Segunda edición, diciembre de 2009 REGIONAL GOVERNMENT OF 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

r Página o u

t Introduction ......

e 7 s

Specialist companies ...... 10

1 Sierra de Gata ...... 13

2 Valle del Ambroz / Tierras de Granadilla-Cáparra ...... 21

3 La Vera and el ...... 31

4 Tajo internacional ...... 43

5 Canchos de Ramiro / Reservoir ...... 51

6 Monfragüe National Park ...... 59

7 Arrocampo Reservoir ...... 69

8 Sierra de San Pedro ...... 77

9 Plains of Cáceres, Magasca and Trujillo ...... 87

10 Villuercas ...... 95

11 Diversion dam of the River Guadiana ...... 103

12 Cornalvo and Los Canchales ...... 111

13 Moheda Alta / Sierra Brava ...... 121

14 Orellana Reservoir and Puerto Peña ...... 129

15 Lakes and plains of La Albuera ...... 137

16 Central Sierras of Badajoz ...... 145

17 La Serena and Sierra de Tiros ...... 153

18 Dehesas de Jerez ...... 161

19 Arroyo Conejo / Campiña Sur ...... 169

Field Guide ...... 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 bird - watching. The internationally renowned optics brand specializing in binoculars and te - lescopes, 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 conse - quent 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 num - ber 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 or from other countries who may visit and as well as Extremaduran families who want to discover areas that have gone un - noticed 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, mi - grating 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 star - ting 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 are - a’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 li - ving 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 detec - ted 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 Paredes Calvario, 142 • Tlf.: 610 390 793 / 661 711 721 Fax: 924 760 635 • www.serturextremadura.com / [email protected]

La Codosera 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 [email protected]

Cáceres Cáceres AOSSA EXTREMADURA, S.L. Birdwatching and adventure activities Juan A. García Chaves Sgto. Serrano Leite, 2 • Tlf.: 670 591 675 / 927 627 616 Fax: 927 627 617 • www.aossaextremadura.com [email protected]

Cáceres ESQUIEXTREMD, S.L.

Outdoor activities including river trips, paragliding, photo safaris and hiking Juan J. Enrique Salgado Plaza de Gante, 1 bajo • Tlf.: 927 626 587 www.grupogentours.com / [email protected] ACTION VERA Birdwatching, hiking, cultural routes, 4x4 safaris, descending ravines, cycle routes and cycle hire Vicente Peris Finca Saltaderos, s/n - Apdo. Correos 122 • 650 829 856 www.actionvera.com / [email protected] www.veraventura.es Coria EXTREMAVELA Birdwatching, windsurfing, cycle routes and kayaking Ramón Torres G. Ortega Ancha del Carmen, 9 • Tlf.: 627 905 242 / 927 232 670 www.extremavela.com / [email protected] Jaraíz de la Vera JARAMANDA Hiking and paragliding J.M. Cano Riquelme Finca Jaramanda. Apdo. 27 • 608 618 932 / 629 542 691 www.jaramnda.com / [email protected] Malpartida de EN RUTA, NATURALEZA Y AVENTURA Birdwatching in Monfragüe, 4x4 safaris, photo safaris, hiking, thematic routes and adventure activities J. L. García Jerez El Egido, 23 • Tlf.: 927 404 829 / 605 898 154 www.rutaspormonfrague.com / [email protected]

12 EMPRESAS ESPECIALIZADAS

Contact Name Languages Cáceres MONFRAGÜE NATURAL Birdwatching in Extremadura, hiking, 4x4 safaris and photo safaris Eduardo Calzaas Martín Joaquina Alcalde, 49 • 638 520 891 ESP / ING www.monfraguenatural.com [email protected] Malpartida de Plasencia MONFRAGÜE VIVO Wildlife watching in Monfragüe National Park, 4x4 safaris, scenic routes, hiking, canoeing and adventure activities Raul Virosta Merino Rosas, 41 • Tlf.: 927 459 475 / 620 941 778 Fax: 927 404 276 www.monfraguevivo.com / [email protected] VALLE AVENTURA. SERVICIOS TURÍSTICOS Nature guide, 4x4 safaris, environmental education and hiking Raul Salgado Muñoz Barrero, 2 - 3º E • Tlf.: 927 173 114 / 636 631 182 www.valleaventura.com [email protected] Navazuelas CIRCAETUS Hiking routes, wildlife watching, thematic routes, 4x4 safaris, cycle routes, horse riding, cycle hire, environmental education Jaime Cerezo Cortijo Mártires, 23 • Tlf.: 927 151 777 / 630 568 011 RUTAS “DEHESAS DE MONFRAGÜE” Birdwatching and other wildlife routes Mª del Mar Cobos Tlf.: 605 732 252 • www.rutasdehesasdemonfrague.com [email protected] Trujillo GUIAS DE NATURALEZA “EL ELANIO” Birdwatching and hiking guide Jesús S. Porras Mateos , 2 - 2º D ESP / ING Tlf.: 927 320 103 / 676 784 221 www.extremadurabirds.net / [email protected] Trujillo (Pago de S. Clemente) BIRDING EXTREMADURA Birdwatching and hiking guide Martin Kelsey Apdo. Correos, 28 • Tlf.: 927 319 349 / 609 687 719 ESP / ING www.birdingextremadura.com [email protected]

13 Chaffinch 14 RUTAS ORNITOLÓGICAS POR EXTREMADURA 1 Sierra de Gata

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 (Cáceres), on the EX-108 road (Coria-Moraleja ), where you take the road leading to the town of La Mo - heda 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 ob - servation points.

15 Sierra de Gata

Sketch of the route and selected species

9

0

1

- EX-205

X

E

9

0

1

-

X E

Eurasian Black Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Residents Bonelli’s Eagle, Coal Tit

Summer Black Stork, Egyptian Vulture, Ortolan Bunting, visitors Tawny Pipit, Northern Wheatear

Dunnock, Yellowhammer, Eurasian Bullfinch, Winter visitors Common Crane

16 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

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 note - worthy. 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 , in the Sierra de los Ánge - les, 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 im - portant site for many wintering water birds, such as ducks , geese , Great Cor - morant , 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 lead - ing 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 corn - fields, pastures and dehesa where you can easily see Common Crane feeding or Black-winged Kite . The landscape is dominated by traditional tobacco dry - ing 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 and 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 and Descargamaría. Go upstream in the valley of the River Árrago, shaded by a cool grove, where you can see the nerv - ous flight of the Dipper . Once you have reached the pretty town of , 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 nar - row 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 for - est 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 habi - tat you can find common summer breeding birds such as Ortolan Bunting , Northern Wheatear and Tawny Pipit as well as Yellowhammer , a winter visi - tor 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 (Salamanca). Along it you should turn

Northern Wheatear

18 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

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, turn - ing 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 au - thorized 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 ornitho - logical 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 irri - gated 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 sea - sonal 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 , Acebo, Gata and Árrago rivers, as well as very be - autiful waterfalls, gallery woodland and natural swimming pools. There are many attractive small hill towns and villages, particularly fine exam - ples include Robledillo de Gata, Hoyos, Trevejo, San Martín de Trevejo and Gata. In the past, this district established defences against neighbouring Por - tugal 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 (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-Hur - des”) of excellent quality is recognised.

Texts: Víctor Manuel Pizarro Jiménez

20 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

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

ACCOMMODATION DESCARGAMARÍA CR EL MADROÑAL FINCA EL TESO ACEBO CR ZAGUÁN DEL BAILE 927514461 LAS PARRAS, 13 ATR CASA AGUEDA 625864324 CR EL PAJAR DERECHA BAJA, 17 ATR LA BOTICARIA FINCA ALBERCAS-EL BECERRIL 669046383 927141724 PL. MAYOR,10 927237916 CR LA CASA DEL CA - MOHEDA, LA ATR LA CASITA DEL MONTE BRERO TEODORO GARCÍA, 40 CR LA MOHEDILLA FINCA ALBERCAS-EL BECERRIL 605670210 • 699912732 927141724 CTRA. DEL PANTANO KM. 35 927140110 CR LAS FUENTES DE ELJAS AGATA CTRA. ACEBO • PARAJE LAS CR ALMAZARA DE SAN FUENTES PEDRO HR DON JULIO 927514151 CTRA. EX-205 KM. 19,2 AVDA. SIERRA DE GATA, 20 659434803 CR LAS MARTAS 927514651 TTE. GONZALEZ ARROYO, 7 GATA 927141685 ROBLEDILLO DE GATA CR LOS ROBLES P LAS RUEDAS AT LA SOLANA FINCA REVOLCOBO AV. DE ALMENARA, 3 CAMPANARIO,1 927514121 927672093 648217035 • 615317687 CR CASA MAIRE CR BUENOS AIRES CR AZABAL PISCINAS NAT. JEVERO, S/N HUMILLADERO, 66 927672079 MATADERO, 2 678326657 CR EL FORTÍN 927671073 CR CAZAPOLEN CR CORVINA TOMILLAR S/N RAMON Y CAJAL 17 689729480 LA PUENTE, 8 927141785 CR LA POSADA 927671109 • 651010802 ATR EL PILAR DE NORBERTA CR COSMOPOLITA PLAZUELA, 7 PARAJE EL PILAR, S/N RINCON HORNOS, 7 927671048 • 665551337 679490542 • 629948712 627350185 CR LAS JAÑONAS CR EL PONTÓN CORREDERA, 11 LA PUENTE, 20 CADALSO 927672284 • 676655379 927501797 • 652927026 CR ZOCAILLA CR LUNA MENGUANTE HR TRES AZULES EL NEGRÓN, 48 CONGOSTO,14 PARAJE DEHESA DE ARRIBA, 927672302 • 646115948 927671014 S/N ATR LA COLMENA ATR LUNA MENGUANTE 927441414 CORREDERA, 16 BARRERO P LOS PILARES 927672308 • 690816329 655807808 PARAJE LOS CACHONES C BUNGALOWS ATR BARRERO 927 441500 SIERRA DE GATA BARRERO, 18 CR EL MOLINO DE LOS CTRA. EX-109, KM. 4,10 927671122 PILARES 927672168 ATR CASA MANADERO PARAJE LOS PILARES S/N MANADERO, 2 927441020 • 656757103 HERNÁN PÉREZ 927671118 ATR LOS BALCONES CR LA SIERRA H CUATRO VIENTOS RUA, 23 IGLESIA, 1 AVDA. CONSTITUCIÓN, 20 927414288 659 757 103 927445132 ATR LA ALMENARA SAN MARTÍN DE TREVEJO PLAZA DE ESPAÑA, 4 HOYOS 927414288 HR EL DUENDE DE ATR PILARES HS* REDOBLE, EL CHAFARIL PARALE LOS PILARES, S/N PL. DE LA PAZ, 14 LOS CAÑOS, 29 927441020 • 656757103 927514665 927513051 • 606340572

21 Sierra de Gata

CR CASA ANTOLINA HR A VELHA FABRICA LA FUENTE, 1 MIGUEL ROBLEDO CARRASCO, 24 927510529 927511933 CR EVAMAR CR CASA ZOILA CR A ANTIGUA LARGA, 66 SAN PEDRO, 1 MAESTRO D. MANUEL FERNÁN - 927445272 927513130 DEZ, 46 CR LA HUERTA DE 687825299 • 927510042 VALDOMINGO CR LOS MONTEJOS CAMINO DE LA PISCINA, S/N CTRA. EX-205 KM 17,4 CR CASA DONATILA 927141724 927510266 CALLE DE LA IGLESIA, 8 CR LA POSADA MAÑEGA CR MANANTIO BLANCO 927673037 • 670816272 LA CIUDAD. 26 FINCA MANANTIO BLANCO CR SIETE VILLAS 678616444 927510574 ESCUELAS, 6 ATR LA RAMALLOSA 927673110 • 696367222 SANTIBÁÑEZ EL ALTO FINCA LA RAMALLOSA CR EL TESO 629085007 TESO DE ARRIBA, 9 AT VILLAS LAGOS GOLF 927673046 • 605532181 CT VALVERDE NATURAL CTRA. GUIJO-MORALEJA, ATR EL TESO CAMINO DE ELJAS KM 112 TESO DE ARRIBA, 9 627903892 648164729 927673046 CT BORBOLLÓN CTRA. MORALEJA-PLASENCIA, KM 10 OFICINAS DE TURISMO 927197008 CR EL CABEZO O.T. ROBLEDILLO DE GATA FINCA EL CABEZO; CTRA. C- PZ. DEL VADILLO, 1 TREVEJO 513, KM. 22,800 927193106 ROBLEDILLO DE GATA TEL.: 927671011 AR EL CORRILLO CR EL HORNILLO PLAZA DEL CORRO, 1 CTRA. -VILLAMIEL FAX: 927671080 927513070 • 630791053 927193061 www.sierradegata.org/es CR EL PARADOR [email protected] PIO XII, 37 BIS 927513215 • 656906669 O.T. OFICINA COMARCAL CR EL VÍNCULO CR EL SALTO DE TURISMO DE MANCO - D. CASTO GÓMEZ, 2 927441451 CTRA. VALVERDE DEL FRESNO- MUNIDAD DE SIERRA DE A SIERRA DE GATA HOYOS, KM. 27,3 GATA 699839290 927 441032 • 927214433 PLAZO MAYOR, 1 BAJO CR FUENTE ARCADA 10892 SAN MARTÍN DE TREVEJO VALVERDE DEL FRESNO CTRA. EX-205, KM. 23,5 927193081 TLF.: 927514585 H** PALMERA, LA CR BOADA FAX: 927144055 AV. DE SANTOS ROBLEDO, 10 EL CHORLITO, 2 www.sierradegata.es 927510323 927513039 [email protected]

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 RUTAS ORNITOLÓGICAS POR EXTREMADURA 2 Valle del Ambroz / Tierras de Granadilla-Cáparra

Location and access

The Valle del Ambroz is in the centre-north of the province of Cáceres, bor - dered 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 en - ters 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- Cáparra Sketch of the route and selected species

EX-205

6 -6 A

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

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

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

24 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

Description of the route

The route suggested here has two separate parts: one is the Puerto de Hon - duras , a mountain route starting in Hervás, and the other is the dehesa be - tween 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 , 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 war - bler ), 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 , 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 and Gabriel y Galán Reservoir, next to the disused train station of . 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 through - out the year. There are many White Stork and Raven nests (sometimes occu - pied 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 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

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 irregu - lar 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 Cor - morant (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 re - turning 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 gen - eral, 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 di - versity, and also offers the possibility of discovering its rich monumental her - itage 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 de - hesa , 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, includ - ing the surroundings of gorge, the pine forests of Granadilla and the dehesa of . 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 (the biggest in the region), the enormous chestnut trees of and and La Fresneda cork oak in . Monuments of interest include the ensemble of Hervás , particularly its Jew - ish quarter and churches; the Roman ruins of Cáparra (with a centre of inter - pretation); 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 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

Areas of interest (SPA Gabriel y Galán reservoir)

