabout, 270 m long, which leads to the wall of the diversion dam, where you will find an excellent viewpoint for birdwatching. You can end the route here or continue downstream on foot along a dirt track.

ROUTE ALONG THE RIGHT BANK You will find a roundabout in the Avenida de Elvas (going towards Portugal and coinciding with the N-V), in the section of the road between the bridges Puente de la Universidad and Puente Real, on which you must take the third exit (to the left), following the sign saying “Cañada Sancha Brava”. Once you’ve gone under the Puente Real continue along the road until you reach a turning on the

107

Diversion Dam rivers Guadiana and Caya

left (about 1250 m from the bridge) and a dirt track will take you to another asphalted road that runs along the riverbank until it reaches the wall of the diversion dam. From here there are two options you can take. The first is to continue downstream along a dirt track in good condition that runs parallel to the riverbank for about 7 km, until it reaches the mouth of the River Caya. The other possibility is to take the dirt track that leads out from the diversion dam and takes you to an asphalted road (passing a ham factory on the left). From this point follow the road until it crosses a small ford, at which point the road turns into a dirt track. Keep on this track and after 1250 m you will reach a fork where you should take the path to the left, which will take you to the banks of the River Guadiana and, just after, the mouth of the River Caya.

Ornithological interests The diversion dam of the River Guadiana has been declared a Special Protection Area for birds (SPA) due to its importance for numerous species of birds. One of its main attractions are the breeding colonies of herons, in which more than 2000 pairs of Cattle and Little Egret congregate, accompanied by other species, such as Black-crowned Night Heron, White Stork and Grey Heron. The main colony can be found just downstream from the diversion dam, in the trees on several islands in the middle of the river. Other smaller colonies can be found dispersed over several areas of the river between the diversion dam and the bridge Puente Viejo, also on wooded islands. From March to the middle of July these areas are spectacular due to the multitudes of birds that cover the trees and their incessant activity, much greater after their chicks have hatched. The nesting population of Black-crowned Night Heron is considered to be one of the most important at a regional level. In the rest of the year these areas are also communal roosting sites for Cattle and Little Egret, with thousands of birds gathering together, sharing the area with large flocks of Eurasian Jackdaws and Spotless and Common Starlings.

It is also possible to observe another three species of heron of great interest in this section of the River Guadiana: Purple Heron (nesting in the dense giant reed thickets along the riverbanks), Squacco Heron (more frequent in passage and even in winter) and the Great White Egret (more and more regular in the area).

At the end of August the first Great Cormorants begin to arrive at the river and their population continues to increase, reaching its maximum in winter. You can see them in many sections of the river, fishing or sunning themselves, with the bridge Puente Viejo being a very good place to observe them at your

108

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

leisure. The main roosting site for the Great Cormorants is on an island 1200 m downstream from the bridge Puente Real, upon which several hundred birds gather. The site can be easily recognised as all the branches of the trees are dyed white as a result of the amount of bird droppings and it’s visible from both banks of the river. The vegetation along the riverbanks is particularly exuberant between the diversion dam and the mouth of the River Caya, where the course recovers its most natural appearance, with thick willow copses in which birds such as Golden Oriole, Penduline Tit, Nightingale, Cetti’s Warbler, Melodious Warbler, Wren, Long-tailed Tit and Common Chaffinch nest.

The giant reed thickets, often mixed with willows, form another of the most interesting habitats for birds, although due to their dense cover it’s easier to hear their song than to see them. Species such as Little Bittern, Water Rail, Common Moorhen, Great Reed Warbler, Reed Warbler, Red Avadavat and Common Waxbill are common in the breeding season. The presence of Bluethroat and Common Chiffchaff stand out in winter. Purple Swamphen occurs in the area of the diversion dam. In the open waters between the bridge Puente de la Autonomía and the wall of the diversion dam the presence of various species of duck is noteworthy, such as Mallard, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall as well as Common Coot. In summer, on passage, Osprey move up and down the deepest waters, trying to capture fish. Other species, typical of the shallower waters and islands, which you can see without difficulty, are White Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Common Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Black-winged Stilt and Common Snipe (in winter).

It’s also worth highlighting the birds that nest on the sandy riverbanks, such as the Sand Martin, European Bee-eater and Common Kingfisher, which have some of their largest colonies in the gravel areas near the road that leads to the River Caya.

The two viewpoints located at either end of the wall of the diversion dam and the downstream section are, without a doubt, the most interesting areas of the route. On good days it’s possible to see more than 15 different species just from the wall of the diversion dam.

Cattle Egret

Great Cormorant roost

109

Diversion Dam rivers Guadiana and Caya

In winter, as the day progresses, the diversion dam becomes a site of concentration of Lesser Black-backed Gulls, with over 2000 individuals congregating here at times, also accompanied by Black-headed Gulls. The bridge Puente Viejo has a large colony of House Martins as well as several pairs of Alpine Swift, which are an amazing sight to see flying nearby.

Best time to visit Spring is a good time to visit the areas that have large colonies of herons, such as the river groves, which are also full of the song of numerous species.

In winter you should visit the roosting sites of the cormorants and egrets. Any time of year is good to see the birds in the area around the diversion dam.

Other environmental and cultural interest The city of Badajoz has excellent cultural attractions that can be combined with the birdwatching trips. We would recommend visiting the Arabic Castle or Alcazaba, and Plaza Alta, the most emblematic place in the historical centre. You can also visit the Latin-American and Extremaduran Museum of Contemporary Art (MEIAC), the Provincial Archaeological Museum of Badajoz or the Museum of the City “Luís de Morales”. You can discover a lot of Badajoz’s heritage values wandering around its streets, such as the bastions of the defensive wall that surrounded the city in ancient times, its main entrance gates (Puerta de Mérida, Puerta Palmas and Puerta Pilar), the Mudejar houses, churches and convents, its many squares and parks, etc.

It’s always a good decision to plan a visit to the city to coincide with the main festivals, such as the Feria de San Juan (24 June), the religious processions of Semana Santa (at Easter), the celebration of the Carnivals (one of the busiest and most enjoyable in Spain) or the commemoration of the foundation of Badajoz by the Arabs during the Festival Al-Mossassa Batalyaws (between September and October).

Texts: Atanasio Fernández García

110

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Areas of interest (ZEPA Azud de Badajoz) ACCOMMODATOIN BADAJOZ H***** GRAN HOTEL CASINO DE EXTREMADURA AVDA DÍAZ AMBRONA, 13 924284402 / 924275175

H**** LOS JARDINES DE LAS BOVEDAS

HS** CERVANTES

P GALICIA

CALLE TRINIDAD, 2 924223710 / 924222935

AVENIDA ADOLFO DIAZ AMBRONA, 24 924271902 / 924271902

HS** CONDEDU CALLE MUÑOZ TORRERO, 27 924207247 / 924207248

HS** GONGORA C/ DOBLADOS, 17 924223710 / 924235962

HS** SAN MARCOS

AUTOVIA MADRID-LISBOA P.K.405.715 924286035

MELÉNDEZ VALDÉS, 53 924229518 / 924229250

H**** AC BADAJOZ

CALLE PEDRO DE VALDIVIA, 6 924224014 / 924224014

AVDA DE ELVAS S/N 924286247 / 924286248

H**** ZURBARÁN PASEO CASTELAR, 1 924001400 / 924220142

H**** BADAJOZ CENTER AVDA DAMIAN TELLEZ LAFUENTE, S/N 924212000 / 924212002

H*** ACUAREL CTRA.BADAJOZ-GRANADA, K. 65 924239606 / 924241620

H*** LISBOA AVDA. DE ADOLFO DÍAZ AMBRONA, 13 924272900 / 924272250

H*** RIO AVDA. A. DIAZ AMBRONA, 13 924272600 / 924273874

HS** DON PACO CALLE SANCHEZ DE LA ROCHA, 7 924286415

HS* DE LAS HERAS HS* NIZA CALLE ARCO AGÜERO, 34 924223173 / 924200584

HS* NIZA II CALLE ARCO AGÜERO, 45 924223173 / 924200584

HS* VICTORIA CALLE LUIS DE CAMOENS, 3 924271662 / 924277551

HS* HOSTAL BADAJOZ C/ GENERAL EMILIO MOLA VIDAL, 5 924247402

HS* TITTY TWISTER N-432, KM 11.200 924275841

HS* PLAZA DE ESPAÑA CALLE ZURBARAN, 2-1º 924222005

HA*** ASCARZA Castillo Puebla de Alcocer, 28 924286370 / 924286371

GUADIANA DEL CAUDILLO P MARI LOLI PLAZA DEL PARQUE, 3 924471080

PUEBLONUEVO DEL GUADIANA H* LA FINCA CARRETERA BADAJOZ -MONTILJO K. 22 924140718

VALDELACALZADA HS** VELASCO CALLE CALZADA, 26 924447109 / 924447109

VILLAFRANCO DEL GUADIANA

HS* PINTOR

H**** CONFORTEL BADAJOZ

CALLE ARCO AGÜERO, 26 924224228 / 924233345

CARRETERA N-V, KM 393 924443711 / 924443708

H: HOTEL / HA: HOTEL APARTMENTS / HS: HOSTAL / P: PENSIÓN / AT: TOURIST APARTMENTS / CR: GUEST HOUSE ATR: RURAL APARTMENTS / HR: HOTEL RURAL / A: RURAL HOSTEL / CT: CAMPING

Common Coot

111

Little Egret

112

Cornalvo / Los Canchales R U T A S

O R N I T O L Ó G I C A S

P O R

E X T R E M A D U R A

12

Cornalvo Reservoir Location and access This route is at the heart of Cornalvo Natural Park, which is situated between the Vegas del Guadiana and the spurs of the Sierras de San Pedro and Montánchez. It goes through the municipal areas of Mérida and Trujillanos (Badajoz).

It’s best to access the route from the “Autovía de Extremadura” (A-5), continuing along it until you reach the town of Trujillanos, taking exit 334 (towards Madrid) or 325 (towards Mérida). Before you enter Trujillanos you will find a roundabout, where you should take the first exit, to the right, which will take you straight to Cornalvo Reservoir.

113

Cornalvo / Los Canchales

A5

A-66

Sketch of the route and selected species

A-5

C O R N A LV O

Residents Summer visitors Winter visitors

LOS CANCHALES

Passage migrants

114

Residents

Summer visitors Winter visitors Passage migrants

European Nuthatch, Short-toed Treecreeper, Hawfinch, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Black Stork, Nightingale, Melodious Warbler, Booted Eagle, Black Kite Dunnock, Eurasian Bullfinch, Common Wood Pigeon, Common Teal, Gadwall Spotted Flycatcher, Pied Flycatcher, Common Redstart

Cattle Egret, Grey Heron, Great Crested Grebe, Common Coot, Mallard, Common Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plover Little Tern, Gull-billed Tern, Black-winged Stilt, Collared Pratincole, Whiskered Tern Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Common Crane, Pintail, Eurasian Wigeon, Greylag Goose Eurasian Spoonbill, Curlew Sandpiper, Red Knot, Greenshank, Grey Plove, Turnstone, Wood Sandpiper, Osprey

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

Little Owl

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Grey Heron

Description of the route This birdwatching route starts from the Centre of Interpretation of Cornalvo Natural Park, which we strongly recommend you to visit and where you can get more information about this protected area and other possible routes.

About 7 km from the Centre of Interpretation you will find a turning on the right that will take you to the Dam of Cornalvo Reservoir. If you have come this far by car you must park here before you get to the dam and continue on foot.

The route goes around the reservoir, always following the paths. Start by crossing the wall of the dam, and then continue along a path that takes you first through a thick cork oak grove and then through more open areas with views of the reservoir. You will reach the end of the reservoir after about 2800 m, at which point you will have done almost half the route and will start going back towards the starting point. From the end to the wall of the dam the route goes along a path that is in a good state and which keeps parallel to the reservoir.

The whole route round the reservoir is 6800 m long; although when the water level is low you can take different routes, shortening the distance, particularly in the end section.

115

Cornalvo / Los Canchales

Ornithological interests Cornalvo Natural Park was one of the first areas to be declared a Special Protection Area for birds (SPA) in Extremadura, called “Embalse de Cornalvo y Sierra Bermeja”.

The predominant habitats between the Centre of Interpretation and Cornalvo Reservoir are rain-fed cereal fields, olive groves and open dehesa of Holm oak groves. 2.3 km from the start you will reach a bridge over the River Albarregas, where there is a dense wooded area and it’s worth stopping here to watch birds. Large pools of water usually remain in summer attracting numerous species to drink (warblers, tits, finches, larks). In the cereal fields and pastures that extend from the bridge to Cortijo de Campomanes it’s possible to see Montagu’s Harrier, Black-winged Kite, Little Owl, Stone Curlew, Little Bustard, Southern Grey Shrike, Zitting Cisticola and Thekla Lark.

It’s good to have a telescope with you when you reach the dam as the water birds are normally in the middle of the reservoir. The most frequent species are Mallard, Northern Shoveler, Common Teal, Gadwall, Pintail, Eurasian Wigeon, Common Coot, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Great Cormorant, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull and Little Ringed Plover. If you are lucky you can see Black Stork feeding on the banks, one of the emblematic birds of this protected area. In the shallower areas (such as the islands, islets and the shoreline) you can see several species of waders, the diversity of which is much greater during the autumn passage (from July to October), and which include Black-winged Stilt, Common Redshank, Dunlin, Curlew Sandpiper and Little Ringed Plover.

A path begins at the end of the dam that goes up into a thick cork oak grove where you can see typical forest species such as European Nuthatch, Shorttoed Treecreeper, Nightingale, Wren, Common Chaffinch, Eurasian Bullfinch, Hawfinch, Blue, Crested and Great Tits, Blackbird, Common Wood Pigeon, Eurasian Jay, and Great and Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers. In the areas predominated by bushes (mostly rock rose patches and moorland) it’s easy to find species typical of this type of vegetation, such as Sardinian and Dartford Warblers and Dunnock (the latter only in winter).

Once the path leaves the slope the density of Holm and cork oaks lessens, with dehesa areas appearing that alternate with scrubland and pastures, and it’s easier to see the birds. Spotted Flycatcher, Azure-winged Magpie, Hoopoe, Woodlark and Woodchat Shrike occur in the dehesa areas. With more open visibility it’s easier to see breeding birds of prey (Booted Eagle, Common Buzzard, Short-toed Eagle, Black Kite) and other species that search for food in the dehesa such as Griffon Vulture, Eurasian Black Vulture and even Spanish Imperial Eagle.

116

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Hoopoe

Best time to visit The route is interesting at any time of year, but spring is the best time to watch the birds associated with forests and dehesa. The reservoir has a greater diversity of species in winter and at the end of summer.

Other environmental and cultural interest Hide at Muelas Reservoir. This small regulation dam is about 7 km from the turning that leads to Cornalvo Reservoir, continuing along the asphalted road, and has a birdwatching hide where you can see many species.

Cornalvo Dam has been declared a National Monument, as it is one of the best-conserved hydraulic works from the Roman era.

A cultural visit to the city of MĂŠrida, a World Heritage Site, is the perfect complement to the birdwatching route around Cornalvo Natural Park.

Hawfinch

117

Cornalvo / Los Canchales

Los Canchales Reservoir Location and access Los Canchales Reservoir is in the province of Badajoz, to the northwest of the towns of La Garrovilla and Esparragalejo, and was built over Lácara Brook, a water course that originates in the Sierra de San Pedro and flows into the left side of the River Guadiana. It can be reached from the EX-305 between Montijo and Nava de Santiago, with two entrances between kilometre points 8 and 13 that lead towards the western area of the reservoir. You can also get to the reservoir via a track that starts in the outskirts of Esparragalejo.

It is recommended to reach it from the EX-209 as it goes through the town of La Garrovilla, where you will find a sign-posted asphalted track that leads straight to the wall of the dam, the perfect starting point for a birdwatching trip.

Description of the route The route starts in La Garrovilla, reaching the wall of Los Canchales Reservoir after about 7.5 km along an asphalted road. This first section is of great interest as it crosses land used for the dry-farming of cereals, sunflowers and olive trees. In the area around the reservoir there are several information panels about visiting regulations and routes to follow.

The rest of the route goes along a dirt track around the reservoir, over 23 km long, built above the maximum flood level of the reservoir and which enables you to go all the way around it.

About 80 m before you reach the dam take the road on the right, just before the car parking area and the Centre of Interpretation of the Hydrographic Confederation of the Guadiana, leading straight down to the banks of the reservoir. The first stop is 800 m along, at a man-made dyke that flows into the reservoir and has a hide at its end. You’ll reach the end of the reservoir about 4 km further on: an area of shallow water where you can still see the winding branches of Lácara Brook. When the water level is very low you can take an alternative track that significantly reduces the length of the route. The route continues along the right bank of the reservoir, passing two of the islets most used by the birds, situated opposite a group of man-made islands. Next the track goes away from the reservoir and momentarily takes you to the EX-305 (Montijo-La Nava de Santiago) where you must go 1770 m towards Montijo until you reach a track on the left that will lead you back to the reservoir. Follow the track until you reach a small dam built in one of the reservoir’s islets and 600 m later you will find a dyke to

118

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

observe the birds and a path along the bank that you can go along on foot and that goes up a thick scrubland slope. The last 3 km of the track goes up a small hill before arriving at the wall of the dam, where the route ends.

Ornithological interests Los Canchales Reservoir has been declared a Special Protection Area for birds (SPA) and is also recognised as a “Wetland of International Importance”. It has highly favourable conditions for numerous species of birds, as it has large areas of shallow water, diverse types of vegetation associated with water (bulrush and giant reed thickets, grasslands and formations of spurges, ashes and willows) and is surrounded by Holm oak dehesa and large areas of irrigated and rain-fed farmland. The Hydrographic Confederation of the Guadiana has also carried out numerous activities to favour the presence of birds, such as the construction of islands, pools and lakes, dykes, water retaining dams and improvements to the habitat, etc.

During the breeding season the populations of colonial birds that nest on the islands are important, including large numbers of Collared Pratincole, Gull-billed Tern, Little Tern and Black-winged Stilt. Other water birds also nest here, such as Mallard, Gadwall, Common Coot, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe and Blackheaded Gull. There are also breeding pairs of Whiskered Tern and Black Tern.

During the autumn passage many species and large concentrations of birds gather here. The presence of waders is noteworthy, with the possibility of seeing Dunlin, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Red Knot, Ringed Plover, Common and Spotted Redshanks, Greenshank, Grey Plover, Turnstone, Wood Sandpiper and Bar-tailed Godwit. The concentrations of White Stork on the banks are spectacular in summer, with over 500 birds. It is considered to be one of the most important areas for the wintering and passage of the Eurasian Spoonbill, which has even bred in the reservoir.

In winter the waterfowl are of interest (Mallard, Pintail, Eurasian Wigeon, Gadwall, Northern Shoveler, Common Pochard, Common Teal, Greylag Goose), with over 10,000 birds, as well as concentrations of Lesser Black-backed Gull and Black-headed Gull and a wintering flock of Common Crane of more than 1500 birds, which roost on the banks of the reservoir.

You can also see very interesting species in the rain-fed farmland and dehesa around the reservoir (birds of prey, steppe species) and it’s also good to stop at the frequent patches of Kermes oak, myrtle and wild olive, as they usually shelter several passerines (Subalpine, Western Orphean and Melodious Warblers, Black Wheatear and Rufous Bush Robin).

119

Cornalvo / Los Canchales

Turnstone

Common Cranes

Best time to visit This route is good at any time of year but you must bear in mind that the species you will find depends on when you visit. Unlike other places the summer months are very interesting for birdwatching.

Other environmental and cultural interest Mouth of the River Aljucén. If you take the EX-209 towards Mérida you will find the course of the River Aljucén after you have gone past the town of Esparragalejo It’s a very good place for birdwatching (Squacco Heron, Purple Swamphen and Purple Heron) and has a hide.

Dolmen of Lácara. This interesting collective tomb is to the north of Los Canchales Reservoir. It is a large tomb in an excellent state of conservation and dates from the Calcolithic period. It is reached by following the EX-214 from La Nava de Santiago to Aljucén.

Texts: Atanasio Fernández García

120

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Areas of interest (ZEPA Parque Natural de Cornalvo y ZEPA Embalse Los Canchales)

ACCOMMODATION GUAREÑA

HS** LAS ABADÍAS RONDA DE LOS EMERITOS, S/N 924313326

MONTIJO

HS* ALAMEDA

H* GRAN SOL DE EXTREMADURA

PLAZA MAGDALENA, 1 924300474

AVDA DEL PROGRESO, 10 924456032 / 924456132

HS* BUENO

HS** HOSTAL KATYA

CALLE CALVARIO, 9 924302977 / 696230075

PLAZA ESPAÑA,2 924450179

HS* EL ALFARERO

HS** LA ISLA

CALLE SAGASTA, 40 924303183 / 678311783

CARLOS I, 1 924455557 / 667572320

H**** ADEALBA

HS* EL TORERO

HS* CASA ANDRES

C/ ROMERO LEAL, Nº 18 665402105 / 924388271

CARRETERA ALANGE, 1 924371789

H**** LA LOMAS

HS* NUEVA ESPAÑA

AVDA. REINA SOFÍA, 78 924311011 / 618518431

AVENIDA EXTREMADURA, 6 924313356 / 924304016

H**** PARADOR DE TURISMO VIA DE LA PLATA

HS* SALUD

H EL COTO CARRETERA D. BENITO 924350378 / 924350525

MÉRIDA H***** MERIDA PALACE PLAZA DE ESPAÑA 19 924383800

PLAZA CONSTITUCION, 3 924313800

H**** TRYP MEDEA AVENIDA PORTUGAL S/Nº 924372400

H**** VELADA MERIDA AVENIDA PRINCESA SOFIA s/n 924315110

H*** NOVA ROMA CALLE SUAREZ SOMONTE, 42 924311261 / 924311201

H*** ZEUS AVDA. REINA SOFÍA, 8 924318111

H** CERVANTES CALLE CAMILO J. CELA, 8 924314961

H** HOTEL RAMBLA EMÉRITA RAMBLA SANTA EULALIA, 17 924387231

CALLE VESPASIANO, 41 924312259

HS* SENERO CALLE HOLGUIN, 12 924317207

HS* TORERO II

CALLE PORTOCARRERO, 9 924452215

P PRINCESA CARRETERA ESTACIÓN, 9 924455070

CR BARBAÑO TORREÁGUILA CTRA. BARBAÑO-TORREMAYOR, S/N 617457496

TOURIST OFFICES

CTRA. ALANGE, 1 924371789

O.T. MUNICIPAL DE MÉRIDA

HR EL PANTANO

SANTA EULALIA, 64 MÉRIDA

FINCA EL PANTANO. CTRA. MONTIJO A LA ROCA, KM. 15,700 924140194 / 617386611

CR M CORTIJO DE LA SERRANA CTRA. LA ROCA DE LA SIERRAMONTIJO, KM. 14 924452874 / 646335382

CT MÉRIDA CARRETERA N-V, K. 336 924303453

TEL.: 924330722 INTERPRETATION CENTRES C.I. DEL AGUA DEL PARQUE NATURAL CTRA. TRUJILLANOS-EMBALSE DE CORNALVO TRUJILLANOS

TEL.: 924002386

H** LUSITANIA CALLE OVIEDO, 12 924316112

MIRANDILLA

HS** ANAS

CR CASA DEL MOLINERO

AVENIDA REINA SOFÍA, 9 924311113

URBANIZACION LOS CANCHALES 658561076 / 608924166

H: HOTEL / HA: HOTEL APARTMENTS / HS: HOSTAL / P: PENSIÓN / AT: TOURIST APARTMENTS / CR: GUEST HOUSE ATR: RURAL APARTMENTS / HR: HOTEL RURAL / A: RURAL HOSTEL / CT: CAMPING

121

Common Cranes

122

Moheda Alta / Sierra Brava R U T A S

O R N I T O L Ă“ G I C A S

P O R

E X T R E M A D U R A

13

Location and access This route goes through the areas known as Zona Centro and Vegas Altas del Guadiana, in the centre-east of Extremadura, taking you over land within the municipal areas of Obando, Navalvillar de Pela, Vegas Altas and Madrigalejo. The old dehesas here hardly retain any traces of the vast original area they used to occupy due to the transformation caused by the implementation of the Irrigation Plan of Zona Centro. However, on the other hand, this has also given rise to the appearance of new species.

