Spain - Extremadura & Gredos Mountains

Naturetrek Tour Report 5 - 12 May 2010

Sword leaved Helloborine Linarea Triornthophera and Western Peony Champagne Orchid and Tongue Orchid

European Roller Azure-winged Magpie

Report and images compiled by Eric and Pam Barnes

Naturetrek Cheriton Mill Cheriton Alresford Hampshire SO24 0NG England T: +44 (0)1962 733051 F: +44 (0)1962 736426 E: [email protected] W: www.naturetrek.co.uk

Tour Report Spain - Extremadura & Gredos Mountains

Tour Leaders: Eric Barnes (Tour leader & Ornithologist) Pam Barnes (Co-leader & Botanist)

Participants: Colin Hannaford Joyce Hannaford Lynn Barton Liz Anderson Rich Jones Nick Baelz

Day 1 Wednesday 5th May

Although the 6th Naturetrek Extremadura & Sierra Gredos tour was not too confident of good weather after the recce team experienced a snow storm in the Gredos 36 hours earlier, we were pleased to be welcomed by sunshine in Madrid. We were soon heading towards the Sierra Gredos with the usual Spotless Starlings, Black Kites and White Storks in our wake.

A group of Griffon Vultures caused a slight scare when initially the first one was called as an Aquila Eagle; the record was put straight and we carried on looking for an opportune moment to break our trip to El Milano Real. With El Tiemblo and nearby El Burguillo Reservoir having drawn a blank on the morning recce, we were scratching round for a suitable stop – Eric’s inbuilt bird radar system pulled us into a rather mundane looking side road off the N403. This turned out to be the beginning of our good fortune. Serins and Crested Lark quickly fell, more Spotless Starlings, our first Bee-eater of the trip perched on a fence wire. A particularly showy Nightingale greeted us, a male Iberian Pied Flycatcher and a male Spanish Sparrow lined up on the fence for scope views. The first of many Booted Eagles appeared, a group of 7 vultures rose from the surrounding plains; 6 Griffons and a Black Vulture. Hoopoe, a pair of Short toed Treecreepers, a pair of Woodchat Shrikes, Little Ringed Plover, a fabulous Melodious Warbler…it was raining birds! We also saw a few glorious Spanish Yellow Wagtails, a Tree Sparrow, 4 more Bee-eaters and a juvenile Montagu’s Harrier! An unexpected but delightful botanical find of Hypecoum Imberbe (a little asymmetrical yellow poppy) in the verge was keeping the botanist happy but we realized time was slipping away and we had to leave for our destination for the next 3 nights, El Milano Real. We arrived with 8 raptors tucked under our belts, a most promising start. We had dinner at El Milano Real with a spectacular backdrop of snowcapped mountains and a sense of expectation that this birding trip was going to be rather special.

Day 2 Thursday 6th May

It was a chilly early morning start, Black Redstarts sang by the hotel streetlights rallying us on. En route to Hoyocasero, Rich saw something in the river that was most probably an Otter; but it was not relocated. Iberian Grey Shrike, Woodlarks and Ortolan Buntings were all holding territory, and 2 Hawfinches put in an appearance.

We headed back for breakfast but not before stopping at the Parador for Citril Finch. No luck there but a small party of Crossbills was an appreciated token. It was Liz’s birthday and after taking bird orders, it was decided that La Platforma was going to be the focus of our morning.

Spain - Extremadura & Gredos Mountains Tour Report

The weather was perfect…Alpine meadows bathed in sunshine…our first Red Squirrel…it wasn’t long before we were looking at a displaying pair of Rufous tailed Rock Thrushes in the car park at La Platforma. Rock Bunting at point blank range, Water Pipit and our first group of Spanish Ibex high up on a ridge. Northern Wheatears, Crag Martin and Ravens were useful distractions but our real quarry was the ‘Gredos’ Bluethroat and this year they preformed commendably amongst the Broom. We watched them for about an hour displaying and soaking in the sunshine. These intriguing individuals with no throat spot, and a broad chestnut red lower border without a significant intervening black band tried hard to show us that they too were a relict ‘Ice Age’ split; albeit largely unrecognized. Plant wise there wasn’t a lot of variety because of the late spring this year but the early monocotyledons were out in force and provided a lovely display- most notable was a small version of hoop petticoat narcissus (Narcissus Graellsii), Rock Narcissus (N. Rupicola), Lent Lily (N. Pseudonarcissus) also Gagea (Gagea fistulosa) and the mountain buttercup (Ranunculus Abnormis) nestled in the rocks by the path. Near where the Bluethroat was displaying the team also found some delightful pale lilac cups of Crocus Carpetanus.

With Liz’s birthday presents sorted we headed down to the car park for our picnic and a surprise birthday cake for Liz. A pair of Rufous tailed Rock Thrushes insisted on give us unparalleled close views by the main footpath; our only regret was that the sun was a little too bright! We meandered towards Puente del Durque picking up a couple of Booted and Short toed Eagles on the way. A majestic male Spanish Ibex surveyed his land and we came a cross a group of about 10 males feeding below us in a valley.