HS* RIOMALO HS* MONTEMAYOR ACCOMMODATION CALLE LARGA AVENIDA DE LAS TERMAS, 30 ABADIA 927434003 • 927434020 923428281 CR RIOMALO DE ABAJO HS* RUTA DE LA PLATA HS** GUÍA DEL ABAD, EL LA JURDANA AVDA. DE LAS TERMAS, 96 C/ CARRETERA S/N C/ LAS HERAS S/N 645258105 927479291 927434050 P DON DIEGO CR LAS ERAS CT RIOMALO DE ABAJO AVENIDA TERMAS, 69 C/ MAYOR, S/N RIOMALO 923428125 927484085 • 927479163 CARRETERA DE CORIA CR LA HORNERA 927434020 • 608109610 FINCA LA HORNERA ALDEANUEVA DEL C. 923428187 CR LA PESQUERA HR POSADA TRESMENTIRAS BAÑOS DE MONTEMAYOR C/TRIANA,1 C/ MATANZAS, 2 HR LA SOLANA 927481330 • 629347329 927484333 • 927484006 C/ LOS POSTIGOS,15 CR VIÑA DEL BAÑO HS** ROMA 927488117 CAMINO DEL CALVARIO CARRETERA NACIONAL 630, HR LOS POSTIGOS 927488231 KM. 435 C/ MAYOR, 48 927484038 • 927479097 ATR LA CASA DE SU HS* MONTESOL 927488117 C/ MAYOR,50 629046067 CARRETERA NACIONAL 630, H*** BALNEARIO KM. 436 AVENIDA DE LAS TERMAS, 66 ATR EL SOLITARIO 927484335 927488005 CTRA. NAC. 630, KM. 426 CR EL CAÑO DE ABAJO H** ALEGRIA 927488231 C/ LA CAÑADA, 94 AVENIDA DE LAS TERMAS, 42 ATR LA FUENTECILLA 605971855 • 615210967 923428063 • 927488063 C/ FUENTECILLA, 7 CR LA ESENCIA H** GLORIETA, LA 927488329 AVDA. GABRIEL Y GALAN, 74 AVENIDA DE LAS TERMAS, 83 689772706 927479201 • 618473045 927488018 ATR CASA DEL ZARZO ATR POSADA TRESMENTIRAS H* MARTIN II C/ TRIANA,8 669861539 C/ MATANZAS,2 DON VICTORIANO , 5 927484333 • 667620585 923428066 AT LA PEÑA CT ROMA HS** ELOY AVDA. DE LAS TERMAS,53 923488223 • 675923163 CARRETERA NACIONAL 630, AVENIDA DE LAS TERMAS, 59 KM. 435 927488002 A VÍA DE LA PLATA C/ CASTAÑAR, 40 927479132 • 927479097 HS** GALICIA 923020328 • 679228208 AVENIDA DE LAS TERMAS,139 CT CAÑADAS, LAS 927488162 CARRETERA NACIONAL 630, HS** LAS TERMAS HR CRISTANIA KM.432 AVDA. DE LAS TERMAS,79 2-A AVDA. DE LAS HURDES, 12 927481126 • 927481314 927435338 • 627043292 923428320 • 659185756 HS** LOS AMIGOS HS** MARTIN CASAS DEL MONTE C/ ROCANDELARIO Nº 56 PLAZA DE HERNAN CORTES, 5 927435248 927488066 CR LA CASA DE LA HS* ABUELO, EL HS** MOLINO, EL ABUELA ROCANDELARIO, S/N CALLE DEL BAÑO, 46 PLAZA DE ESPAÑA, 21 927435114 • 927435005 927488009 927473414 • 660597421 HS* LABRADOR, EL HS** SOLITARIO, EL CR EL BALCON CARRETERA N-512 Ctra. Nacional 630, Km. 426,5 CALZADA, 6 927434050 923428231 • 902877531 927179055

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 CUESTECILLA, 17 MAXEDO, Nº 5 600677075 • 983340734 927473414 • 678588906 653771364 ATR EL NARANJO CR VALDEAMOR AT ALDEA VETONIA PLAZA DE ESPAÑA Nº 21 BIS VALDEAMOR, S/N Ctra. N-513, KM. 2,400 927473457 927473414 • 660597421 927481644 • 678937323 AT EL CASTAÑAR ATR LA DEHESA ATR CENTIÑERA C/ CENTIÑERA,10 GABRIEL Y GALÁN, 25 C/ NUEVA S/N 669169540 • 620132554 927481398 • 659266559 927179116 • 650728384 ATR EL CABILDO AT LA IGUANA 1 ATR ACEBUCHE C/ SUBIDA AL CABILDO Nº 38 DE LA CUESTECILLA, S/N PARAJE DE LAS OLIVITAS 927414288 927481503 617270643 • 927420820 ATR EL CANCHAL DE LA A CAMPAMENTO INDIO AT EL CAMOCHO GALLINA "SHUNCA" CTRA. DE SEGURA DE TORO. PARAJE EL LOMO S/N FINCA "LA AMBRIGÜELA" S/N 927179104 • 659660543 607260000 927194146 • 608707120 A AURORA BOREAL ATR EL MANANTIAL DEL A VALLE DEL AMBROZ CAMINO DE MARINEJO, KM. 1,6 AYTO. CASAS DEL MONTE FRESNO 927473292 669610480 • 927179263 PARAJE EL PINO S/N A VIA DE LA PLATA 927191063 • 615500586 Pº. DE LA ESTACIÓN, S/n ATR EL ZARZO 927473470 • 639402583 C/ CORREDERA,13 CT PINAJARRO ATR ALEJANDRA 661460533 • 927481465 CARRETERA COMARCAL 513, SAN BARTOLOMÉ, 24 ATR FUENTES DEL ALISO KM. 2,7 - Aptdo. 21 927484148 PARAJE FUENTES DEL ALISO S/N 927481673 • 927481673 927473673 HERVÁS ATR LA CALLEJA JARILLA PLAZA DEL HOSPITAL,14-A H**** EL SALUGRAL 927481520 • 927411520 H* JARILLA CTRA, N. 630, KM.434. APDO. 61 927481520 CARRETERA NACIONAL 630, 927474850 ATR LA IGUANA 2 KM. 448,5 H**** HOSPEDERÍA VALLE C/CUESTECILLA S/N 927477040 • 927477040 DEL AMBROZ 927481503 HS* ASTURIAS Plaza del Convento s/n ATR LA JUDERÍA CARRETERA NACIONAL 630, 927474828 • 927474829 C/ ABAJO,54 KM.448 927477057 H*** SINAGOGA 927414288 CR SOLAZ DE AMBROZ PLAZA DE LA PROVINCIA, 2 ATR LA PLATEA REAL, 67 927481191 AVDA. FRANCISCO SANZ 615027795 HS** EUROPA LOPEZ,8 927473191 • 618258936 CR LA CALAMORCHA CARRETERA NACIONAL 630 K. ATR VICTOR CHAMORRO DEL HORNO, 7 433 927402029 • 927477020 DEL ARCO 927473020 CR PIEDRAS LABRADAS SUBIDA AL CABILDO,32 CR BEIT SHALOM GRANADOS, 21 647791877 • 927481402 CONVENTO, 38 617990363 ATR LA PLAZA 927473508 • 650736979 ATR LA CALAMORCHA PLAZA GENERAL SANJURJO, 9 DEL HORNO, 7 CR EL JARDÍN DEL CON - 927473668 • 625030997 927402029 • 619343709 VENTO AT EL ACEBO PLAZA DEL CONVENTO,22 LA CUESTA, 7 VILLAR DE PLASENCIA 927481161 • 660452292 927473414 • 660597421 CR LA ATALAYA AT ESTELA, LA HS* EL AVIÓN BODEQUILLA, 7 PIZARRO, 10 CTRA. NAC. 630, KM.452 927473414 • 660597421 927473406 927489186

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 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

CR EL RINCON DE VILLAR ATR LAS CUATRO ESQUI - CR LA COMARCA C/ EL RINCON, 11 BAJO NAS - CASETA DEL MO - AVDA. HURDES, 38 927489247 • 696452842 LINO 927674537 • 913861598 C/ LA CUESTA, S/N CR LA CASA DE TIA EMILIA ATR LA COMARCA C/ QUEIPO DE LLANO,5 927473605 • 678044812 AVDA. HURDES, 38 927489028 ATR LAS CUATRO ESQUI - 927674537 • 629967464 ATR TIA ANTONIA NAS - CASILLON C/ REAL, 15 DE LA TORRE, 6 927473605 • 678044812 927489028 ATR LAS CUATRO ESQUI - NAS - EL SEQUERO CABEZABELLOSA HS* JUNCO FRESCO C/ VALENTIN GIL, 3 CTRA. DE LA ESTACION, 58 927473605 • 678044812 HS** LA BELLOSINA 927486275 • 927486275 ATR EL MIRADOR DE C/ LA FUENTE,82 P JACINTO 927489056 • 639903173 SEGURA SUBIDA DE LA CUESTA DEL CE - CARRETERA DEL GUIJO, 10 CR CARVAJAL MENTERIO 927486221 CRUCERO,10 918161081 • 625434566 656978234 • 669795310 CR GRANADILLA DEL CR EL TALLER CASAR DE DUQUE Los Barreros, 6 CTRA. DE LA ESTACIÓN, 19 927489044 HS** MARIAN 605931060 • 670638491 CR VILLA LUCÍA VARIANTE, S/N 927436310 AT LA CASA JARDIN CTRA. VILLAR DE PLASENCIA A HR LA POSADA DEL C/ ESPRONCEDA,115 CABEZABELLOSA, KM 6,800 AT POSADAS 670627662 • 659388008 CASAR C/ MAYOR, 36 DE GRANADILLA II ATR EL NEVERO 927436410 • 927436410 CARRETERA DE GUIJO, 13 C/ MANZANAR,41 CR LA COMENDADORA 927486257 • 654346813 927427085 • 927464482 VARIANTE, 30 ATR PEÑANEGRA 927436048 • 670030999 AT TIERRAS DE C/ LA CUESTA, 22 CR DON ROMUALDO GRANADILLA 927464570 • 618748216 DON ROMUALDO MARTIN SAN - CTRA. DE GUIJO, S/N TIBAÑEZ, 6 649377694 LA GARGANTA 924270811 • 645790666 ATR GRANADILLA ATR EL NEVERO GUIJO DE GRANADILLA DEL DUQUE C/ MANZANAR,41 CTRA. DE LA ESTACIÓN,19 927427085 • 927464482 CR EL LABRIEGO LA PLACILLA, 13 605931060 • 670638491 ATR PEÑANEGRA 692166798 • 610392656 ATR POSADAS DE C/ LA CUESTA, 22 CR EL OLIVO GRANADILLA 927464570 • 618748216 EL OLIVO, 2 CTRA. DEL QUIJO, S/N CT BALCÓN DE EXTREMA - 669732677 DURA 927486257 • 654346813 CRTA. DE BAÑOS A LA GAR - ATR AMBROZ GANTA C/ ESPRONCEDA,143 923414538 • 927481377 P RUTA DE LAS HURDES CRUCE DE MOHEDAS 678462991 • 924374214 927673646 • 927673646 SEGURO DE TORO CR CIUDAD DE VERDEOLIVA HS* ALMAZARA C/ PIZARRO, 15 LA FUENTE,12 927484162 • 600819064 927674715

31 Hobby 32 RUTAS ORNITOLÓGICAS POR EXTREMADURA 3 La Vera / Valle del Jerte

FROM THE MONASTERY OF YUSTE TO PUERTO DE

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 , 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

1 39 X- E

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

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

Eurasian Woodcock , Goldcrest , Siskin , Redwing , Winter visitors Brambling

34 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

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 . 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, as - cending from Cuacos at 600 m to Peña Negra at nearly 1500 m, across dif - ferent 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 out - crops 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, inter - esting in winter for Song Thrush and Redwing and, some years, Bramblings . Further on the route crosses the Garganta Mayor , a mountain stream sur - rounded 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 . Here you will have to pay special attention to keep to the route, which turns right to - wards 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 cer - tain 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 recom - mend 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 ). Com - mon Whitethroat is common in the area around the pine forest and Garden War - bler 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 thick - ets at the end, dotted with oak trees. In spring it is easy to see Dunnock , Wood - lark, 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 Sep - tember 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 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

Spectacled Warbler 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 Spar - rowhawk, 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 num - bers 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 be - tween April and October, with May, June and July being particularly good. How - ever, 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 scrub - land. 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 spe - cial trees: the large chestnut trees of Casas del Castañar (along a sign-posted route starting in this village), Solana oak in and Prado Sancho oak in Cabezuela del Valle and the 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 ex - amples of traditional architecture. We recommend visiting Garganta la Olla , Cuacos de Yuste and its monastery (the final residence of Carlos V), and its castle, converted into a National Parador, and . 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 fa - mous 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 (during its carnival), “Los Escobazos” in Jarandilla de la Vera (7 December), “El Jarramplas” in Piornal (20 January), “Los Empalaos” in (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 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

Areas of interest (La Vera y El Jerte)

ATR EL BALCON DE VENTOSILLA, 10 ACCOMMODATION CABEZUELA 629514529 / 676484069 BARRADO LA PINA, 8 927472677 / 617020553 HS** ALMAZARA DE BA - ATR EL CAHOZ CR EL REGAJO RRADO, LA C/ CAHOZ,23 PARAJE EL REGAJO S/N AVDA. DE PLASENCIA, 3 927173490 / 696571718 686092597 927478328 / 679551435 ATR LAS TURONAS CR LA SOLANA CR EL CALLEJÓN CALLEJA LAS SANCHAS S/N PLZ HONORIO URBANO, 2 C/COSTANILLA,14 615179872 / 654177575 927175301 / 667450958 927412406 / 678832955 ATR ABUELA PASTORA CR LOS MORALES CABRERO C/ POLEO,6 CALLE MORALES, 45 927419408 / 686379314 626952761 CR EL ABUELO SANTIAGO ATR EL MIRADOR ATR LA CASA DE LAS C/ SAN ISIDRO, 60 678408927 / 927411113 C/ CAMINO DEL PUENTE S/N CALABAZAS 927422680 / 657976230 Y LA BUHARDILLA CASAS DEL CASTAÑAR ATR EL PADRE DE LA C/ CHORRO,6 CALLE 646529599 / 927478094 HS* REGINO HELIODORO HERNÁNDEZ,14 CTRA. NAC. 110, KM. 390 927175164 / 608100311 CABEZUELA DEL VALLE 927478246 ATR EL PORTUGAL P ASPERILLA H* ALJAMA C/ PORTUGAL Nº 59 LA RAÍZ, 1 / 927478555 FEDERICO BAJO, 18 927422083 CR CASA DE LA CUEVA 927472291 ATR ALAMEDA DEL JERTE HS** CABEZUELA C/ BARRIO BAJO,6 CRTA. DEL TORNO, KM 6 665551337 PARQUE DE SAN ANTONIO, S/N 927175043 927472434 / 927472686 CR CASA DEL CALLEJÓN A ALBERJERTE CR LA CERECERA LA GILA,2 C/ PLAZA MAYOR,1 667768571 / 667768570 PARAJE DE VADILLO, S/N 927175221 / 619800072 927472644 / 629365857 CR CASA DEL PASADIZO CR LOS PORTALES BARRIO BAJO, 31 JERTE 667768571 / 667768570 PLAZA DE EXTREMADURA,17 927472601 / 629422957 CB CASA GRANDE H**** HOSPEDERÍA VALLE CR LA CASA VIEJA RUFO MARTÍN RIVERA,9 DEL JERTE 667768571 / 667768570 C/ JOSE MARIA MUÑOZ, 34 C/ RAMÓN CEPEDA, 118 696516787 CR LA VIGA 927470403 AT LAS TURONAS C/ RUFO MARTIN RIVERA,4 H** ARENALES, LOS 667768571 / 667768570 CALLEJA LAS SANCHEZ, S/N CARRETERA NACIONAL 110, 65417757 / 615179872 CR VILLAFLOR KM. 368 AT PRADO DEL ABUELO CTRA. NAC. 110, KM. 388,911 927470250 / 927470059 927421448 / 927478375 PARAJE EL REVENTÓN S/N. HR TUNEL DEL HADA AVDA. PLASENCIA, 65 ATR MIRADOR DE TRAVESIA FUENTE NUEVA, 2 927472610 / 678646469 LAS CASAS 927470000 ATR PICAZA DEL JERTE FUNDADORES, 53 CR EL CEREZAL DE LOS SAYANS CASTAÑO, 8 927478176 / 639355227 SOTOS 606557481 / 927472486 ATR LA GRANJA CAMINO DE LAS VEGAS S/N ATR QUINTANA DEL PESCADOR 927470429 / 607752197 EL HONDÓN, 10 PARAJE EL MESON, CTRA. CR HURACÁS 927472070 / 617626477 N.110, KM, 391,922 FINCA HURACAS ATR TAURO 927478307 / 660797646 927470253 / 656418558 AVDA. HONDÓN, 53 Y 55 ATR LA PRADERA CR LA CASONA 927472078 / 607746884 DEL VALLE C/ Ramón y Cajal, 71 ATR VALLE DEL JERTE VALLE DEL JERTE, KM. 17 927470313 / 647710078 AVDA. DE EXTREMADURA,52 927478306 / 629685774 CR VALLE DEL JERTE 927414288 ATR 3 NAVALARREINA 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 FUENTE POCITO,3 PARAJE LA PERALEDA, S/N 927173141 927173659 / 679045129 927470204 / 689282116 CR LA PICOTA DEL JERTE ATR EL CEREZAL AT LOS NARANJOS LAS VIGUILLAS C/ ACERAS,3 C/ PUENTE,10 927173609 / 615836309 927173202 / 606914231 927470424 / 679984607 CR LOS CARAZOS ATR LA CAÑADA DEL AT LOS PAPUOS PARAJE "LOS CARAZOS" JERTE TEJERILLA, 21 651375610 / 927173507 PARAJE "VEGA DE LA " 655159318 CR CASA BÁRBARA 927239951 / 652321781 AT VALLE DEL JERTE C/ CAÑADA REAL,73 ATR LA POSADA DEL 610088219 / 927472205 CAMINO REAL VALLE CR CASA JOSEFINA 927470313 / 647710018 C/ GABRIEL Y GALÁN,2 C/ LA PRENSA,15 ATR CASA BETHONA 927173540 / 615540308 927173297 / 636908395 CORONEL GOLFÍN,34 CR EL CAMINO ATR RIO JERTE 619885792 / 927470503 PARAJE LA VIÑA ATR EL PONTÓN PARAJE EL TUMBA, S/N 927173453 / 607497961 696171478 / 626515970 C/ CORONEL GOLFÍN,68 CR EL SERRANO ATR CLEVAL 927470451 PARAJE EL TUMBA S/N C/ LOS CEREZOS,12 ATR LOS CHOZOS 927173453 927173001 / 600755499 CTRA. NACIONAL CR LA CASA BLANCA ATR 110,KM.368927470376 CRTA- N-110 KM. 378,5 PARAJE GUERRILLAS 927470195 927173202 / 606914231 POLIGONO 2 PARCELA ATR LOS HEBILES CR LA CASA DEL 195-B CTRA. NAC. 110, Nº 28 BOSQUE 689440780 / 927173386 927470185 / 660697779 PARAJE PAZUELAS S/N ATR EL CORDEL DEL ATR EL NOGALÓN 927173140 / 625176810 JERTE C/ DEL PUENTE, S/N CR LA PARRA JOSE MARIA PIZARRO, 28 927470130 / 639048048 C/ FELIPE MARCOS, 8 600812294 ATR LA PICOTA 927173220 / 699212064 ATR EL SOTILLO RAMON Y CAJAL, 81 CR LA TAHONA PARAJE LOS SOTILLOS POLIG 5 927470253 / 656418558 PARAJE "LAS GUERRILLAS" PARCELA 2886-87 ATR LA VEGA DEL JERTE 927173013 / 927173654 927418122 TIERRA AL PARAJE DE LA VEGA AT CASERÍA, LA ATR JOSEFINA 610778189 CN-110, KM.378,5 CAÑADA REAL,53 ATR LAS PALOMAS 927173141 / 626933146 927173297 / 636908395 PARAJE LA PERALEDA, S/N AT LA VIÑA ATR LA RANA 927470204 / 689282116 PARAJE LA VIÑA CTRA. NAC. 110 ATR LOS PANJALOS 927173276 / 699352926 690678621 LOS PANJALOS,6 AT LOS ABUELOS ATR LA RIBERA 695244201 C/REAL,19 PARAJE , S/N CT VALLE DEL JERTE 927173351 / 650957580 927425428 CARRETERA NACIONAL 110, ATR LA ANTIGUA CT RIO JERTE KM. 367,9 TAHONA CARRETERA NACIONAL 110, 927470127 / 927470259 CARRETERA NACIONAL 110 KM. 375,8 KM 376,7 927173006 NAVACONCEJO 626147105 / 625669836 ATR CARROYOSA PIORNAL HR XERETE CTRA. NAC. 110, KM. 376, Nº 54 PARAJE LA CERCA 927173315 / 615060387 H*** SERRANA, LA 927194240 / 639187322 ATR CASA CARRIZOSA CTRA. GARGANTA LA OLLA, CR EL MOLINO DEL SOL CRTA. DEL CERRO REAL KM. 1,5 Carretera N-110, Km. 373,3 616800861 / 627089225 927476034 / 927476053 927470313 / 647710078 ATR EL ALAMBIQUE & LA CR EL BOSQUE CR EL CERRILLO ALQUITARA CTRA. LOCAL DE LA NACIONAL AVDA. DE EXTREMADURA,130 AVDA. RAFAEL ALBERTI, 64 110 A PIORNAL KM. 11,600 927173276 617886261 / 636184990 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 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