You can reach the start of the route via the EX-116 that connects Navalvillar de Pela to the south with Guadalupe to the north. Coming from the south you will find the road of the canal on the left, from which you can reach Cubilar reservoir, where the route starts. You can reach Navalvillar de Pela via the N430, which starts from the A-5 at Torrefresneda to the west and continues until the province of Ciudad Real to the east.

123

Moheda Alta / Sierra Brava

E-116

Sketch of the route and selected species

Residents

124

Mallard, Gadwall, Northern Shoveler, Black-winged Kite, Common Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Common Kestrel, Great Bustard, Little Bustard. Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Pintailed Sandgrouse

Summer visitors

Black Stork, Booted Eagle, Montagu’s Harrier, Gullbilled Tern, Collared Pratincole, European Bee-eater

Winter visitors

Common Crane, Greylag Goose, Pintail, Black-tailed Godwit, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl

Passage migrants

Garganey, Common Shelduck, Ruddy Shelduck, Avocet, Osprey

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

European Bee-eater

Description of the route The route is 37 km long, from Cubilar reservoir to Sierra Brava reservoir. It can be done in a day, alternating travelling by car with short walks, and finishing at lunchtime at Sierra Brava, where, after eating, you can go for a walk along the banks to the end of the reservoir, where you will see the most species. You will find different habitats along the route, most highly transformed and used for agriculture, making a very wide range of bird species easy to spot. Starting from a small reservoir surrounded by dehesa this route will take you past different crops, such as corn, wheat, barley, fruit trees…and rice. This last deserves special attention as it is grown by flooding, which, by creating a mass of shallow water, attracts numerous waders and water birds in search of food, as well as serving as a roosting area for large flocks of Common Cranes, Black-tailed Godwits, Marsh Harriers and Hen Harriers. The route also goes by dehesa and pastures, ending at a reservoir (Sierra Brava) in the middle of a large plain.

125

Moheda Alta / Sierra Brava

Start from point X: 286357, Y: 4.346.346 at Cubilar Reservoir. It’s worth walking a little in the area around the reservoir and watching the numerous species of ducks and geese, herons and egrets and waders, in the area from an elevated point (the wall of the dam makes a good viewpoint) with a telescope.

Most of these birds use this area as a roosting site in winter. There are also a large number of Common Cranes, so birdwatchers will find the view from the dam at dawn in winter a wonderful spectacle.

Continue by car until you pass above the canal and at point X: 286.435, Y: 4.345.535 turn left, around the canal. From here you will see different cereal crops on your right and up above the riverside forest that flanks the River Cubilar, with dehesa in the background. Keep on the canal track, scattered with stone pine trees that form the lookout points for many of birds of prey, such as Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Common Kestrel, Black-winged Kite and Common Buzzard. When you reach point X: 289.100, Y: 4.344.836, where the track crosses the EX-116 that connects Navalvillar de Pela and Guadalupe, turn right, towards Navalvillar de Pela. From the road you will see rice fields on the left and livestock dehesa on the right. At point X: 288.196, Y: 4.343.543 you’ll find the entrance to the dehesa “Dehesa de Zarzalejos”, an alternative route you could follow to see Black-winged Kite, Common Buzzard, Azure-winged Magpie, etc. and family groups of Common Cranes foraging and eating acorns in winter. But continue onwards to point X: 284.836, Y: 4.338.512 where you will find a path with a birdwatching hide on the left, via which you can reach a large irrigation pool where you see lots of water birds. Beneath this pool, in the extensive crop fields, a large number of Common Cranes, Greylag Geese and Marsh Harriers roost in autumn and winter.

Continue to point X: 284.720, Y: 4.336.634, where, on the left, you will find the Centre of Interpretation Moheda Alta (within the 150 ha of the Periurban Park of Conservation and Leisure), which is worth visiting. Take the road on the right to Gorbea farm, leaving the asphalted road and going by a magnificent mature dehesa, evidence of the habitat that existed before the irrigation system was established. After the dehesa you will see rain-fed cereal fields and rice fields that serve as roosting places for Common Cranes and Marsh and Hen Harriers. When you reach point X: 280.287, Y: 4.335.636 turn right and continue on until you leave the village of Vegas Altas to your right and reach point X: 276.936, Y: 4.333.062 where you cross the EX-102 and turn right towards Madrigalejo. Go past this village and continue along the road, which leads to Zorita, but, at point X: 269.288, Y: 4.341.724 turn right and after barely 800 m you will get to Sierra Brava reservoir, the end of the route. It is worth taking your telescope and taking the path around the reservoir that starts on the left before the dam, where you can see many species of water birds.

126

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

Short-eared Owl

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Common Waxbill

Ornithological interests The most representative species is, perhaps, the Common Crane (in autumn and winter). You can see over 30,000 birds in the various roosting sites in this area, many of which have been ringed, with it being possible to read those that have a colour code. Other species that are important in winter for their number in the pools and reservoirs are Greylag Geese, various species of ducks, such as Pintail, Gadwall, Northern Shoveler, Red-crested Pochard, Common Pochard, Tufted Duck, Common Teal, and other water birds, such as Great Crested, Little and Black-necked Grebes. In the rice fields you can see Common Snipe and other waders such as Black-tailed Godwit, Ringed Plover, Black-winged Stilt, Golden Plover, Little Stint, Dunlin, and Common, Green and Wood Sandpipers. Amongst the wintering birds of prey Red Kite, Merlin and Short-eared Owl are important. It’s also possible to find Northern Goshawks and Eurasian Sparrowhawks, , as well as Common Buzzard, the number of which increases in winter with the arrival of birds from the north.

Curiously, several Black Stork stay in the area throughout winter, without migrating to warmer sub Saharan lands.

Birds that breed in the area include Black-winged Kite, Gull-billed Tern (Sierra Brava), Collared Pratincole, Marsh Harrier, Montagu’s Harrier, Red Avadavat,

127

Moheda Alta / Sierra Brava

Common Waxbill, Azure-winged Magpie, Common Kestrel, Lesser Kestrel etc.

You can see species typical of steppe areas in the plains surrounding Sierra Brava reservoir, such as Great Bustard, Little Bustard, Stone Curlew, Blackbellied Sandgrouse and Pin-tailed Sandgrouse.

Species that are rare elsewhere in Extremadura appear in passage here, such as Bluethroat, Garganey, Avocet, Common Shelduck and Ruddy Shelduck.

Other species have been recorded in the area, such as White-fronted Goose, Bean Goose, Squacco Heron, Whiskered Tern, Great White Egret, Glossy Ibis, Eurasian Curlew and Osprey.

Best time to visit This route can be done at any time of year, as many interesting species reside in the area. However, in autumn and winter the large number of birds such as Common Crane (the largest density in the peninsula throughout winter), Greylag Geese, Black-tailed Godwits, Northern Lapwings, etc. will delight any birdwatcher, with hardly any effort, without leaving the route.

Spring is also a good time; as well as the nesting species that come to the area numerous passage migrants appear until well into April.

Other environmental and cultural interest The Holm oak “El Convenio” stands out amongst the others in the dehesa due to its height. Sadly it has now dried up. The sale and division of Gorbea farm was agreed beneath its branches, and in olden days it was also here that farming advice was given.

Serapias perez-chiscanoi, a species of orchid, is easy to find in the area around the Centre of Interpretation Moheda Alta. The species is classed as In Danger of Extinction in the Regional Catalogue of Endangered Species of Extremadura and was discovered by the Extremaduran pharmacist José Luís Pérez-Chiscano.

Other orchids; there are other species of the genus serapias in the area such as Serapias lingua, S. vomeracea, and other genuses such as Oprhys tenthredinifera, O. conica, Orchis morio, etc.

Texts: Juan Pablo Prieto Clemente

128

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Areas of interest (ZEPA Llanos de Zorita y Embalse de Sierra Brava y ZEPA Vegas del Rueca Cubilar y Moheda Alta)

ACCOMMODATION LOGROSÁN H JARA AVENIDA HERNANDEZ SERRANO, S/N 927360109

H ROSALES, LOS CARRETERA DE GUADALUPE 927360220

CR EL PORTALON C/ BROCENSE, 5 927360218 / 628453033

CR LA CASA DEL MARQUÉS GREGORIO LOPEZ, 5 927360777 / 927360169

CR EL OLIVO

H DON JUAN

CALLE DELICIAS, 14 609748722 / 927158122

CARRETERA N-430 K. 139 924860606 / 924860296

H EL IMPREVISTO MADRIGALEJO

CARRETERA N-430 K. 139 924860311

H PEDRO

H LOS OLIVOS

C/ SAN JUAN Nº 9 927354572

CARRETERA N-430 K. 139 924860580

H MAYVE CARRETERA DE ZORITA, S/N 927354081

NAVALVILLAR DE PELA H LAS DEHESAS CARRETERA N-430, K. 135

CR S LA LOZANA CALLE MORENO NOGALES, 18 924824291

ZORITA P EL AMIGO PABLO AVDA. CONSTITUCION,2 927168213

H: HOTEL / HA: HOTEL APARTMENTS / HS: HOSTAL / P: PENSIÓN / AT: TOURIST APARTMENTS / CR: GUEST HOUSE ATR: RURAL APARTMENTS / HR: HOTEL RURAL / A: RURAL HOSTEL / CT: CAMPING

Pin-tailed Sandgrouse

129

Griffon Vulture

130

R U T A S

O R N I T O L Ă“ G I C A S P O R E X T R E M A D U R A Embalse de Orellana 14 y Puerto PeĂąa

Location and access Orellana Reservoir is the last of the three large reservoirs that regulate the River Guadiana upon its entry into Extremadura and it can be found between the regions of La Serena and Vegas Altas del Guadiana, in the province of Badajoz. The landscape is dominated by the water collected in the reservoir, which is flanked by medium-height mountain ranges (Sierra de Pela, 724 m; Sierra del Castillo, 697 m) that stand out over vast areas of dehesa, pastures and rain-fed crops.

The main road to it is the N-430, from which you can reach the towns of Orellana la Vieja (taking the BA-105), Navalvillar de Pela and Casas de Don Pedro, from where you can easily get to Talarrubias and Puebla de Alcocer via the EX-115, EX-103 and BA-137.

131

Orellana Reservoir and Puerto Peña

Sketch of the route and selected species

BA -

13 8

N-430

EX115

7 -13 BA

EX-103

Residents

Summer visitors

Black Stork, Egyptian Vulture, Lesser Kestrel, Montagu’s Harrier, European Roller, Little Tern

Winter visitors

Meadow Pipit, Common Teal, Eurasian Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Black-necked Grebe, Lesser Black-backed Gull

Passage migrants

132

Great Bustard, Little Bustard, Bonelli’s Eagle, Golden Eagle, Griffon Vulture, Calandra Lark

Northern Wheatear, Black-eared Wheatear, Osprey

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Description of the route Section 1. Casas de Don PedroPuerto Peña. The route starts in the town of Casas de Don Pedro, where you should take the BA-137 that goes around the town to the east, continuing on towards Talarrubias.

Barely 1 km after you’ve passed the last houses of the town you will find a junction with an asphalted Puerto Peña road that runs parallel to the Canal de las Dehesas. You can make a small diversion from the route and turn right at the junction, to the Diversion Dam of Casas de Don Pedro, an interesting place to watch water birds. To reach it you must drive along the canal service road for about 2250 m until you reach a dirt track on the left (opposite one of the regulation sluice gates) that goes down to the diversion dam, although it’s a good idea to park your car at the canal and go down the 500 m to the bank on foot, so you don’t frighten away the birds. Then go back to the junction with the BA-137 and continue all the way along the canal service road (15 km), until you reach a junction at which you can return to the N-430 or go to “Puerto Peña” campsite. Next to the campsite you’ll find the Centre of Interpretation of the Rock-dwelling Fauna of Puerto Peña, with interesting information panels and remote control cameras to observe the birds of the rocky crags. Continue along the route, leaving the Canal de las Dehesas behind and continuing towards Valdecaballeros along a road that crosses under the N-430. Immediately after this you will reach the Viewpoint of Puerto Peña, where you should stop to watch the birds of the rocky crags of Puerto Peña mountain pass.

Section 2. Puerto Peña-Puebla de Alcocer. After the viewpoint continue towards Peloche-Herrera del Duque, crossing the wall of the dam of García de Sola and then 200 m later take the turn off on the right onto the BA-138 towards Talarrubias. Without going into the town, continue until the road joins the EX-103 towards Puebla de Alcocer. In the outskirts of Puebla de Alcocer, on the left hand side of the road (800 m after the petrol station) you will find the ruins of the Convent of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, in which there is a spectacular colony of Lesser Kestrel. You could also go for a walk around the town and up to the castle, where it’s possible to see many birds.

133

Orellana Reservoir and Puerto Peña

Section 3. Puebla de Alcocer-Cogolludo-Orellana la Vieja. Continue along the EX-103 towards Orellana la Vieja and Castuera and about 3.8 km from Puebla de Alcocer you will find a dirt track in a good state that leads off on the right, just after you pass the junction to Esparragosa de Lares. Keep on this track and, about 12 km later, you will reach the area of Cogolludo, where a bridge crosses Orellana Reservoir. Continue on for another 8 km and you will reach the road that connects Navalvillar de Pela and Orellana la Vieja (Ex-115), where you should turn left and carry on until you get to the latter town.

Section 4. Orellana La Vieja-Puebla de Alcocer. From Orellana la Vieja take the EX-115 towards Campanario and La Coronada, going past the wall of the dam of Orellana Reservoir, and after about 5 km you will reach the junction with the EX-103, which will take you straight to Puebla de Alcocer. If you wish you could also get there via the livestock track that leads off from the same junction and runs parallel to the EX-103.

Ornithological interest All the suggested routes are within the Special Protection Area for birds (SPA) “Embalse de Orellana y Sierra de Pela”, which was one of the first places in Extremadura to be given this recognition. Orellana Reservoir was also included in the List of Wetlands of International Importance of the Ramsar Convention, due to the value of its habitats and the species present.

The diversion dam of Casas de Don Pedro, in the first section of the route, is well worth visiting, where large numbers of water birds, particularly duck, gather in summer and winter. There are man-made islands for colonial species to nest on and in spring you can find Little Tern, Gull-billed Tern, Black-winged Stilt, Collared Pratincole and Little Ringed Plover in this area. The breeding of Gadwall is highly notable. The route along the “canal de las dehesas” towards Puerto Peña mountain pass mainly crosses areas of dehesa and pastures, where you can see typical species such as Black-winged Kite, Common Buzzard, Bonelli’s Eagle, Booted Eagle, Black Kite, Common Crane, Azure-winged Magpie, Hoopoe, Woodchat Shrike, Thekla Lark, etc. There are excellent views of Orellana Reservoir at all times from the canal road, including the end section (which looks like a river when the water level is low) and some interesting islets. It’s a good idea to stop in some places with good visibility and try to locate the birds with a telescope. These are mainly duck and herons, as well as colonial species that nest on the islands. About 5 km before the camp site there is an enormous colony of heron, with over 2000 pairs, with Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Grey Heron, Squacco Heron (only

134

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

confirmed in some years) and White Stork nesting here. The colony is on a large island covered in tamarisks, on which you can also see Little Ringed Plover, Black-headed Gull, Gull-billed Tern and Little Tern. You can get to the bank of the reservoir via a track sign-posted by the owners of the farm. When the water level drops at the end of summer you can see groups of Black Stork in this area of the reservoir, with over 100 birds on occasions.

This first section ends at Puerto Peña viewpoint, one of the most spectacular sites in Extremadura for birdwatching. It’s the only spot in which up to 4 pairs of Black Stork nest in the same crag, which are also accompanied by birds of prey, such as Bonelli’s Eagle, Griffon Vulture (over 20 pairs), Egyptian Vulture, Peregrine Falcon and Common Kestrel. It’s easy to see other species typical of rocky crags, such as Black Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Alpine Swift, Crag Martin, Raven and Red-billed Chough. There is also a winter sighting of Wallcreeper in this area and the presence of Alpine Accentor is regular at this time.

There’s very little traffic in the second section of the route so you can enjoy a quiet drive until you reach Talarrubias, going past diverse habitats (dehesa, olive groves, pastures) and leaving the rocky crags of Puerto Peña and the Sierra de los Golondrinos behind you. One of the sites you should visit is the colony of Lesser Kestrel in the ruins of the Convent de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, which supports over 40 pairs, which are possible to watch at your leisure. White Stork, Little Owl, Barn Owl, Common Swift and Pallid Swift also nest in the building. You can go up to the castle of Puebla de Alcocer to complete your day, where there is the possibility of seeing numerous rock-dwelling birds, as well as some incredible views of the regions of La Serena and La Siberia.

The third part of the route leaves the road for a quiet track that goes through pastures and dehesa until it reaches Cogolludo, a curious spot where the course of the River Guadiana is squeezed between two mountain ranges, with a bridge connecting both banks. The mountain ranges, covered by dense vegetation of Holm and cork oaks, wild olives and strawberry trees, are crowned by quartzite crags where Eagle Owl, Egyptian Vulture, Black Stork, Golden Eagle, and Bonelli’s Eagle nest. There is also a small colony of Red-billed Chough, which is usually accompanied by Eurasian Jackdaws. There is a large colony of House Martins in the Black-headed Gulls

135

Orellana Reservoir and Puerto Peña

spans of the bridge of Cogolludo, which also nest in the cliffs along with Crag Martins. There are excellent views of the reservoir and its birds from the bridge.

In winter numerous duck are present (Mallard, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Pintail, Eurasian Wigeon, Common Teal, Greylag Goose, Common Pochard, Tufted Duck, Red-crested Pochard) and large flocks of Common Coot, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe and Black-necked Grebe. Large numbers of Great Cormorant, Lesser Black-backed Gull and Black-headed Gull also roost here.

The last section is the best for watching steppe species, as most of the route along the EX-103 goes through areas of natural pastureland and cereal fields.

During the breeding season you can easily see such emblematic birds as Great Bustard (with the possibility of seeing individuals displaying), Little Bustard, Lesser Kestrel and Montagu’s Harrier, the latter has a large breeding colony that can be seen from the road. It’s also easy to see European Roller (common on electricity poles), Hoopoe, Little Owl, Stone Curlew and, with a bit more time, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Black-bellied Sandgrouse and Collared Pratincole. Calandra Lark, Thekla Lark, Zitting Cisticola, Corn Bunting and Spanish Sparrow are abundant in the pastures. In winter Golden Plover, Lapwing, Meadow Pipit and White Wagtail are present here.

Best time to visit The best time for the steppe areas and rocky crags is spring, as most of the bird species are summer visitors and aren’t present in winter. However, the reservoir supports more species and in a greater number both during autumn passage and in winter, with the concentrations of moulting duck particularly notable.

Other environmental and cultural interest The most well known of the traditional festivals is “La Encamisá” in Navalvillar de Pela, which is celebrated every year on 16 January in honour of Saint Antón Abad. At nightfall hundreds of horses, lavishly adorned, parade around the town’s streets, among bonfires, attracting a huge crowd of local people and visitors. The festival has been declared one of Regional Tourist Interest.

The ruins of the ancient city of Lacimurga Constantia Iulia can be found in the vicinity of Cogolludo, a Roman settlement of a sub-urban and rural nature, which deserves a leisurely visit.

The schematic rock paintings that can be found in the farm “Hoyo de Pela”, in the municipal area of Orellana la Vieja, are very interesting.