At Puente del Durque a Chiffchaff was found by one group looking for the local facilities, and an excellent Hobby preformed long enough for most people to get good views. We walked along the main track and it wasn’t long before everyone had good views of Firecrest, Western Bonelli’s Warblers, and Crested Tit. There was a definite lack of the usual butterflies and reptiles, presumably s a result of Spain’s wettest winter for decades. We did manage an Iberian Wall Lizard and there was plenty of activity to keep us entertained for the duration of the afternoon. The group strung out a bit whilst Pam went back to fetch the minibus so unfortunately no one heard Colins’ call of Goshawk. It was not long before we were back at El Milano Real. The usual food feast awaited us and despite Liz’s protests, she was ‘hit’ with a Birthday Chocolate Bomb Cake!

Day 3 Friday 7th May

A decision to make the most of the evening light and to omit an early morning run was made. Unfortunately, the weather was overcast and unsettled through the day. Our first stop in Hoyos del Espino was to complete our set of Sparrows. 3 Rock Sparrows showed well, allowing us prolonged scope views. A walk around the Parador failed to produce the desired Finch but we saw Red Squirrel, Cirl Buntings, about 15 Crossbills.

We headed towards Bonelli’s Wood and despite the rain we managed to find a distant male Black eared Wheatear on the Hoyocasero road. The cold wet winter had taken its toll on the flowering plants and the Western Peonies were not out yet. The pale glow of Yellow Pasque Flower (Pulsatilla alpine subsp.apifolia), Oxslip (Primula elatior) and Angels Tears (Narcissus triandrus) however provided a beautiful respite from the mostly leafless woodland of Pyrenean Oak (Quercus pyranaica). A walk also revealed early signs of Lily of the Valley (Convallairia Majalis) and Common Aquilegia (Aquilegia vulgaris) we were also lucky to find several sprays of Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum odoratum) drooping gracefully between the trees.

2 © Naturetrek June 2010

Spain - Extremadura & Gredos Mountains Tour Report

As we walked the Bonelli’s Warblers were undeterred by the damp air and kept our spirits up. Just as we were leaving the wood Liz spotted a large brown bird on the ground which must have been a Honey Buzzard but despite a desperate search it could not be relocated. Iberian Green Woodpecker, more Crossbills, Booted and Short toed Eagles were our main reward. Back at yesterday’s “Otter’ site we found a nice sprinkling of Warblers – Cetti’s, Chiffchaff and Melodious. Another Iberian Grey Shrike, Black Vulture and a field across the river with several hundred Green-winged Orchids (Orchis morio).

The plant people were dropped off at the hotel, whilst the rest of the group drove towards Pena Negra in the hope of seeing our nemesis Finch and HB. An adult Hobby drying itself on a close telephone wire was exciting. Fortunately we made it back to the minibus before the weather turned from sunshine to heavy rain, followed by fog and hail stones. A thunder clap flushed the first of many Red legged Partridge and we made a hasty retreat to our warm hotel rooms!

Day 4 Saturday 8th May

This morning we headed to the Parador. Within minutes of our arrival a male Citril Finch surrendered. A glorious male allowing scope views for most of our group. Unfortunately, some pressure from another birding group pushed the bird back into the wood. We decided to go via Valle de Jerte and on route stopped briefly on the road side to see Early Purple Orchid (Orchis mascula) and the lovely cream and pink spikes of Spanish Lupin (Lupin Hispanicus) and purple Narrow-leaved Lupin (L. anustifolius) We then made a stop at Garganta de los Infiernos to have a late breakfast. The picnic site at the car park has the tamest Iberian Azure-winged Magpie outside Donana, but unfortunately it was a little too early in the day for these birds to put on a full performance. A Golden Oriole on a picnic table and foraging in the undergrowth provided alternative entertainment. Blackcaps sang relentlessly but the main highlights were botanical. The Western Peonies (Paeonia brotteri) were flowering at this lower elevation and their brilliant cups shone like cerise flames amongst the Pyrenean Oaks and Sweet Chestnut (Castanea Sativa) trees. We also found Sword-leaved Helleborine (Cephalanthera longifolia) a lily-like, white flowered orchid, and the endemic Gredos Figwort (Scrophularia reuteri) as well as a crazy looking 4-sided pink snapdragon (Linarea Triornthophera). Eric and Pam found the only Marsh Fritillary of the trip en route to pick up the minibus. Some made a short detour to see the brilliant azure blue Scrambling Gromwell (Lithodora Diffusa) and frothy cushions of white Mountain Sandwort (Arenaria montana subsp Montana), whilst others scoured the stream for Dipper.

We headed toward Monfrague for a picnic. Whilst this was being organized the surrounding vicinity produced Egyptian and Black Vulture, a male Subalpine Warbler, Woodchat Shrike and Crested Larks. After recharging our batteries we drifted towards Pena Falcon. We stopped at the road bridge where the Alpine Swifts are often found. None of these today, but a male Bonelli’s Eagle floated amongst the Griffons, Booted Eagle and ubiquitous Black Kites. A Short toed Eagle sat on a boulder to the West, whilst a female Bonelli’s Eagle sat near the base of a large electricity pylon to the east. It started to drizzle but it would have been sacrilegious not to stop at Pena Falcon. We paid our respects to the Griffons and a Black Stork on its nest, a male Blue Rock Thrush approached closely with some food for its young, Red rumped Swallows and Rock Bunting heralded that our birding time was running out. We headed towards Trujillo calling in briefly at the town square and then to the Bullring to watch a few perched Lesser Kestrels at close range.