CR MAJADA DE CR LA ESCONDIDA COLLADO DE LA VERA ALBARRÁN C/ REAL DE ARRIBA,160 CTRA. LOCAL DESDE LA N-110 637082515 / 927177232 HR ALCOR DEL ROBLE A PIORNAL, KM. 11,600 ATR EL PUENTE FINCA LA JARA 927476330 / 669858273 C/ REAL ARRIBA, 61 927460044 / 699390075 AT LA FLOR DEL CEREZO 927420101 CR EL OLIVAR DEL EJIDO C/ HERNAN CORTES,13 ATR TIA JOSEFA CALLE CRUCERA, 14 927476224 / 636064902 C/ REAL DE ARRIBA, 106 609575061 / 927460792 AT SANTI 927177297 / 654595110 CR GINKGOS C/ Estación, 9 AVDA. JARAIZ,10 927476135 / 659315918 ATR EL ARTESANO 927461059 / 606201344 C/ LIBERTAD, 4 H**** BALNEARIO VALLE CR VIÑA GRANDE 927476135 / 659315918 DEL JERTE PLAZA HERNAN CORTES, 4 927460308 / 669231061 ATR EL PASTOR NACIONAL 110 KM 383 CRTA. LOCAL DE LA N-110 A 927633000 / 927633001 PIORNAL KM 11,600 CR GARZA REAL CUACOS DE YUSTE 927476330 / 669858273 PISCINA 12 HR ABADÍA DE YUSTE ATR LA ABUELA 927475055 / 626982784 NICOLASA AVDA. DE LA CONSTITUCION, 73 AVDA. DE LA VERA,63 ALDEANUEVA 609198618 927172241 ATR LA ESPIGADERA DE LA VERA H** DATO VERA C/ LA ESPIGADERA,18 AVENIDA DE LA CONSTITU - 669837979 HS** NOGA CION, 5 MAESTRO APARICIO, 37 927172178 / 927172348 REBOLLAR 927572547 / 645778047 H* MOREGÓN CR EL YEDRÓN AVENIDA DE LA CONSTITU - CR LA PURIA AVDA.DE EXTREMADURA CION, 77 CALVO SOTELO,25 BIS 661202994 927172181 927471015 / 620945996 CR PUERTO DEL HS* MIRAFLOR DE LAS CR LAS GAMELLAS EMPERADOR CADENAS C/ CALVO SOTELO,25 AVDA. DE EXTREMADURA, 87 CRTA. COMARCAL 501 KM 927471015 / 620945996 927572540 / 615565369 ATR EL RINCÓN DEL 40,700 ATR LAS CABAÑAS 689400082 JERTE DE LA VERA CR COLMENAREJO CTRA. REBOLLAR, KM, 0,7 CTRA. EX.203, KM. 45 FINCA COLMENAREJO 627913161 / 927471036 620970693 ATR REGAJO DEL TEJAR 699988571 / 927172210 ATR LA LANCHA CR HOSTERIA CTRA. DE REBOLLAR, KM,1 LA RENTA,44 CANTARRANAS 606418166 / 610678960 927572699 / 679381522 C/ PIZARRO,4 CT YUSTE TORNAVACAS 680435560 / 927194109 CARRETERA DE PLASENCIA, CR LA CASA GRANDE HS* PUERTO DE TORNA - KM. 47 927572522 / 649780799 DE YUSTE VACAS FUENTE LOS CHORROS, 6 CARRETERA NACIONAL 110, ARROYOMOLINOS 629235333 / 639112235 KM. 356,8 CR LA CASONA 927177046 / 660838992 DE LA VERA HR FINCA EL CARPINTERO DE VALFRIO NACIONAL 110, KM 360,500 HR PEÑA DEL ALBA CTRA. DE VALFRIO, KM.4 927194222 / 629464572 927177089 CTRA. DE GARGUERA (Finca CR ANTIGUA POSADA Matasanos) CR LA VERA DE YUSTE C/ Real de Abajo, 32 927177516 / 690662729 Teodoro Perianes, 17 608852131 / 927177019 CR LA TOZA 927172289 / 689686216 CR EL PUENTE AVDA. DE LA CR CASA LA CIEGA C/ REAL DE ARRIBA,61 CONSTITUCIÓN, 39, 2º. FINCA LOS ARROMADILLOS 927420101 927177549 609071623 / 913527611

41 La Vera / Valle del Jerte

CR EL CAMINO DE YUSTE AT CUMBRES DE GUIJO DE SANTA AVDA. DE LA CONSTITU - GREDOS CIÓN,31652927749 BÁRBARA C/ MAESTRO EUTIQUIANO BA - 927172345 RROSO,2 HR CAMINO REAL AT VERA HOTEL 651698549 / 651698550 C/ DEL MONJE, 27 AVDA. DE LA CONSTITUCIÍN, 5 AT VAQUERÍA CANTA 927561119 927172178 / 927172281 EL GALLO CR LA CASA DE LA ATR CASASTURGA PARAJE LAS LAGUNAS DE ABUELA PARAJE ASTURGA S/N CANTA EL GALLO C/ DEL TEJAR,63 927194090 / 605883777 608809925 665614804 / 927561008 ATR LA OROPENDOLA ATR LA HACIENDA DE CR SIERRA DE TORMAN - CUACOS CRTA. EXTREMADURA 203 KM TOS 35,200 CAMINO DE ARROMADILLOS C/EL BARRIO,6 689401291 / 620978578 KM 3 927560394 / 699701445 ATR FINCA VALVELLIDOS 637098138 CR SANTA BARBARA ATR ARROYO RIQUEJO FINCA VALVELLIDOS. APTO. CO - CARRETERA NUEVA 11 RREOS 181 FINCA EL RIQUEJO 660886788 / 927560424 927194143 / 626122121 686305263 / 927194198 ATR LOS BANCALES JARAIZ DE LA VERA JARANDILLA DE LA VERA CTRA. VALFRIO, KM. 4,300 676830988 / 927194491 HR VILLA XHARAIZ HR DON JUAN DE A EL LAGO PARAJE SAN MARCOS, PARC. AUSTRIA 35, A,B,C. POLÍG. 2 Carretera Comarcal EX 203, AVENIDA SOLEDAD VEGA, 101 927665150 km.38 927560206 H* JEFI 927460323 HR RUTA IMPERIAL AVENIDA DE GARGANTA, 7 A GREDOS ADVENTURE C/ MACHOTERAL, S/N 927461363 CTRA. DE NAVALMORAL-JA - 927561330 / 927560312 HS* D'ACOSTA RANDILLA, KM. 27,500 H**** MIRADOR DE LA AVENIDA DE LA CONSTITU - 927194127 / 915447918 CION, 22 PORTILLA CT CARLOS I 927460219 CTRA, PLASENCIA-ALCORCON, AVENIDA CERALEJO, S/N CR CASA RURAL FINCA KM. 47 927172092 LOS CEREZOS 927560604 / 679538374 H**** PARADOR DE TOLEDO, 13 GARGANTA LA OLLA 606965484 TURISMO CARLOS V CR EL CERRO CARRETERA DE PLASENCIA HS** YUSTE CAMINO LOS MARTIRES, S/N 927560117 Avda. de la Libertad, 45 667889412 / 927170057 HS** EL DESCANSO DEL 927179604 CR EL CERRO DE LA EMPERADOR HR CARLOS I AURORA AVDA. SOLEDAD VEGA ORTIZ, AVDA. DE LA LIBERTAD, S/N CAMINO LOS MARTIRES, S/N 93 927179678 / 927179687 667889412 / 927170057 927560655 / 651355170 CR MANSION "EL ABUELO CR FINCA VALVELLIDOS HS** POSADA DE PIZA - MARCIANO" FINCA VALVELLIDOS APART. RRO, LA CTRA. ALCORCON, S/N. JARAIZ CORREOS 181 CUESTA DE LOS CARROS, 1 DE LA V. 927194143 / 626122121 927560727 / 605177707 927460426 / 608100905 CR PARQUE PUENTE HS* GANTE CR PARADA REAL BOLOS PLAZA SOLEDAD VEGA, 3 CHORRILLO, 28 FINCA LLANADAS, S/N 927561200 927179605 / 660074968 659449428 / 619361077 CR COLORES 927194275 C/ ANCHA.26 GARGÜERA CR CANTAGALLO 927561081 / 669464784 PARAJE CANTAGALLO CR EL CASERIO DE LOS 10 CR ROSA DE LOS 927194320 / 609393347 CEREZOS VIENTOS CR CASA CHURRUCA CRTA JARANDILLA A NAVAL - ERAS, 7-9 EL COSO, 47 MORAL KM 29,5 927478900 / 699847732 927170820 / 606351135 927198072 / 667654035

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 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

CR LA BODEGA MADRIGAL DE LA VERA C/MACHÍN,4 659348077 / 927560222 HS** CARDENILLO HR HALDON COUNTRY AT LOS CANCHALES GARGANTA DE ALARDOS, 35 FINCA EL HALDON, S/N EL GUINDO, S/N. 927565301 / 927565121 927571004 / 927570541 660981542 / 927561328 HS** HOSTERIA LAS PAL - ATR 3 HOSPEDERÍA ATR LA VERA MERAS CASA COLONIAL DEL SILENCIO FRANCISCO PIZARRO, 16 CARRETERA DE PLASENCIA, 16 PARAJE DE LAS CAÑADAS 639885523 927565011 / 669528237 S/N927570730 CT JARANDA HS* VICTORIA 927570693 GARGANTA DE JARANDA- CARRETERA DE PLASENCIA, 3 CTRA. N-501, KM. 52 927565110 TALAVERUELA 927560454 CR LA PUENTE VIEJA DE LA VERA CT VERA, LA GARGANTA DE ALARDOS, 7 CARRETERA COMARCAL 501, 927565353 CR LALISEA CR ANTIGUA FABRICA DE KM. 53, 5 FINCA LA S/N 927560611 / 609815450 LA LUZ 618124955 / 610944610 CAMINO DE LA SIERRA S/N 927565183 / 667304314 TEJEDA DE TIÉTAR CR ALMA DE GREDOS HR ANTIGUA CASA DEL PARAJE LOS MALAGONES, S/N HS* ROSALES, LOS HENO 620893697 PASEO DE LA VERA,19 FINCA "VALDEPIMIENTA" CR LAR DEL CUCO 927404636 927198077 / 609603606 CAMINO DE LA SIERRA S/N HR HOJARANZOS HS** HOSTERIA FONTI - 626888962 / 927565101 CRTA. A PLASENCIA S/N VIEJA AT MARCOS 927469381 / 927469239 CARRETERA PLASENCIA PARAJE DE LOS MARTIRES, 11 [email protected] 927565297 927570108 CR LA VALLEJERA CT ALARDOS HS** VADILLO Carretera C-501, Km. 15,300 CARRETERA NACIONAL 501 ("EL PLAZA DE ESPAÑA, 2 927194121 / 689198048 VADO") CR LA ANTIGUA CASA DE 927570501 / 699428106 927565066 LOS PESCADORES HS* BREZO, EL CT LA MATA C/ LA FUENTE, 35 AVDA. EXTREMADURA GARGANTA DE ALARDOS S/N 927469439 927570140 / 625579842 927565370 / 677768181 HS* EL RINCON DE VI - 927565238 CENTE PASARÓN DE LA VERA C/ REAL,8 HR EL TURCAL 609062028 CTRA. EX203 KM 28,800 HS* JARDÍN, EL HR LA CASA DE PASARÓN C/ LA MAGDALENA, 18 616611116 C/ EL JARDÍN, 14 927469407 CR LA CASONA 927570782 CR EL ROLLO FINCA VALVELLIDOS P GODOY C/ REAL, 38 927194145 / 629645930 CTRA. EX-203, KM 60 927469174 ATR LA CASONA 927570838 / 927570770 CR ANTIGUA BOTICA FINCA VALVELLIDOS CR LA GARZONA C/ M. LOPEZ APARICIO, 12 927194145 / 629645930 AVDA. CARLOS V, 21 927469067 / 927469230 ATR MIRADOR DE LOS 927570639 / 649287927 CR EL TOMILLAR COTOS CT GARGANTA DE REAL, 88 FINCA LOS COTOS S/N CUARTOS 927469368 927194454 CTRA. N-501, KM.59 (FINCA LOS CR LOS SERRANOS GREGORIOS) C/ LOS SERRANOS,9 VALVERDE DE LA VERA 927570727 670824669 CT GODOY CR LA SOLANA CR LA PICOTA DE CTRA.N-501, KM.62,5 FINCA DE LA VERA VALVERDE LOS GREGORIOS C/ REAL, 89 BANASTEROS S/N, PZA. PICOTA 927570838 670824669 649933890 / 927566361