Texts: Atanasio Fernández García

136

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Areas of interest (ZEPA Embalse de Orellana y Puerto Peña) ACCOMMODATION CAMPANARIO CR JARA-SERENA CARRETERA LA HABA-LA GUARDA, KM 7 FINCA HOYA DEL LOBO 658869391

CR LOS CASARES CARRETERA DE QUINTANA, 7 606706676

CASAS DE DON PEDRO

CR VALLLES DE CONSOLACION B

VALDECABALLEROS

FINCA LOS VALLES DE CONSOLACION 924145039 / 913510931

AT SIERRA JARA

CR LA CASA DE LOS TEMPLARIOS

HS** LA HOSTERIA DE LOS ENCINARES

GARCIA MESONERO, 11 924620085 / 669936927

CARRETERA GUADALUPE S/N 924643212 / 924643235

CR LA BOTICA

HS* LA VAGUADA

CALLE FERNANDO HERNANDEZ GIL, 24 924620315 / 610374524

CARRETERA BADAJOZ K. 3 924643426 / 924643092

URBANIZACIÓN SIERRA JARA 670850183

TALARRUBIAS

FUENLABRADA DE LOS MONTES

C 1ª PUERTO PEÑA

H** EL TORREON

CARRETERA N-430, KM. 169 924631411 / 924631411

CALLE VILLANUEVA, 12 924642107 / 924642042

P NUÑEZ

HS* CARLOS I

CARRETERA N-430, K. 135

CALLE RAMON Y CAJAL, 2 924630309 / 924630309

H DON JUAN

P CALDERON

CALLE COMENDADOR ARIAS PÉREZ, 12 924650871 / 654450905

CARRETERA N-430 K. 139 924860606 / 924860296

CALLE FUENTE VILLA, 9 924630360 / 924630503

CR CASA LARES ZAMORA, 26 924864027 / 654211578

NAVALVILLAR DE PELA H LAS DEHESAS

H EL IMPREVISTO CARRETERA N-430 K. 139 924860311

ALÍA

H LOS OLIVOS

H* VALMAYOR

CARRETERA N-430 K. 139 924860580

CARRETERA EX-102, PARC. 91.

POL. 21 927366515 / 927366270

CR S LA LOZANA CALLE MORENO NOGALES, 18 924824291

ORELLANA DE LA SIERRA H*** EMBALSE DE ORELLANA CERRO DE LAS HERRERIAS 924866400 / 924866413

P EL CAPITAN CALLE REAL, 12 924866028

P LAS VIGAS CALLE REAL, 25 924866150

P GARCÍA PANTANO DE CIJARA 927366475

P MONTERO, EL AVDA. LUIS CHAMIZO, 40 927366011

CR EL ESTRECHO DE LA PEÑA CTRA. EX.102, KM.92,300 927366289 / 616683486

AVENIDA JUAN CARLOS I, 1 924650148

HS* PACO`S CALLE COMENDADOR ARIAS PEREZ, 24 924642202 / 924650801

TOURIST OFFICES O.T. HERRERA DEL DUQUE AV. DE LA PALMERA, 1 HERRERA DEL DUQUE TEL.: 924650231 FAX: 924650025

O.T. TALARRUBIAS C. DE OCIO PUERTO PEÑA CTRA. DE PELOCHE, KM. 1 PANTANO DE PUERTO PEÑA TEL.: 924630100

ATR EN PLENA SIERRA LA CALERA 616683486

CASTILBLANCO PUEBLA DE ALCOCER

HS* EL FOGÓN DE FELISA

CR LOS HUERTOS

CR VALLES DE CONSOLACIÓN A

C/LOS HUERTOS, 24 924654398 / 628266403

FINCA LOS VALLES DE LA CONSOLACION 924145039 / 913510931

CR LA TAHONA AVDA. EXTREMADURA, 39 626185503 / 927654398

INTERPRETATION CENTRES C.I. DE LA FAUNA RUPÍCOLA DE PUERTO PEÑA EMBALSE DE PUERTO PEÑA TALARRUBIAS 924630100

C.I. SOBRE LAS GRULLAS CTRA. OBANDO - GUADALUPE NAVALVILLAR DE PELA 924002386

H: HOTEL / HA: HOTEL APARTMENTS / HS: HOSTAL / P: PENSIÓN / AT: TOURIST APARTMENTS / CR: GUEST HOUSE ATR: RURAL APARTMENTS / HR: HOTEL RURAL / A: RURAL HOSTEL / CT: CAMPING

137

Little Bustard

138

R U T A S

P O R E X T R E M A D U R A Lakes and Plains

O R N I T O L Ă“ G I C A S

of La Albuera

15

Location and access The reference points for this route are the towns of La Albuera and Valverde de LeganĂŠs, both of which are very close to the capital of the province, Badajoz. The best way to reach the area is via the N-432 (Badajoz-Granada), which you can take towards La Albuera either from the city of Badajoz itself, from the north, or from Zafra via the A-66, from the south. Pages 1:50,000 numbers 801 and 802 of the IGN.

Description of the route The suggested birdwatching route is composed of two parts, according to the different geographical location and, above all, ecological characteristics that define each part (lakes and steppe plains, respectively). Lakes of La Albuera: These endorheic (closed drainage) natural wetlands are the best representa-

139

Lakes and Plains of La Albuera

Sketch of the route and selected species

43 N2

Cortijo de La Campana La Albuera

N-435

Valverde de Legan s 1,5 km

Residents

Summer visitors

Winter visitors Passage migrants

Great Bustard, Little Bustard, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Stone Curlew, Black-winged Kite, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe Montagu’s Harrier, Lesser Kestrel, European Roller, Western Orphean Warbler, Black-winged Stilt, Whiskered Tern Common Crane, Hen Harrier, Golden Plover , ducks

Eurasian Spoonbill, Garganey, waders

tion of this type of habitat (temporary Mediterranean lakes) in Extremadura.

The area called “Complejo Lagunar de La Albuera”, consists of a series of temporary Mediterranean lakes and ponds (Lagunas Grande, Llana, Marciega, Chica, del Burro, del Carril and other, smaller ones), small areas of saline steppe habitats and open dehesa of Holm

140

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

oaks. It has been declared a Site of Community Importance (SIC) and an Area of International Importance for water birds (Ramsar site). Along with the agricultural plains between this town, Badajoz and Valverde de Leganés (see later) it also forms part of the SPA “Llanos y Complejo Lagunar de La Albuera”. The birdwatching route suggested to access the complex of lakes starts in La Albuera and can be done in half a day, partly by car, partly on foot. Take the N432 southwards from this town, towards Zafra, and after about 6 km, at kilometre point 29.400 (at this point there is an information panel about the natural area; 29S-694770-428368) turn left onto a small dirt track. Park your car by the road and walk straight along the track for about 2 km, which will take you to the centre of the complex of lakes formed by Lagunas de la Marciega, Laguna Grande and Laguna Llana, all of which are amongst the Holm oaks of Dehesa del Caballo. Next go back to your car and about 100 m further down the road you will find another track on the left that will take you to the lake Laguna Chica, about 1 km distance, going past the farmhouse Cortijo de las Nateras Altas. The lake called Laguna del Burro, which is very shallow, is reached by the road called Carril de las Vacas, which is also a left turn off the N-432, at kilometre point 27.300 (29S-693025-428479). Park your car by the road again and after walking for 1.7 km you will see the lake on the right. Other lakes belonging to this complex can be found next to the N-432, at kilometre points 31.500 (Laguna del Carril) and 33.000 (Laguna de La Gitana). Steppe Plains of La Albuera-Valverde de Leganés: the suggested birdwatching route (20 km) goes through these agricultural and pseudo-steppe plains and takes half a day (by car and on foot). Broadly speaking, it consists of the local road between the towns of La Albuera and Valverde de Leganés (BA-006; 15 km).

When you reach the first town drive through it along the former N-432 and when you reach a cereal silo you will find the afore-mentioned local road on the left. From this point in the town, after 5700 m, when you reach a pig farm about 200 m from the road on the right, park your car and, on foot, turn right down the track called Carril del Conde (which leads off in both directions from the road, 29S-683726-428685). This livestock track will take you to the area known as El Adobal, a magnificent representation of the typical agro system that dominates this natural area, rain-fed crops (vineyards, cereals) and irrigated ones (alfalfa, sunflowers, etc.). We would recommend you to walk about 3-3.5 km, to a large irrigation pool on the right of the track (Charca de El Adobal), which is very close to the junction with the track Carril de las Lanas.

Towards the left of the road, the track takes you to the spot called El CampilloValdesevilla (2 km). Once you have finished these walking routes, go back to the road and drive towards Valverde de Leganés. After 3.2 km, and after a big left-hand bend, a new track leads off to the right (29S-680654-428723) that will lead you to a large half-ruined farm (Cortijo de la Campana; about 250 m

141

Lakes and Plains of La Albuera

from the road). You can stop and go for a walk at any time along this track, and also enjoy the steppe habitat that is characteristic of the region. When you return to the road go towards Valverde de LeganĂŠs again (the end of this route; 6.5 km), stopping and walking a bit more should you so wish.

Ornithological interest 1) Lakes of La Albuera: The community of aquatic birds that reside in this series of wetland areas over the course of the year is of high diversity and value in conservation terms, with different communities and/or species depending on the season. In total more than 150 species of birds have been recorded here, demonstrating the importance of this wetland system. In spring or the breeding season the typical species nesting in the area are Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Common Coot, Gadwall and Mallard. The community of breeding waders is important, with species such as Black-winged Stilt, Collared Pratincole and Northern Lapwing (with this being one of the few breeding sites of this species in the region), as well as Whiskered Tern. Marsh Harrier also breeds at the lake some years. In winter there are large populations of different species of wildfowl (Greylag Goose, Common Teal, Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Eurasian Wigeon, Red-crested Pochard and Common Pochard, which breed some years). The area is also a traditional area for Common Crane to winter and feed in (over 1000 individuals), using the lake Laguna Grande to roost. Passage migrants include some flocks of Eurasian Spoonbill, Black and White Storks, Garganey and waders (sandpipers, Redshank, Ruff etc.). In the Holm oak dehesa around the lakes there are breeding species such as Black-winged Kite, Booted Eagle, Common Buzzard, Azure-winged Magpie, Western Orphean Warbler, Hoopoe, as well as many other bird species.

Female Pin-tailed Sandgrouse drinking

142

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

Great Bustard

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Young Montagu’s Harrier

2) Plains of La Albuera-Valverde de Leganés: The pseudo-steppe agro system here is one of the best representations of this type of environment in Extremadura, despite the small area it covers, with most “steppe bird” species having been recorded here. The birds that breed here include Great Bustard (250 birds in spring and over 1000 in winter), Little Bustard, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Stone Curlew, European Roller, Montagu’s Harrier, Lesser Kestrel, Calandra Lark and Short-toed Lark. In winter the area also provides shelter for wintering groups of Hen Harrier, Merlin (with interesting communal roosts), Northern Lapwing, Golden Plover, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, among other species. In the few patches of dehesa and scattered Holm oaks still present in the area there is a large population of Black-winged Kite (one of the biggest in the region with 10-15 pairs) and Long-eared Owl also breeds in these cultivated dehesas.

Best time to visit This route can be done at any time of the year, except, maybe, the middle of the scorching summer. However, it’s recommended to do it in spring (MarchMay) or winter (December-February). Bear in mind, however, that in the winter the state of the tracks is often very poor, due to the clayey nature of the land, mud and water. Also we should mention that it’s only in years of normal rainfall, with plenty of rain in autumn and spring, that the lakes contain water throughout the rainy period; if not, they can remain completely dry for the whole year.

143

Lakes and Plains of La Albuera

Other environmental and cultural interest Environmental interest. The Ribera of Nogales-Los Limonetes, which crosses the SPA, has been declared a SCI for the value of its indigenous fish and the good state of conservation of its riverside corridors (ash, oleander and spurge groves). The nearby lime-rich mountain ranges (Sierra de Alor, Monsalud, María Andrés, etc.) are home to botanical endemics and rich groups of orchids. Along the road from Valverde de Leganés to Badajoz there is an interesting mixed forest of Holm and cork oaks and stone pines, with abundant species of birds of interest (storks, kites, Booted Eagle, Long-eared Owl, Tawny Owl, etc.). Badajoz rubbish dump, on the same road, is another area with a large number and diversity of birds.

Historical-cultural interest. The historic areas of Badajoz (Arabic castle (Alcazaba), walls, medieval bridge, cathedral, churches, old centre, museums), Olivenza (Ajuda bridge, fortress, barracks, churches, Portuguese traditional and religious architecture, ethnographic museum) and Zafra (castle-palace, convents, plazas, traditional architecture) are worth visiting. In Valverde de Leganés and Barcarrota there are many megalithic monuments (dolmens and menhirs), which the respective town councils have published leaflets about for visitors.

Texts: Casimiro Corbacho Amado

Dusk at the Lakes of La Albuera

144

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Areas of interest (Lagunas y Llanos de La Albuera) ACCOMMODATION ACEUCHAL H** FRIJÓN CARRETERA CTRA. VILLALBA,1 924687321

LA ALBUERA

HS** CONDEDU CALLE MUÑOZ TORRERO, 27 924207247 / 924207248

VALDELACALZADA

HS** GONGORA

HS** VELASCO

C/ DOBLADOS, 17 924223710 / 924235962

CALLE CALZADA, 26 924447109 / 924447109

HS** SAN MARCOS MELÉNDEZ VALDÉS, 53 924229518 / 924229250

VILLAFRANCO DEL GUADIANA

HS* DE LAS HERAS HS** VILLAFRES AVDA EXTREMADURA, 84 924480378

HS* DON PEPE AVDA.EXTREMADURA 115 924480033

BADAJOZ

CALLE PEDRO DE VALDIVIA, 6 924224014 / 924224014

H**** CONFORTEL BADAJOZ

HS* NIZA

CARRETERA N-V, KM 393 924443711 / 924443708

CALLE ARCO AGÜERO, 34 924223173 / 924200584

HS* NIZA II CALLE ARCO AGÜERO, 45 924223173 / 924200584

SANTA MARTA DE LOS BARROS

H***** GRAN HOTEL CASINO DE EXTREMADURA

HS* VICTORIA

H* KIKA

CALLE LUIS DE CAMOENS, 3 924271662 / 924277551

CALLE TTE CORONEL SEGUÍ, 44 924690527

AVDA DÍAZ AMBRONA, 13 924284402 / 924275175

HS* HOSTAL BADAJOZ

H**** LOS JARDINES DE LAS BOVEDAS

C/ GENERAL EMILIO MOLA VIDAL, 5 924247402

VALVERDE DE LEGANÉS HS* LOS HERMANOS

AUTOVIA MADRID-LISBOA P.K.405.715 924286035

HS* TITTY TWISTER

H**** AC BADAJOZ

HS* PLAZA DE ESPAÑA

AVDA DE ELVAS S/N 924286247 / 924286248

CALLE ZURBARAN, 2-1º 924222005

H**** ZURBARÁN

HS* PINTOR

PASEO CASTELAR, 1 924001400 / 924220142

CALLE ARCO AGÜERO, 26 924224228 / 924233345

CRTA DE VALVERDE-TALIGA KM 4.1 927127474

H**** BADAJOZ CENTER

P GALICIA

CR LOS GAITANES

AVDA DAMIAN TELLEZ LAFUENTE, S/N 924212000 / 924212002

AVENIDA A. DIAZ AMBRONA, 24 924271902 / 924271902

C/ LAS TORRES S/N 678726098

H*** ACUAREL

HA*** ASCARZA

CTRA.BADAJOZ-GRANADA, K. 65 924239606 / 924241620

Castillo Puebla de Alcocer, 28 924286370 / 924286371

H*** LISBOA AVDA. DE ADOLFO DÍAZ AMBRONA, 13 924272900 / 924272250

H*** RIO AVDA A. DIAZ AMBRONA, 13 924272600 / 924273874

HS** DON PACO CALLE SANCHEZ DE LA ROCHA, 7 924286415

HS** CERVANTES CALLE TRINIDAD, 2 924223710 / 924222935

N-432, KM 11.200 924275841

CARRETERA BADAJOZ S/N 924496400

HS* CHIRINGUITO CARRETERA BADAJOZ S/N 924496153

CR VALLE DE MIRA

GUADIANA DEL CAUDILLO P MARI LOLI PLAZA DEL PARQUE, 3 924471080

PUEBLONUEVO DEL GUADIANA H* LA FINCA CARRETERA BADAJOZ -MONTILJO K. 22 924140718

H: HOTEL / HA: HOTEL APARTMENTS / HS: HOSTAL / P: PENSIÓN / AT: TOURIST APARTMENTS / CR: GUEST HOUSE ATR: RURAL APARTMENTS / HR: HOTEL RURAL / A: RURAL HOSTEL / CT: CAMPING

145

Black-winged Stilt

146

R U T A S

P O R E X T R E M A D U R A Central Sierras 16 of Badajoz

O R N I T O L Ó G I C A S

Location and access This route is in the centre of the province of Badajoz. Towns that can be used as reference points are Almendralejo, Alange, Oliva de Mérida and Hornachos.

There are many easy ways to reach it: both from the A-5 Madrid-Badajoz (E90) and the “Autovía de la Plata” (A-66). Pages 803, 804 and 830 of the IGN.

Description of the route The route suggested here is a long one, due to the places of ornithological interest being spread out and the links necessary between them. It is designed to be done by car, with short walks, over two whole days. You could start the route by visiting the “Church de la Purificación de Almendralejo”, a religious building declared an SPA as it is home to a large colony of Lesser Kestrel (over 100 pairs). Afterwards continue onwards along the historic road “Vía de la Plata” towards Mérida, crossing the fertile plain of Tierra de Barros between

147

Central Sierras of Badajoz

Sketch of the route and selected species

5

EX-335

A- 66

N-630

EX -1 0

EX -2 1

2

EX-344

-3 EX

Sedentarias

Estivales

Invernantes

En Paso

148

34

Griffon Vulture, Bonelli’s Eagle, Golden Eagle, Eagle Owl, Blue Rock Thrush, Black Wheatear, Rock Bunting

Egyptian Vulture, Alpine Swift, Black-eared Wheatear, Whiskered Tern, Black-winged Stilt Alpine Accentor, Common Crane, Great Cormorant Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull Eurasian Spoonbill

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Black Kite vineyards and olive groves. 2.5 km after the town of Torremejía and before the Puerto de Sevilla mountain pass that divides the mountain range turn right (EX-105: Alange-Don Benito). By this point you will already be in the foothills of the mountain ranges that make up the area to be visited in this route, the SPA of “Embalse de Alange y Sierras Centrales de Badajoz”. Specifically, you will be going round the Sierra Grajera (Grande and Chica), covered by thick sun-loving bushes (mastics, wild olives, rock roses, etc.), after having left behind Sierra Moneda. As soon as you have passed this mountain range, a little over 4 km from the start of the road, you will reach a junction at which you should turn right towards Almendralejo. Stop 500 m later, where you will find the Lake of Melchor Gómez, on the right, next to the road, before an enormous solar park. This small wetland area, covered by aquatic vegetation (Scirpus, Eleocharis, Juncus), only contains water after very wet winters. Next continue along the previous road and, just over 4 km further on, you will reach the enormous dam wall of Alange Reservoir; go across it and stop in the car park on the right, right under the crags of the Hill of the Castle of Alange (this point can also be easily reached straight from Mérida, via the EX-089 MéridaAlange). At this perfect birdwatching spot we recommend you walk along the track that goes along the southern side of the castle to Alange (2 km). Along this track, which affords magnificent views of the reservoir, there is an archaeological site from the Calcolithic period that you could also stop at. There is also a good birdwatching walk along the road on top of the dam. Once you’ve finished here continue along the EX-105 towards La Zarza (6 km), after going round the northern side of the castle and then leaving behind the spurs of Sierra de Peñas Blancas on the right, whose opposite end is the next destination. Just before La Zarza and after crossing Calera Stream, turn right onto the town’s ring road (ZA-30), continue for 1.9 km and, at the highest point of the road (29S-742435-430013), where there is a turn off into the town down

149

Central Sierras of Badajoz

an asphalted road, turn right again, onto the road known as Camino Juan Bueno (“Janbueno”). This will take you to the Mines of Tierrablanca de La Zapatera (kaolin or sericitic slate, used to whitewash walls), a part of the route in which you can enjoy magnificent views of Sierra de Peñas Blancas, covered by olive groves in rows (or on slopes) and almond trees and stony ground, crowned by quartzite crags. Once at the Mines, an enormous opencast mineral pit, a pair of small roads lead off on the right (29S-743796429979), but continue along the main road (to the left), going between the mine’s embankments. Once you have gone past these and the mine itself the road goes down opposite the Cave de la Zapatera in Sierra de Juan Bueno and narrows; keep on it for about 400 m until you reach a dirt track in a good state (29S-74422-430019). Turn right onto this track and continue to Oliva de Mérida (6 km), keeping the afore-mentioned mountain range always on your left, highly degraded by forest repopulations of eucalyptus. You will reach a road, at the exit of the town, with the old chapel “Ermita del Espíritu Santo”, in ruins, opposite, in which there is a fine colony of Lesser Kestrel. Now turn right towards Palomas (EX-335), parallel to the Cañada Real Leonesa Occidental trail; after 2 km turn onto the route of the old road, crossing Higuereja Stream and stopping in the rest area beneath the crags of Sierra Utrera (“butrera”). As the name suggests (butrera means vulture nesting site) the mountain range is home to a large colony of vultures, as well as other large birds of prey (see later). After a well-deserved birdwatching stop continue along the road to Palomas (10 km), towards your destination: Sierra de Hornachos (25 km). If you wish, you could make a quick trip onto the sun-bathed areas, covered by magnificent wild olive groves between rocky crags. For this, after going over Puerto de Palomas mountain pass and leaving behind the Chapel of San Isidro, a short distance (200 m) later a track leads off on the right from which you can enjoy spectacular and different views of Sierra de Peñas Blancas. Back on the road, when you reach Palomas go towards Puebla de la Reina (EX-210) and, from there, to Hornachos (EX-344). The natural area “Sierra Grande de Hornachos” (SPA, SCI and ARI), a birdwatching destination of the first order, has an exceptional richness of birds. We suggest two walks, over the two ranges that make up this magnificent mountain range: Sierra de Pinos and Sierra Grande. From Hornachos, at the lower part of the town, next to a pillar at the junction of several roads, take the EX-344 towards Puebla de la Reina.

Then after 2.8 km take the track on the right (29S-75382-427412), 100 m before the entrance (on the left) to the Chapel of San Isidro, where you will find an information panel. Go 2.2 km along this track and when you reach a junction (29S-755364-4275325) turn right. This track (best done on foot), which affords magnificent views, will take you to the Umbría de Sierra Grande, covered by dense Mediterranean forest and scrubland, dotted with stony areas

150

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

and crowned by enormous quartzite crags. You can continue along this track, using the wire fence that goes along it on the right as a reference (passing some tracks that lead off on the left) for 4-5 km, until you reach some attractive cork oak groves. Return along the road towards Puebla de la Reina, and after the mountain range crosses Bejarano Valley, providing pretty views, after a little over 4 km leave the road, turning left down the road signposted to the rural house Sierra del Mampar (29S-752791-4277720). Park at the edge of this road and walk around the spectacular Sierra de Pinos, marked out by numerous crags and covered by an impenetrable Mediterranean forest. Once you get back to your car this birdwatching route is finished. Of course, if you are coming from Puebla de la Reina these two routes can be done in reverse.