Spain - Extremadura & Gredos Mountains Tour Report

We were greeted by Juan Pedro and Belen our hosts at Vina las Torres. Their hotel incredibly had 3 species of Orchid in a single site on the hotel grounds! The purple and white spotless flowers of Champagne Orchid (Orchis Morio sub.sp champagneuxii) as well as Tongue and Small-flowered Tongue Orchid (Serapias lingula and S. Parviflora). Juan Pedro values his wildlife and supports it. Bee-eaters, Iberian Azure-winged Magpies, Hoopoe, Golden Oriole, Thekla Lark, Short-toed Eagle, Barn Owl and Great Spotted Cuckoo are all regularly seen around their hotel grounds! The surrounding footpaths are a carpet of wild flowers including Field Gladioli (Gladiolus italicus), Tassel Hyacinth (Muscari comosum) and hundreds of orchids. We had a hearty meal of local home cooked produce to welcome us to Extremadura.

Day 5 Sunday 9th May

It was Joyce’s birthday today and she requested Spanish Imperial Eagle and Honey Buzzard. This was always going to be a difficult combination! After a few hours at Belen Plains in scattered sunshine our attempt to head towards Sierra Villeuercas was thwarted by rain. The Calandra Larks were not as active as usual in the overcast conditions but we saw a few Hoopoes, Egyptian Vulture, Griffons, Bee-eaters, 2 Stone Curlew and 3 distant Great Bustards. A movement of Hirundines produced an Alpine Swift and decent views of a Great Spotted Cuckoo in some Lygos. The fields and verges were as usual a spectacular Van Gogh mix of scarlet poppies, Purple Vipers Bugloss, blue Rampion Bell flower and assorted yellow and white daises including the iconic Mediterranean Umbrella Milkwort Tolpis Barbata as well as a great many more botanical treasures which kept the botanist happy at every birding stop. A Short toed Eagle drifted over. Ten Bee-eaters looked as if they were attempting to colonise a low sand bank. A pair of Black winged Stilts in a small pool and 4 Spanish Sparrows. No sign of any Bug Orchids at the junction towards Torrecillas de la Tiesa but a decent number of Hoop Petticoat Narcissi (Narcissus bulbocodium var. nivalis).

We headed towards Arroyocampo where Great Reed Warblers and Zitting Cisticolas reinforced that despite the rain, we were well away from the UK. Purple Herons kept flying over and Purple Gallinules emerged from the reed bed. Little Bittern and Squacco Heron were the supporting cast. After lunch which included a round of birthday cake and strawberries, we headed off towards Hide 5 where Black-winged Kites breed. We had a close Purple Heron on the ground and several Turtle Doves. Rich managed to pull out the Black-winged Kite just as our hope was fading.

Our drive to the Portilla del Tietar was interrupted by a very cooperative Great Spotted Cuckoo intent on guzzling a large caterpillar on a roadside fence. It wasn’t long before we had to stop again for a roadside Black winged Kite, whose red eyes menacingly glared at us for interrupting its tea. 2 Golden Orioles and countless Iberian Azure winged Magpies, Woodchats and Iberian Grey Shrikes later we pulled into the Portilla. Within 5 minutes a magnificent Spanish Imperial Eagle circled round us with several Black Storks and many Vultures. One Black Vulture swooped so low you could see the glint of its corneal reflex and make out its iris with the naked eye! Scanning the rock face was never likely to produce the Eagle Owl, their nest apparently had moved and the wet weather had wiped out their chicks this year. We drifted back home to celebrate Joyce’s birthday with another excellent meal and a second birthday cake - Pam’s motto being ‘a girl can never have too many birthday cakes!’

4 © Naturetrek June 2010

Spain - Extremadura & Gredos Mountains Tour Report

Day 6 Monday 10th May

We did an early morning run to the Steppes. Quail were the first birds up and White Storks appeared to be feeding even before it was really light. 4 Little Owls , 3 Rollers, displaying Little Bustards, 3 male Great Bustards preening, Montagu’s Harriers, 2 Stone Curlew, 3 Great Spotted Cuckoos and several Short-toed Larks fell in quick succession. A close group of about 30 Black bellied Sandgrouse lifted with most of them settling over the brow of the sloping field. When the dust settled we found 10 Sandgrouse still in view and a close female Little Bustard.

We settled for a late breakfast and a visit to Jaraicejo. Typical birds of the dehesa were active including several Thekla Larks. A Black Stork drifted over, several Black Vultures and a near adult Golden Eagle steamed through. The temperature was rising and time was slipping away from us. We decided to drive to the top of Monfrague Castle where we were greeted by a couple of Red billed Choughs and Griffon Vultures at arms length. We planned for an early dinner at 5:30 pm to allow us time to give the Eagle Owl a proper vigil. Lynn and Liz had previously seen Eagle Owl well and opted for a gentle stroll around Vina las Torres. They spent the evening with Golden Orioles flitting amongst the Olive Groves, European Nightjar at their feet, rescuing an Azure winged Magpie, and Scops Owl heralding the end of their birding day.