43 La Vera / Valle del Jerte

CR EL HORCO CR CASA VILLALBA O.T. JARANDILLA DE LA CRTA. VVDE. DE LA VERA-BAR - OROPESA, 6 VERA QUILLA PINARES KM. 8.400 620894148 PZ. CONSTITUCIÓN, 1 629457714 CR ENTREAGUAS TEL.: 927560460 CR EL SOTANILLO FAX: 927560460 PARAJE DE PIURRUYO, S/N REAL, 2 O.T. NAVALMORAL DE LA 666405254 667525095 / 667525098 MATA ATR ECOPANGEA CR LA CASA DEL POZO FINCA LAS JARAS S/N ANTONIO CONCHA, 91 C/REAL, 36 660384288 TEL.: 927532328 ATR LOS VERGELES 927566262 / 927566206 FAX: 927535360 C/ CABEZUELOS,33 ATR EL CALAMBUCO O.T. VILLANUEVA DE LA 927566630 / 626509267 URB. LAS SOLANAS VERA 927567324 / 609340061 AV. DE LA VERA, S/N VILLANUEVA DE LA VERA TEL.: 927567031 HR EL BALCON DE LA TOURIST OFFICES VERA INTERPRETATION CENTRES O.T. CABEZUELA DEL CTRA. EX-203, KM. 75,600 C.I. DE LA RESERVA 927567164 / 927567092 VALLE NATURAL HR QUINTA DEL CASTRO PARAJE DE PEÑAS ALBAS S/N CRTA EX-203 KM 76 CTRA N-110 TEL.: 927472558 927115509 / 625496774 JERTE H** FINCA LA HERRERÍA FAX: 927472558 TEL.: 927014936 CRTA. DE VEGA DE LA BARCA O.T. JERTE C.I. DE LA ALTA MONTAÑA KM 1,400 AV. RAMÓN Y CAJAL, S/N Y LA TRASHUMANCIA 605252065 TEL.: 927470453 REAL DE ARRIBA, 3 HS** EL ENCUENTRO TORNAVACAS FAX: 927470379 AVDA. DE LA VERA, 58 TEL.: 927177018 927566595 / 635409258 O.T. JARAÍZ DE LA VERA CR A TU VERA C.I. DEL AGUA AV. CONSTITUCIÓN, 167 APARTADO DE CORREOS, PARAJE DE PEÑAS ALBAS, S/N 36927198038 TEL.: 927170587 CABEZUELA DEL VALLE 620159127 / 927567372 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 RUTAS ORNITOLÓGICAS POR EXTREMADURA 4 Tajo Internacional

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 bor - der), turning off onto the EX-374 towards the town of , 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 Sketch of the route and selected species

6

7

3 -

X

E

EX- 374

N-521

Spanish Imperial Eagle, Eurasian Black Vulture, Griffon Residents Vulture, Bonelli’s Eagle, Eagle Owl, Carrion Crow

Summer Black-winged Kite, Black Stork, Egyptian Vulture, visitors Short-toed Eagle, Booted Eagle

Winter Dunnock, Eurasian Bullfinch, Common Wood Pigeon visitors

46 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

Black Kite farming area , you can see various species of scavengers, such as Griffon Vul - ture , 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 fre - quented by Black Stork . It is common to see the silhouette of Red Kite, Com - mon 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 spec - tacularly 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 win - ter. One of the largest breeding populations of Black Stork and Egyptian Vul - ture 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 thou - sands 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, be - fore 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 fa - mous 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 fa - cilities, 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 Mem - brío. 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 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

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 to - wards 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 scrub - land, is present in large numbers in the area, also continuing on from the nu - merous colonies in the neighbouring Sierra de San Pedro. It isn’t difficult to find species such as Bonelli ’s Eagle, Golden Eagle, Short- toed 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 Vul - ture in the Iberian peninsular. The Alcántera and plains are also im - portant, combining natural pasture, rain-fed arable land, scrub and Holm oak groves, rich in open-country birds such as Great Bustard, Little Bustard, Black- bellied 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 au - tumn, 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 impor - tant 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 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

Areas of interest (Natural Park TAJO INTERNACIONAL)

ACCOMMODATION SANTIAGO DE ALCÁNTARA

ALCÁNTARA HR BALDIO GRANDE ATR EL BURACO CTRA. CARBAJO A SANTIAGO CRTA. VALENCIA DE ALCAN - H**** HOSPEDERIA CON - DE ALCÁNTARA, KM. 1,5 TARA S/N VENTUAL DE ALCANTARA 927491014 • 696466773 927592029 • 629515647 CTRA. DEL POBLADO DE IBER - CR BALDIO GRANDE A EL BURACO DROLA, S/N CRTA. CARBAJO-SANTIAGO DE CAMINO DEL MIRADOR, S/N 927390638 ALCÁNTARA KM 1.5 927592257 • 927234893 HS** KÁNTARA AL SAIF 927491014 • 696466773 AVENIDA DE MERIDA, 2 ATR TAJO INTERNACIONAL VALENCIA DE ALCÁNTARA 927390246 • 927390833 C/ LA CONSTITUCIÓN,13 HA* KANTARA-AL-SAIF 667743627 • 609361689 HR CONVENTO, EL CASERIA DE SAN PEDRO, S/N AVDA. DE MÉRIDA S/N CEDILLO 927390833 • 927390246 927584129 CR LA CAÑADA P ROBLEDO H**** CASA ESCOBAR C/ REGIMIENTO DE ARGEL, 20 ANTONIO MORENO, 9 JEREZ 927390298 • 676826796 927590068 ALFACAR, 13 CR LA NACENCIA 927668139 ALTOZANO, 7 HERRERA DE ALCÁNTARA H* CLAVO, EL 927390522 RAMON Y CAJAL, 14 CR SAN ANTONIO HS* PURI 927580268 • 927581020 C/ SAN ANTÓN,40 CALLE ARRABAL, Nº 1 H* IBERICA 927390822 • 676847706 927591002 PASEO DE SAN FRANCISCO, 14 CR EL GALAPERO CR LA ROMERA 927580150 CTRA. MATA-GARROVILLAS, FINCA " TRES RIVEROS" HS* NAIROBI 923238185 • 606434515 KM. 17 HERNAN CORTES, 9 CR LA SOLANA 649551054 927580136 FINCA SOLANA. CTRA. DE CE - ATR LA CASINA P SERRANA, LA DILLO, KM. 24,300 SOLEDAD, 2 927491081 • 927491055 SAN JUAN, 8 655448881 • 927390105 CR CASA LOLA 927580020 CT PUENTE DE C/ SAN SEBASTIAN,3 CR LA PORTILLA DEL ALCANTARA 927591060 JINIEBRO FINCA LOS CABEZOS, C-523 CR LA GALANA PARAJE EL JINIEBRO KM. 53,300 FINCA "TRES RIVEROS" ACEÑA BORREGA, LA 927390947 923238185 • 606434515 927599015 CR LA MALVARROSA CR SOTO DE NISA BROZAS FINCA "TRES RIVEROS" FINCA LA MORERA DE ARRIBA 923238185 • 606434515 ACEÑA BORREGA, LA HR EL VAQUERIL CR LA MALVAZUL 924220776 • 600432574 FINCAL EL VAQUERIL FINCA " TRES RIVEROS" CR LA TORA 927375257 • 659101710 923238185 • 606434515 CORTIJO DE LA TORA H**** CONVENTO CR LA SERENA VALENCIA DE ALCANTARA DE LA LUZ FINCA "TRES RIVEROS" 686965445 • 927491066 CRTA. DE S/N 923238185 • 606434515 CR EL LINCE 927395439 CORTIJO LA TORA, APDO. 20 H** BALNEARIO HERRERUELA VALENCIA DE ALCANTARA SAN GREGORIO 686965445 • 927491066 HR SIERRA DE SAN PEDRO CTRA. SAN GREGORIO S/N CR EL ZORRO ZURBARÁN, 8 927191050 927371641 • 686948442 CORTIJO LA TORA, APDO, 20 H** LA LAGUNA VALENCIA DE ALCANTARA EX-207 CRTA. CACERES ALCAN - MEMBRÍO 686965445 • 927491066 TARA KM 33 CR LA JIGUERA 927395341 CR TURISMO RURAL LA C/ CASIÑAS BAJAS, S/N HS* POSADA, LA NORA VALENCIA DE ALCANTARA PLAZA DE OVANDO, S/N SAN BERNABÉ, 7 669550655 • 927582591 927395019 927594125 • 927584178 CR MONTENUEVO CR LA HUERTA ATR LA NORA PARAJE MONTENUEVO S/N PLAZA DEL COSO, S/N SAN BERNABÉ,7 ACEÑA DE LA BORREGA 699354473 • 927395009 927594125 • 617452233 927599021 • 630621385

51 Tajo Internacional

CR VIRGEN DE LA CABEZA ATR HUERTA DEL SEVER ATR ALBORADA DEL FINCA LA MORERA DE ARRIBA HUERTA LUNA S/N APDO. 10 SEVER 924251791 • 676830547 639483667 • 924221157 HUERTA LUNA S/N. CR EL CASTAÑAR II ATR LA JIGUERA 639483667 ATR SAN PEDRO NAL. 521, KM.149,8. PUERTO CASIÑAS BAJAS HELECHO, S/N ROQUE 927582591 • 669550655 927584040 660080648 • 699051305 ATR LA MACERA CT AGUAS CLARAS CR EL CASTAÑAR III FINCA LA MACERA CTRA. DE JOLA, KM. 3 NAL. 521K, KM.149.8. 927582299 • 639548709 927549099 • 927549099 PUERTO ROQUE ATR LOS OLIVOS 927584040 CR EL CASTAÑAR IV AVDA. LISBOA URB. LOS OLIVOS S/N NAL.521, KM. 149,8. ATR PEÑAFIEL PUERTO ROQUE 927581006 • 927582312 AVDA.CONSTITUCIÓN 927584040 ATR QUINTA DE LUNA 927370465 • 616763958 CR EL CASTAÑAR I ACEÑA LA BORREGA, S/N TOURIST OFFICES NAL. 521, KM. 149,8 924221157 • 639483667 ATR ROCAMADOR PUERTO ROQUE O.T. ALCÁNTARA 927584040 FINCA LA MACERA S/N AV. DE MÉRIDA, 21 CR EL CIERVO 927582299 • 639548709 TEL.: 927390863 CORTIJO LA TORA, APDO, 20 ATR VALBÓN FAX: 927390863 686965445 • 927491066 FINCA LA MACERA O.T. VALENCIA CR EL JABALI 927582299 • 639548709 DE ALCÁNTARA CORTIJO LA TORA. APDO. 20 ATR EL JINIEBRO HERNÁN CORTÉS, S/N TEL.: 927582184 927491066 • 686965445 ACEÑA LA BORREGA FAX: 927582184 CR SALTO DE CABALLO 927584062 • 636417812 CASERÍO LA FONTAÑERA ATR EL REGATO 927580865 INTERPRETATION CENTRES HUERTA LUNA, S/N ATR PINAR DE JOLA 927491078 • 660451270 C.I. TAJO INTERNACIONAL ANTOLINA DURÁN, S/N ATR MARCELINO VELÁSQUEZ, S/N JOLA CEDILLO C/ CASA NUEVA, S/N 690821624 TEL.: 927590029 927599059 • 650408988 ATR EL ARROYO C.I. EL PÉNDERE ATR PUERTO ROQUE LOS ARROYOS DE ABAJO LAGAR, 3 (LAS HUERTAS DE CANSAS) PUERTO ROQUE, S/N SANTIAGO DE ALCÁNTARA 666829177 • 626195615 927584171 • 627483550 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 RUTAS ORNITOLÓGICAS POR EXTREMADURA 5 Canchos de Ramiro and Portaje Reservoir

Location and access

Towns of reference for this route are , Portaje , and , 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 ). 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

EX -1 09

Griffon Vulture, Eurasian Black Vulture, Spanish Impe - Residents rial eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle, Golden Eagle, Grey Heron, Red-crested Pochard

Summer Black Stork, Egyptian Vulture, Black Kite visitors

Winter Common Wood Pigeon, Common Crane, ducks visitors

Passage Aquatic birds migrants

54 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

Green Sandpiper

Description of the route

1) Canchos de Ramiro: Los Canchos de Ramiro (large rocky outcrops), to - gether with the riverbanks and mountain ranges in the area (Sierras de la Gar - rapata, 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 Alagón, now dammed for the Alcántara Reservoir . The sug - gested 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 Bo - querón) is very simple: you just have to take a sign-posted path that starts in Cachorrilla . To be precise, take the road to Ceclavín and 200 m along, when you reach the Ermita del Cristo (chapel) and a small pool (29S-699309- 442090), 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 sug - gested 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 (29S- 70852-441903); 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 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

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 ( Short- toed Eagle, Booted Eagle, Azure-winged Magpie , as well as many other passer - ine 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 breed - ing 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 Inter - est 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 cen - tre of the city of Coria has one of the most outstanding collection of fine build - ings in Extremadura (Roman walls and bridge, castle, cathedral, palaces, convents, etc.). The Monastery-convent of Palancar (), de - fined as the “smallest monastery in the world”, is a wonderful example of re - ligious architecture.

Texts: Casimiro Corbacho Amado

58 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

Areas of interest (ZEPA Canchos de Ramiro and Ladronera)

HS** DELPHOS ACCOMMODATION CILLEROS AVENIDA PUREZA CANELO, 15 CACHORILLA CR LA MESONERA 927515425 • 927515403 CAMINO DEL TESO MORENO, S/N HS* REYPAL CR EL BOQUERÓN 646486338 AVDA. LUSITANIA, 19 PLAZA MAYOR,4 ATR LA MESONERA 927147942 927140748 • 606518463 CAMINO DEL TESO MORENO, S/N HS* VOLANTE, EL CR CASA CANDIDO 646486338 AVDA. DE PUREZA CANELO, 40 PLAZA MAYOR, 1 927515177 • 927515406 927140748 • 606518463 CORIA CR LOS CANCHALES ZARZA LA MAYOR H**** PALACIO PLAZA MAYOR,6 PLAZA DE LA CATEDRAL, S/N ATR PEÑAFIEL 927140748 • 606518463 927506449 AVDA.CONSTITUCIÓN H** MONTESOL 927370465 • 616763958 CALLE PUENTE DE HIERRO TOURIST OFFICES ATR EL MOLINO 927501049 • 927500277 H** SAN CRISTOBAL PLAZA MAYOR, 1 Carretera Ciudad Rodrigo, km.33 O.T. CORIA 927146001 • 927146008 927501412 AV. DE EXTREMADURA, 39 H* KEKES, LOS TEL.: 927501351 CECLAVÍN AVENIDA SIERRA DE GATA, 49 FAX: 927500735 927504080 • 927500494 www.coria.org P SAN MARCOS P EL CASERO DE GUIJO C/ RETIRO,1 [email protected] - C/ EL GUIJO,32 605571523 mail.es 927500245 CR EL LAGAR O.T. MORALEJA AV. PUREZA CANELO, S/N C/ MOLINO ESQ. CALLES ELJAS MORALEJA 927393397 • 627471134 TEL.: 927147088 ATR LA BORRASCA H* ENCOMIENDA, LA FAX: 927147088 C/RETIRO, 1 PLAZA DE ESPAÑA, 13 www.sierradegata.org 605571523 • 927393282 927147759 • 927515833 [email protected]

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 RUTAS ORNITOLÓGICAS POR EXTREMADURA 6 Monfragüe National Park

Location and access

Monfragüe is roughly in the centre of the province of Cáceres, at the conflu - ence of the rivers Tajo and Tiétar . It is at present the only National Park in Ex - tremadura, 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 net - work as a SPA. The centre of the park consists of several small, parallel moun - tain ranges, between which flows the River Tajo. The River Tiétar and other lesser watercourses carve out deep gorges as they flow towards the Tajo, cre - ating 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 Al - cántara, Torrejón-Tajo and Torrejón-Tiétar. Despite the area ’s low height, the uneven relief and the water barrier has meant that areas of Mediterranean for - est 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 de - hesa areas that extend to the north and south of the National Park, providing an abundant food supply for Monfragüe’s most valuable birds .

61 Monfragüe National Park Sketch of the route and selected species

E X-208

Grey Heron, Red-legged Partridge, Red Kite, Griffon Vul - ture, Eurasian Black Vulture, Northern Goshawk, Spanish Imperial Eagle , Golden Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle, Peregrine Residents 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, Summer Alpine Swift, White-rumped Swift, Pallid Swift, European visitors Bee-eater, Red-rumped Swallow, Black-eared Wheatear, Western Orphean Warbler, Subalpine Warbler Specta - cled Warbler, Dartford Warbler, Golden Oriole

Winter Great Cormorant, Dunnock , Eurasian Bullfinch, Redwing, visitors Firecrest, Goldcrest, Siskin

62 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

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 cen - tre 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, pass - ing through .