Ornithological interest The mountain ranges that occupy the centre of the province of Badajoz (Sierras de San Serván, Grajera, Peñas Blancas, del Conde-Vistalegre, Manchita and Hornachos), are authentic “ecosystem-islands” in a highly degraded agricultural environment, and boast a community of large birds of prey as the main ornithological value. Throughout the route and at each one of the suggested observation points and/or walking routes (Hill of the Castle-Dam of Alange, Mines of Tierra Blanca, Sierra Utrera, Sierra Grande and Sierra de Pinos), you can see birds of prey. The populations of Bonelli’s Eagle (10 pairs), Golden Eagle (9 pairs), Egyptian Vulture (8 pairs) and Griffon Vulture (over 100 pairs) are very important in conservation terms. Other important species (Short-toed Eagle, Eagle Owl, Common and Lesser Kestrels, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, etc.) as well as those that are of more general interest (Black Kite, Booted Eagle, Common Buzzard) can also be seen along the route. Other species of interest include Black Wheatear, Black-eared Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Rock Bunting, Western Orphean, Dartford and Subalpine warblers, amongst others closely linked to rocky crags, Mediterranean forests and dehesa. In winter species such as Alpine Accentor appear, as well as a small population of Common Crane that feeds in the dehesa and roosts in the reservoirs. On the wall of the dam of Alange the biggest breeding colony of Alpine Swift in Extremadura is established (over 300 birds; and they are also present in some mountain crags in the area), as well as a large number of House Martins, Eurasian Jackdaws, etc. In the wetlands of the area, particularly Alange Reservoir (difficult to access as it is so large), a large group of water birds can be found throughout the whole year, but mainly in winter (grebes, rails, ducks, herons, gulls, terns, cormorants, etc.) but also during the breeding period

151

Central Sierras of Badajoz

(particularly colonial ducks and waders). Black-winged Stilt, Little Grebe and Common Coot regularly breed in the Lake of Melchor Gómez, and occasionally Whiskered Tern, Collared Pratincole and Northern Lapwing. The community is enriched by other species (chiefly waders) during the migration, which can also include Eurasian Spoonbill. In short, there is a great ornithological richness here, as befits a diverse and heterogeneous area.

Best time to visit Spring is the perfect time to do this birdwatching route, for the richness of both the fauna and botanical species (see later). However, the middle of winter (December-February) also offers pleasant rewards.

Other environmental and cultural interest Environmental interest. There is another series of Natural Areas of the Natura 2000 Network in the area (SCIs Guadiana alto, River Matachel, River Palomillas; SPAs Colonia de primillas de la Iglesia de Guareña (Lesser Kestrel) and Cornalvo Natural Park; you can find more information at http://www.extremambiente.es). The area also has interesting botanical values, such as the best and almost only Spanish populations of the geranium “Geranio de roca” (Erodium mouretii), and excellent populations of Orchids and Daffodils (Narcissus spp.). Molinos Reservoir (Hornachos) is another area you could visit (roosting area for Common Crane, concentrations of Black Stork, ducks, etc. after the breeding season).

Historical-cultural interest. The mountain ranges mentioned have, without exception, one of the best collections of schematic rock art in the Southwest of Spain. There is a sign-posted route in La Zarza to visit the famous “Rock paintings of La Calderita”. The historical areas or monumental centres of Mérida (World Heritage Site), Alange (Roman thermal springs-spa, Castle, parish church, chapels) and Hornachos (“Moorish enclave”: Arabic castle (alcazaba), pillars and fountains, orchards and irrigation channels, ancestral houses, chapels) have outstanding historical interest. The Mudejar churches of Palomas, Puebla de la Reina and Hornachos are also worth visiting.

Texts: Casimiro Corbacho Amado

152

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Areas of interest (Sierras centrales de Badajoz) ACCOMMODATION

CALAMONTE

MÉRIDA

ALANGE

HS** LAS PALMERAS

H***** MERIDA PALACE

CTRA N-630 KM 628 639976357

PLAZA DE ESPAÑA 19 924383800

H**** GRAN HOTEL AQUALANGE

H**** ADEALBA

PASEO DE LAS HUERTAS, 3 924365608

GUAREÑA

H*** VARINIA SERENA

H* EL COTO

H**** LA LOMAS

CALLE BAÑOS,, 63 924365213

CARRETERA D. BENITO, 924350378

AVDA. REINA SOFÍA, 78 924311011 / 618518431

H* LA CORDOBESA

P ACUARIO

CALLE NUEVA, 8 924365323

CARRETERA D. BENITO, 924351379

H**** PARADOR DE TURISMO VIA DE LA PLATA

H* MARÍN CALLE BAÑOS, 6 924365385

HS* ATENEA CALLE NUEVA, 22 924365366

HORNACHOS AT PARAJE LA AGUSTINA

C/ ROMERO LEAL, Nº 18 665402105 / 924388271

PLAZA CONSTITUCION, 3 924313800

H**** TRYP MEDEA AVENIDA PORTUGAL S/Nº 924372400

H**** VELADA MERIDA

PARAJE LA AGUSTINA 924533001

AVENIDA PRINCESA SOFIA s/n 924315110

CR LOS CASTILLEJOS

H*** NOVA ROMA

LUIS CHAMIZO, 10 927534067

CALLE SUAREZ SOMONTE, 42 924311261 / 924311201

CR SIERRA DE MAMPAR

H*** ZEUS

CALLE SIERRA DE MAMPAR 924124020

ATR TRINIDAD

AVDA. REINA SOFÍA, 8 924318111

CR TITA SACRAMENTO

H** CERVANTES

C/ CASTILLEJOS,3 924365066

LUIS CHAMIZO, 12 924534218

CALLE CAMILO J. CELA, 8 924314961

CR LA CASINA

CR TITA SACRAMENTO

C/ ALMENDROS, 27 646751139

LUIS CHAMIZO, 12 924534218

H** HOTEL RAMBLA EMÉRITA

CR LA CASA AZUL

P CASTILLO DE HORNACHOS

HS* JUAN DE DIOS CALLE BAÑOS, 34 924365262

HR LA SINFOROSA C/ NUEVA,10 924365606

CALLE BAÑOS, 57 924365213

CR EL BALCÓN DE ALANGE COSO, Nº 67 695498731

ARROYO DE SAN SERVÁN

NTRA SRA DE GUADALUPE 16 924533606

RAMBLA SANTA EULALIA, 17 924387231

H** LUSITANIA CALLE OVIEDO, 12 924316112

HS** ANAS LA ZARZA

AVENIDA REINA SOFÍA, 9 924311113

CR LOS CORTINALES

HS** LAS ABADÍAS

AVDA. ALANGE 647776684

RONDA DE LOS EMERITOS, S/N 924313326

P EL CRUCE

HS* CASA LÓPEZ

HS* ALAMEDA

CARRETERA N-V KM. 352 924342112

CALLE MERIDA, 3 924366350

PLAZA MAGDALENA, 1 924300474

HR LOS POZITOS

HS* MOLINA

HS* BUENO

POLIGONO II, PARCELA 5004 665992490

JUAN CARLOS I S/N 924366103

CALLE CALVARIO, 9 924302977 / 696230075

ATR LOS POZITOS

HR EL ARRIERO

HS* EL ALFARERO

POLIGONO II PARCELA 5004 665992490

DULCE CHACON, 4 924367968

CALLE SAGASTA, 40 924303183 / 678311783

153

Central Sierras of Badajoz

HS* EL TORERO CARRETERA ALANGE, 1 924371789

HS* NUEVA ESPAÑA AVENIDA EXTREMADURA, 6 924313356 / 924304016

HS* SALUD CALLE VESPASIANO, 41 924312259

HS* SENERO CALLE HOLGUIN, 12 924317207

HS* TORERO II CTRA. ALANGE, 1 924371789

HR EL PANTANO FINCA EL PANTANO. CTRA. MONTIJO - LA ROCA, KM. 15,700 924140194 / 617386611

CR CORTIJO DE LA SERRANA CTRA. LA ROCA DE LA SIERRAMONTIJO, KM. 14 924452874 / 646335382

CT MÉRIDA CARRETERA N-V, K. 336 924303453

RIBERA DEL FRESNO CR POSADA NOSTRA CURA, 10 924536116

TORREMEJÍA HS** MILENIUM

PUEBLA DE LA REINA AT LOS PALACIOS

AVDA EXTREMADURA, 56 924340207

CARRETERA HORNACHOS, S/N 924360033

CR LA POSÁ DE MARIA ZURBARÁN, 22 924360077 / 620900393

H: HOTEL / HA: HOTEL APARTMENTS / HS: HOSTAL / P: PENSIÓN / AT: TOURIST APARTMENTS / CR: GUEST HOUSE ATR: RURAL APARTMENTS / HR: HOTEL RURAL / A: RURAL HOSTEL / CT: CAMPING

154

R U T A S

T R E M A D U R A LaE X Serena 17 and Sierra de Tiros

O R N I T O L Ó G I C A S

P O R

Location and access La Serena is a region in the east of the province of Badajoz. Its main distinguishing features are the vast plains that dominate the landscape. The River Zújar and its tributaries cut across this plateau of slates, with a gently undulating relief. The plateau is flanked by a series of mountain ranges to the south and east, which are less than 950 m high and covered by dense vegetation of Mediterranean forest and scrubland.

It’s best to follow the EX-104 to visit the area, using the town of Villanueva de la Serena as a reference point. This road goes through the region’s main towns, including La Coronada, Campanario, Castuera and Cabeza del Buey.

You can also reach the area from the N-430, via Acedera (BA-105, towards Orellana la Vieja), Navalvillar de Pela (EX-115, towards Orellana la Vieja) or Casas de Don Pedro (BA-137, towards Talarrubias and Puebla de Alcocer).

155

La Serena and Sierra de Tiros

Sketch of the route and selected species

EX-103

EX-349

104 EXBA-112

Residents

Summer visitors Winter visitors Passage migrants

156

Great Bustard, Little Bustard, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Bonelli’s Eagle, Golden Eagle Black Stork, Egyptian Vulture, Lesser Kestrel, Montagu’s Harrier, European Roller, Short-toed Lark Lapwing, Golden Plover, Common Crane, Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Hen Harrier Northern Wheatear, Black-eared Wheatear, Whinchat

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Description of the route This route is about 77 km long, of which 53 km are along roads in a good state and with little traffic, while the rest goes along tracks that are perfectly passable for a normal car.

Section 1. From Campanario to the EX-035. The route starts in the Thekla Lark town of Campanario, which you can reach via the EX-104 from Villanueva de la Serena. Just before this road enters the town turn left onto the EX-349, which leads towards La Serena Reservoir. After 850 m you will find a junction with the EX-115 towards Orellana la Vieja, but continue straight on along the same road, which takes you into one of the most beautiful steppe areas in La Serena. First you will pass the chapel “Ermita de Piedra Escrita” (km 5.5), then you will go over the River Guadalefra (km 6.1), finally reaching the EX-103. Turn left towards Orellana la Vieja and Puebla de Alcocer and after 1200 m you will find a right turn, continuing along the BA-035. After 3 km you will go past the ends of Zújar Reservoir and another 3 km later you will reach a junction at which you should turn right towards Cabeza del Buey (keeping on the BA-035).

Section 2. From the BA-035 to the chapel “Ermita de Belén”. This section is 22 km long, along a very straight road that goes through pastures and crop fields. It is popularly known as the “Carretera de las Golondrinas” (swallow road). The road ends back at the EX-104, where you should turn right towards Castuera. After 3.7 km and once you have gone past the small village of Almorchón, you will find a turning on the right that leads to the Chapel of Belén.

Section 3. From the Chapel of Belén to Castuera. From the Chapel of Belén the route continues along a dirt track for over 25 km, which you should keep going straight along. The first 5.5 km run parallel to a railway line, then it splits away from this to continue through pastures situated in the northern side of the mountain range. The track takes you to Castuera, ending at the EX-104, next to the town’s cemetery.

157

La Serena and Sierra de Tiros

Ornithological interest La Serena is, without doubt, one of the steppe areas of greatest value in the Iberian Peninsula, both for its size and the importance of its habitats and the species present. The birds associated with the pastures and rain-fed crops are superbly represented here, with some of them reaching large populations with a great importance in terms of conservation. As a result of all this, it has been declared a Special Protection Area for birds (SPA); it is also the largest protected area in Extremadura, covering over 150,000 ha.

There are lots of possibilities of seeing steppe birds in sections 1 and 2, as these go through some of the best areas of plains. Thekla Lark, much more abundant than Crested Lark in this area, is one of the most frequent species, present throughout the route. It’s easy to see a lot of birds perched on the wire fences, stone walls and “dientes de perro” (dog’s teeth – the name given to the quartzite outcrops in the region, which are over 2 m high in some cases), such as Black-eared Wheatear, Southern Grey Shrike, Corn Bunting, Hoopoe, Little Owl and Red-legged Partridge. The lack of trees means that the birds use electricity poles and cables a lot to perch on, a good way of seeing Lesser Kestrel, Common Kestrel, Common Buzzard, Short-toed Eagle and European Roller as you go along the route. The Calandra Lark can be found in the pastures and fallow fields, given away by its song and rapid flight, and it’s also possible to find the Short-toed Lark in some areas, mainly in fallow fields.

Given the scarce tree cover you should pay special attention to the areas that have bulrush or thyme groves or bushes (brooms, wild olives, hawthorns, Iberian Pears, brambles), where you will find other species, such as Goldfinch, Linnet, Zitting Cisticola, Common Stonechat, Melodious, Spectacled, Sardinian and Western Orphean Warblers and Rufous Bush Robin (the latter two particularly in patches of wild olive). Colonies of Montagu’s Harrier have established themselves in some cereal crops, in which you may also find pairs of Marsh Harrier.

Lesser Kestrel

158

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Pin-tailed and Black-bellied Sandgrouse are also frequent in both sections, two emblematic species of steppe areas, although to see these birds it’s best to stop your car and try to hear them in flight, as their call is very loud and easily recognisable. At dusk it’s easier to see or hear the Stone Curlew which is much more abundant that you would imagine.

Great Bustards could surprise you at any moment along the route, particularly in the section of the BA-035, where there are many possibilities in spring of seeing them in display. Little Bustards are more spread out in the area and in the breeding period you should look for them in the crop fields and less grazed pastures. They are much more easy to find if you listen out for the males giving out their strange call to mark their territory.

You can see species such as Mallard, Little Ringed Plover, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Common Kingfisher and White Wagtail in the rivers and streams you will find along the way. In larger rivers (Zújar y Guadalefra) Little Egret, Little Tern, Black-headed Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull are also present. In the summer months large numbers of species usually gather in the pools that still have water and it’s worthwhile dedicating time to checking these spots.

Old buildings are also interesting sites for birds, as their hollow spaces and roofs are used by many species to nest in, with colonies of Lesser Kestrel establishing themselves here, as well as pairs of White Stork, Little Owl, Scops owl, European Roller, Eurasian Jackdaw, Hoopoe, Spotless Starling and even Red-billed Chough. Cattle Egret usually patrol around the areas with livestock.

Northern Wheatear, Black-eared Wheatear, Whinchat, Willow Warbler and Tawny Pipit are abundant on passage. But the most spectacular change in the composition of the birds present occurs in winter, when large populations of species such as Golden Plover, Northern Lapwing, Hen Harrier, Meadow Pipit, Skylark and White Wagtail come to the pastures. Some of the resident species become gregarious in this period and move around in flocks, such as the Spanish Sparrow, Goldfinch, Linnet and Calandra Lark. Although it’s usually found in the dehesa the Common Crane establishes its roosting areas in small pools in the middle of the plains.

Section 3 of the route starts at the chapel “Ermita de Belén” and goes through pastures and crop fields but along most of the route you also have views of the northern side of the Sierra de Tiros, which extends from the vicinity of Almorchón to Castuera. The mountain ranges are covered by dense vegetation, with Mediterranean forest (with Holm and cork oaks) predominant in some areas and rock rose patches in others and open dehesa normally appearing at the lowest parts of its slopes. Large quartzite crags stand out along the mountain tops. This complex network of habitats notably enriches the composition of the bird communities, with typical forest species establishing themselves

159

La Serena and Sierra de Tiros

(Black Kite, Common Buzzard, Booted Eagle, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Mistle Thrush,Nightingale, Eurasian Jay, Azure-winged Magpie, Woodchat Shrike, Wren, Rock Sparrow, Common Chaffinch and Hawfinch) and those representative of crags, such as Blue Rock Thrush, Black Wheatear, Crag Martin and Alpine Accentor (in winter). The huge importance of the mountain ranges for the nesting of Bonelli’s Eagle, Golden Eagle, Egyptian Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Eagle Owl, Peregrine Falcon and Black Stork is worth highlighting, species that find a safe refuge in the quartzite rock faces and feed in the steppe areas.

Best time to visit This route never disappoints at any time of the year, although you can see a greater number of birds in spring and winter. In summer the birds are more active at dawn and you should avoid doing the route in the middle of the day.

The yellow and ochre hues of the parched pastures are also spectacular.

We would recommend you to keep to the roads and tracks and not go into the pastures and cereal fields. This precaution is even more important in spring, as you could disturb the birds that nest in these habitats. When you see groups of Great Bustards displaying you should always keep your distance.

Other environmental and cultural values The Centre of Interpretation of Nature “Comarca de La Serena” is in Castuera, which has diverse information panels and an interesting audiovisual. It’s next to the “Museo del Turrón” (fudge museum), a typical product of this town, which we also recommend you to visit. In Castuera there are also several factories of the famous “Queso de La Serena” cheese, with denomination of origin, produced in a traditional way from raw Merino sheep’s milk.

When you have finished the route you could continue along the EX-104 towards Cabeza del Buey and visit the castles of Benquerencia de la Serena and Almorchón (of Almohade origin, from the 12th-13th centuries), and even carry on to the castle of Zarzacapilla. Thanks to their exceptional locations you can enjoy extraordinary views from them.

After Benquerencia de la Serena you reach Puerto Mejoral, a small town in which ADENEX has a Nature Centre and an excellent hide to watch the passage of the cranes when they fly from the dehesa to their roosting areas at dusk.

Texts: Atanasio Fernández García

160

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Areas of interest (La Serena y Sierra de Tiros) ACCOMMODATION TALARRUBIAS P NUÑEZ CALLE RAMON Y CAJAL, 2 924630309 PENSIONES

P CALDERÓN CALLE FUENTE VILLA, 9 924630360

CT PUERTO PEÑA CARRETERA N-430, KM. 169 924631411

HS* GALICIA

CR LAS SETECIENTAS

PLAZA SANCHEZ CORTES 924803528

CTRA C-103 KM 63,500 636865915

P EL OLIVO

CR ISLA DEL ZÚJAR

CARRETERA D. BENITO - VVA KM. 101 924800006

EMBALSE DEL ZÚJAR 610390793 / 924760635

SIRUELA HS* LOS AMIGOS TRV. AVDA GUADALUPE, 26

LA CORONADA P LA FAMA

PUEBLA DE ALCOCER

AVDA LA FAMA, 4 924826322

H* LA CODORNIZ CAMINO LA LAGUNA S/N 924620110

CR VALLES DE CONSOLACION A FINCA LOS VALLES DE LA CONSOLACION 924145039 / 913510931

CR VALLLES DE CONSOLACION B FINCA LOS VALLES DE CONSOLACION 924145039 / 913510931

CR LA CASA DE LOS TEMPLARIOS GARCIA MESONERO, 11 924620085 / 669936927

CR LA BOTICA CALLE FERNANDO HERNANDEZ GIL, 24 924620315 / 610374524

DON BENITO H*** VEGAS ALTAS AVENIDA BADAJOZ, 924810005

H** VERACRUZ AVDA. VEGAS ALTAS, 105 924801362

HS** KARMEN RETAMOSA, POLIG.INDUS. SAN ISIDRO S/N 924813252

HS* EL PARAISO CTRA DON BENITO- VILLANUEVA, KM 99 924803459

MONTERRUBIO DE LA SERENA

CASAS DE DON PEDRO CR CASA LARES ZAMORA, 26 924864027 / 654211578

CAMPANARIO CR JARA-SERENA CTRA. LA HABA-LA GUARDA, KM 7 658869391

H** COTO DE LA SERENA CALLE ESPAÑA, 6 924635169

HS** VATICANO PLAZA ESPAÑA, 15 924610633

CR SIERRA DE LOS OJUELOS 1 FINCA OJUELO 924610180

CR SIERRA DE LOS OJUELOS 2 FINCA OJUELO 924610180

CR CORTIJO DE BECERRA FINCA BECERRA 669242146

CR LOS CASARES CARRETERA DE QUINTANA, 7 606706676

MAGACELA CR VILLASOL FINCA PARAJE "LAS VIÑAS", 699912023

CABEZA DEL BUEY HS* POLIDEP. MUNICIPAL AVENIDA N. S. DE BELEN, S/N 924600756

CR LA LOMA FINCA LA LOMA 924600327 / 651908826

CASTUERA QUINTANA DE LA SERENA H** BARON DEL POZO CTRA. VVA-ANDUJ. KM. 33,5 924761048

H** LOS NARANJOS CARRETERA BENQUERENCIA 924760888

H* PARAISO CALLE DIVINO MORALES, 6-8 924760248

ATR ISLA DEL ZÚJAR EMBALSE DEL ZÚJAR 924146010

H** SAN FRANCISCO AVDA. CONSTITUCIÓN, 8 924777804

BENQUERENCIA DE LA SERENA H** LA PANADERIA CALLE CARRETERA, 2 924774457

CR LA CASA DE LA AVES

CR SABINO ALCÁNTARA

CTRA. EX-103. PK. 63,5 610390793 / 924760639

TAMBOREJO, 28 924776191

161

La Serena and Sierra de Tiros

CR EL PALOMAR CRTA. DE CASTUERA A BENQUERENCIA KM 2 924772398

ZARZA CAPILLA A ZARZA CAPILLA AVDA GUARDIA CIVIL S/N 924619152

TOURIST OFFICE O.T. DON BENITO VILLANUEVA, 1 DON BENITO TEL.: 924808084 TEL. Y FAX: 924805350 www.donbenito.org turismo@donbenito.es

O.T. MANCOMUNIDAD DE LA SERENA

O.T. VILLANUEVA DE LA SERENA

PLAZA DE ESPAÑA, S/N CASTUERA TEL.: 924773817 FAX: 924760635 www.laserena.org

PL. DE ESPAÑA, 1 VILLANUEVA DE LA SERENA TEL.: 924846010 FAX: 924843529 www.villanuevadelaserena.es oficinaturismo@villanuevade lase-

oitserena@laseerena.org

rena.es

O.T. TALARRUBIAS CENTRO DE OCIO PUERTO PEÑA CTRA. DE PELOCHE, KM. 1 PANTANO DE PUERTO PEÑA TEL.: 924630100 www.talarrubias.net infotalarrubias@terra.es

INTERPRETATION CENTRES C.I. DE LA NATURALEZA COMARCA DE LA SERENA ARRABAL, S/N CASTUERA TEL.: 924002386

H: HOTEL / HA: HOTEL APARTMENTS / HS: HOSTAL / P: PENSIÓN / AT: TOURIST APARTMENTS / CR: GUEST HOUSE ATR: RURAL APARTMENTS / HR: HOTEL RURAL / A: RURAL HOSTEL / CT: CAMPING

162

R U T A S

Dehesas of Jerez

O R N I T O L Ă“ G I C A S

P O R

E X T R E M A D U R A

18

Location and access The route is in the dehesas of Jerez de los Caballeros, in the southwest of the province of Badajoz, where you can find one of the largest and best-conserved forest masses of Holm and cork oaks in the Iberian Peninsula. The suggested routes start from the town of Jerez de los Caballeros, which can be reached from the north and south via the N-435; from the east and west via the EX-112, from the A-66 (Zafra) and Villanueva del Fresno, respectively.