Everyone else headed towards the Portilla again but this time stopping en route for a short botany break. This produced Slender, Greater and Branched Broomrapes (Orobanche gracillis, O. rapum-genistae and O.ramosa), Shepherds’ Needle (Scandix pecten-vernis), Love-in-a-Mist (Nigella damascene), Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera) and a local sub species (Ophrys apifera subsp. almaracensis), were newly up; whilst Yellow Bee Orchid (Ophrys lutea) and Naked Man Orchid (Orchis italica) were past their best. Unfortunately, our stop was brief and undoubtedly there are more treasures to be found in this unusual limestone habitat.

We arrived at the Portilla at 20:15 and there was still a good 90 minutes of light ahead of us. A Black Stork went over and then we picked up an Otter feeding on the river edge giving us terrific prolonged views of it hunting. Spanish Imperial Eagle soared overhead and the Eagle Owl called intermittently. 21:00hrs and the tension was rising, the 20 or 25 people that had gathered this evening coalesced when a flicker of movement suggested that the Owl was on the move. Despite everyone looking at more or less the same part of the hillside where the shadow appeared to head for, a good 20 minutes had passed before Rich (with a little help from an Egyptian Vulture) isolated it. Perched side on; with about half its body showing, it sat on the edge of the cliff face just below a tree with roosting vultures. Intermittently it turned towards us showing its amber orange eyes and ear tufts. After about 10-15 minutes the Eagle Owl flew eastwards up the river and landed in a distant tree – a grand finale to an excellent day! We departed in the twilight and our next stop produced a small family party of Roe Deer; an Iberian Hare jinxed its way along the road in the headlight and a Hedgehog took care to stay in its own lane on the main road to Trujillo. Tired but content we arrived back at the hotel at 23:15hours ready for our beds.

Day 7 Tuesday 11th May

Our last full day in Extremadura - we headed towards Santa Marta de Magasca in search of more steppe birds.

Spain - Extremadura & Gredos Mountains Tour Report

A European Nightjar was put up from the side of the road. We saw some fine Great Bustards with their elegant whiskers and displaying Little Bustard. A Golden Eagle screeched through just below eyelevel sending Mallards into pandemonium. Calandra Larks displayed defiantly.

We headed back for breakfast and then towards Campo Lugar. A Little Owl perched on a pile of stones, a pair of Black eared Wheatears showed well, a female Great Bustard neck high in the grass strolled by and a male Little Bustard gave a half hearted display. Montagu’s Harriers quartered round us and a few Gull billed Terns were on patrol. A European Golden Plover shared a ploughed field with a pair of Stone Curlew.

Heading towards Fernando V we saw a roadside Roller. Last years flooded field was now without water and we headed towards the ‘Silver pipe’ picking up 10 Collared Pratincole, 10 Bee-eaters and a small group of Red Avadavats.

Once again a day in Sierra Villeuercas was abandoned because of ominous clouds in that vicinity. We headed in to the sunshine at Arroyocampo instead. More of the same waterbirds were seen with Little Tern and Night Heron putting in an appearance and Savi’s Warbler singing unusually distantly. One last site for Black Wheatear drew a blank but Joyce’s belated birthday present of a Honey Buzzard put in an unexpected appearance.

The early evening was spent sipping coffee in the town square at Trujillo, prior to heading back to our hotel for dinner. After dinner a couple of Red necked Nightjars and Scops Owls called from behind the hotel but despite a small search party no night birds appeared.

Day 8 Wednesday 12 May

A civilized 07:15 departure from Vina las Torres put us in good time for our flight home. We were escorted off the premises by a Hoopoe; Bee-eaters, Golden Oriole, and even a displaying Lesser Kestrel put in a show on the trip to Madrid! We avoided any volcanic hiccups and smoothly but regrettably departed from a successful trip, highlighted by outstanding views of many Spanish specialty birds of the Steppes and High Mountains. We saw a respectable 146 avian species including 19 species of raptors and an amazing 10 species of orchid! Undoubtedly the good-natured enthusiasm of this year’s group contributed highly to its success as well as making our job a real pleasure. Pam and I are extremely grateful to them for their excellent company and relaxed attitude which made the 6th Naturetrek Extremadura & Sierra Gredos trip an unqualified success.