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 Mon - fragüe. 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 Mon - fragüe 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 walk - ing routes in the park or the surrounding area. The species you can see in var - ious 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 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

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 op - posite 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 con - sists 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 Mon - fragüe. There are several options, with routes of between 10 and 16 km (be - tween 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 magnif - icent 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, un - doubtedly, the Griffon Vulture , of which there are 635 pairs for certain and es - timates 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 Mon - fragüe, above all in the dehesa in the area. The Black Kite is a lot more com - mon, 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 non- breeding species being present in the area. Finally, between September and Oc - tober the spectacular bellowing of the many stag in the area takes place.

66 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

Sardinian Warbler Eurasian Black Vulture

Other environmental and cultural interest

As well as the birds you can see other animals in Monfragüe, such as ap - proachable 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 at - tractions of Monfragüe are the scenery, spectacular in places, and the geo - logical 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 in - terest in the municipal areas just outside the park include the pre-Roman ste - las 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 Vic - toria 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 Monfragüe National Park

Spanish Imperial Eagle 68 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

Areas of interest

CR LA ALMAZARA ATR LA CAÑADA ACCOMMODATION DEL CRISTO CAÑADA REAL S/N JARAICEJO LIBERATO ALONSO, 27 927455295 / 920818967 927407090 / 636495283 ATR NATURA HS** MONT-BLANC C/ TRAVESÍA DE PIZARRO,11 CARRETERA N-V, KM. 226 SERREJÓN 679475955 / 679475956 927336030 / 927336148 ATR SIERRA DE HR MONTEFRAGOSO H**** AGUAS DE SERREJON MONFRAGÜE PLZ. DE LA CONSTITUCIÓN 15-16 FINCA CASADELMAZO, PLAZA DE PIZARRO,8 927336189 / 927336289 927547749 / 617355479 699729500 / 927455205 HR EL ALCAUDÓN ATR LEYENDAS DE MALPARTIDA DE PLASENCIA C/ CAGANCHAS, 13 MONFRAGÜE 927547600 / 924547601 Pº. PIZARRO, 16 H*** CAÑADA REAL 650408971 / 927455153 CARRETERA EX-108., KM. 42 TORIL ATR MONFRAGÜE 927459407 / 927459434 CORCHITO, 27 H* SANTA MARTA HR PUERTA DE 927455079 / 618712980 CARRETERA NACIONAL 630, KM. 491 MONFRAGÜE VILLARREAL DE SAN CARLOS 927453260 / 927453416 LA - VEGA DEL HS* ROSALES, LOS CHIQUERO CR AL-MOFRAG PLAZA DE LA DIPUTACION, 21 927198110 / 609202425 VILLARREAL, 19 927404636 927199205 / 686454393 CR DEL CORRAL TORREJÓN EL RUBIO CR EL CABRERIN C/ CABRERO, 2 VILLARREAL, 3 927459522 / 636144910 H**** HOSPEDERÍA PAR - 927199191 / 927199002 CR LA POSADA DE QUE DE MONFRAGÜE CR MONFRAGÜE AMONARIA CTRA. PLASENCIA-TRUJILLO, VILLARREAL, 15 C/ Nuestra Señora de la Luz, 7 KM 39,100 927199002 / 927199191 927459446 / 608702070 927455278 / 927455279 CR TIA TOMASA H* CARVAJAL C/ JUEGO DE LAS CARAS, 6 PASEO DE PIZARRO, 54 TOURIST OFFICES 696634156 927455260 / 927455254 O.T. CENTRO DE CR FLOR DE JARA P AVENIDA MUSICA,11 INFORMACIÓN DEL SAN JOSE, S/N PARQUE NACIONAL DE 927459430 / 605877788 927455050 MONFRAGÜE ATR DEL CORRAL P MONFRAGÜE VILLARREAL DE SAN CARLOS C/ CABRERO,4 PASEO DE PIZARRO, 25 927459522 / 636144910 TEL.: 927199134 927455026 ATR LA SOLANA FAX: 927198212 CR PALACIO VIEJO C/ MUÑOZ TORRERO, 31 O.T. TORREJÓN EL RUBIO 653799213 / 927404270 DE LAS CORCHUELAS MADROÑO 1 ATR MAJALON FINCA CORCHUELAS DEL PALA - (URB. CERCA DEL OLIVO) CIO VIEJO FINCA MAJALON TORREJÓN EL RUBIO 605940878 / 608504019 626812318 / 608821961 TEL.: 927455292 A EL CARRASCAL CR CASA BABEL FAX: 927455234 FINCA EL CARRASCAL MONFRAGÜE [email protected] 927459475 / 620941778 CERVANTES, 8 CT MONFRAGÜE 699769177 / 655027891 INTERPRETATION CENTRES CTRA. DE TRUJILLO, KM. 10 CR PEÑA FALCÓN 927459233 / 605940878 C/ BREZO,21 C.I. DEL PARQUE NACIO - 927455184 / 620978624 NAL DE MONFRAGÜE SERRADILLA CR POSADA EL ARRIERO VILLARREAL DE SAN CARLOS H* LAUREL PASEO PIZARRO,22 TEL.: 927199134 927455050 PAIJUAN, 17 C.I. DEL AGUA 927407481 / 625496971 CR REFUGIO LA SERRANA VILLARREAL DE SAN CARLOS CR LA SIERRA DE SAN MIGUEL, 45 TEL.: 927199134 MONFRAGÜE 927455159 / 687476049 C. DE DOCUMENTACIÓN E CTRA. EXTREMADURA 208 CR LA CAÑADA INVESTIGACIÓN (PLASENCIA-), KM. 14 Avda. Virgen de Guadalupe, 5 VILLARREAL DE SAN CARLOS 616192917 / 676450921 927455288 / 927455161 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 RUTAS ORNITOLÓGICAS POR EXTREMADURA 7 Arrocampo Reservoir

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 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 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 typ - ical 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 and Plasencia, turn off towards Casatejada and continue to Saucedilla, where you will find the Or - nithological Park Information Office at the southern end of the town. Coming

71 Arrocampo Reservoir Sketch of the route and selected species

5 - A

Grey Heron, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Little Bittern, Squacco Heron, Purple Swamphen, Great Crested Grebe, Residents 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 , Summer visitors 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 Winter Plover, Bluethroat, Reed Bunting visitors

72 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

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 Al - maraz, 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 reser - voir 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 . Con - tinuing southwest you reach Hide no. 2 , perhaps more interesting, with the dif - ficult 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 . Re - turning 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 impro - vised 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 an - other end of Arrocampo Reservoir. This expanse of water opens up new pos - sibilities 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 liv - ing 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 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

Harrier and it’s possible to see Hen Harrier in winter. During the migra - tion periods the richness of the species here is increased by the ap - pearance 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 repre - sented, with the possibility of see - ing 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 Arro - campo, without doubt, the best place in Extremadura to watch marshland species . 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 attrac - tions 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 War - bler, Bearded and Penduline Tit, Purple Swamphen ). In winter , if you are lucky, you can see Great Bittern and Osprey and there are numerous Marsh Harri - ers and Great Cormorants . Due to the exceptional conditions of the water tem - perature occasionally there are birds typical of the summer here in winter, such as various species of swallows , Squacco Heron and Little Bittern . Dur - ing migration periods (August to October and March and April) there is a mix - ture 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 munic - ipalities of , 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 mon - umental architecture, such as the parish churches of Saucedilla, Casatejada and Almaraz and the medieval castle of Belvís de , dating from the 13 th and 14 th centuries. You can also see the remains of another castle in Almaraz. Food specialities include cheeses, sausages, “migas extremeñas” (fried bread - crumbs) 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 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

Areas of interest (ZEPA Embalse Arrocampo)

HS** SAUCES, LOS ACCOMMODATION SERREJÓN CTRA. NACIONAL V, KM. 182,2 ALMARAZ H**** AGUAS DE 927533303 SERREJON P SALAMANCA HS* PORTUGAL FINCA CASADELMAZO, ANTONIO CONCHA, 67 AVENIDA DE LA CONSTITU - 927547749 / 617355479 927534844 / 627034122 HR EL ALCAUDÓN CION, 7 P ZARAGOZA 927544070 / 927544095 C/ CAGANCHAS, 13 ZARAGOZA, 10 HS* PORTUGAL II 927547600 / 924547601 927531822 AUTOVÍA DE EXTREMADURA, KM. 200 NAVALMORAL 927545161 / 927545162 DE LA MATA CASATEJADA H* LOS GRANADOS HS* NOGAL DE CTRA. NACIONAL V, KM. 181 CASATEJADA, EL 927530750 / 927530758 HS* LA PLAYA DE ROMAN - CARRETERA NAVALMORAL, H* MOYA GORDO KM. 9,7 CARRETERA N-V, KM. 180,800 927547325 CTRA. NACIONAL V 927530500 CR LA SARTENILLA HS** BAMBA, LA CR EL BOTANICO C/ RETAMAR, 22 CTRA. NACIONAL V, KM. 178,7 PLAZA ESPAÑA, 5 927576538 / 686089117 927530850 / 927530854 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 RUTAS ORNITOLÓGICAS POR EXTREMADURA 8 Sierra de San Pedro

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 no - table 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

Spanish Imperial Eagle, Eurasian Black Vulture, Griffon Residents Vulture, Bonelli’s Eagle, Common Stonechat

Summer Black Stork, Egyptian Vulture, Short-toed Eagle, visitors Booted Eagle

Winter Dunnock, Eurasian Bullfinch, Common Wood Pigeon, visitors Common Crane

Passage Osprey, Pied Flycatcher, Spotted Flycatcher migrants

80 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

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 un - thinkable 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 Con - vent 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 live - stock dehesa . Keep going straight on along the road, which now has a euca - lyptus 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 possi - ble 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 mid - day. 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 val - ley 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 sev - eral 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 vari - ous 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 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

Eurasian Black Vulture (behind) and Griffon Vulture 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 should - n’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 “out - standing 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 dif - ficult 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 cas - tle 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 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

Areas of interest (ZIR Sierra de San Pedro)

H**** PARADOR DE TU - HS** NEPTUNO ACCOMMODATION RISMO DE CACERES AVDA. DE ALEMANIA, 19-1º ALISEDA ANCHA, 6 927236423 927211759 HS** PLAZA DE ITALIA A EL PERICUTO H**** V CENTENARIO C/ CONSTANCIA, 12 PARAJE DE LA MINA MANUEL PACHECO, S/N 927627294 699817346 927232200 HS** ROSA, LA AT LOS ALISOS H*** CASA DON FER - SANGUINO MICHEL, 8 CRTA. ALBURQUERQUE NANDO 927221750 660503384 / 927277388 PLAZA MAYOR, 30 HS* AL-QAZERES APARTAMENTOS TURÍSTICOS 927214279 / 927627176 CAMINO LLANO, 34 AT EL POZO H*** HUSA ALCANTARA 927227000 / 927626959 CRTA. DE ALBURQUERQUE,10 AVENIDA VIRGEN DE GUADA - P AMADO 927239973 LUPE, 14 GENERAL MARGALLO, 61 CR LOS ALISOS 927223900 927226329 / 927230402 CTRA. DE ALBURQUERQUE H** ALFONSO IX P CARRETERO 927240568 / 927277388 MORET, 20 PLAZA MAYOR, 22 927246400 / 927246404 927247482 / 927216122 CARBAJO H** DON CARLOS P VIRGEN DE FATIMA C/ DONOSO CORTÉS, 13-15 AVDA. VIRGEN DE LA MON - AT TAJO 927225527 TAÑA, 17, 2º IZQUIERDA INTERNACIONAL H** DON JOSE 927211844 C/ LA CONSTITUCIÓN,13 PINTORES, 28 P ZURBARÁN 667743627 / 609361689 927240470 / 927213990 ROSO DE LUNA, 11 CR BALDÍO GRANDE H** IBERIA-PLAZA DE 927210452 A LAS VELETAS BALDIO GRANDE AMÉRICA CRTA. CARBAJO-SANTIAGO DE HERMANDAD, 12 C/ MARGALLO,36 927211210 ALCÁNTARA KM 1.5 927210906 927491014 / 696466773 H** NARANJOS, LOS A CIUDAD DE CÁCERES ALFONSO IX, 12 AVDA. UNIVERSIDAD, S/N CÁCERES 927243508 / 927243512 927102001 / 927216109 H* ARA AT CASA PINTADA "EL H***** PALACIO DE JUAN XXIII, 3 LIBRO" ARENALES 927223958 PLAZA LAS CANTERÍAS,7 CN-521, KM.52,100 H* ARABIA RIAD 695690556 927620490 / 927620491 PLAZA DEL DUQUE, 5 AT CASAS PINTADAS H**** A.H. AGORA 927220065 / 661304061 URBANAS "EL CUADRO" C/ PARRAS,25 H* CASTILLA SANJUSTO, 45. 927626360 / 927260456 RIOS VERDES, 3 695690556 / 927626312 H**** EXTREMADURA 927244404 AT SALOR HOTEL H* IBERIA PLAZA DE OBISPO GALARZA, 2 927246400 AVDA. V. DE GUADALUPE, 28 PINTORES, 2 927247634 927629639 AT CACERES A H**** GRAN HOTEL DON HS** ALAMEDA PLAZA DE LA CONCEPCIÓN, PLAZA MAYOR, 33-3º 19,BAJO MANUEL 927211262 927225150 / 645895361 SAN JUSTO, 15 HS** ALAMEDA PALACETE AT CACERES B 927215478 MARGALLO, 45 PLAZA DE LA CONCEPCIÓN, H**** HOTEL CACERES 927211674 / 627474404 19, 1ºA GOLF HS** ARGENTINA 927225150 / 645895361 CN-630, KM.558 SANGUINO MICHEL, 7 AT CACERES D 927234600 927222854 CALLE VALDES,18 BAJO A H**** NH PALACIO DE HS** HERNAN CORTES 645895361 OQUENDO FRAY BARTOLOMÉ DE LAS AT CACERES E PLAZA DE SAN JUAN, 11-13 CASAS, 5 C/ VALDES,18 BAJO B 927215800 927243488 645895361

85 Sierra de San Pedro

AT CASA PINTADA AT EL BURACO CR EL LINCE CUM LAUDE CRTA. V. DE ALCANTARA S/N CORTIJO LA TORA, APDO. 20 C/ MARGALLO Nº 102-A 927592029 / 629515647 VALENCIA DE ALCANTARA 927626312 686965445 • 927491066 AT CASA PINTADA SAN VICENTE CR EL ZORRO LA PLAZUELA DE ALCÁNTARA CORTIJO LA TORA, APDO, 20 VALENCIA DE ALCANTARA C/ GODOY,12 BAJO H***** RIO SUBER 686965445 • 927491066 695690556 CAMINO DE PIEDRA BUENA S/N 927491140 AT CASA SIERPES 924410143 / 924410970 CR LA JIGUERA SIERPES, 2 HR DEL PUEBLO C/ CASIÑAS BAJAS, S/N 927180072 / 659706336 AVDA. DE EXTREMADURA,21 VALENCIA DE ALCANTARA AT CASAS DE LA 667078020 669550655 • 927582591 JUDERIA A MOLINO DE JOLA CR MONTENUEVO BARRIO DE SAN ANTONIO, 30 CARRETERA SAN VICENTE-LA PARAJE MONTENUEVO S/N 927220065 CODOSERA, K. 14 ACEÑA DE LA BORREGA AT CIUDAD MONUMENTAL 616346762 927599021 • 630621385 PLAZA DE LA CONCEPCIÓN , CR SIERRA DE SAN PEDRO CR VIRGEN DE LA CABEZA 19, 2ºB FINCA PARAJE LAS COSTERAS, FINCA LA MORERA DE ARRIBA 924410070 / 649303865 927216306 / 627502749 924251791 • 676830547 CR LA VEGA CR EL CASTAÑAR II HERRERUELA CAMINO DE LA VEGA S/N NAL. 521, KM.149,8. PUERTO 924411202 / 616740091 ROQUE HR SIERRA DE SAN PEDRO 927584040 VALENCIA DE ZURBARÁN, 8 CR EL CASTAÑAR III 927371641 / 686948442 ALCÁNTARA NAL. 521K, KM.149.8. PUERTO ROQUE HR CONVENTO, EL MEMBRÍO 927584040 CASERIA DE SAN PEDRO, S/N CR EL CASTAÑAR IV AT LA NORA 927584129 NAL.521, KM. 149,8. H**** CASA ESCOBAR 927594125 / 617452233 PUERTO ROQUE JEREZ CR TURISMO RURAL 927584040 ALFACAR, 13 LA NORA CR EL CASTAÑAR I 927668139 NAL. 521, KM. 149,8 SAN BERNABÉ, 7 H* CLAVO, EL PUERTO ROQUE 927594125 / 927584178 RAMON Y CAJAL, 14 927584040 927580268 • 927581020 CR EL CIERVO PUEBLA DE OBANDO H* IBERICA CORTIJO LA TORA, APDO, 20 PASEO DE SAN FRANCISCO, 14 HS* KILOMETRO 40 686965445 • 927491066 927580150 CR EL JABALI CARRETERA CACERES K. 40 HS* NAIROBI CORTIJO LA TORA. APDO. 20 924407196 HERNAN CORTES, 9 927491066 • 686965445 HS* HERMANOS MENDEZ 927580136 CR SALTO DE CABALLO CTRA. CACERES-BADAJOZ, P SERRANA, LA CASERÍO LA FONTAÑERA KM 39 SAN JUAN, 8 927580865 924407509 927580020 CR LA PORTILLA DEL ATR PINAR DE JOLA HS* MIRASIERRA PA - ANTOLINA DURÁN, S/N (JOLA) JINIEBRO CHECO 690821624 PARAJE EL JINIEBRO CTRA CACERES-BADAJOZ, ATR EL ARROYO ACEÑA BORREGA, LA KM 39.5 927599015 LOS ARROYOS DE ABAJO 924407316 / 669957883 CR SOTO DE NISA (LAS HUERTAS DE CANSAS) 666829177 • 626195615 FINCA LA MORERA DE ARRIBA SANTIAGO DE ACEÑA BORREGA, LA ATR HUERTA DEL SEVER ALCÁNTARA 924220776 • 600432574 HUERTA LUNA S/N APDO, 10 CR LA TORA 639483667 • 924221157 A EL BURACO CORTIJO DE LA TORA ATR LA JIGUERA CAMINO DEL MIRADOR, S/N VALENCIA DE ALCANTARA CASIÑAS BAJAS 927592257 / 927234893 686965445 • 927491066 927582591 • 669550655