Description of the route The route goes over a mix of asphalted roads and dirt tracks, and is about 105 km long, of which only 10 km are on tracks. The suggested route starts from the town of Jerez de los Caballeros and ends back at it. It’s designed to be done by car in one day, stopping and going for short walks at the most inter-

163

Dehesas of Jerez

Sketch of the route and selected species

35 N-4

EX -1 12

N-435

EX-313

EX-112

35 N-4

Residents

Summer visitors Winter visitors

164

Griffon Vulture, Azure-winged Magpie, Black-winged Kite Black Stork, Short-toed Eagle, Booted Eagle, Common Redstart Dunnock, Common Wood Pigeon, Song Thrush

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

esting observation points. Apart from the irrigated crops in Ardila and Valuengo Reservoir, the route mainly goes through landscapes dominated by Holm and cork oaks, in single species or mixed expanses, forming open woodland or dehesa or denser and more wooded formations, often accompanied by Iberian Pears. This natural region of the mountain ranges of Jerez de los Caballeros reveals the essence of Extremadura’s countryside in all its splendour: the dehesa. A vast sea of Holm and cork oaks with numerous mature forests in an excellent state of conservation carpets the undulating relief of the Extremaduran spurs of Sierra Morena. Together with the neighbouring Andalusian regions it constitutes the biggest continuous expanse of sclerophyllic (drought-tolerant) forest in the southwest of Spain. In fact, this region is the main reserve of indigenous trees in Extremadura, with about 350,000 ha, which represents 40% of the total wooded area in the region; about 100,000 ha belong to the dehesas of Jerez de los Caballeros. The quality of its forests and dehesas and the richness of the breeding species, such as the Black Stork, have made it deserving of its declaration as a Special Protection Area for birds.

The route starts in the town of Jerez de los Caballeros, taking the N-435 towards Fregenal de la Sierra. Turn left before you cross the bridge over the River Ardila, at point (X:0699392, Y: 4241573), onto the road that leads to the town of Valuengo. From here take the road on the right at point (X:0700264, Y: 4242231) to Valuengo Reservoir.

When you reach the reservoir, from the wall downstream, you can see Grey Heron, Little Egret and Great Cormorant fishing or sunning themselves on the slates. With a bit of luck and patience it’s quite possible to see an Otter playing in the water. From here continue along a dirt track that goes around the reservoir, affording views of wide areas and corners where you can see large wintering concentrations of duck (Mallard, Eurasian Wigeon, Northern Shoveler) as well as Common Coot, Great Cormorant, Great Crested Grebe and Little Grebe. A large group of Great Cormorant roost in the eucalyptuses on the opposite bank and at the end of summer it’s possible to see groups of Black Stork gathered together before undertaking their migratory journey back to Africa.

The route ends at the end of the farm La Parrilla, from where you should return to Jerez de los Caballeros via the same route. From here take the EX-112 towards Oliva de la Frontera before turning right towards the town of Higuera de Vargas at point (X:0691600, Y: 4244694). The close relationship between wildlife and traditional production systems in balance with the environment is clearly evident along this route. The benign winter temperatures make any walk through the dehesa very pleasant, where you can often see the pruning teams and charcoal kilns, laborious constructions used for the traditional production of excellent quality charcoal that has made the town of Zahinos fa-

165

Dehesas of Jerez

mous. Along with this is the true source of the farming richness of the towns of these mountain ranges: the Iberian pig, whose time in the mountains is critical for its fattening up and the refinement of its cold meats and hams, popularly known as “pata negra�. As you proceed you will see Azure-winged Magpies, strangely very scarce, and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Com-

Black-winged Kite

166

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

mon Redstart, an uncommon summer breeding bird that has its main population in this area of Extremadura, in the more mature, dense and better conserved forests. When you reach Higuera de Vargas turn left onto the EX-311 towards the N-435 and from here, turn right towards the town of Barcarrota.

From here take the road towards the towns of Salvaleón and Salvatierra de los Barros, a famous pottery town that is worth visiting. The scenery along the route is spectacular, as it goes along the shady side of “Sierra de Peña Utrera”, with some huge cork and gall oaks and beautiful views towards the valleys surrounding the “Sierra de Valbellido”, on whose rocky crags you can see Griffon Vultures. Once you reach Salvatierra take the BA- 3021 towards Valle de Santa Ana and the N-435, probably the most spectacular part of the whole route. For a little over 25 km the road goes through a tree-covered landscape in which it isn’t uncommon to see Black Stork gliding to lower heights or fishing in some stream or pool in a dehesa.

Ornithological interest The Holm and cork oaks are home to rich communities of birds, being of special interest for endangered species such as the Black Stork, which finds seclusion in these vast wooded areas during the breeding period. In winter a small fraction of the population remains here, in pairs or small groups scattered around the innumerable livestock pools in the area, and in summer striking post-breeding concentrations gather before the migration back to sub Saharan Africa. In spring the area welcomes Booted Eagle, Short-toed Eagle and other summer visitors from Africa, along with a long list of thousands of small birds that go unnoticed, hidden in the branches of the trees. The noisy Azurewinged Magpies are very common in the Holm oak groves, where they establish their breeding colonies, as are White Stork, Common Wood Pigeon, Common Cuckoo, Mistle Thrush, Spotless Starling and Hoopoe. Over the years the hundred-year-old Holm and cork oaks of the most mature forests give refuge in the holes of their trunks and branches to a huge number of animal species. As a result nocturnal birds are particularly abundant, such as Tawny Owls and Barn Owls and mammals such as the Genet and Garden Dormouse. These mature forests are the favoured habitat for the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Common Redstart.

Valuengo Reservoir has large wintering concentrations of Great Crested Grebe and the eucalyptuses on its banks are used as a winter roost by Great Cormorants. One of the first records of this species as a breeding bird was in 1993.

167

Dehesas of Jerez

Best time to visit This route can be done at any time of the year. As with other routes spring is the best season, with good temperatures during the day and the return of the summer visitors: Black Stork, Booted Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, etc. Spring is also the breeding period, and as a general recommendation for all the routes you must not stray from the established route to avoid disturbing the birds during this sensitive period. It is very hot in summer, so make sure you drink plenty of fluids and protect yourself properly from the sun, avoiding the middle hours of the day, which are also less favourable for watching the birds.

Other environmental and cultural interest Besides the SPA “Dehesas de Jerez”, there are several other areas in the district that form part of the Natura 200 network. These include the ecological and biodiversity corridor of the Alcarrache river, the SPA Valuengo reservoir which hosts important populations of waterbirds, such as Great-crested Grebe and Great Cormorant, as well as the Alor and Monte Longo mountains and the María Andrés mountains, both with excellent populations of orchids. Other important areas include the Guadiana river, Ardila Alto and Ardila Bajo river and the valley of the Limonetes-Nogales.

The Dehesas de Jerez and their surroundings are considered a heartland of the Iberian pig, thanks to which the district is one of the most important in the whole of Spain for the production of Iberian hams and other cured pork products. The annual celebration “Salón del Jamón Ibérico” in Jerez de los Caballeros is very important. The many local producers come under the label Denominación de Origen “Dehesa de Extremadura”.

There are also attractive historic towns such Jerez de los Caballeros, Fregenal de la Sierra and Zafra.

Holy Week in Jerez de los Caballeros and the Living Passion in Oliva de la Frontera have been declared as festivals of regional interest for tourism. The “Festival de la Sierra” is celebrated between 10th and 15th August in Fregenal de la Sierra. The district is rich in megalithic monuments, such as the group of dolmens at Barcarrota and the Toriñuelo dolmen in Jerez de los Caballeros.

Nor should be overlooked the snow well, castle and pottery museum in Salvatierra de los Barros, famous for its earthenware pots and jars.

Texts: Víctor Manuel Pizarro Jiménez

168

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Areas of interest (Dehesas de Jerez) ACCOMMODATION

OLIVA DE LA FRONTERA

TOURIST OFFICES

JEREZ DE LOS CABALLEROS

ATR LA VENTA

O.T. JEREZ DE LOS CABALLEROS

H*** LOS TEMPLARIOS CARRETERA VILLANUEVA, S/Nº 924731636

H** OASIS CALLE EL CAMPO,, 18 924731244

HS** MIJINA ERITAS, 86 924730390

HS** CASA RAMOS CARRETERA BADAJOZ, 26 924730983

ATR EL GUIJO FINCA EL GUIJO 924730074

CTRA. OLIVA DE LA FRONTEROVALENCIA DEL MOMBUEY 924740000

CR EL CHORLITO CAMINO DEL SANTO Km. 3 654437575

P EL CAMIONERO CARRETERA JEREZ, 127 658765089 / 924754618

P LA PARRILLA CARRETERA DE JEREZ 125-A 924754601

VILLANUEVA DEL FRESNO

CR LA ZAFRILLA

HS** VILLAFRES

FINCA LA ZAFRILLA 924731031 / 608008217

PLAZA ESPAÑA, 24 924427218 / 619324160

AV. DE LA CONSTITUCIÓN, 4 JEREZ DE LOS CABALLEROS

TEL.: 924730372 FAX: 924730204 www.jerezdeloscaballeros.es turismo@jerezdeloscaballeros.e.telefonica.net INTERPRETATION CENTRES C.I. DE LA DEHESA CUBO, S/N SALVALEÓN

TEL.: 924752504 C.I. AGUA AIRE OLIVO,3 BARCARROTA

TEL.: 924736327

H: HOTEL / HA: HOTEL APARTMENTS / HS: HOSTAL / P: PENSIÓN / AT: TOURIST APARTMENTS / CR: GUEST HOUSE ATR: RURAL APARTMENTS / HR: HOTEL RURAL / A: RURAL HOSTEL / CT: CAMPING

Cork Oak grove

169

Red Avadavat

170

R U T A S O R N I T O L Ó G I C A S P O R E X T R E M A D U R A Arroyo-Conejos reservorir 19 and Campiña Sur

Location and access The towns that act as reference points for this route are Llerena and Azuaga (start and end of the route) in the south of the province of Badajoz, both of which are on the N-432 (Badajoz-Granada). The area is easily reached from the “Autovía de la Plata” (A-66), turning off to these towns when you reach Zafra.

Pages 1:50,000 numbers 855, 856, 877 and 878.

Description of the route The route goes through the SPA “Campiña Sur y Embalse de Arroyo Conejos”, an enormous plain used for growing cereal crops (+250,000 ha) in the south of Extremadura, which is very important for its populations of birds, particularly steppe and aquatic species. The suggested route is long and thorough, a little over 80 km, designed to be done by car in one whole day. It

171

Arroyo-Conejos reservoir and CampiĂąa Sur

EX-111

BA-042

BA

6 -01

Sketch of the route and selected species

-0 8 BA

6

-0 BA 75

Residents

Summer visitors

Winter visitors Passage migrants

Great Bustard, Little Bustard, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Stone Curlew, Black-winged Kite, White Stork, Red-billed Chough Gull-billed Tern, Little Tern, Collared Pratincole, Blackwinged Stilt, Montagu’s Harrier, Lesser Kestrel, European Roller Common Crane, Hen Harrier, Merlin, Golden Plover, ducks

Garganey, Black-eared Wheatear

starts in Llerena, where you should take the local road (Carretera de los Labradores or del Pantano) that leads to the dam wall of Arroyo Conejos or Llerena Reservoir (12.5 km). We suggest you visit the end of the reservoir as well, for which you have to go back along this road for 2.8 km until you reach

172

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

a crossroads (30S-242988-4244234); at this point turn left and after 3.5 km you will reach the course of Conejos Stream and the end of the Reservoir.

Then return to the crossroads but this time keep going straight on, until you reach the end of the road (2.5 km.) and Caserío de Casas de Pila (30S241322-4246132), a typical example of the rural houses of La Campiña. Once there, turn right down a small local road, the BA-086 (Llerena-Maguilla), the first part of which runs along the trail “Cañada Real Soriana”. After crossing the dehesa “Dehesas de Las Tiendas, Casablanca and Malajuncia”, which support large populations of Common Cranes in winter, and travelling for 6.5 km, you will reach a crossroads of small local roads right at the point that the Conejos stream flows by, downstream of the dam. Once you have reached this point go towards the small town of Maguilla; just after taking this road you will leave behind you the house Cortijo del Tío Piche on top of a hill on the left and some disused mines. After driving for 6.5 km between olive groves, vineyards and cereals and crossing the stream “Arroyo de las Veguillas”, lined by a magnificent elm grove that has been declared a SCI, you will reach the aforementioned town. Once in Maguilla and after you have gone through the town, take the road Campillo de Llerena (BA-042). 1.5 km along this road, when you reach a large open bend (30S-253122-425145) an asphalted road leads off on the right (Carrera or Camino de Zalamea), which you should go down until you reach an intersection (6.5 km) with the road Campillo-Azuaga (BA-016).

During this part of the route and until you reach the end you will be crossing a vast plain and fertile agricultural land (olive groves, vineyards and cereals), with small areas of Holm oak dehesa, dotted with country houses and whitewashed pigeon lofts. At any point along this route it’s possible to see steppe birds (Great Bustard, Little Bustard, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, harriers, etc.) or flocks of Common Crane (both in the dehesa and in the middle of the plains), so we would recommend you look around the vast area at length in search of these species, stopping whenever you choose. Once on the road mentioned earlier turn right, towards Azuaga, and after 2.8 km (30S-2597564252775) leave this inter-town road, turning left onto an asphalted road (Carretera de Palomero or Pista de los Alcornocales). This road is a little over 7.5 km long and will take you to another road (EX-111: Azuaga-Zalamea de la Serena) after turning right within its vicinity, when the road crosses a dirt track (30S-266159-4256465). Just before you reach the turning you will cross a cork oak copse, with mature trees, planted several decades ago, an atypical scene in these plains of cereal crops. When you reach the EX-111 and have crossed it take the track that starts right opposite the crossroads; after going 250 m along this turn right at the first crossroads with another track you find (30S-26654-428368), taking this new track southwards. Where the road crosses these tracks and in the surrounding area you will find several tempo-

173

Arroyo-Conejos reservoir and Campiña Sur

rary lakes (Lagunas del Hueco I and II, del Lentiscal, Tres Chicas, Juan Andrés), another typical feature of La Campiña and very important, although in most instances they have been highly altered by drainage processes, agriculture, mismanagement, etc. In any case, after periods of heavy rainfall they can shelter interesting species of water birds (see later), particularly during winter and on passage. Once on the track follow it for 10 km until it ends at the local road BA-075 that leads from Granja de Torrehermosa to the roads previously mentioned (EX-111 and BA-016). In this last section of the route you will have crossed some of the most favoured areas in the whole region for steppe birds in general and Great Bustards in particular. Once on the road mentioned before, right at the junction where you find another lake (Laguna del Alguacil) turn right, following the road for 4.5 km until you reach a small dehesa (Dehesa de Llera, a favourite haunt of Common Crane) where this road crosses that of Azuaga-Zalamea. Once here you have two options, depending on whether your “ornithological expectations” have already been fulfilled or not; you can turn left towards Azuaga (9 km) to finish the route in this town or you can go straight on, continuing your birdwatching route a little further. If you choose the second option, after crossing the EX-111, keep going straight on along the same local road for 5.5 km, until you get back to the road of Campillo (BA-016). Once here, and after crossing another good area for Great Bustards, turn left onto this road and then carry on to the final destination of this route, the town of Azuaga (12 km). If you wish you could make small diversions off the suggested route and back again at some of the other junctions with main roads along the route (we strongly advise you not to take secondary roads due to their bad state, especially after it has rained recently).

Lesser Kestrel

174

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Ornithological interest There are many and varied ornithological attractions that are worth highlighting in this region in the south of Extremadura. The Arroyo-Conejos Reservoir is another of Extremadura’s wetland areas that has been classified as being of great importance for water birds. The community of colonial species is important during the breeding season, which regularly nests on the reservoir’s islands: Gull-billed Tern, Collared Pratincole, Little Tern and Black-winged Stilt.

Along with these species Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Gadwall, Mallard, Common Coot, etc. also breed in the area. In winter this water body is used by large groups of water birds, including Greylag Goose, Common Teal, Northern Shoveler, Eurasian Wigeon, Red-crested Pochard and Common Pochard.

During passage species such as Eurasian Spoonbill, Garganey (particularly in the spring passage), large groups of White Stork and different species of waders occur, both in the reservoir and in the temporary lakes dotted around the cereal fields of La Campiña. Common Crane makes great use of the dehesa and plains (feeding areas) as well as the wetlands (roosting areas). In terms of numerical importance La Campiña is the second most important area for this bird in Extremadura, supporting flocks of more than 10,000 individuals.

In this respect Arroyo-Conejos Reservoir can provide a perfect site to watch the cranes coming back to their roost from the dehesas , which are located to the west of the reservoir. You will get excellent views of this noisy and spectacular event from its wall. As regards the steppe bird species, together with the Plains of Cáceres and La Serena, La Campiña Sur is one of the main refuges in Extremadura for these. As breeding birds the presence of Great Bustard (over 500 individuals and over 1000 in winter), Little Bustard, Blackbellied Sandgrouse, Stone Curlew, European Roller, Montagu’s Harrier, Calandra Lark and Short-toed Lark are noteworthy. Throughout winter Hen Harrier, Merlin, Northern Lapwing, Golden Plover, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, among other species, occur. Lesser Kestrel, abundant throughout the region, has established large breeding colonies in urban areas (the colony of the

Little Grebe

Pin-tailed Sandgrouse flying

175

Arroyo-Conejos reservoir and Campiña Sur

Church of Llerena has been declared a SPA) and in rural buildings, along with European Roller in the latter. Red-billed Chough is another characteristic and abundant species in the area, closely linked to the former lead mines, now disused. Lastly, there are interesting species of birds linked to the dispersed dehesa copses, such as, apart from the Common Cranes already mentioned, Black-winged Kite, Azure-winged Magpie and Long-eared Owl.

Best time to visit Although this route can be done at any time of the year, we would recommend doing it in spring (March-May) or in winter (December-February), but taking special care in this period due to the bad state of the roads (mud and water).

Other environmental and cultural interest Environmental interest. In the region or the surrounding area you can find several Natural Areas of the Natura 2000 Network in Extremadura, such as the SCIs of the upper sections of the headwaters of the Rivers Matachel, Retín and Bembézar; the Elm grove of the Veguillas stream (Maguilla) and the Sierras de Bienvenida and Capitana (Bienvenida). The “Mine de la Jayona” (Fuente del Arco) has been declared a Natural Monument, having been restored and prepared for visits (more information at http://www.extremambiente.es).

Lastly, Sierra del Recuero and the spurs of Sierra Morena (Azuaga) are home to large birds of prey.

Historical-cultural interest. Monumental centres of Llerena (Church of Nuestra Señora de Granada, Plaza Mayor, Mudejar houses, walls) and Azuaga (Castle of Miramontes, Church of Nuestra Señora de la Consolación, chapels, ancestral houses). Mudejar style churches of Granja de Torrehermosa, Berlanga and Valverde de Llerena. Impressive examples of the area’s Roman and Arabic past are the Theatre and Roman city of Regina (Casas de Reina) and the Arabic castle (Alcazaba) of Reina, respectively. In Cardenchosa, a municipal district of Azuaga, there are several megalithic monuments, including a menhir within the urban area itself.