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6 © Naturetrek June 2010

Spain - Extremadura & Gredos Mountains Tour Report

Species Lists

Birds (H = heard only)

May Common name Scientific name 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis 2 2 Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo 2 1 3 Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus 1 1 4 Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax 1 5 Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides 1 6 Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis 20 40 7 Little Egret Egretta garzetta 1 6 2 3+ 8 Great White Egret Egretta alba 1 9 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea 2 1 1 7 10 Purple Heron Ardea purpurea 10+ 8 11 Black Stork Ciconia nigra 4 4 4 12 White Stork Ciconia ciconia 20 15 10 40+ 60+ 12 30+ 15+ 13 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 2 1 1 12 6 4+ 14 Gadwall Anas strepera 1 2 15 Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus 2 16 Black Kite Milvus migrans 6 6 6 20+ 35+ 15 15+ 10+ 17 Red Kite Milvus milvus 3 3 4 5 2 1 18 Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus 2 2 3 19 Black Vulture Aegypius monachus 1 1 5 6 2 1 20 Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus 16 6 2 60+ 80+ 100+ 15 1 21 Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus 1 2 5 7 1 22 Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus 3 4 23 Goshawk Accipiter gentilis 1 24 Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus 1 25 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo 10+ 1 1 1 4 2 1 26 Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos 1 1 27 Spanish Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca (adalberti) 2 1 28 Bonelli’s Eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus 2 29 Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus 1 2 2 6 3 1 4 30 Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus 1 1 1 2 1 31 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus 3+ 2 2 3 2 1 32 Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni 6 5 2 15 1 33 Hobby Falco subbuteo 1 2 1 1 1 34 Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa 2 3 4 5 6 35 Common Quail Coturnix coturnix H 36 Moorhen Gallinula chloropus 1 2 2 37 Coot Fulica atra 3 38 Purple Swamp-hen Porphyrio porphyrio 5 H 39 Great Bustard Otis tarda 3 3 8 40 Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax 3 3 41 Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus 2 5 42 Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus 2 2 2 43 European Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria 1 44 Little ringed Plover Charadrius dubius 1 2 45 Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos 2 1 1 46 Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola 10 47 Gull billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica 4

Spain - Extremadura & Gredos Mountains Tour Report

May Common name Scientific name 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 48 Little Tern Sternula albifrons 2 49 Black-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles orientalis 30 50 Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus         51 Rock Dove / Feral Pigeon Columba livia         52 Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto         53 Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur 3 54 Cuckoo Cuculus canorus 1 H 1 4 H 2 55 Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus 1 1 56 Red necked Nightjar Caprimulgus ruficollis H 57 Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius 2 3 3 58 Eagle Owl Bubo bubo 1 59 Little Owl Athene noctua 4 1 60 Scops Owl Otus scops H H 61 Alpine Swift Apus melba 1 1 62 Common Swift Apus apus         63 Bee-eater Merops apiaster 5 2 6 20 11 25+ 1 64 Roller Coracias garrulus 6 1 65 Hoopoe Upupa epops 1 3 2 2 5 10 6 2 66 Green Woodpecker Picus viridis 1 1 67 Great-spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus major 1 6 68 Woodlark Lullula arborea 2 6 2 69 Skylark Alauda arvensis 5 70 Crested Lark Galerida cristata 4 6 16+ 15+ 25+ 4 71 Thekla Lark Galerida theklae 3 72 Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla 8+ 1 73 Calandra Lark Melanocorypha calandra 20+ 20+ 30+ 74 Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris 2 3 2 75 Sand Martin Riparia riparia 1 2 1 76 Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica 10 6 18 10+ 77 Swallow Hirundo rustica         78 House Martin Delichon urbica         79 Water Pipit Angthus spinoletta 3 80 White Wagtail Motacilla alba 2 6 2 1 1 1 81 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea 2 82 Yellow (Iberian) Wagtail Motacilla flava iberiae 3 30 2 83 Wren Troglodytes troglodytes 3 4 84 Dunnock Prunella modularis 10+ 2 85 Robin Erithacus rubecula 2 8 7 86 Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos 2 1 1 1 H H H 87 Bluethroat Luscinia svecica 5 88 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros 10 8 7 1 1 89 Stonechat Saxicola torquata 3 10+ 8 2 8 8+ 90 Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe 20+ 8 91 Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica 1 2 92 Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis 5 93 Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius 2 2 3 1 94 Blackbird Turdus merula 2 10 12 2 24+ 10+ 6+ 95 Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus 1 4 2 96 Savi's Warbler Locustrella luscinioides H 97 Fan-tailed Warbler Cisticola juncidis 6 1 6 98 Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti 1 H 1 H H