86 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

ATR LA MACERA CT AGUAS CLARAS O.T. VALENCIA DE ALCÁN - FINCA LA MACERA CTRA. DE JOLA, KM. 3 TARA 927582299 • 639548709 927549099 • 927549099 HERNÁN CORTES, S/N ATR LOS OLIVOS TEL.: 927 58 21 84 AVDA. LISBOA VILLAR DEL REY URB. LOS OLIVOS S/N FAX.: 927 58 21 84 927581006 • 927582312 HS* GALLEGO ATR QUINTA DE LUNA CALLE EMILIO RIVERO, 1 INTERPRETATION CENTRES ACEÑA LA BORREGA, S/N 924414098 924221157 • 639483667 C.I. DE LA NATURALEZA ATR ROCAMADOR CR HACIENDA LOS FINCA LA MACERA S/N CANCHALES ALAS 927582299 • 639548709 NTRA. SRA. DE GUADALUPE, PL. JOAQUÍN SALGADO, S/N ATR VALBÓN S/N SAN VICENTE DE ALCÁNTARA FINCA LA MACERA 685745103 / 924414475 TEL.: 924 00 23 95 927582299 • 639548709 C.I. EL PÉNDERE ATR EL JINIEBRO TOURIST OFFICES LAGAR, 3 ACEÑA LA BORREGA 927584062 • 636417812 O.T. CÁCERES SANTIAGO DE ALCÁNTARA ATR EL REGATO PLAZA MAYOR, 3 TEL.: 927592311 HUERTA LUNA, S/N TEL.: 927010834 / 36 C.I. DEL RÍO ZAPATÓN 927491078 • 660451270 FAX: 927010835 GUARDIA CIVIL S/N ATR MARCELINO VILLAR DEL REY C/ CASA NUEVA, S/N O.T. MUNICIPAL DE 927599059 • 650408988 CÁCERES TEL.: 924414002 ATR PUERTO ROQUE ANCHA,7 PUERTO ROQUE, S/N TEL.: 927247172 WILDLIFE RECOVERY CENTRE 927584171 • 627483550 O.T. ALBURQUERQUE ATR ALBORADA DEL PLAZA DE ESPAÑA, S/N C.R. DE FAUNA Y SEVER TEL.: 924 40 12 02 EDUC. AMBIENTAL HUERTA LUNA S/N. 639483667 FAX: 924 40 12 02 LOS HORNOS ATR SAN PEDRO O.T. ALISEDA CTRA. DEL RISCO S/N HELECHO, S/N TESORO, S/N 660080648 • 699051305 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 RUTAS ORNITOLÓGICAS POR EXTREMADURA 9 Plains of Cáceres, Magasca and Trujillo

Location and access

A large plateau extends to the south of the River Tajo , cleaved by the Rivers Al - monte and Tamuja , forming a gently undulating landscape, used mainly for live - stock farming in the pastures and for growing rain-fed cereal crops. The route runs between the towns of Cáceres , 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 Naval - moral 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 country - side. 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

A -58 N - 5 2 1 N -521

5 - A

Residents Great Bustard, Little Bustard, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, White Stork

Summer Lesser Kestrel, Montagu’s Harrier, European Roller, visitors Short-toed Lark

Winter Northern Lapwing, Golden Plover, Meadow Pipit, visitors Skylark

Passage Northern Wheatear, Black-eared Wheatear, Whinchat, migrants 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 turn- ing to Sierra de Fuentes (on the right) and from Trujillo the exit is10 km after the road crosses the River Gibranzos.

90 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

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 de - hesa 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 Ma - gasca 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 his - torical 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 nat - ural 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 pas - tureland, 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 Star - ling, 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 num - bers, 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 pe - riod 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 sec - tions of the route, nesting in the cereal fields next to the road. They are in - tensely 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 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

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 river - banks the vegetation is usually much thicker and more wooded, almost im - penetrable. 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 ), Red- rumped 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 out - skirts 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 tow - ers 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 sum - mer (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 con - servation, 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 re - gion. In the town of Sierra de Fuentes you can visit the Centre of Recupera - tion of Fauna and Environmental Education “Los Hornos”.

Texts: Atanasio Fernández García

94 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

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

H** IBERIA-PLAZA DE A LAS VELETAS ACCOMMODATION AMÉRICA C/ MARGALLO,36 HERMANDAD, 12 927211210 927210906 A CIUDAD DE CÁCERES CR VÍA DE LA PLATA H** NARANJOS, LOS AVDA. UNIVERSIDAD, S/N PLAZA MAYOR, 8 ALFONSO IX, 12 927102001 / 927216109 927383060 / 666431420 927243508 / 927243512 AT CASA PINTADA "EL H* ARA LIBRO" CÁCERES JUAN XXIII, 3 PLAZA LAS CANTERÍAS,7 927223958 695690556 H***** PALACIO DE H* ARABIA RIAD AT CASAS PINTADAS ARENALES PLAZA DEL DUQUE, 5 URBANAS "EL CUADRO" CN-521, KM.52,100 927220065 / 661304061 SANJUSTO, 45. 927620490 / 927620491 H* CASTILLA 695690556 / 927626312 H**** A.H. AGORA RIOS VERDES, 3 AT SALOR C/ PARRAS,25 927244404 PLAZA DE OBISPO GALARZA, 2 927626360 / 927260456 H* IBERIA 927246400 H**** EXTREMADURA PINTORES, 2 AT CACERES A HOTEL 927247634 PLAZA DE LA CONCEPCIÓN, HS** ALAMEDA 19,BAJO AVDA. VIRGEN DE GUADALUPE, 28 PLAZA MAYOR, 33-3º 927225150 / 645895361 927629639 927211262 AT CACERES B H**** GRAN HOTEL DON HS** ALAMEDA PALACETE PLAZA DE LA CONCEPCIÓN, 19, 1ºA MANUEL MARGALLO, 45 927225150 / 645895361 SAN JUSTO, 15 927211674 / 627474404 AT CACERES D 927215478 HS** ARGENTINA CALLE VALDES,18 BAJO A H**** HOTEL CACERES SANGUINO MICHEL, 7 645895361 GOLF 927222854 AT CACERES E CN-630, KM.558 (RESIDENCIAL HS** HERNAN CORTES C/ VALDES,18 BAJO B CERES GOLF) FRAY BARTOLOMÉ DE LAS 645895361 927234600 CASAS, 5 AT CASA PINTADA H**** NH PALACIO DE 927243488 CUM LAUDE OQUENDO HS** NEPTUNO C/ MARGALLO Nº 102-A PLAZA DE SAN JUAN, 11-13 AVDA. DE ALEMANIA, 19-1º 927626312 927215800 927236423 AT CASA PINTADA H**** PARADOR DE TU - HS** PLAZA DE ITALIA LA PLAZUELA RISMO DE CACERES C/ CONSTANCIA, 12 C/ GODOY,12 BAJO 927627294 ANCHA, 6 695690556 927211759 HS** ROSA, LA AT CASA SIERPES H**** V CENTENARIO SANGUINO MICHEL, 8 SIERPES, 2 927221750 MANUEL PACHECO, S/N 927180072 / 659706336 927232200 HS* ALMONTE AT CASAS DE LA JUDERIA H*** CASA DON FER - GIL CORDERO, 6 BARRIO DE SAN ANTONIO, 30 927240925 NANDO 927220065 HS* AL-QAZERES AT CIUDAD MONUMENTAL PLAZA MAYOR, 30 CAMINO LLANO, 34 927214279 / 927627176 PL. LA CONCEPCIÓN , 19, 2ºB 927227000 / 927626959 927216306 / 627502749 H*** HUSA ALCANTARA P AMADO AVENIDA VIRGEN DE GUADA - GENERAL MARGALLO, 61 CÁSAR DE CÁCERES LUPE, 14 927226329 / 927230402 927223900 P CARRETERO HS** ENCINAS, LAS H** ALFONSO IX PLAZA MAYOR, 22 CARRETERA NACIONAL 630, MORET, 20 927247482 / 927216122 KM. 543 (Apdo. 10) 927246400 / 927246404 P VIRGEN DE FATIMA 927291228 / 927291260 H** DON CARLOS AVDA. VIRGEN DE LA MON - HS** RICHARDSON C/ DONOSO CORTÉS, 13-15 TAÑA, 17, 2º IZQUIERDA CTRA. NACIONAL 630, KM 541 927225527 927211844 927290001 H** DON JOSE P ZURBARÁN CR LA ENCARNACIÓN PINTORES, 28 ROSO DE LUNA, 11 CAMINO DE LA ENCARNACIÓN S/N 927240470 / 927213990 927210452 927290701 / 630071070

95 Plains of Cáceres, Magasca and Trujillo

927321963 / 927659351 P CRUCE, EL SIERRA DE FUENTES HS** CONDE DE CARRETERA N- V, KM. 240 CR LAS AVUTARDAS Conde de la Encina, 16 927338304 PLAZA DE COLON,12 927323176 / 699485286 P BONI 927226233 / 652944335 HS** EL MIRADOR DE LAS DOMINGO RAMOS, 11 MONJAS 927321604 PLAZA SANTIAGO, 2 P PLAZA MAYOR HS** PARADOR DE LOS 927659223 PLAZA MAYOR,6 LLANOS HS** LEÓN 927322313 C/ LA CRUZ,26 / 927205158 PLAZA DEL CAMPILLO, 23-25 AT ARQUILLO LA CUMBRE 927321792 ARQUILLO, 2 HS** NAYA HS** PAULINO 629781541 AVDA. DE LA CONSTITUCION, 28 AVDA. MADRID, Nº 48 AT CASA BALLESTEROS 927331275 / 927331337 927659108 / 653994281 C/ BALLESTEROS, 12B HS** EMILIA SANTA MARTA DE 927321695 / 627506855 PLAZA DEL CAMPILLO, 28 CR EL RECUERDO 927320083 / 927321216 MAGASCA PAGO DE SAN CLEMENTE HS** SAN MIGUEL HS** SANTA MARTA 927319349 / 609684719 SAN MIGUEL, 3 PLAZA DE ESPAÑA, S/N CR SANTA TERESA 927322571 927284021 / 615936664 PAGO DE SAN CLEMENTE HS** HUESO TRUJILLO 927319203 / 658914355 C/ ARQUILLO, 1 CR LOS ÁLAMOS HR PATRICIO 927322820 PAGO DE SAN CLEMENTE PLAZA DEL CAMPILLO ,16 HS** HIGUERA, LA 927319203 / 658914355 927659257 Cañada Fria, s/n HR LAS HUERTAS 927319041 CR LOS TORREJONES PALMERA, 1 HS** DOS ORILLAS FINCA LOS TORREJONES 927490049 / 626747200 927659209 / 650953137 C/ CAMBRONES,6 HR VIÑA LAS TORRES 927659079 CR LAS CANTERAS CAMINO DE BUENAVISTA S/N HS* ESTACIÓN, LA CTRA. DE TRUJILLO A MON - 927319350 CARRETERA N-V, KM. 252 ROY, KM. 6 H**** ISLA DEL GALLO 927321253 609861315 PLAZA DE ARAGÓN,2 HS* VENTA DE MAGASCA 927320243 Apartado Correos nº 63 H**** NH PALACIO DE 927320149 / 927320132 P MOLOKAY SANTA MARTA HS* JULIO TIENDA, 37 927331198 C/ BALLESTEROS,6 Plaza del Campillo, 13 927659190 / 927323165 927321963 / 675615736 HR EL LABRIEGO H**** PARADOR DE TU - HS* TRUJILLO C/ TIENDA S/N RISMO DE TRUJILLO FRANCISCO PIZARRO, 4 927313716 / 927313715 PLAZA DE SANTA BEATRIZ DE 927322274 SILVA, 1 / 927321350 HS* PAULINO II TOURIST OFFICES AVDA. DE LOS QUINTOS, 35 H**** IZAN TRUJILLO O.T. MALPARTIDA DE CÁCERES 679424767 PLAZA DEL CAMPILLO, 1 MUÑOZ TORRERO, S/N 927458900 HS* NURIA MALPARTIDA DE CÁCERES H*** CIGÜEÑAS, LAS PLAZA MAYOR, 27 927276723 / 927276723 AVENIDA DE MADRID, S/N 927320907 927321250 / 927321251 HS* CADENA, LA INTERPRETATION CENTRES H*** VICTORIA PLAZA MAYOR, 5 PLAZA DEL CAMPILLO, 22 927321463 C.I. SOBRE EL MONUMENTO 927321819 / 927322962 HS* BLASÓN NATURAL H*** CASA DE ORELLANA C/ SAN MIGUEL,19 CTRA. BARRUECOS, S/N PALOMAS, 5-7 927323406 / 619213608 MALPARTIDA DE CÁCERES 927659265 HS* ORELLANA 927276236 H** PERÚ C/ RUIZ DE MENDOZA,2 C.I. DEL AGUA EL CTRA. DE MADRID, KM 251 610819847 / 927320753 MOLINILLO 927320745 / 927322599 P CASA ROQUE CTRA. BARRUECOS, S/N H* JULIO DOMINGO DE RAMOS, 30 MALPARTIDA DE CÁCERES PLAZA CAMPILLO, 9 927322313 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 RUTAS ORNITOLÓGICAS POR EXTREMADURA 10 Sierra de Las Villuercas

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 (Naval - moral de la Mata) by the EX-118; from the south, from the N-430 by the EX- 116 and the EX-102; from the east, from the A -5 (); 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 de - signed 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 -1 18

Eurasian Black Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Bonelli’s Eagle, Residents Coal Tit, Red-billed Chough

Black Stork, Egyptian Vulture, European Honey Buzzard Summer Short-toed Eagle, Booted Eagle, Rufous-tailed Rock visitors Thrush, Alpine Swift

Winter Dunnock, Alpine Accentor, Eurasian Bullfinch, visitors Common Wood Pigeon

The route starts in the town of Guadalupe , taking the small road that leads to - wards 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 nat - ural area that has been declared an Ecological Corridor. As you go along you

98 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

will discover a very well conserved riverine grove which is good for wood - peckers: Great Spotted, Green and Lesser Spotted . It’s also possible to see Dipper here, flying rapidly over the currents, hopping over the stones or div - ing 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 black - smiths , associated with the prosperity of Guadalupe and its monastery, de - clared a Historical-Artistic Ensemble and a World Heritage Site, respectively. The route takes you to Los Molinos Reservoir , from where there is a magnif - icent view of the area known as Los Hoyicios , the source of the River Guadalu - pejo. 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 au - tumn, when the deciduous trees turn golden. In spring and summer it’s pos - sible 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 pil - grims 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, Nightin - gale, 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 nar - row 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 pecu - liar 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: Grif - fon 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 win - ter 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 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

Once you reach the summit it isn’t difficult to see characteristic species of mountain scrubland and rocky outcrops, including: Black Wheatear, Black Redstart, Dun - nock , 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 ju - bilant calls of the flocks of Red- billed Chough , a bird which has an irregular and localized distribution Eurasian Black Vulture in Extremadura.