Author: Casimiro Corbacho Amado

176

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Datos de interés (Embalse de Arroyo-Conejos y Campiña Sur) ACCOMMODATION AZUAGA H*** EL MIRADOR DE AZUAGA CARRETERA N-432, K. 142 924892930

HS* LAS CONCHAS AVENIDA EXTREMADURA,, 31 924890239

HS* JIMENEZ CALLE MUÑOZ TORRERO,80 924890390

CT CAMPIÑA SUR

H*** ISUR LLERENA

CTRA. BADAJOZ-GRANADA KM. 142 924144074

DOCTOR FLEMING S/N 924516361

BERLANGA

CR LA HOYA N-432, KM.149,5 924890390

CR CORTIJO LA SEÑORA FINCA LA SIERRA 924144074

CR CORTIJO MIRADORCILLO

HR LA FABRICA

CARRETERA N-432 KM. 131 924894036

MIGUEL SÁNCHEZ, S/N 924873824

P ZURBARÁN CAMPILLO DE LLERENA

PLAZA ESPAÑA, 3 924871412

CR LA POSADA C/ SAN BARTOLOMÉ, 18 924770304 / 670856302

PERALEDA DEL ZAUCEJO ATR EL CUARTEL

GRANJA DE TORREHERMOSA

C/ NUESTRA SRA. DE FÁTIMA, 1 646591385

CR CASA GABRIEL H*** HOTEL HACIENDA DE DON MANUEL

CALLE PALOMAS, 1 924636744

AVDA. EXTREMADURA, 150 924895480

CR FAICA

HS* SAN FRANCISCO CALLE CANALEJAS, 28 924895045

HIGUERA DE LLERENA

FINCA LA SIERRA 924144074

HS** EL MIRADOR

CR CORTIJO VIÑA DEL DUCO

REAL Nº 2 924880053

CAMINO DE LAS CURTIDAS S/N 637017022

CARRETERA N-432 K. 112 924870050

HS* RUFINO

CR CASA DEL SOTILLO FINCA LA SIERRA. CTRA. PRESA DEL SOTILLO 924144074

HS* GALLEGO

LLERENA

AT APARTAMENTOS TURÍSTICOS DE AZUAGA

H**** HOSPEDERIA MIRADOR DE LLERENA

CARRERA, 3 687516527 / 924890237

AURORA, 7 924870597

CALLE MORTERO, 22 924636657

H** FAYCA PASEO SERENA, 15 924636657

VALENCIA DE LAS TORRES HS** CAMPO ABIERTO CARRETERA DE LLERENA, KM. 0.110 924881016

P LA TERRAZA AVENIDA JOSE CAMPILLO, 10 924881336

H: HOTEL / HA: HOTEL APARTMENTS / HS: HOSTAL / P: PENSIÓN / AT: TOURIST APARTMENTS / CR: GUEST HOUSE ATR: RURAL APARTMENTS / HR: HOTEL RURAL / A: RURAL HOSTEL / CT: CAMPING

177

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Field Guide

Field Guide Terms for the topography of a bird

11 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Thigh (or tibia) Under-tail coverts Cola (o retrices) Rump Primaries Secondaries Tertials Scapulars Nape Ear-coverts Crown Forehead Bill Chin Throat Breast Flanks Tarsus

12

10 13 9 8

14

7

15

6

5

16

4 17 3

18

2 1

How to observe birds On walks in the countryside, in town parks and gardens, the group of animals that are the easiest for us to watch are birds. When they fly through the air there is nothing that obstructs our view of them, many are brightly coloured or have attractive songs which draw our attention, but in order to get to know them better, it is useful to take into account certain details which will make it much easier to identify and study them.

Not all birds occur in the same places, each species prefers certain habitats; for example ducks, geese, waders and grebes are generally found on or close to water, so we do not look for them on mountain ridges or cliffs, where we may look for Griffon Vultures, Golden or Bonelli’s Eagles. Returning to water birds, the waterfowl (ducks and geese) are a large group and can be difficult to identify. However, experienced birdwatchers make use of certain clues and these can be useful for us. For example, dabbling ducks like Mallard and Shoveler take off from the water by rising directly from it, whereas diving ducks like the Pochard make a short run across the surface of the water when they take off. On the water’s edge we can find waders such as sandpipers. These species do not swim and have long slender legs and bills which help them find food on muddy surfaces. Another group of water birds are the herons and egrets, which will often stay quietly perched on overhanging branches or use their long legs to wade into the deep water without wetting their plumage, in order to prey on fish.

180

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Close-up of the head

6

7 5

8

4

9

10

3 2 1

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Throat Bib Chin Lores Eye-ring Median crown-stripe Lateral crown-stripe Supercilium Eye-stripe Ear-covert

How birds fly and how high they fly can also be characteristic. The swallow has a rapid flight, usually close to the ground, trees or along narrow streets, whilst the swift prefers to hunt in open sky at great height; between the two extremes, we can find martins.

Other characteristics that we should take into account to help us identify birds are whether or not they have wing markings (wing-bars or speculum…..), the shape of the tail (rounded, forked, square-shaped…), the colour of the legs (very important in waders), the way in which a bird perches, walks (hopping like a sparrow, walking like a lark, bobbing like a sandpiper……).

If the bird is in a tree…whereabouts is it? Is it on a low, open branch (flycatchers), an open high branch (Black-winged Kite), on the trunk climbing in a spiral (Short-toed Treecreeper) or head down (Nuthatch), or making short hops using its tail as a prop (Great Spotted Woodpecker), or in the outermost twigs with acrobatic behaviour (Blue Tit)….

As we can see, each bird or group of birds has a series of distinctive characteristics that will help us to identify it. With these useful indicators, the illustrations and text that follows, along with some days in the field to build up our experience, we will be able to decipher much of the secrets of the birdlife in Extremadura and make even more attractive each of the routes described in this book.

181

Field Guide European Bee-eater Merops apiaster IE Smaller than a dove and the most colourful of all Spanish birds. Only red is missing from the plumage, but Nature places this in the colour of its eyes! It feeds on insects caught in the air during its acrobatic flight. It nests in large colonies in holes excavated with its bill in sandy banks, often close to rivers. They arrive in the spring to breed and leave in late August or early September.

Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus SAH About the same size as the Common Buzzard and rather similar in plumage, and can be confused when seen flying. Its iris is a characteristic yellow and the bill has a distinctive shape, being rather longer and finer than Common Buzzard. They nest in trees in dense woodland, with a diet typically based on bees and wasps (the larvae, pupae and adults) and can be seeing carrying parts of wasps nest or honey combs in their talons. They also take reptiles and small birds.

They breed in Extremadura and migrate across the Straits of Gibraltar in September.

Hoopoe Upupa epops IE Slightly smaller than a dove, with a long slender curved bill and a large crest, that can be raised and flattened. The wings, tail and tips of the crest are black and white, whilst the rest of the body is buffy pink. It nests in holes in trees or walls and occurs in cultivated dehesas and spaces with few trees. It feeds exclusively on insects and spiders that it picks up with its bill on the ground. It is resident throughout the year.

Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris IE It has a brown back with black markings, grey head and flanks streaked with reddish brown. It occurs at higher altitude than the Dunnock, breeding on the higher slopes of the Gredos and in winter being found on the ridge tops of the lower ranges. It has a similar diet to the Dunnock and is rather tamer.

Abbreviations referring to conservation status of the species in Extremadura EE: At risk of extinction 覺 SAH: Sensitive to alteration of habitat 覺 V: Vulnerable 覺 IE: Of Special Interest

182

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Dunnock Prunella modularis IE Smaller than a sparrow with brown back, finely streaked with black and with chestnut streaking on the flanks and a lead-grey head and throat. It nests in scrub on mountainsides and in winter descends to lower ground. It feeds mainly on insects, grubs and spiders. In Extremadura breeding occurs on the high mountains whilst it can be found almost anywhere in the winter.

Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago Like a small Woodcock, but found in wetlands. Like the Woodcock, it is a winter species. It hunts for small invertebrates in muddy areas, as well as rice fields. When flushed, they fly rapidly away in a zigzag flight, giving a characteristic alarm call.

Short-toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla IE A tiny bird with a long, fine decurved bill and stiff tail.

It climbs up tree trunks to small boughs in a spiral route. It can often go unnoticed because of its mottled brown plumage which has the same tone as the bark. It feeds on tiny insects, larvae and mites hidden under the bark, using its extraordinary bill to probe. It occurs in generally dense woodland in Extremadura and is present throughout the year.

Spanish Imperial Eagle Aquila adalberti EE Unique to the Iberian peninsular, it is one of the world’s scarcest raptors. It is slightly smaller than the Golden Eagle, and can be distinguished by its white shoulders and nape. It breeds in large trees in Mediterranean woodland, feeding on rabbits, pigeons and partridges. It does not migrate, although young birds disperse widely in search of territories in which to settle.

183

Field Guide Osprey Pandion haliaetus V A medium-sized bird of prey which specialises in catching fish. It has particularly coarse scales on its feet to improve its grip of slippery prey. It has dark brown plumage on the upperparts with a dark mask and yellow eyes and is white below. It does not breed in Extremadura, occurring on passage and wintering in extensive wetlands, large rivers and reservoirs.

Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos V The largest European eagle, strongly built with dark brown plumage and a golden nape. It breeds on cliffs or in large trees and is resident in Extremadura. Its prey includes rabbits, pigeons, large lizards and even foxes.

Bonelli’s Eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus SAH A very agile species with spectacular flight. It has dark brown upperparts with a white patch between the shoulders and mottled white underparts. It occurs in rocky, hilly country at low altitude, cliffs near reservoirs and to a lesser extent wooded areas. They prey mainly on pigeons and other similar-sized birds in flight, as well as sometimes rabbits and lizards. They occur year-round in the vicinity of their breeding areas, defending the nest site against other eagles and vultures.

Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus IE A small eagle but with powerful talons. It has a brown back with darker primaries. The underparts are paler and mottled. It has two plumage phases: a dark phase and the commoner pale phase. Although it winters in Africa, there are increasingly more individuals that stay throughout the whole year in Extremadura. It breeds in trees in forested areas. They feed on small birds, rodents and reptiles. Like the large eagles, its legs are feathered.

Abbreviations referring to conservation status of the species in Extremadura EE: At risk of extinction ı SAH: Sensitive to alteration of habitat ı V: Vulnerable ı IE: Of Special Interest

184

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus SAH Smaller than the Hen Harrier, but similar in appearance. The male has dark barring on the wing. They breed in cereal fields and farmers have an important role in their conservation in Extremadura. They feed on rodents, small lizards and small birds which are surprised by their low flight. They are only present in Extremadura in the breeding season, leaving in August for Africa.

Marsh Harrier Circus aeroginosus SAH Like other harriers, it has long wings and tail and very long legs. It frequents wetlands, rice-fields and arable land close to marshy vegetation. It is a ground-nester and is the largest of the Spanish harriers, feeding mainly on birds like Moorhen, ducks, water voles and even fish. It is a resident species and its population is growing.

Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus SAH Smaller than the Marsh Harrier. The male is pale grey and the female dark brown with buffish marked underparts. They can be found in open country. In Extremadura there a few breeding records in the Llanos de CĂĄceres, La Serena and CampiĂąa Sur, but they are much more widespread in winter. They feed on small birds, rodents and insects captured in flight.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa IE A large wader with long dark legs and a fine bill which is orange at the base and black at the tip, found in shallow pools and rice stubble. It does not breed in Extremadura but the Guadiana floodplain rice fields are an important wintering and migratory stopover site for the species. They feed on invertebrates by probing in the mud with their long bills.

185

Field Guide Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus V The size of a large pigeon with bill, iris and legs bright yellow. The plumage is wonderfully cryptic, camouflaging well into the surroundings. It is found on extensive arable land and open plains. Its fluty call is heard at dusk and dawn. It feeds on beetles, crickets, grasshoppers and slugs.

Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator IE A shrike with black and white plumage with a chestnut crown. It has a characteristic large, hooked bill, adapted for capturing prey. It occurs in dehesas, woodland and valleys hunting for grasshoppers, small lizards and birds. It sometimes uses thorny branches or barbed wire to impale its prey as a form of storage.

It can also imitate birds to attract them close in order to attack them. It is a summer visitor.

Southern Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis IE Thrush-sized with a long tail, grey head and back, with black and white wings and tail, black mask and rosyflushed breast. It has a large, powerful, hooked bill able to catch small birds, lizards and mice. It imitates many calls in order to attract prey which it sometimes subsequently hoards on thorny branches. It is present all year round. In the Middle Ages it was used in falconry for hawking in the large halls of castles and palaces.

Hobby Falco subbuteo SAH Kestrel-sized but with longer wings. Its upperparts are slaty grey, the underparts white with bold streaks and with bright reddish “thighs”. The head has a distinctive bold dark moustache. It has a very rapid and aerobatic flight which allows it to hunt birds like swifts and swallows, although they will also hunt dragonflies and bats. In Extremadura they are summer visitors, arriving from their African wintering grounds towards the end of April.

Abbreviations referring to conservation status of the species in Extremadura EE: At risk of extinction ı SAH: Sensitive to alteration of habitat ı V: Vulnerable ı IE: Of Special Interest

186

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus V It is the smallest vulture. Its plumage is unmistakeable: white with a pale ochre stain and black primaries.

The head is bald with bright yellow skin. It nests on cliffs, and will travel large distances searching for carrion. It is one of the very few tool-using birds, taking stones to break open ostrich eggs to get food. It is a summer visitor to Extremadura.

Skylark Alauda arvensis IE Sparrow-sized with pale brown plumage that matches well the colour of the earth. It has a short crest that can be raised or flattened depending on its behaviour.

It nests on the ground in open country. It has a very melodic song. It feeds on small insects, seeds and other vegetable matter. It is present throughout the year but much more common in winter.

Rufous Bush Robin Cercotrichas galactotes V Similar in size to a sparrow, with rufous-brown plumage and an orange-toned tail, which is usually cocked. It can be found in olive groves, vineyards, almond or fig orchards. It feeds mainly on insects, but also takes spiders, worms and caterpillars. It arrives at the end of April and having raised its brood, will return to Africa at the end of August or early September.

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos The commonest of all the wild ducks that occur in Extremadura and indeed will sometimes become tame and mix with domestic ducks in parks and gardens.

The male has a dark iridescent bottle-green head, chocolate brown breast and brownish-grey back. It can be found on almost any water body, as well as irrigated cereals. In winter, the population increases with migrants from colder areas in the north.

187

Field Guide Ánade friso Anas strepera Del tamaño del azulón, el, macho es gris con espalda marrón y partes traseras negras. La hembra es marrón parduzca, parecida a la del azulón, pero con espejuelo blanco en vez de azul metálico. Aparecen en masas de aguas abiertas y tranquilas. Se alimenta de vegetales acuáticos. En Extremadura está presente todo el año.

Gadwall Anas strepera The same size as Mallard, the male is grey with a brown back and black stern. The female is dull brown, similar to a Mallard, but with a white speculum instead of a metallic blue one. They occur on open and still water bodies, feeding on aquatic vegetation. They are resident in Extremadura.

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos IE Similar to a Green Sandpiper, but smaller and paler, with shorter legs. It also frequents shallow water edges and muddy banks and shows a similar bobbing movement with its body. It occurs in winter, heading north to breed in the spring.

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus IE A small wader with dark brown upperparts and head, a finely-marked breast and a white belly. The bill is long and thin, adapted for catching invertebrates on the edges of the shallow water. Its legs are long and greyish green. As it moves it gently bobs its body and tail, as if balancing itself. It is a winter visitor, arriving in late summer and present until the spring.

Abbreviations referring to conservation status of the species in Extremadura EE: At risk of extinction ı SAH: Sensitive to alteration of habitat ı V: Vulnerable ı IE: Of Special Interest

188

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Grey Lag Goose Anser anser This migratory wild goose arrives in Extremadura at the start of the winter cold and leaves as temperatures rise in February. It is greyish-brown with orangepink stout bill and legs. It can be seen on maize and rice stubble, reservoirs and lakes, feeding on bulbs, grain and young shoots.

Common Redshank Tringa totanus IE Its body is slightly smaller than a pigeon but has long legs and bill. Its back is brownish grey, diffusely mottled, and it has a pale belly. The base of the bill and the legs are red. It occurs in rice fields, the edges of reservoirs, temporary pools and so on. It feeds on aquatic invertebrates, although it can also capture small tadpoles and small fish. It is only present in the winter.

Jay Garrulus glandarius IE Wood Pigeon-sized bird, with chestnut-coloured body with beautiful blue feathers on the wings and a long blackish tail. It is strongly associated with woodland, where it is often seen in pairs, which mate for life.

They feed on small reptiles, rodents and fruit, depending on the season. They can mimic many sounds, including the miaow of cats. They are present throughout the year.

Scops Owl Otus scops IE The smallest Iberian owl, smaller than a dove. It is greyish brown and blackish mottling, making it almost impossible to see against the trunks of trees. It is mainly a forest species, but can also be found in large urban parks. It eats almost exclusively insects such as crickets, mole crickets, moths and dragonflies. It arrives in spring to breed, leaving Extremadura in midSeptember.

189

Field Guide Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus A partridge-sized bid with a prominent crest. Its back and wings are dark, almost black, but in sunlight show an iridescent green and violet. The belly is white.

It is seen running in open-country, especially in muddier places, looking for grubs, worms and slugs. It is most commonly seen in winter, but in recent years a few pairs have started nesting in wetland areas in Extremadura.

Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus SAH A small, pigeon-sized heron, with long yellow legs and a long, fine, orange-yellow bill. It occurs beside lakes and slow-flowing rivers with abundant fringing vegetation, where it can occur unnoticed, only being detected when in flight from one side to another or by its call. It feeds on small aquatic animals. In Extremadura it is common spring and summer, with few records during the winter.

Great Bittern Botaurus stellaris EE A large member of the heron family, with plumage which makes it very well camouflaged in marshy vegetation beside pools and lakes. Its scientific name is derived from its booming call which can sound a bit like the bellowing of a bull and can be heard from a great distance. It is very scarce in Extremadura, breeding has not yet been confirmed, but is likely to be before long. It feeds on fish and amphibians.

House Martin Delichon urbica IE The most urban of the swallows. It nests under the eaves of buildings, often in colonies, building mud nests in the form of a closed cup with a small entrance hole.

It has very dark back, wings and tail, with some bluish iridescence on the back, with a white rump and underparts. It feeds on insects generally taken on high altitude flight. It returns from Africa each spring to breed in Extremadura and leaves again in September.

Abbreviations referring to conservation status of the species in Extremadura EE: At risk of extinction 覺 SAH: Sensitive to alteration of habitat 覺 V: Vulnerable 覺 IE: Of Special Interest

190

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris IE Similar to Sand Martin, but larger and stouter. Its upperparts are dull brown with paler brown underparts and it lacks the breast band. It nests in rocky outcrops, ravines and cliffs. It feeds on small insects captured in flight. It occurs throughout the year in Extremadura.

Sand Martin Riparia riparia SAH The smallest member of the swallow family, nesting in large colonies in sandy river banks. Its back, wings and tail are dull brown with white underparts apart from a brown breast band. It feeds exclusively on flying insects, captured in the air. It is a summer visitor to Extremadura.

Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta IE A pigeon-sized bird with very long legs, with a long fine, up-turned bill. It has a striking black-and-white plumage, It occurs in wetlands with shallow bodies of water, where it feeds on small invertebrates. It is seen mainly in autumn and winter and is uncommon.

Great Bustard Otis tarda SAH A huge bird, the heaviest in Extremadura, with the size and appearance of a long-legged turkey, with a stout bluish-grey neck, brown back delicately vermiculated with orange stripes and white underparts. They occur on treeless plains and extensive arable land, rain-fed as well as irrigated. They feed on vegetable matter such as young plants, bulbs and seeds as well as large insects like grasshoppers and crickets. In Extremadura they are present throughout the year.

191

Field Guide Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis IE Similar in appearance to the Sparrowhawk but larger and more heavily-built with stronger legs. It is a medium-sized raptor associated with forests where it can hunt prey from the size of sparrows to that of hares, taking prey both from the ground as well as in the air.

They nest in trees in mature forest and are present throughout the year.

Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis IE Sparrow-sized with a short, fine bill, brown plumage marked with darker streaks on the back with dark streaks on a white background on the breast. It is usually seen on irrigated cultivated land, meadows and open country. It is quite unobtrusive, feeding quietly on small insects, grubs and spiders, captured on the ground. It is a winter visitor.

Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus IE A medium-sized owl with deep yellow eyes, a darkrimmed facial mask and small “ear” tufts. Its brownish-buff upperparts and buff mottled with brown underparts can make it difficult to see on fallow ground. It nests on the ground in cereals or in marshy vegetation. It feeds on voles or mice, sometimes hunting together with harriers. In Extremadura it is usually seen in the winter, although a few breeding records exist.

Long-eared Owl Asio otus V A medium-sized owl with large “ear” tufts and orangeyellow eyes. Its plumage of brown with buffish markings allows it to blend in perfectly with the trunks of large trees where it nests. It tends to use the old nests of Magpies or other crows in which to breed, in isolated Holm oak trees, riverine ash trees or tall pines close to cultivation. It feeds on voles and mice and sometimes also small birds. In winter, it will often roost socially in large numbers in tall trees.

Abbreviations referring to conservation status of the species in Extremadura EE: At risk of extinction ı SAH: Sensitive to alteration of habitat ı V: Vulnerable ı IE: Of Special Interest

192

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Eagle Owl Bubo bubo IE The largest European owl with warm brownish plumage, “ear” tufts and large orange eyes that make it unmistakeable. It is usually found on hillsides with Mediterranean woodland and rocky outcrops, but can travel long distances at night to feed. It has a varied diet including mice to even foxes, medium to large birds, including other raptors. It is present throughout the year.

Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus IE Very large with a wingspan greater than two and a half metres. It has a long neck covered by whitish down which often becomes soiled because of its feeding habits. It has tawny brown plumage with primaries and tail somewhat darker. They nest on cliffs and they will fly many kilometres in search of carrion on which they feed. Their strong gastric juices protect them from infection by killing pathogenic bacteria or viruses which may have been responsible for the death of the animal concerned.

Black Vulture Aegypius monachus SAH With its wingspan of almost three metres it is one of the largest birds in Eurasia. It has dark brown, almost black, plumage and nests in large trees on the slopes of undisturbed mountains. It has a very strong bill, able to tear the tough hides of mules or cattle. They are the dominant carrion-feeder and will displace Griffon and Egyptian Vultures and Ravens, which will then have to wait until the Black Vulture has finished feeding or becomes distracted before being able to feed.

Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis IE A very small warbler, one of the lightest birds in Spain.

It has sandy-brown plumage with dark streaking, with paler plain underparts. It is found in marshy areas, in arable crops, irrigated areas and the edges of streams and rivers. It feeds on small insects, spiders and other invertebrates. It has a characteristic undulating song flight, with a “zit” note delivered on each ascent.

It is present throughout the year.

193

Field Guide Common Buzzard Buteo buteo IE A medium-sized bird of prey with a variety of different plumages, although most are dark brown with a pale half-moon-shaped patch on the breast. They nest in medium-sized trees in dehesas, river banks and agricultural land. They can be frequently seen perched on telegraph posts beside roads watching for mice and voles. They are resident throughout the year.

Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia IE Smaller than a sparrow, with dark greenish-brown mottled plumage on the upperparts, with a more yellowish breast and whiter belly. It is associated with marshy vegetation and river valleys. It feeds on small invertebrates such as spiders and insects. In Extremadura it is present only on migration and is very hard to detect because of its camouflaged plumage and the dense vegetation in which it occurs.

Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio SAH Larger than a partridge, with intense dark blue plumage with brilliant iridescence and legs, bill and shield bright red. They are associated with large water bodies with abundant marshy vegetation on the banks and water lilies. They feed mainly on aquatic vegetation but can also take small animals. They only breed at Arrocampo, but are also seen in the Guadiana floodplain.