8 © Naturetrek June 2010

Spain - Extremadura & Gredos Mountains Tour Report

May Common name Scientific name 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 99 Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus 1 100 Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus 2 2 101 Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta 1 1 6 1 102 Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans 1 1 103 Whitethroat Sylvia communis 6 4 104 Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla 3 9 20+ 105 Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala 1 2 1 106 Western Bonelli’s Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli 6 15 3 107 Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita 2 108 Goldcrest Regulus regulus 3 4 109 Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus 6 H H 110 Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata 1 111 Iberian Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca iberiae 1 2 112 Crested Tit Lophophanes cristatus 4 3 113 Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus 1 2 4 4 4 2 114 Great Tit Parus major 2 2 4 1 3 H 115 Coal Tit Periparus ater 2 10 20 10 116 Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus 3 2 H 9 117 Nuthatch Sitta europaea 6 6 3 2 H 118 Short-toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla 2 8 7 1 119 Iberian Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis 1 1 1 3 2 4 120 Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator 4 2 2 4 3 28+ 10 2 121 Spotless Starling Sturnus unicolor 100+ 30 20 40+ 40+ 20+ 30+ 20+ 122 Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus 4 2 3 H 1 123 Jay Garrulus glandarius 3 5 8 1 124 Magpie Pica pica        125 Azure-winged Magpie Cyanopica cyana 10 12 70+ 20+ 10+ 126 Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax 2 127 Jackdaw Corvus monedula 1 16+ 3 15+ 10+ 128 Raven Corvus corax 2 1 2 1 2 4 129 Carrion Crow Corvus corone 1 10 8 5 130 House Sparrow Passer domesticus         131 Tree Sparrow Passer montanus 1 4 132 Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis 2 1 4 1 20+ 133 Rock Sparrow Petronia petronia 3 6 134 Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs 4    1 4+ 2 135 Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes 2 136 Crossbill Loxia curvirostra 4 15 16 137 Serin Serinus serinus 2 4 10 10+ 2 3 15+ 2 138 Greenfinch Carduelis chloris 2 1 3 139 Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis 6 H 2 10 20+ 10 12 140 Linnet Acanthis cannabina 6 15 4 3 3 4 6 141 Citril Finch Carduelis citrenella 1 142 Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra 1 1 2 4    143 Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana 5 1 2 1 144 Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus 2 145 Rock Bunting Emberiza cia 12 12 4 1 1 146 Red Avadavat Amandava amandava 10

Spain - Extremadura & Gredos Mountains Tour Report

Plants Scientific Name Common Name DICOTYLEDONS Aceraceae Maple Family Acer monspessulanum Montpelier Maple

Anacardiaceae Cashew Family Pistachio terebinthus Turpentine Tree P.lentiscus Mastic Tree Rhus Coriaria Sumach

Apiaceae Carrot Family Daucus carota Wild Carrot Eryngium campestre Field Eryngo Ferrula communis Giant Fennel Foeniculum vulgare Fennel Oeanthe crocata Hemlock water dropwort Thapsia. Villosa (A tall fennel like plant) Torillis arvensis Spreading hedge parsley

Aristolochiaceae Birthwort Family Aristolochia paucinervis ( A type of Dutchman’s pipe)

Asteraceae Daisy Family Andryala integrifolia Andryala Anthemis arvensis Corn Camomile Arnoseris minima (A low cats ear daisy) Bellis sylvestris Southern daisy Calendula arvensis Field Marigold Centaurea cyanus Cornflower C. solstitialis St Barnaby’s Thistle Chrysanthemum coronarium Crown Daisy C. segetum Corn Marigold Cirsium. Creticum (A slender purple thistle) Cnicus benedictus Blessed Thistle Cynara cardunculus Cardoon Echinops ritro Globe Thistle Evax pygmaea Evax Fiago vulgaris Common Cudweed Galactites tomentosa Galactites Helicrysium stoechas (A silver leaved daisy) Hypochoeris achyrophorus Mediterranean cats ear Knautea purpurea (a paint brush) Lactuca serriola Prickly Lettuce Leucanthemopsis pallida Pallensis spinosa Pale yellow thistle Scolymus hispanicus Spanish Oyster Plant Silybum marianum Milk Thistle Rhagadiolus stellatus Star Hawkbit Tolpis barbata Tolpis

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Spain - Extremadura & Gredos Mountains Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Boraginaceae Borage Family Anchusa undulata Undulate Anchusa A azurea Large Blue Alkanet Echium plantagineum Purple Vipers Bugloss Lithodara diffusa Scrambling Gromwell Myosotis ramosissima (A small flowered Forget-me-Not) Omphalodes linifolia Omphalodes Pentaglottis sempervirens Green alkanet

Brassicaceae Cress Family Biscuttela didyma Biscuttela Crambe hispanica Spanish Sea Kale Eruca sativa Eruca Lepedium villasii Lepedium Raphanus raphanistrum Wild Radish Scandix pecten veneris Shepherds Needle Sinapis alba White Mustard

Cactacea Cactus Family Opuntia Monacantha Red fruited Prickly Pear

Campanulaceae Bellflower Family Campanula patula Spreading Bellflower C. rapunculus Rampion Bellflower C. Lusitanica Spanish Bellflower Jasione corumbose (A type of Sheep’s Bit) J crispa (A type of Sheep’s Bit)

Caprifoliaceae Honeysuckle Family Lonicera etrusca Etruscan honeysuckle L. implexa ( A honeysuckle) Viburnum tinus Lauristinus

Caryophyllaceae Pink Family Arenaria Montana sub.sp montana Mountain Sandwort Cerastium arvense Field Mouse Ear Petrohagia kohlrauschia Kohlrauschia Paronychia argentea (prostrate, silvery bracts) Silene colorata Mediterranean Catchfly S. dichotoma Forked Catchfly S. gallica Small-flowered Catchfly Spergularia purpurea Purple Sand Spurry