Ornithological interests

Due to the diversity of the habitats this route has many and varied ornitho - logical 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 Grif - fon Vulture nest in the crags and rocky outcrops, among other species. Nu - merous 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 Im - perial Eagle , which still doesn’t breed regularly in this region, shares the habi - tat 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 recom - mendation 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 forma - tion, a succession of valleys and mountain ridges in parallel, known as Ap - palachian 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 nu - merous 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 qual - ity 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 re- conquest. The mountains conserve one of the most important collections of cave paint - ings 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 are sign-posted and have in - formation boards in place.

Texts: Víctor Manuel Pizarro Jiménez

102 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

Areas of interest (ZEPA de las Villuercas y Valle del Guadarranque)

CR PUERTA SOLANA ACCOMMODATION CASTAÑAR DE IBOR C/ LOS POSITOS,4 ALÍA 927150225 HS** SOLAIRE CR LA COSTANA CTRA. DE GUADALUPE, 29 H* VALMAYOR FINCA LOS CONCEJILES 927554125 / 927554125 CARRETERA EX-102, PARC. 91. 927151626 HR LAS MOZAS POL. 21 927366515 / 927366270 CR LA JARA DE LAS VI - AVDA. DE GUADALUPE, 10 P GARCÍA LLUERCAS 927554387 PANTANO DE CIJARA CALLE ESTRECHA, 2 CR AMANECER 927366475 927151009 / 676631137 C/ EUROPA,17 P MONTERO, EL 927554730 / 927554733 AVDA. LUIS CHAMIZO, 40 ATR EL NIDO DE LA CO - CT LOS IBORES 927366011 LLALBA CRTA. GUADALUPE-NAVALMO - CR EL ESTRECHO DE LA RAL DE LA MATA KM 30 Plaza Juan de Ureta,13 PEÑA 927554654 / 927554654 CTRA. EX.102, KM.92,300 927151009 / 676631137 927366289 / 616683486 AT LA PEÑA ATR EN PLENA SIERRA C/ CUESTA, 2,4,6,8 LA CALERA 927151067 / 620254612 CR LLANO DEL PINO 616683486 CTRA. RETAMOSA, KM. 650 CAÑAMERO 659962323

ATR LA CORAJA H** RUIZ DE IBOR HERNAN CORTES,99 PABLO GARCIA GARRIDO, 2 927314129 / 676098523 927157125 / 927157075 HR LOS IBORES AT CRISTINA CR EL TALLER DE BENITO C/ CALVO SOTELO,21-23 LIBERTAD, Nº 7 C/ALCORNOCAL, 2 927575251 / 927575238 927419028 / 653068019 927369471 / 646951533 CR CASA GRANDE ATR CANCHO DEL FRESNO C/ CALVO SOTELO, 13 BERZOCANA 927575382 / 679818120 UMBRÍA DEL COLMENAR ATR ALVAREZ HR REAL VILLA DE BERZO - 680452006 / 659230881 C/PRIMO DE RIVERA,8 CANA ATR LA ALBERGUERÍA 927575346 PLAZA DE ESPAÑA,15 CRTA. EX102 KM. 61,700 927150052 / 927150139 902193014 / 670432681 GUADALUPE CR EL RINCÓN DE LOS ATR CANDELA CEREZOS PARAJE "HORCAJO" PARECELA HR ATALAYA FINCA SOLANA DEL CUERVO 97 POL. 4 927195001 / 690667582 CTRA. DE NAVALMORAL, S/N CR FINCA LA SIERRA 653673373 / 927195316 927154322 / 927154226 FINCA LA SIERRA (CASA HR POSADA DEL RINCÓN RURAL) PLAZA DE SANTA MARÍA DE 669264449 / 676806861 GUADALUPE,11 ATR FINCA LA SIERRA CR LA CASA DEL 927367114 FINCA LA SIERRA PRACTICANTE H**** PARADOR DE TU - 669264449 / 676806861 GARCIA TAFALLA, 14 RISMO ZURBARÁN 689037634 MARQUES DE LA ROMANA, 12 CABAÑAS DEL CASTILLO ATR CARRASCALEJO R 927367075 CR LA PEÑA USTICO H** HISPANIDAD PLAZA DE JUAN URETA, 8 CTRA. DE NAVATRASIERRA S/N BLAS PEREZ, 1 927151067 / 620254612 927555058 / 927555200 927154210

103 Sierra de Las Villuercas

H** HOSPEDERÍA DEL ALFONSO ONCENO, S/N REAL MONASTERIO 927367301 927154144 CR BAÑOS PLAZA DE JUAN CARLOS I CR LAS LUCIAS 927367000 ALFONSO MORENO, 25 FINCA LAS LUCIAS, CTRA. GUA - HS** ALBA TARUTA 649857541 / 646247383 DALUPE, S/N EL CHORRO GORDO, 2 CR LA CLARA (NAVATRASIERRA) 927154444 / 927367301 PLAZA DE SANTA MARIA,44 HS** ALFONSO XI 927154067 / 665818001 927198626 / 629784609 ALFONSO ONCENO, 21 CR ABACERIA CR EL PEDROSO 927154287 C/ NUEVA, 22 PLAZA DEL AYUNTAMIENTO,7 HS** CEREZO II 927154282 / 650208405 607943314 / 648113786 PLAZA SANTA MARIA DE GUA - CR LOS CHORRANCOS DALUPE, 33 CUARTEL, 9 TOURIST OFFICES 927154177 675954106 HS** ISABEL CR MOLINO EL BATÁN O.T. GUADALUPE NUEVA DE LOS CAPELLANES, CAMINO DEL MATO KM 7 PZ. STA. Mª DE GUADALUPE 10 927154184 / 927154287 GUADALUPE 927367126 / 676233675 AT PISCINA SILOE HS** LUJUAN CARRETERA DE VILLANUEVA, TEL.: 927154128 GREGORIO LOPEZ, 21 S/N FAX: 927154128 927367170 927367139 / 927367028 HS** POLKY C LAS VILLUERCAS-GUA - INTERPRETATION CENTRES AVENIDA ALFONSO XI, 26 DALUPE 927367057 / 927367375 CARRETERA VILLANUEVA C.I. SOBRE EL MONU - HS* ALTAMIRA (HUERTA DEL RIO) MENTO NATURAL Y LA CRUZ, 4 927367139 / 927367561 927367493 / 927154265 LA COMARCA HS* CEREZO CTRA. DEL CAMPING, S/N GREGORIO LOPEZ, 12 CASTAÑAR DE IBOR 927367379 HS** J.B. TEL.: 927554635 HS* ISABEL AVDA. DE EXTREMADURA,66 PLAZA SANTA MARIA DE GUA - 927151800 / 927151688 DALUPE, 13 CR VALLE DEL ALMONTE 927367126 C/ ROTURAS 7 A HS* TARUTA 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 RUTAS ORNITOLÓGICAS POR EXTREMADURA 11 Diversion Dam Rivers Guadiana and Caya

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 bird - watching.

105 Diversion Dam rivers Guadiana and Caya Sketch of the route and selected species

A-5

0

1 7 3

10 - X- X E E

Residents Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Common Coot Mallard, Common Sandpiper

Reed Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Sand Martin, Summer visitors European Bee-eater, Black-crowned Night Heron, Little Bittern

Winter Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Common visitors Snipe, Great Cormorant

Passage Squacco Heron, Wood Sandpiper, Osprey, Water Pipit migrants

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 Circun - valación). 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 round - about presided over by the unmistakable sculpture of “The Three Poets” . From

106 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

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 sec - tion over 800 m long that has been perfectly conditioned for its recreational use (benches, terraces, viewpoints, landscaped areas) and that affords mag - nificent views of the river, completely isolating you from the hustle and bus - tle 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 foot - path 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 Ca - noeing 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 ex - cellent 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 di - version dam. From here there are two options you can take. The first is to con - tinue 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 Pro - tection 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 di - version 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 Lit - tle 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 pas - sage 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 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

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 ex - uberant 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, Melo - dious Warbler, Wren, Long-tailed Tit and Common Chaffinch nest. The giant reed thickets, often mixed with willows, form another of the most in - teresting 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 oc - curs 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 var - ious species of duck is noteworthy, such as Mallard, Northern Shoveler, Gad - wall 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 con - centration of Lesser Black-backed Gulls , with over 2000 individuals congre - gating 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 cen - tre. You can also visit the Latin-American and Extremaduran Museum of Con - temporary Art (MEIAC), the Provincial Archaeological Museum of Badajoz or the Museum of the City “Luís de Morales”. You can discover a lot of Bada - joz’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 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

Areas of interest (ZEPA Azud de Badajoz)

HS** CERVANTES P GALICIA ACCOMMODATOIN CALLE TRINIDAD, 2 AVENIDA ADOLFO DIAZ AM - BADAJOZ 924223710 / 924222935 BRONA, 24 HS** CONDEDU 924271902 / 924271902 H***** GRAN HOTEL CA - CALLE MUÑOZ TORRERO, 27 HA*** ASCARZA SINO DE EXTREMADURA 924207247 / 924207248 Castillo Puebla de Alcocer, 28 AVDA DÍAZ AMBRONA, 13 HS** GONGORA 924286370 / 924286371 924284402 / 924275175 C/ DOBLADOS, 17 H**** LOS JARDINES DE 924223710 / 924235962 GUADIANA HS** SAN MARCOS LAS BOVEDAS DEL CAUDILLO AUTOVIA MADRID-LISBOA MELÉNDEZ VALDÉS, 53 P.K.405.715 924229518 / 924229250 P MARI LOLI HS* DE LAS HERAS 924286035 PLAZA DEL PARQUE, 3 CALLE PEDRO DE VALDIVIA, 6 H**** AC BADAJOZ 924471080 AVDA DE ELVAS S/N 924224014 / 924224014 HS* NIZA 924286247 / 924286248 PUEBLONUEVO H**** ZURBARÁN CALLE ARCO AGÜERO, 34 DEL GUADIANA PASEO CASTELAR, 1 924223173 / 924200584 924001400 / 924220142 HS* NIZA II H* LA FINCA H**** BADAJOZ CENTER CALLE ARCO AGÜERO, 45 CARRETERA BADAJOZ -MON - AVDA DAMIAN TELLEZ LA - 924223173 / 924200584 TILJO K. 22 FUENTE, S/N HS* VICTORIA 924140718 924212000 / 924212002 CALLE LUIS DE CAMOENS, 3 H*** ACUAREL 924271662 / 924277551 VALDELACALZADA CTRA.BADAJOZ-GRANADA, K. 65 HS* HOSTAL BADAJOZ C/ GENERAL EMILIO MOLA 924239606 / 924241620 HS** VELASCO H*** LISBOA VIDAL, 5 CALLE CALZADA, 26 AVDA. DE ADOLFO DÍAZ AM - 924247402 924447109 / 924447109 BRONA, 13 HS* TITTY TWISTER 924272900 / 924272250 N-432, KM 11.200 H*** RIO 924275841 VILLAFRANCO AVDA. A. DIAZ AMBRONA, 13 HS* PLAZA DE ESPAÑA DEL GUADIANA 924272600 / 924273874 CALLE ZURBARAN, 2-1º HS** DON PACO 924222005 H**** CONFORTEL CALLE SANCHEZ DE LA HS* PINTOR BADAJOZ ROCHA, 7 CALLE ARCO AGÜERO, 26 CARRETERA N-V, KM 393 924286415 924224228 / 924233345 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 RUTAS ORNITOLÓGICAS POR EXTREMADURA 12 Cornalvo / Los Canchales

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 Mon - tánchez. 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 ), contin - uing 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 Sketch of the route and selected species

6

6 -

A

-5 A

5 A-

European Nuthatch, Short-toed Treecreeper, Hawfinch, Residents Lesser Spotted Woodpecker O

V Summer Black Stork, Nightingale, Melodious Warbler, L visitors Booted Eagle, Black Kite A

N Winter Dunnock, Eurasian Bullfinch, Common Wood Pigeon, R visitors

O Common Teal, Gadwall C Passage Spotted Flycatcher, Pied Flycatcher, Common Redstart migrants

Residents Cattle Egret, Grey Heron, Great Crested Grebe, Common S Coot, Mallard, Common Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plover E L

A Summer Little Tern, Gull-billed Tern, Black-winged Stilt, Collared

H visitors Pratincole, Whiskered Tern C N

A Winter Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Common

C visitors Crane, Pintail, Eurasian Wigeon, Greylag Goose

S

O Eurasian Spoonbill, Curlew Sandpiper, Red Knot, Green - Passage L migrants shank, Grey Plove, Turnstone, Wood Sandpiper, Osprey

114 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

Little Owl 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 Pro - tection 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 Albar - regas , 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 nu - merous 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, Dun - lin, 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, Short- toed 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 pre - dominated 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 War - blers 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 Buz - zard, 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 Im - perial Eagle .

116 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

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 di - versity 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 Mérida, a World Heritage Site, is the perfect com - plement 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 Mon - tijo 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 Confed - eration 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 sig - nificantly 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 reser - voir 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 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

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 (bul - rush 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 is - lands 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 Black- headed 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 see - ing Dunlin, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Red Knot, Ringed Plover, Common and Spotted Redshanks, Greenshank, Grey Plover, Turnstone, Wood Sand - piper 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 , Gad - wall, 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 War - blers, 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 sum - mer 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 Es - parragalejo 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 Can - chales 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 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

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

HS** LAS ABADÍAS ACCOMMODATION MONTIJO RONDA DE LOS EMERITOS, S/N GUAREÑA 924313326 H* GRAN SOL DE EXTRE - HS* ALAMEDA MADURA H EL COTO PLAZA MAGDALENA, 1 AVDA DEL PROGRESO, 10 CARRETERA D. BENITO 924300474 924456032 / 924456132 924350378 / 924350525 HS* BUENO HS** HOSTAL KATYA CALLE CALVARIO, 9 PLAZA ESPAÑA,2 MÉRIDA 924302977 / 696230075 924450179 HS** LA ISLA H***** MERIDA PALACE HS* EL ALFARERO CARLOS I, 1 PLAZA DE ESPAÑA 19 CALLE SAGASTA, 40 924455557 / 667572320 924383800 924303183 / 678311783 HS* CASA ANDRES H**** ADEALBA HS* EL TORERO CALLE PORTOCARRERO, 9 C/ ROMERO LEAL, Nº 18 CARRETERA ALANGE, 1 924452215 665402105 / 924388271 924371789 P PRINCESA H**** LA LOMAS HS* NUEVA ESPAÑA CARRETERA ESTACIÓN, 9 AVDA. REINA SOFÍA, 78 AVENIDA EXTREMADURA, 6 924455070 924311011 / 618518431 924313356 / 924304016 CR BARBAÑO H**** PARADOR DE TU - HS* SALUD TORREÁGUILA RISMO VIA DE LA PLATA CALLE VESPASIANO, 41 CTRA. BARBAÑO-TORREMA - PLAZA CONSTITUCION, 3 924312259 YOR, S/N 924313800 HS* SENERO 617457496 H**** TRYP MEDEA CALLE HOLGUIN, 12 AVENIDA PORTUGAL S/Nº 924317207 TOURIST OFFICES 924372400 HS* TORERO II H**** VELADA MERIDA CTRA. ALANGE, 1 O.T. MUNICIPAL DE AVENIDA PRINCESA SOFIA s/n 924371789 MÉRIDA 924315110 HR EL PANTANO SANTA EULALIA, 64 H*** NOVA ROMA MÉRIDA FINCA EL PANTANO. CTRA. CALLE SUAREZ SOMONTE, 42 TEL.: 924330722 924311261 / 924311201 MONTIJO A LA ROCA, KM. H*** ZEUS 15,700 924140194 / 617386611 INTERPRETATION CENTRES AVDA. REINA SOFÍA, 8 CR M CORTIJO 924318111 C.I. DEL AGUA DEL DE LA SERRANA H** CERVANTES PARQUE NATURAL CTRA. LA ROCA DE LA SIERRA- CALLE CAMILO J. CELA, 8 CTRA. TRUJILLANOS-EMBALSE 924314961 MONTIJO, KM. 14 DE CORNALVO H** HOTEL RAMBLA EMÉ - 924452874 / 646335382 TRUJILLANOS RITA CT MÉRIDA TEL.: 924002386 RAMBLA SANTA EULALIA, 17 CARRETERA N-V, K. 336 924387231 924303453 H** LUSITANIA CALLE OVIEDO, 12 MIRANDILLA 924316112 HS** ANAS CR CASA DEL MOLINERO AVENIDA REINA SOFÍA, 9 URBANIZACION LOS CANCHALES 924311113 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 RUTAS ORNITOLÓGICAS POR EXTREMADURA 13 Moheda Alta / Sierra Brava

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 Madri - galejo . 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 N- 430, 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

Sketch of the route and selected species

6

1

1

-

E

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

Summer Black Stork, Booted Eagle, Montagu’s Harrier, Gull- visitors billed Tern, Collared Pratincole, European Bee-eater

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

Passage Garganey, Common Shelduck, Ruddy Shelduck, Avocet, migrants Osprey

124 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

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. Start - ing 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 de - serves 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 walk - ing 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 ele - vated 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 Cu - bilar, 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 Mag - pie , 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 Periur - ban 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 mag - nificent mature dehesa , evidence of the habitat that existed before the irri - gation 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 . 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 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

Short-eared Owl 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 mi - grating 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, Black- bellied 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), Grey - lag Geese, Black-tailed Godwits, Northern Lapwings, etc. will delight any bird - watcher, 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 farm - ing 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 Ex - tremadura 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 ten - thredinifera, O. conica, Orchis morio, etc.