Calandra Lark Melanocorypha calandra IE The biggest lark in Extremadura. It is sandy brown with pale underparts and a black mark on each side of the neck. It lacks a crest and its bill is stout. It prefers open country, fallow land, pasture or arable land. It can imitate the calls of other species and delivers its song in flight. It eats insects, grubs and worms as well as seeds and other plant matter. It nests on the ground and is present throughout the year.

Abbreviations referring to conservation status of the species in Extremadura EE: At risk of extinction 覺 SAH: Sensitive to alteration of habitat 覺 V: Vulnerable 覺 IE: Of Special Interest

194

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula IE A bit bigger than a Greenfinch with a very short, thick bill, grey back, black tail and wings with a white wing bar and black crown, whilst the underparts are pink in the male and dull buff in the female. They occur in the shade of trees beside small streams, feeding on buds and small seeds. They are winter visitors to Extremadura.

Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola SAH Slightly smaller than a dove with an acrobatic flight like a swallow. Its upperparts are olive brown and underparts white, with a buffish-yellow throat with a black border. It nests on the ground on fallow land and the muddy banks of islands in lakes. They feed on insects captured on the wing.

Tawny Owl Strix aluco IE A nocturnal medium-sized owl with brownish or greyish plumage with buffy patches and whitish markings which makes it hard to see against the trunk of a tree.

It is found in forests, wooded valleys and town parks.

It feeds mainly on mice, but will also take small birds and insects. It is present throughout the year and its hoot can be heard at great distance at nightfall.

Great Tit Parus major IE Slightly smaller than a sparrow and rather slimmer.

Despite is colourful plumage it can blend well into the foliage. It has a black head, with large white cheek patches. The underparts are bright yellow with a black stripe running down the centre of the belly, with bluish green upperparts. The short, fine bill is adapted for feeding on insects, although it will also feed on fruit and seeds. It has a large repertoire, able to sing up to 50 different songs. It is present throughout the year.

195

Field Guide Roller Coracias garrulus V A pigeon-sized bird with an intense blue body of various tones and a warm brownish back. It occurs in open areas with few trees, using holes in walls, old buildings and, if available, artificial nest boxes. They feed on crickets, grasshoppers and to a lesser extent lizards and amphibians. This is a summer visitor to Extremadura, present in the spring and summer only.

Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus IE A rather non-descript bird but with an attractive song.

It occurs along rivers and creeks with abundant vegetation, where it virtually disappears, only making its presence known to other Reed Warblers with its loud song. In Extremadura it is a summer visitor and breeds mainly in the floodplains of the Guadiana.

Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus IE The largest warbler in Spain, larger than a sparrow. It has greyish or olive brown upperparts and is paler below. Like the Reed Warbler, it occurs close to water where there is abundant vegetation. It has a powerful, somewhat peculiar croaking song which is far-carrying and enables detection of the bird. It is a summer visitor to Extremadura.

Teal Anas crecca The smallest duck that occurs in Extremadura and one of the most attractive. Like other dabbling ducks it is common on reservoirs, lakes and dams. It feeds on vegetation and aquatic invertebrates. It has a very agile flight with rapid wing beats. It is abundant in winter. but does not breed in Extremadura, although some birds stay well into the spring.

Abbreviations referring to conservation status of the species in Extremadura EE: At risk of extinction 覺 SAH: Sensitive to alteration of habitat 覺 V: Vulnerable 覺 IE: Of Special Interest

196

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Lesser Kestrel Falco naunanni SAH Smaller than the Common Kestrel. They tend to nest under roof tiles and in other holes in churches and other buildings, often in competition with Jackdaws, although they hunt over open country and arable land close to the towns and villages. They also hover as a hunting technique, but are more insectivorous than the Common Kestrel.

Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus IE A small pigeon-sized falcon with long wings and tail, allowing the bird to hover in the air to search for its small prey, then dropping quickly to the ground to pounce. The diet comprises small mice, shrews, grasshoppers and crickets. They nest in trees and holes in buildings in cultivated land or in towns, preferring to hunt in dehesas and pasture with scattered trees. They are present in Extremadura throughout the year.

Little Tern Sterna albifrons SAH With its small body, very long wings and forked tail, this species is well adapted to fish from the air. It will be seen flying over water a few metres above the surface in search of small fish. It nests on the ground in small colonies on pebbly islands in lakes and reservoirs such as Alange and Los Canchales, usually until midsummer.

Woodcock Scolopax rusticola Its body is the size of a Wood Pigeon with a very long bill and short tail. Its plumage is a cryptic mixture of brown and buff tones that provide a perfect camouflage against dry leaves or grasses. It is very hard to see as it will crouch close to the ground and only fly when one is almost stepping on it. It is a winter visitor, preferring damp woodland to open spaces. With its long bill it finds worms, grubs, slugs and small insects in the soil.

197

Field Guide Wren Troglodites troglodites IE A tiny mottled brown bird, with paler underparts. It usually moves swiftly and restlessly with its tail cocked. It is found in woods, especially in rocky areas. It is quite difficult to see, but has a powerful and loud song that carries a long distance. It is widespread and present throughout the year.

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius IE A small bird with wings, tail and crown brown, white underparts, a dark collar, mask and fore-crown blackish, complete with a bright yellow eye-ring. It tends to run along the muddy banks of pools and small rivers searching for invertebrates. It is present throughout the year.

Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria IE Smaller than a partridge with brownish-yellow plumage in winter, short bill and stocky appearance. It only occurs in the winter, in large groups on fallow land and open plains, or muddy places. It feeds on small insects, snails, slugs and worms.

Red-necked Nightjar Caprimulgus ruficollis IE About the same size as the European Nightjar, but with a more reddish tone to the plumage to the belly and neck. Many nightjars are killed on the road when they are resting on the surface. It is a summer breeding visitor to Extremadura.

Abbreviations referring to conservation status of the species in Extremadura EE: At risk of extinction 覺 SAH: Sensitive to alteration of habitat 覺 V: Vulnerable 覺 IE: Of Special Interest

198

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

European Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus IE It is dove-sized but with larger wings and tail. The plumage is greyish-brown, mottled with buffish-yellow making it almost impossible to see on the ground, where it nests. It is an insectivorous bird, feeding at dusk and at night, taking its prey in flight with its enormous gape. It does not usually perch in trees, spending its time either in flight or on the ground. It is a summer breeding visitor to Extremadura.

White Stork Ciconia ciconia IE A large bird with white plumage with black-tipped wings and bright red bill and legs. It is widespread, occurring in dehesas, wetlands and pastures, nesting on almost any tall building such as churches, large houses, as well as pylons, masts and tall trees. Its diet is varied including fish, snakes, amphibians, rodents and grasshoppers. Although they used to migrate to Africa in the winter, each year more and more have become resident in Extremadura.

Black Stork Ciconia nigra EE Slightly smaller than the White Stork, with dark plumage with green and violet iridescence on the back and wings, with a white belly. The bill, legs and eyering are red. Unlike the White Stork, it is a shy and timid species, very difficult to watch in its natural habitat. It feeds on fish, snakes and crayfish. It arrives in Extremadura to breed towards the end of March, leaving for sub-Saharan Africa at the end of the summer.

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus IE Like a miniature stork, with a very fine black bill and incredibly long red legs. The wings are dark and the body white. It occurs along the banks of rivers, reservoirs and on rice fields. It is noisy and territorial during the breeding season. It feeds on small invertebrates captured at the water’s edge and on mud. It is common throughout the year.

199

Field Guide Common Quail Coturnix coturnix The smallest game bird, nesting on the ground amongst vegetation. Its plumage is brown with buffish and yellowish tones that make it very difficult to see on the ground. They occur in irrigated crops like alfalfa, soya or maize where they can be detected by their call. The chicks leave the nest upon hatching and follow the female searching for small insects that constitute their diet. The adults also feed on seeds.

Crested Lark Galerida cristata IE Bigger than a Skylark with earth-brown plumage that camouflages it very well on the ground on the plains and arable land in which it occurs. It also occurs along tracks, roadsides and open dehesas. It has a characteristic crest and long legs with short toes and a very long hind-claw. The song can be heard from a long distance and is very beautiful. It feeds on plant matter and small insects and is present throughout the year.

Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus IE Smaller than a sparrow and one of the most attractive birds of the region. Its back is ashy grey, its throat is black and it has dull orange underparts and tail. It is a slender and elegant bird, which frequently bobs when perched, allowing its colours to be well sported.

It feeds on insects and is a summer breeding visitor.

Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros IE A slender and elegant bird with dark grey, slaty plumage, with white patches on the wings and a prominent reddish-orange tail. It nests in rocky areas, as well as dehesas and livestock rangelands, making use of abandoned buildings, stables and old barns in which to nest. It feeds mainly on insects. In Extremadura it can be seen throughout the year, but is more widespread in the winter.

Abbreviations referring to conservation status of the species in Extremadura EE: At risk of extinction 覺 SAH: Sensitive to alteration of habitat 覺 V: Vulnerable 覺 IE: Of Special Interest

200

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe IE A small, graceful and elegant bird which appears in a variety of plumages, depending on whether it is a breeding or non-breeding male or female. Generally the male has a grey back, darker wings with a black mask, buff throat and white belly with the characteristic inverted black “T” against white background on the tail, visible in flight. It is found in open mountainous areas, with scrub and stony areas, where it feeds on insects taken on the ground or on short aerial sallies. In Extremadura it nests on the high altitudes in the north, whereas on passage it can be found almost anywhere.

Black Wheatear Oenanthe leucura IE The largest of the Iberian wheatears. It is slaty back with its unmistakeable white tail with the inverted black “T”. It is found in rocky and stony places throughout Extremadura, where it can be seeing bobbing its tail from a perch before making a sally to take the large insects which form its diet. It is a resident species, remaining on its breeding territory throughout the year.

Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica IE A sparrow-sized graceful bird with striking plumage.

It has black wings, mask and inverted “T” on the tail.

The back is buff and the underparts white. It nests in open country throughout the region. It feeds mainly on small insects, spiders and caterpillars found on the ground.

Ruff Philomachus pugnax IE Partridge-sized with a rounded body and long legs and bill. During winter, its plumage is greyish with dark markings on the back and pale below. It occurs in wetlands and the sides of reservoirs, feeding on aquatic invertebrates. They are winter visitors.

201

Field Guide Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Larger than a duck, the adults have black plumage which shows iridescent green and violet tones. It occurs on reservoirs and the larger slow-flowing rivers.

They feed on fish, captured whilst diving and they can remain underwater for long periods. Lacking an uropygial gland (used by birds for waterproofing feathers), they are often seen perched on branches or on the bank with wings outstretched to dry their plumage.

Dunlin Calidris alpina IE A small wader with slender legs and a long bill which feeds on the muddy banks of pools and reservoirs in search of invertebrates which form its diet. It generally occurs in small flocks, often seen flying fast and low from one bank to another along with other waders. In Extremadura it occurs in the winter.

Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius IE Larger than a cuckoo with its upperparts, wings and tail grey mottled with white. The belly is white and the throat and breast toned yellow. It has a small grey crest. It arrives in the spring and lays its eggs in Magpie nests, with the host then rearing the young.

They can be frequently seen being chased by Magpies, making their loud ringing call.

Shoveler Anas clypeata A duck with a characteristic shovel-shaped bill, the male’s plumage is very striking, with green head, black and white back and brown belly. The female is brownish, similar in tone to other female ducks. It is associated with large water bodies and has bred only in the Orellana, Valdecañas and Vuluengo reservoirs, as well as the La Albuera lakes. However it is a very common winter visitor to wetlands throughout Extremadura. It feeds on aquatic vegetation and invertebrates, filtered with its bill.

Abbreviations referring to conservation status of the species in Extremadura EE: At risk of extinction ı SAH: Sensitive to alteration of habitat ı V: Vulnerable ı IE: Of Special Interest

202

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus IE A dove-sized bird, with long bluish grey wings and tail.

The breast and belly is pale with fine bars, similar in appearance to that of a Sparrowhawk. It lays its egg in the nests of other species and plays no further role in rearing the young. It feeds mainly on insects, especially caterpillars and may help to control infestations.

Raven Corvus corax Very large with black plumage, which at close quarters has iridescent patches of metallic blue. The Raven is an aerial acrobat, often flying as if for pleasure and making complicated tumbles and pirouettes in mid-flight. It is found in rocky areas, dehesas, oak woods and open country with the occasional scattered large tree, sometimes even nesting on electricity pylons. They feed on small animals, fruit and carrion.

They pair for life and can be long-lived, reaching more than 40 years. They are present throughout the year in Extremadura.

Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus IE A large raptor, with a particularly large head and frontal vision which gives it an almost owl-like appearance.

Its plumage is brown above with white underparts, finely marked with brown. Its large eyes are yellow or orange, able to locate snakes or lizards on which they feed. They return to Extremadura each spring from their wintering grounds in Africa, raising just one young. They nest in trees in forested areas, but prefer to hunt over open ground.

Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala IE Grey plumage, darker on the back and tail. The male has a black head with a striking red eye-ring and a whitish throat. The female is duller, with a grey head and brown back. It occurs in scrubby areas, brambles, gardens and hedgerows. It feeds mainly on insects, supplemented by berries and small fruit. It is present throughout the year in Extremadura.

203

Field Guide Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla IE Similar is size to a sparrow but slimmer and more graceful. It has a brownish grey plumage, darker on the wings and tail. The male has a black crown, whilst the female has a chestnut crown. It is found in broad-leaved woodland, wooded valleys, orchards and gardens. In winter it is much more common and occurs also in town parks. Although mainly insectivorous, in autumn it will feed on blackberries and small fruits to prepare for migration. In Extremadura it is a breeding species with a large influx in the winter of birds from further north.

Western Orphean Warbler Sylvia hortensis IE The largest Sylvia warbler in Extremadura, it has greyish plumage with a blackish mask, dark grey crown and striking pale eye. It prefers Holm oak dehesas and open woodland at lower altitudes, where it can be difficult to see but easy to detect by its song. It feeds on insects in spring and small berries and fruits in the autumn. It breeds in Extremadura, leaving in mid-September to spend the winter in Africa.

Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata IE It has a very small body with a very long tail that it holds cocked. The plumage is dull blue on the back, wings and tail with reddish-brown underparts with a bright red eye-ring. It is strongly associated with dense Mediterranean scrub. It feeds on insects and in autumn and winter may also feed on small fruits and seeds. It is present throughout the year.

Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis IE Similar in size to most other Sylvia warblers, the males have a striking bluish-grey crown, brown wings, white throat and pinkish breast. In Extremadura, they only breed in scrubby areas on the higher mountains in the north, whereas on migration they can be seen almost anywhere. They feed on small insects.

Abbreviations referring to conservation status of the species in Extremadura EE: At risk of extinction 覺 SAH: Sensitive to alteration of habitat 覺 V: Vulnerable 覺 IE: Of Special Interest

204

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus V A small pigeon-sized bird of prey with bluish grey plumage and striking red eyes. It lives in open dehesas, pastures with isolated trees and extensive cereal fields.

It mainly hunts rodents and small birds at dusk and dawn, although on cloudy days it can be active at any time. It can have several broods during the year if the food supply is available. Although not a migratory species, it will disperse to areas of high rodent abundance.

Rock Bunting Emberiza cia IE Similar in size to a sparrow, it has reddish brown upperparts, mottled with black, a reddish buff belly and grey head and breast, with three black stripes across the head. It is found on rocky, scrubby hillsides with scattered trees. It feeds on seeds, shoots and, to a lesser extent, insects. In Extremadura it is present throughout the year and is common in suitable habitat.

Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus IE Slightly bigger than a sparrow, with chestnut plumage., mottled with black on the back, yellow underparts and yellow head with black bands in the male, whilst the female has duller tones. They occur in deciduous woodland, feeding mainly on seeds, with insects given to their young. They are present throughout the year in Extremadura.

Merlin Falco columbarius IE This is the smallest of the falcons found in Extremadura, the size of a dove. The male is bluish grey above with darker wings and tail, with the underparts rather orangey mottled with brown. They feed on small birds, hunting in open country. They are winter visitors to Extremadura.

205

Field Guide Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia V Smaller than a stork, with white plumage and blackish bill and legs. Its bill is distinctively-shaped, giving the bird its name, being narrow for much of its length and wider and rounded at its tip. Thanks to this extraordinary shape, the Spoonbill can feed along the muddy banks of pools and reservoirs. It nests in colonies in large trees along with other herons and storks.

Common Coot Fulica atra Somewhat larger than a Moorhen, with matt black plumage with a white bill and shield. They occur in reservoirs, lakes and wetlands where they make a floating nest to incubate their eggs. After hatching the chicks will swim, following the female in search of aquatic invertebrates and vegetable matter. They occur throughout the year.

Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus SAH It has a body smaller than a dove, but with very long wings, generally pale grey plumage with black cap and red bill and legs. It feeds on insects and other aquatic invertebrates that are captured in flight. Often they hunt in small groups of up to five birds. They build floating nests in wetlands. They are present in Extremadura in spring and summer.

Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Partridge-sized, appearing almost black at a distance, but actually the plumage is very dark blue, becoming dark brownish on the back, with a bright red bill and shield. The long legs and toes are an intense green with a reddish garter at the top of the thigh. They swim in slow-flowing water where there is plenty of vegetation, although they also can be found in rice fields.

They are present throughout the year.

Abbreviations referring to conservation status of the species in Extremadura EE: At risk of extinction 覺 SAH: Sensitive to alteration of habitat 覺 V: Vulnerable 覺 IE: Of Special Interest

206

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Pin-tailed Sandgrouse Pterocles alchata SAH Pigeon-sized with buffish upperparts, with blackish marks, white belly and a “half-moon� of orange-yellow on the breast. It occurs on the steppes and in arable land, where it nests on the ground, with cryptically marked eggs, It feeds almost exclusively on seed and other plant matter.

Black-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles orientalis SAH A pigeon-sized bird with brown, buff and grey back, yellow-orange throat and grey head and breast. Its plumage enables it to be well camouflaged on the ground of the open plains in which it breeds. It feeds almost exclusively on seeds and is present year round in tree-less areas.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta IE Somewhat bigger than a Cattle Egret with white plumage and black bill and legs. The feet are bright yellow as is the iris. They occur in wetlands with shallow edges where they feed alone on small fish, invertebrates and amphibians. They nest in waterside trees and occur throughout the year.

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis IE A medium-sized heron has white plumage all of the year, apart from males which in the spring acquire buff feathers on the head and neck. They are often seen in large groups together with livestock in the dehesas and pasture. They breed in large colonies alongside other heron species. They are present throughout the year and the population is increasing.

207

Field Guide Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides EE Similar in size to a Cattle Egret with white wings and breast, and a buff-coloured back. Long lax feathers from the neck are striped black and white. They occur in wetlands with abundant vegetation where they feed on aquatic invertebartes, small fish and amphibians, always on their own. Breeding occurs in the Montijo reservoir and at Arrocampo. They can sometimes been seen in the floodplains of the Guadiana.

Purple Heron Ardea purpurea SAH Slightly smaller than the Grey Heron with a more slender and longer striped neck, which helps to camouflage it well in reed beds, where it is detected only if it moves. It requires well-vegetated banks where it feeds on small or medium-sized fish. It breeds in the Guadiana floodplain and in Arrocampo, migrating in the autumn.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea IE Slightly smaller than a White Stork, with grey plumage, it flies with its neck retracted, separating it from a crane, with long legs and toes, well adapted for wading in water. It feeds alone in shallow water close to the bank on medium-sized fish. It will nest both in colonies with other herons or White Storks, as well as on its own.

Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus IE A small forest raptor with short rounded wings and long tail. This shape allows it to hunt in dense woodland, manoeuvring between trees. Its diet is based almost exclusively on small birds captured in flight.

They nest in trees with ample undergrowth and in winter migrate to Africa, although Sparrowhawks from Central Europe occur in Extremadura during the winter.

Abbreviations referring to conservation status of the species in Extremadura EE: At risk of extinction 覺 SAH: Sensitive to alteration of habitat 覺 V: Vulnerable 覺 IE: Of Special Interest

208

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus A medium-sized gull of inland waters, with pale grey wings, white body and red legs. In the summer, the head is chocolate brown whilst in winter it is white with just a few dark markings on the side of the head and over the eye. It prefers large reservoirs, slow-flowing rivers, arable land and rice fields. It is common in the winter and there are also a few breeding records in Extremadura.

Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus A large gull with dark grey wings, white head and body. Its bill is yellow with a red spot on the lower mandible. It occurs on reservoirs, rubbish tips and arable land in large flocks, often displacing other birds. It feeds on fish, rodents, worms, insects and scraps from fishing boats or found at refuse dumps.

It does not breed in Extremadura, but is very common in the winter.

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica IE A common bird in rural areas. Its back, wings and tail are dark with a violet iridescence; it has a reddish throat and the underparts are rich cream in colour. It has a forked tail with very long outer tail feathers, which are longer in males and can be used to distinguish the sexes. They nest in abandoned buildings or farm buildings, stables and other buildings which are infrequently used. They feed exclusively on flying insects. It is a migratory species, arriving in Extremadura at the beginning of February and leaving in September.

Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica IE Similar to a Barn Swallow but with underparts, neck and rump an orange-buff. It is less common than the Barn Swallow and nests under bridges, in buildings and overhangs making a mud nest with a long tubular entrance. It feeds on insects captured in its acrobatic flight. It is a summer breeding visitor to Extremadura.

209

Field Guide House Sparrow Passer domesticus A bird closely associated with man since time immemorial. The males are brown, streaked with black on the back with a grey belly and black bib. The females are duller and more greyish-brown. They feed on insects in the spring whilst rearing young, and on fruit and seeds for the rest of the year. It is common in towns, seen on rooftops, parks and squares and in Extremadura is present throughout the year.

Jaqckdaw Corvus monedula Larger than a pigeon with black plumage and a grey neck with a pale eye. They tend to breed in large colonies in buildings like churches, towers and old large houses. They feed on insects, small reptiles, rodents and fruit. They are present throughout the year in Extremadura.

Common Crane Grus grus IE Similar is size and shape to a stork, with grey plumage and elongated tertials forming bulky plumes over the tail. The neck is black with white stripes on the side with a red patch on the crown. They arrive in the autumn and spend the winter in the dehesas, rice fields and lakes. They have not breed in Extremadura since the first part of the last century. They feed on acorns, on the stubble of rice and maize, bulbs and small invertebrates.