Chenopodacacea Goose Foot Family Parietaria officinata Common Pellitory

Cistaceae Rockrose Family Cistus albidus Grey Leaved Cistus C. ladanifer Gum Cistus C. monspeliensis Narrow Leaved Cistus C. salvifolius Sage-leaved Cistus Fumaria arabica Arabian Fumaria Guttatae Tubaria Spotted Roce Rose Helianthemum apennivium White Rockrose

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Scientific Name Common Name Helianthemum nummularium Common Rockrose

Convolvulacea Bindweed Family Convolvulus althaeoides Mallow Leaved Bindweed C. arvensis C.tricolor Tri-coloured Bindweed

Crassulaceae Stonecrop Family Sedum album White Stonecrop S. Dasphyllum Thick Leaved Stonecrop S.Tenulifolium (A tall stonecrop) Umbilicus rupestris Navelwort

Crucubitacea Cucumber Family Bryonia cretica White Bryony

Ericaceae Heath Family Arbutus unedo Strawberry Tree Erica arborea Tree Heath

Euphorbiaceae Spurge Family Euphorbia oxyphylla Red Eyed Spurge

Fabaceae Pea Family Adenocarpus complicatus Anthyllis lotoides Bladder Vetch Astragalus monspessulannus Monpellier Milk Vetch Cytisus multiflorus White Broom Genista falcata (a turpentine smelling broom) G. hirsuta low spiny shrub G. tourniforte (a type of Spanish gorse) Hedysarum coronarum Sanfoin Lathyrus aphaca Yellow Vetchling L. cicera Red Vetchling L. setifolius Brown Vetch L.latifoius Broad leaved everlasting pea Lupin angustifolius Narrow-leaved Lupin L. hispanicus Spanish Lupin Lygos sphaerocarpa Lygos L. raetma White Lygos Melilot indicus Small Meliot Psoralea bituminosa Pitch Trefoil Robinia pseudacacia False Acacia Spartium junceum Spanish Broom Tetragonolobus purpureus Asparagus Pea Trifolium angustifolium Narrow-leaved Crimson Clover T. campestre Hop trefoil T. cherleri (sub species of hairy trefoil) T. stellatum Starry Clover T. resupinatum Reversed Clover T. subterraneum (a low white clover) T.tormentosum Woolly Trefoil Vicia hirsuita Hairy Tare Vicia. lutea Yellow Vetch

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Scientific Name Common Name V. onobrychoides False Sanfoin V. villosa Fodder Vetch Fagaceae Oak Family Castanea sativa Sweet Chestnut Quercus coccifera Kermes Oak Q. ilex Holm Oak Q. pyrenaica Pyrenean Oak Q. suber Cork Oak

Fumariaceae Fumitory Family Fumaria capriolata Ramping Fumitory F. officinalis Common Fumitory

Gentianaceae Gentian Family Centaureum erythraea Common Centaury

Geraniaceae Geranium Family Erodium petaeum Rock Storksbill E.mallacoides Mallow leaved Storksbill Geranium dissectum Cut-leaved Cranesbill G.lucdum Shining Cranesbill G.molle Doves foot cranesbill

Hypericaceae St John’s Wort Family H. perfoliata Perforate St John’s Wort

Labiaceae Mint Family Ballota nigra Black Horehound Lavendula stoechas French Lavender Melittis melissophyllum Bastard Balm Parentucellia latifolia Southern Red Bartista Rosmarinus officinalis Rosemary Salvia verbenaca Wild Clary Thymus capitata Wild Thyme

Linaceae Flax Family Linum bienne Pale Flax

Malvaceae Mallow Family Lavatera cretica Small tree mallow Malva sylvestris Common Mallow

Oxalidaceae Sorrel Family Oxalis pes-caprae Bermuda Buttercup

Oleaceae Olive Family Fraxinus augustifolia Narrow leaved Ash Fraxinus ornus Flowering Ash Jasminum fruticans Wild Jasmine Olea europaea Olive

Orobanchaceae Broomrape Family Orobanche genistae Greater Broomrape

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Scientific Name Common Name O. gracillis Slender Broomrape O. minor Common Broomrape O. ramosa Branched Broomrape

Paeoniaceae Paeony Family Paeonia broteri Western Peony P. microcarpa

Papaveraceae Poppy Family Hypecoum imberbe (a small yellow poppy) Papaver dubium Long-headed Poppy P. hybridum Rough Poppy Papaver rhoeas Common Poppy

Platanaceae Plane Tree Family Platanus orientalis Plane Tree

Plantaginaceae Plantain Family Plantago coronopus Buck's Horn Plantain P. lagopus Hares foot Plantain

Polygonaceae Dock Family Rumex acetosella Sheep’s Sorrel R. bucephalophorus Horse Sorrel, pendulous fruit R. scutatus French Sorrel

Primulaceae Primrose Family Anagallis arvensis Scarlet/blue Pimpernel A foemina (A pimpernel) Primula elatior Oxlip

Ranunculaceae Buttercup Family Aquilegia vulgaris Common Aquilegia Caltha palustris Kingcup Nigella damascena Love-in-a-mist Pulsatilla alpina subsp.apiifolia Yellow Pasque Flower Ranunculus abnormis Alpine Buttercup R.omiophyllus Round leaved water crowfoot R. sceleratus Celery-leaved Buttercup

Resedaceae Mignonette Family R. luteola Weld R. lutea Wild Mignonette Sesamiodes purpurascens

Rosaceae Rose Family Crataegus azaorlus Azarole Geum sylvaticum yellow flowers Poterium verrucosum Mediterranean Salad Burnet

Salicaceae Willow Family Salix pedicelallata Mediterranean Willow Populus Nigra ssp.betulifolia Wild Black Poplar

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Scientific Name Common Name

Santalaceea Sandalwood Family Osyris alba Osyris

Saxifragaceae Saxifrage Family Saxifraga granulata Meadow Saxifrage

Scrophulariaceae Figwort Family Bellardia trixago Bellardia Digitalis thapsi Spanish Foxglove Linaria elegans (a violet toadflax) L.spartea Yellow snapdragon L.triornithophora (a large pink four sided snapdragon) Parentucella latifolia Southern Red Bartsia P. viscosa Yellow Bartsia Verbascum pulverulentum Hoary Mullein V. sinuatum (a widely branched mullein)

Solenaceae Potato Family Hyoscyamus albus** White Henbane

Tamaricaea Tamarix Family Tamarix africana Tamarix

Thymelaceae Daphne Family Thymelae sanamunda

Valarianaceae Valarian Family Fedia cornucopiae Fedia

Violaceae Violet Family Viola riviniana Common Dog Violet V.ketabeliana Dwarf pansy

MONOCOTYLEDONS Amaryllidaceae Daffodil Family Narcissus bulbocodium var. nivalis Hoop Petticoat Narcissus Narcissus graellsii (a small hoop petticoat narcissus) N. pseudonarcissus Lent Lily N. rupicola Rock Narcissus N. triandrus** Angels' Tears

Dioscareacaea Yam Family Tamus communis Black Bryony

Iridaceae Iris Family Crocus carpetanus (a pale lilac alpine crocus) Gladiolus italicus Field Gladiolus Gynandriris sisyrinchium Barbary Nut Iris pseudacorus Yellow Flag Iris I. Xiphium Spanish Iris

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Scientific Name Common Name Liliaceae Lily Family Allium ampeloprasum Wild Leek A. neapolitanum Naples Garlic A.roseum Rosy garlic Anthericum ramosum Branched St Bernard’s Lily Asparagus acutifolius (a type of wild asparagus) Asphodelus.aestivus Common Asphodel Convallaria majalis Lily of the valley Gagea fistulosa Gagea Muscari comosum Tassel Hyacinth M. neglectum Grape Hyacinth Polygonatum odoratum Solomon’s Seal Ruscus asculatus Butchers Broom Scilla hispanica Spanish Bluebell S. verna Spring Squill Ornithogalum concinnum (A small Star of Bethlehem) O. narbonense (A tall slender Star of Bethlehem) O. umbellatum Star of Bethlehem

Orchidaceae Orchid Family Cephalanthera longifolia Sword leaved Helleborine Ophyrs apifera Bee Orchid (an Extramadura variant of bee Ophyrs apifera subsp. almaracensis orchid) Ophyrs lutea Yellow Bee Orchid Orchis mascula Early Purple Orchid Orchis mascula subsp. champagneuxii Champagne Orchid Orchis morio Green-winged Orchid Orchis italica Naked Man Orchid Serapias lingula Tongue Orchid Serapias parviflora Small-flowered Tongue Orchid

CONIFERS Pinaceae Pine Family Pinus nigra Black Pine P. pinaster Maritime Pine P.pinea Stone Pine P. sylvestris Scots Pine

Cupressaceae Cypress Family Cupressus sempervirens Funeral Cypress Juniperus communis Juniper J. oxycedrus Prickly Juniper

Gramineae Family Grasses/reeds Arundo donax Giant Reed Briza Maxima Large Quaking Grass Lamarckia Aurea Golden Dog tail

CULTIVATED SHRUBS AND TREES Allianthus altissima Tree of Heaven Catalpa bignonioides Indian Bean Tree Cercis siliquastrum Judas Tree Citrus limon Lemon Tree

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Scientific Name Common Name Citrus sinensis Orange Tree Ficus carica Fig Gleditsia triacanthos Honey Locust Melia azedarach Indian Bead Tree Morus alba White Mulberry M.nigra Black Mulberry Nerium oleander Oleander Punica granatum Pomegranate Prunus dulcis Almond Shinus molle Peruvian Mastic Tree

Mammals

Hedgehog Iberian Hare Otter Rabbit Red Squirrel Red Deer Roe Deer Spanish Ibex

Butterflies

Spanish Marbled White Marsh Fritillary Western Dappled White Meadow Brown Small White Wall Brown Large White Small Copper Green Veined White Red Admiral Spanish Festoon Painted Lady

References

Field Guide to Wild Flowers of Southern Europe (Paul Davies and Sob Gibbons) Mediterranean Wild Flowers (Margery Blamey and Christopher Grey-Wilson) Alpine Flowers of Britain and Europe (Blamey and Grey-Wilson) Collins Tree Guide (Owen Johnson and David Moore)