Peregrine Falco peregrinus SAH A medium-sized bird of prey with slaty grey upperparts, a dark moustache and white underparts barred with dark grey. It is the fastest of all birds, able to reach 300 kph in a stoop. It nests on cliffs and will chase off other raptors from the vicinity. For hunting they choose open country, taking pigeon-sized birds, but sometimes even Little Bustards and ducks. They tend to stay close to their breeding sites throughout the year, although northern birds also arrive in Extremadura to spend the winter.

Abbreviations referring to conservation status of the species in Extremadura EE: At risk of extinction 覺 SAH: Sensitive to alteration of habitat 覺 V: Vulnerable 覺 IE: Of Special Interest

210

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Crested Tit Parus cristatus IE Similar in size to a Blue Tit with a brown back and pale underparts. It has a finely marked black and white head, with a spiky crest. It is mainly found in pinewoods, but also occurs in cork oak and Holm oak groves, especially where there is undergrowth. It feeds on insects such as caterpillars, spiders, mites and is helpful in reducing the impact of infestations. It is present throughout the year.

Blue Tit Parus caeruleus IE Smaller than a Great Tit with blue wings, tail and head with white cheeks and white ring around the crown. The underparts are yellow. It occurs in dehesas, pinewoods, wooded valleys and gardens. With its small bill it takes insects from under loose bark and leaves and is able to hang upside down to forage for them. It is a great friend to the organic farmer. It is present throughout the year in wooded areas in Extremadura.

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelos A very common finch, distinguished by its red face and white and black bands on the head. It has black wings with a bold yellow band, which is especially visible in flight. It has a very pleasing song which tempts people to capture it to keep in a cage. The conical bill allows access to thistle seeds, a particular preference for the species. It is present throughout the year.

White Wagtail Motacilla alba IE Sparrow-sized with black and white plumage, along with intermediate grey tones. It has a very long tail which it wags up and down to balance as it walks. It occurs along river banks, the edges of reservoirs and in arable land. It feeds on small insects, grubs and spiders that it collects mainly from the ground. It is present throughout the year, but is more abundant in the winter. In recent years it has started to form large roosts in city centres.

211

Field Guide Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava IE Very attractive plumage with olive yellow back and bright yellow underparts and a striking blue grey head. It occurs in wetter areas, irrigated land and river banks. It feeds on small insects and spiders captured close to the water’s edge. It is usually seen on migration, although a few pairs do breed in Extremadura.

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea IE A strikingly plumaged bird, with upperparts, wings and tail ashy bluish grey and the underparts bright yellow, with a black throat in the male. This wagtail is closely associated with faster flowing water and is therefore commonest in northern Extremadura. It feeds on insects and other invertebrates that it captures whilst searching the water’s edge. It occurs throughout the year in the breeding areas, whilst birds from further north are found throughout Extremadura during the winter.

Barn Owl Tyto alba IE Medium-sized owl that nests in churches and other large buildings. The striking plumage is yellowish with fine grey markings on the back and much whiter below. Its face has a white heart-shaped appearance with large dark eyes. Its principle prey is mice and voles, but some Barn Owls specialise in taking small birds that may be roosting in trees in urban parks.

Kingfisher Alcedo atthis IE Sparrow-sized, but more stocky with a short tail and a long strong bill. It has very striking plumage: brilliant blue wings, tail and back with the breast and belly an intense orange. It feeds exclusively on small fish and tadpoles captured whilst diving from a perch into water. It nests in a hole excavated in a riverbank. It is present throughout the year.

Abbreviations referring to conservation status of the species in Extremadura EE: At risk of extinction ı SAH: Sensitive to alteration of habitat ı V: Vulnerable ı IE: Of Special Interest

212

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax SAH A medium-sized heron with long yellow legs, grey back, white underparts and intensely red eyes, adapted for fishing at dusk. They feed on medium-sized fish, amphibians and snakes. They are colonial nesters, usually along with other species of heron.

Black Kite Milvus migrans IE Slightly smaller than the Red Kite, the plumage is darker and tail less deeply forked. It nests in trees and the nest is often adorned with pieces of cloth, paper and bags. It has a varied diet, including fish, rodents, amphibians, but above all carrion, especially road kills. It spends the winter in sub-Saharan Africa and returns to Extremadura in the spring to breed.

Red Kite Milvus milvus V Medium-sized bird of prey with long rusty-coloured wings and tail, pale head and yellow iris. Its buoyant flight gives it its name “kite�. In Extremadura, the Red Kite is present all year round, nesting in dense woodland. The breeding population is declining, but is augmented in the winter by visitors from central Europe. It feeds mainly on carrion but sometimes also on rodents and small birds.

Dipper Cinclus cinclus V A thrush-sized bird, plump and stocky with a very short tail. It is dark brown with a prominent white bib.

It lives along fast-flowing streams in northern Extremadura, where it preys on aquatic invertebrates whilst foraging under water. It usually perches on boulders in the stream, bobbing with its white bib showing well.

It occurs in its breeding areas throughout the year.

213

Field Guide Blackbird Turdus merula IE The male is dull black with yellow bill and eye-ring. It is found in a variety of wooded habitats from town gardens, allotments, orchards, valleys and dehesas. It feeds mainly on earthworms, grubs and insects. In the autumn its diet is dominated by berries and fruits. In the spring it delivers its fine, fluty song. It is present throughout the year.

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus IE Its body is a tiny ball of pinkish feathers below and darker above, joined to a long tail of white-edged black feathers. It usually moves in family groups of between 8 to14 birds in woodland where there is ample undergrowth. It has a tiny, fine but strong bill, adapted for finding insects hidden in cervices in bark or on buds. It is present throughout the year.

Little Owl Athene noctua IE A small owl, with greyish brown back, mottled white and a brown-barred pale belly. It lacks “ear” tufts and its eyes are large and yellow. It occurs in olive groves, open dehesas and arable land where it takes small prey items such as grasshoppers, crickets and small amphibians. It is present throughout the year, remaining close to its nesting area.

Common Chiffchaff Philloscophus collybita IE Very similar in size and appearance to the Willow Warbler, but rather duller in tone. It is a restless little bird, feeding close to the ground. They breed in woodlands on the mountains and in the valleys in the north of Extremadura, but can be found throughout region in the winter.

Abbreviations referring to conservation status of the species in Extremadura EE: At risk of extinction ı SAH: Sensitive to alteration of habitat ı V: Vulnerable ı IE: Of Special Interest

214

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus IE Very small, not more than half the size of a sparrow.

It has yellowish green plumage on the upperparts and is paler below, It occurs in gardens, valleys, hedgerows and dehesas. It feeds exclusively on small insects and helps to prevent pest infestations in orchards and gardens. It does not breed in Extremadura and is common on passage.

Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus IE A thrush-sized bird, the males have bright yellow plumage with black wings, whilst the females are duller with a more greenish tone. Its fluty song is very beautiful and betrays their presence in the trees. It is closely associated with deciduous woodland such as oak, poplar and ash. They feed on small grasshoppers, crickets and caterpillars, switching to fruit such as figs and blackberries by late summer. In Extremadura they are summer visitors.

Gull-billed Tern Gelochelindon nilotica SAH A pigeon-sized bird, with long slender wings, with white plumage and crown, bill and legs black. It frequents reservoirs where there are islands without vegetation, such as Sierra Brava, Los Canchales and Orellana. It will eat mice, lizards, small birds or insects, sometimes far from water, in cereal crops. It occurs in Extremadura from mid-April until mid-September.

Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus IE Similar to a Goldfinch in size, with grey head and a bold black mask, with reddish brown back and pale pinkish-orange underparts. It occurs beside brooks and rivers with abundant marshy vegetation throughout the Guadiana floodplain as well as at Arrocampo, feeding mainly on Typha (reed mace) seed heads, often hanging upside down to collect the seeds. It is present throughout the year.

215

Field Guide Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca IE A plump bird, with a fine bill and almost continuous flicking of the tail. In the breeding season the males is black on the head, wings, tail and back with a white wing marking, white underparts and forehead. During the rest of the year, the male adopts a female-type plumage, with the black being replaced by brown. They breed in woodland above 1000 metres above sea-level on the slopes of the Gredos mountains, but during passage they can occur almost everywhere. They feed on insects captured on the ground or on aerial sallies from exposed perches.

Red-crested Pochard Netta rufian V The male is very attractive with a large rounded, brownish head, flushed orange on the crown, with an intense pink bill and eyes. The breast and stern are black, the back brownish grey and flanks white. It is a diving duck feeding on aquatic vegetation in unpolluted water. It breeds on a few wetlands in Extremadura such as the Orellana, Portaje and Morantes, although in winter is rather more widespread.

Bluethroat Luscinia svecica V A small insectivorous bird, with brown plumage on its wings, tail and back and a striking blue bib, bordered with reddish tones. It breeds on the highest mountain slopes in Extremadura, above 1800 metres above sea level and in the winter can be found in the wet areas of the Guadiana floodplain and at Arrocampo. It feeds mainly on insects, but whilst wintering may also eat small seeds and other plant matter.

Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa A game bird with very attractive plumage and with a characteristic call, forming a key part of the food chain in the ecosystem of Extremadura. It occurs in cultivated land, open country with scattered trees, nesting on the ground in shrubby borders or low scrub close to cereal fields. They prefer to walk than fly, only taking to the wing when flushed. They feed on seeds, young shoots and insects (the latter being important for the chicks which leave the nest upon hatching).

Abbreviations referring to conservation status of the species in Extremadura EE: At risk of extinction 覺 SAH: Sensitive to alteration of habitat 覺 V: Vulnerable 覺 IE: Of Special Interest

216

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Robin Erithacus rubecula IE Smaller than a sparrow, with brown back and an orange red breast. It moves on the ground in short hops and its jerky actions show off well its orange breast. It is mainly insectivorous, but will also eat small seeds and fruit. In winter it is common throughout Extremadura, but breeds only in the northern third of Extremadura, including MonfragĂşe, Canchos de Ramiro and in the southern third.

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos minor V The smallest of the woodpeckers in Extremadura, only about the size of a sparrow. Its plumage is black and white on the back, wings and tail, with the underparts whitish with a slight pinkish tinge with blackish streaks. The male has a red crown. It makes its nest in holes excavated by its bill in tree trunks. It feeds on insects in the timber and below the bark of braches. It is present throughout the year.

Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major IE Smaller than a Green Woodpecker with black upperparts with large white patches on the wings. The breast is pink with the belly and a nape patch (males only) intense red. It occurs in riverine forest, pinewoods, dense dehesa and other wooded areas. It eats insects living in trees and sometimes will predate the nests of small birds. Present throughout the year.

Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes IE About twice the size of a Goldfinch, with a very powerful, heavy bill, dark brown back and bluish black wings and tail with a bold white wing bar and band on the tail. The underparts are buff. It occurs in wooded areas where there is undergrowth, feeding on different types of seed and fruits with hard casings. In Extremadura they are present throughout the year.

217

Field Guide Brambling Fringilla montifringilla IE The males have bluish-black heads, black and white backs, wings and tail and an orange breast. It is a seed-eating bird which appears some winters in Extremadura, sometimes occurring in large flocks in the dehesas, arable land and plains.

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs IE Sparrow-sized with males showing black and white wings and tail, a bluish-grey hood and orange buff below. The females have a duller plumage. They occurs in wooded areas like dehesas, oak woods, pinewoods and gardens where the males will be heard delivering their explosive song. It is a seed-eating bird which also eats other plant material. It is present throughout the year.

Green Woodpecker Picus viridis IE Larger than a thrush with dull-green back, greenishgrey underparts and striking red crown. It occurs in dense woodland, cork oak groves and oak woods, including dehesas. The nest is excavated by the in the trunk of a tree. It eats insect larvae, extracted by its long tongue from holes made by the bill. Present throughout the year.

Pochard Aythya ferina IE A diving duck with a grey body, black breast and tail, and males show a chocolate- brown head, with an intense red iris. The female, as with almost all ducks, is duller in plumage. They prefer water bodies with abundant bank-side vegetation, feeding on invertebrates captured whilst diving. In Extremadura they only breed in the La Albuera lakes, the Llanos de C獺ceres and the Vegas Altas of the Guadiana river. They are much more widespread in winter.

Abbreviations referring to conservation status of the species in Extremadura EE: At risk of extinction 覺 SAH: Sensitive to alteration of habitat 覺 V: Vulnerable 覺 IE: Of Special Interest

218

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Azure-winged Magpie Cyanopica cyana IE A Blackbird-sized bird with a very long tail. It has very attractive plumage with blue wings and tail, pinkish-toned body and black crown. It occurs in dehesas, orchards, valleys, pinewoods and olive groves. It practices cooperative breeding, with related birds, including older siblings, helping at the nest. During the breeding season they are insectivorous, whereas in late summer and autumn they feed mainly on fruit.

They are present throughout the year.

Water Rail Rallus acuaticus IE A partridge-sized water bird related to the Moorhen.

Its back is brown, mottled with black with metallic dark blue underparts. It has a long red bill and its legs are long with slender toes adapted for moving in aquatic vegetation. It occurs in wetlands with abundant vegetation, as well as rice fields, ditches and drains filled with marsh plants. They feed on aquatic invertebrates, amphibians and small mammals. They are resident throughout the year.

Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus IE A tiny bird, probably the smallest in Extremadura, it has mossy green upperparts, whitish underparts, with a pale buff diffusion, and a bold white supercilium, bordered by black. The centre of the crown has an orange-yellow patch. It has a short, fine bill adapted to find insect larvae in the cracks of bark. It breeds in pinewoods and oak woods in the north of Extremadura, whereas in the winter they can also be seen at lower altitudes throughout the region.

Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis V Thrush-sized with very vivid colours, a brilliant blue head and back, orange underparts and tail, brown wings with a white patch in the middle of the back. It is found on high altitude rocky areas, where its mossy nest is built in crevices. It feeds on a variety of small animals from caterpillars to small salamanders, found amongst the stones. It is present only in spring and summer.

219

Field Guide Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius IE Thrush-sized with an attractive cobalt blue plumage, striking in good light. It occurs in ravines and rocky areas, close to ruins as well as around hilltop towns and villages, especially near castles and old walls. It feeds on small animals such as lizards, grasshoppers and caterpillars. It is resident throughout the year in Extremadura.

Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti IE A small, restless bird. It has reddish brown plumage on the upperparts and is greyer below. It is always found close to water, in gallery woodland, hedgerows and reed beds, along drains and in patches of brambles. It is difficult to see, but easily detected by its short explosive song. It feeds mainly on insects, but in autumn will also feed on berries, such as blackberries. It is present throughout the year.

Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos IE Sparrow-sized, with brown upperparts, head and wings, whilst the tail is rufous-brown and the underparts paler. It is found in thick vegetation, with its plumage making it rather unobtrusive, so its makes it presence known by its loud and striking song. Possible the song is the most beautiful of all European songbirds and is often heard at night. It feeds mainly on insects and in the autumn also on small fruit and berries. It breeds in Extremadura, spending the winter in sub-Saharan Africa.

Wigeon Anas penelope A very attractive wintering duck. The male has a characteristic whistling call and is distinguished by its chocolate brown head with a creamy match from the bill over the crown to the nape. The breast is pinkish and the rest of the body is greyish with a white and black stern. The female is duller in tone. Both sexes have grey bills with black tips. They occur on reservoirs and lakes.

Abbreviations referring to conservation status of the species in Extremadura EE: At risk of extinction ı SAH: Sensitive to alteration of habitat ı V: Vulnerable ı IE: Of Special Interest

220

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax SAH Somewhat bigger than a partridge, its plumage on the upperparts is light-brown with darker stripes, making it well camouflaged on ground with little vegetation, and white underparts, with long stout legs. The male has a characteristic black collar. In flight, a whistling sound is produced thanks to a flight feather being shorter than the others. It occurs on arable plains and tree-less steppes, feeding on seeds, tubers, small plants and, to a lesser extent, small invertebrates. It is present throughout the year in Extremadura.

Great-crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus IE A duck-sized diving bird which swims low in the water, showing only its back, neck and head. They have a characteristic crest and long chestnut-coloured feathers on both sides of the face, which get darker towards the tips. Like the Little Grebe, it builds a floating nest and will often carry its chicks on its back whilst swimming. They feed on small amphibians and young fish and are present in Extremadura throughout the year, being more numerous in the winter.

Stonechat Saxicola torquata IE Smaller than a sparrow, with brown mottled plumage on the back, orange breast and large white patches on the side of the neck. It is very common along tracks, open dehesas, and clumps of trees and bushes. It perches on bare twigs to wait for small insects on which it feeds. It is present throughout the year in Extremadura.

Whinchat Saxicola rubetra IE Similar in size to a Stonechat, with a rather stocky stance and nervous movements. Its back and head is mottled brown, it has a buff breast and whitish belly.

It has a whitish supercilium. It feeds on small insects taken close to its perch. In Extremadura it is a passage bird seen on its way from and to Africa.

221

Field Guide Wryneck Jynx torquilla IE Thrush-sized with brownish-grey plumage mottled with black which matches well with the bark of tree trunks. Its name comes from its defensive habit of moving its head from one side to another, in a snakelike fashion to alarm potential attackers. It occurs in valleys and orchards, dehesas and other woodland but it is difficult to detect. It is wholly insectivorous and is recorded in Extremadura throughout the year.

Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur A small pigeon with a rosy grey body and buffy wings with black markings. Previously much more common than nowadays, being much harder to find in places where it used to be common. It occurs in cultivated land, dehesas and valleys. Its preferred diet is sunflower seeds or cereals. It arrives in the spring to breed, making a thin platform nest of twigs in the fork of a branch where it lays two eggs.

Woodlark Lulula arborea IE Sparrow-sized with warm brown plumage on the back and pale buff below. It is the most woodland-loving of the larks, occurring in dehesas and clearings. Its song is unmistakeable, very melodic and commonly heard in the spring. It nests on the ground and feeds on plant matter and small insects. It occurs throughout the year in Extremadura.

Nuthatch Sitta europaea IE Slightly larger than a sparrow, with a short tail and a strong, hatchet-shaped bill. It has a blue back and orangey underparts. It can be seen climbing and descending tree trunks, head up or head down, in search of invertebrates. They nest in holes, usually reducing the diameter of the entrance with mud to protect it better. It is present throughout the year in Extremadura, favouring mature woodland.

Abbreviations referring to conservation status of the species in Extremadura EE: At risk of extinction 覺 SAH: Sensitive to alteration of habitat 覺 V: Vulnerable 覺 IE: Of Special Interest

222

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra IE Larger than a sparrow with brown, mottled plumage on the upperparts and buffish underparts. It has a strong bill and occurs in open country where it often sings from fence posts or dead trees. It feeds mainly on seeds, although also on insects in the breeding season. It is very abundant and is present throughout the year.

Magpie Pica pica Larger than the Azure-winged Magpie, with a long tail and short, rounded wings. Its plumage appears black and white, but at close range one can see that the black plumage is in fact a beautiful iridescent violetgreen. It has a very varied diet, from mice, lizards and carrion, to fruits and the eggs of other birds. It occurs in dehesas, woodland in valleys, parks and roadside trees. It is present throughout the year.

White-rumped Swift Apus cafer V Smaller than a Common Swift, dark in colour with a white bar across the rump and also with a white throat.

They usually nest in the abandoned nests of Red-rumped Swallow or House Martin. They are very scarce in Extremadura and are one of the latest summer migrants to arrive, in the second half of May. There appears to be two return migrations: some leaving in August and others towards the end of October.

Common Swift Apus apus IE A greyish-brown bird with a whitish throat. It has very long, slender wings and a short forked tail. Swifts are great fliers, capturing tiny insects in flight and indeed roosting on wing at great height. They nest in holes in building and occasionally in palm trees. They are summer visitors.

223

Field Guide Alpine Swift Apus melba V Larger than Common Swift and with white underparts. They usually nest in small colonies close to water, in bridges or rocky outcrops beside reservoirs or rivers. The species arrives from Africa to breed in Extremadura towards the end of March and leaves towards the end of October.

Greenfinch Carduelis chloris Larger and stouter than a Goldfinch, with a stronger bill. It has bright green plumage with yellow patches on the wings and tail, the females are similar but duller. The strong bill is able to break hard seeds. They occur in woodland, dehesas and town gardens. It is common and present throughout the year in Extremadura.

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis IE A small water bird which feeds on aquatic invertebrates by diving under water, where it can remain submerged for several minutes. It has two plumages: a winter plumage and brighter breeding plumage. Breeding takes place in pools and other water bodies, wherever there is floating vegetation. They also occur on reservoirs in the winter.

Curlew Numenius arquata IE A medium sized bird, with long legs and bill, which is curved downwards. Its plumage is mottled brown. It feeds in muddy pools and rice fields on aquatic invertebrates. In Extremadura it is a scarce winter visitor, which leaves in the spring to breed in Central Europe.

Abbreviations referring to conservation status of the species in Extremadura EE: At risk of extinction 覺 SAH: Sensitive to alteration of habitat 覺 V: Vulnerable 覺 IE: Of Special Interest

224

B I R D W A T C H I N G

R O U T E S

I N

E X T R E M A D U R A

Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta IE A slim, graceful bird with subdued plumage of greyish and brownish tones above and greenish yellow below.

It occurs in river valleys, hedgerows, allotments, generally in moister areas with dense vegetation. It has a melodious song, which can contain some mimicry.

It feeds on small invertebrates such as insects, spiders and caterpillars. It is present in Extremadura from spring to the end of summer.

Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus Larger than a Song Thrush, with duller upperparts and lacking the yellowish tones on the breast. It has bolder and more rounded dark spots on the underparts.

It can be found in oak, cork oak, pine and chestnut woods as well as dehesas. It is rather shy but delivers a beautiful song on spring afternoons, particularly after storms. It feeds on snails, as well as worms and insects. It is present throughout the year.

Song Thrush Turdus philomelos A stocky bird with a warm brown back, buffy yellow breast and whitish belly, boldly speckled. It occurs in wooded areas, chestnut groves, oak woods, gallery forest and can often be heard giving its fluty song. It feeds on snails, slugs, grubs and worms. In Extremadura it breeds in only a few places, but is very common and widespread in winter.

225

JUNTA DE EXTREMADURA

UNIÓN EUROPEA

Consejería de Cultura y Turismo

Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional

“Una manera de hacer Europa”

www.turismoextremadura.com