Texts: Juan Pablo Prieto Clemente

128 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

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

CR EL OLIVO H DON JUAN ACCOMMODATION CALLE DELICIAS, 14 CARRETERA N-430 K. 139 LOGROSÁN 609748722 / 927158122 924860606 / 924860296 H EL IMPREVISTO H JARA MADRIGALEJO CARRETERA N-430 K. 139 AVENIDA HERNANDEZ SE - 924860311 RRANO, S/N H PEDRO H LOS OLIVOS 927360109 C/ SAN JUAN Nº 9 CARRETERA N-430 K. 139 H ROSALES, LOS 927354572 924860580 CARRETERA DE GUADALUPE H MAYVE CR S LA LOZANA 927360220 CALLE MORENO NOGALES, 18 CARRETERA DE ZORITA, S/N CR EL PORTALON 924824291 C/ BROCENSE, 5 927354081 927360218 / 628453033 ZORITA CR LA CASA DEL NAVALVILLAR DE PELA MARQUÉS P EL AMIGO PABLO GREGORIO LOPEZ, 5 H LAS DEHESAS AVDA. CONSTITUCION,2 927360777 / 927360169 CARRETERA N-430, K. 135 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 RUTAS ORNITOLÓGICAS POR EXTREMADURA 14 Embalse de Orellana y Puerto Peña

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 Orel - lana 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

N-430

8 3 -1 A B B A 5 - 1 1 1 3 - 7 X E

EX-103

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

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

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

Passage Northern Wheatear, Black-eared Wheatear, Osprey migrants

132 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

Description of the route

Section 1 . Casas de Don Pedro- Puerto 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 road that runs parallel to the Canal Puerto Peña 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 cam - eras to observe the birds of the rocky crags. Continue along the route, leav - ing 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 to - wards 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 to - wards 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 Buz - zard, 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 sec - tion (which looks like a river when the water level is low) and some interest - ing 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 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

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 Wall - creeper 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 build - ing. 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 pas - tures 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 con - necting 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 ac - companied 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, Pin - tail, 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 Pratin - cole . 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 Navalvil - lar 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 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

Areas of interest (ZEPA Embalse de Orellana y Puerto Peña)

CR VALLLES DE ACCOMMODATION VALDECABALLEROS CONSOLACION B CAMPANARIO FINCA LOS VALLES DE CONSO - AT SIERRA JARA LACION URBANIZACIÓN SIERRA JARA CR JARA-SERENA 924145039 / 913510931 670850183 CARRETERA LA HABA-LA CR LA CASA DE LOS HS** LA HOSTERIA DE GUARDA, KM 7 TEMPLARIOS LOS ENCINARES FINCA HOYA DEL LOBO GARCIA MESONERO, 11 CARRETERA GUADALUPE S/N 658869391 924620085 / 669936927 924643212 / 924643235 CR LOS CASARES CR LA BOTICA HS* LA VAGUADA CARRETERA DE QUINTANA, 7 CALLE FERNANDO HERNAN - CARRETERA BADAJOZ K. 3 606706676 DEZ GIL, 24 924643426 / 924643092 924620315 / 610374524 CASAS DE DON PEDRO FUENLABRADA CR CASA LARES TALARRUBIAS DE LOS MONTES ZAMORA, 26 924864027 / 654211578 C 1ª PUERTO PEÑA H** EL TORREON CARRETERA N-430, KM. 169 CALLE VILLANUEVA, 12 NAVALVILLAR DE PELA 924631411 / 924631411 924642107 / 924642042 P NUÑEZ HS* CARLOS I H LAS DEHESAS CALLE RAMON Y CAJAL, 2 CALLE COMENDADOR ARIAS CARRETERA N-430, K. 135 924630309 / 924630309 PÉREZ, 12 H DON JUAN P CALDERON 924650871 / 654450905 CARRETERA N-430 K. 139 CALLE FUENTE VILLA, 9 HS* EL FOGÓN DE FELISA 924860606 / 924860296 924630360 / 924630503 AVENIDA JUAN CARLOS I, 1 H EL IMPREVISTO 924650148 CARRETERA N-430 K. 139 ALÍA HS* PACO`S 924860311 CALLE COMENDADOR ARIAS H LOS OLIVOS H* VALMAYOR PEREZ, 24 924642202 / 924650801 CARRETERA N-430 K. 139 CARRETERA EX-102, PARC. 91. 924860580 POL. 21 CR S LA LOZANA 927366515 / 927366270 TOURIST OFFICES CALLE MORENO NOGALES, 18 P GARCÍA O.T. HERRERA DEL DUQUE 924824291 PANTANO DE CIJARA AV. DE LA PALMERA, 1 927366475 HERRERA DEL DUQUE ORELLANA DE LA SIERRA P MONTERO, EL TEL.: 924650231 AVDA. LUIS CHAMIZO, 40 H*** EMBALSE DE FAX: 924650025 927366011 O.T. TALARRUBIAS ORELLANA CR EL ESTRECHO DE LA CERRO DE LAS HERRERIAS C. DE OCIO PUERTO PEÑA 924866400 / 924866413 PEÑA CTRA. DE PELOCHE, KM. 1 P EL CAPITAN CTRA. EX.102, KM.92,300 PANTANO DE PUERTO PEÑA 927366289 / 616683486 TEL.: 924630100 CALLE REAL, 12 924866028 ATR EN PLENA SIERRA P LAS VIGAS LA CALERA INTERPRETATION CENTRES CALLE REAL, 25 616683486 924866150 C.I. DE LA FAUNA RUPÍ- CASTILBLANCO COLA DE PUERTO PEÑA PUEBLA DE ALCOCER EMBALSE DE PUERTO PEÑA CR LOS HUERTOS TALARRUBIAS CR VALLES DE C/LOS HUERTOS, 24 924630100 CONSOLACIÓN A 924654398 / 628266403 C.I. SOBRE LAS GRULLAS FINCA LOS VALLES DE LA CON - CR LA TAHONA CTRA. OBANDO - GUADALUPE SOLACION AVDA. EXTREMADURA, 39 NAVALVILLAR DE PELA 924145039 / 913510931 626185503 / 927654398 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 RUTAS ORNITOLÓGICAS POR EXTREMADURA 15 Lakes and Plains of La Albuera

Location and access

The reference points for this route are the towns of La Albuera and Valverde de Leganés, both of which are very close to the capital of the province, Bada - joz. 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

N -4 3 2

Cortijo de La Campana

La Albuera

N

-

4

3 5

Valverde de LeganŽs 1,5 km

Great Bustard, Little Bustard, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Residents Stone Curlew, Black-winged Kite, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe

Montagu’s Harrier, Lesser Kestrel, European Roller, Summer Western Orphean Warbler, Black-winged Stilt, visitors Whiskered Tern

Winter Common Crane, Hen Harrier, Golden Plover , ducks visitors

Passage Eurasian Spoonbill, Garganey, waders migrants

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 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

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 agri - cultural 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 Al - buera and can be done in half a day, partly by car, partly on foot. Take the N- 432 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 La - guna Chica, about 1 km distance, going past the farmhouse Cortijo de las Nat - eras 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 irri - gated 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 Campillo- Valdesevilla (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 re - turn to the road go towards Valverde de Leganés 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 se - ries 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, Col - lared Pratincole and Northern Lapwing (with this being one of the few breed - ing 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 popula - tions 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 Com - mon 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 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

Great Bustard Young Montagu’s Harrier

2) Plains of La Albuera-Valverde de Leganés: The pseudo-steppe agro sys - tem here is one of the best representations of this type of environment in Ex - tremadura, 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 commu - nal roosts ), Northern Lapwing, Golden Plover, Skylark, Meadow Pipit , among other species. In the few patches of dehesa and scattered Holm oaks still pres - ent 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 (March- May) or winter (December-February). Bear in mind, however, that in the win - ter 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 (Al - cazaba), 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 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

Areas of interest (Lagunas y Llanos de La Albuera)

HS** CONDEDU ACCOMMODATION CALLE MUÑOZ TORRERO, 27 VALDELACALZADA ACEUCHAL 924207247 / 924207248 HS** GONGORA HS** VELASCO H** FRIJÓN C/ DOBLADOS, 17 CALLE CALZADA, 26 924447109 / 924447109 CARRETERA CTRA. VILLALBA,1 924223710 / 924235962 924687321 HS** SAN MARCOS MELÉNDEZ VALDÉS, 53 VILLAFRANCO LA ALBUERA 924229518 / 924229250 DEL GUADIANA HS* DE LAS HERAS HS** VILLAFRES CALLE PEDRO DE VALDIVIA, 6 H**** CONFORTEL AVDA EXTREMADURA, 84 924224014 / 924224014 BADAJOZ 924480378 HS* NIZA CARRETERA N-V, KM 393 HS* DON PEPE CALLE ARCO AGÜERO, 34 924443711 / 924443708 AVDA.EXTREMADURA 115 924223173 / 924200584 924480033 HS* NIZA II SANTA MARTA CALLE ARCO AGÜERO, 45 DE LOS BARROS BADAJOZ 924223173 / 924200584 HS* VICTORIA H* KIKA H***** GRAN HOTEL CA - CALLE LUIS DE CAMOENS, 3 CALLE TTE CORONEL SEGUÍ, 44 SINO DE EXTREMADURA 924271662 / 924277551 924690527 AVDA DÍAZ AMBRONA, 13 HS* HOSTAL BADAJOZ 924284402 / 924275175 C/ GENERAL EMILIO MOLA VALVERDE DE LEGANÉS H**** LOS JARDINES DE VIDAL, 5 LAS BOVEDAS 924247402 HS* LOS HERMANOS AUTOVIA MADRID-LISBOA HS* TITTY TWISTER CARRETERA BADAJOZ S/N P.K.405.715 N-432, KM 11.200 924496400 924286035 924275841 HS* CHIRINGUITO H**** AC BADAJOZ HS* PLAZA DE ESPAÑA CARRETERA BADAJOZ S/N AVDA DE ELVAS S/N CALLE ZURBARAN, 2-1º 924496153 924286247 / 924286248 924222005 CR VALLE DE MIRA H**** ZURBARÁN HS* PINTOR CRTA DE VALVERDE-TALIGA PASEO CASTELAR, 1 CALLE ARCO AGÜERO, 26 KM 4.1 924001400 / 924220142 924224228 / 924233345 927127474 H**** BADAJOZ CENTER P GALICIA CR LOS GAITANES AVDA DAMIAN TELLEZ LA - AVENIDA A. DIAZ AMBRONA, C/ LAS TORRES S/N FUENTE, S/N 24 678726098 924212000 / 924212002 924271902 / 924271902 H*** ACUAREL HA*** ASCARZA CTRA.BADAJOZ-GRANADA, K. Castillo Puebla de Alcocer, 28 65 924286370 / 924286371 924239606 / 924241620 H*** LISBOA GUADIANA AVDA. DE ADOLFO DÍAZ AM - DEL CAUDILLO BRONA, 13 924272900 / 924272250 P MARI LOLI H*** RIO PLAZA DEL PARQUE, 3 AVDA A. DIAZ AMBRONA, 13 924471080 924272600 / 924273874 HS** DON PACO PUEBLONUEVO CALLE SANCHEZ DE LA DEL GUADIANA ROCHA, 7 924286415 H* LA FINCA HS** CERVANTES CARRETERA BADAJOZ -MON - CALLE TRINIDAD, 2 TILJO K. 22 924223710 / 924222935 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 RUTAS ORNITOLÓGICAS POR EXTREMADURA 16 Central Sierras of Badajoz

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 (E- 90) 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 in - terest 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

EX -1 05

0

3

6

-

N

6

6

-

A

5

3

3

-

X

E

EX -2 12

E

X

-

3

4

4

4 33 X- E

Griffon Vulture, Bonelli’s Eagle, Golden Eagle, Eagle Sedentarias Owl, Blue Rock Thrush, Black Wheatear, Rock Bunting

Egyptian Vulture, Alpine Swift, Black-eared Wheatear, Estivales Whiskered Tern, Black-winged Stilt

Alpine Accentor, Common Crane, Great Cormorant Invernantes Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull

En Paso Eurasian Spoonbill

148 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

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 lit - tle 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 enor - mous 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 Mérida- Alange). 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 ar - chaeological 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 des - tination. 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 Za - patera (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 , cov - ered by olive groves in rows (or on slopes) and almond trees and stony ground , crowned by quartzite crags. Once at the Mines, an enormous open - cast mineral pit, a pair of small roads lead off on the right (29S-743796- 429979), 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 Occi - dental 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 (“butr - era”). As the name suggests ( butrera means vulture nesting site) the moun - tain 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, cov - ered 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 be - fore 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 junc - tion (29S-755364-4275325) turn right. This track (best done on foot), which affords magnificent views, will take you to the Umbría de Sierra Grande , cov - ered by dense Mediterranean forest and scrubland, dotted with stony areas

150 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

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 attrac - tive 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 nu - merous 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 (Sier - ras de San Serván, Grajera, Peñas Blancas, del Conde-Vistalegre, Manchita and Hornachos), are authentic “ecosystem-islands” in a highly degraded agri - cultural environment, and boast a community of large birds of prey as the main ornithological value. Throughout the route and at each one of the sug - gested 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 Spar - rowhawk, 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 de - hesa . 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 reser - voirs. 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 Mar - tins, 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 occasion - ally Whiskered Tern, Collared Pratincole and Northern Lapwing . The commu - nity 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 win - ter (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 Palomil - las; SPAs Colonia de primillas de la Iglesia de Guareña (Lesser Kestrel ) and Cornalvo Natural Park; you can find more information at http://www.ex - tremambiente.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 (Nar - cissus 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 (al - cazaba), 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 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

Areas of interest (Sierras centrales de Badajoz)

ACCOMMODATION CALAMONTE MÉRIDA

ALANGE HS** LAS PALMERAS H***** MERIDA PALACE CTRA N-630 KM 628 PLAZA DE ESPAÑA 19 H**** GRAN HOTEL AQUA - 639976357 924383800 LANGE H**** ADEALBA PASEO DE LAS HUERTAS, 3 GUAREÑA C/ ROMERO LEAL, Nº 18 924365608 665402105 / 924388271 H*** VARINIA SERENA H* EL COTO H**** LA LOMAS CALLE BAÑOS,, 63 CARRETERA D. BENITO, AVDA. REINA SOFÍA, 78 924365213 924350378 924311011 / 618518431 H* LA CORDOBESA P ACUARIO H**** PARADOR DE TU - CALLE NUEVA, 8 CARRETERA D. BENITO, RISMO VIA DE LA PLATA 924365323 924351379 PLAZA CONSTITUCION, 3 H* MARÍN 924313800 CALLE BAÑOS, 6 HORNACHOS H**** TRYP MEDEA 924365385 AVENIDA PORTUGAL S/Nº AT PARAJE LA HS* ATENEA 924372400 AGUSTINA CALLE NUEVA, 22 H**** VELADA MERIDA PARAJE LA AGUSTINA 924365366 AVENIDA PRINCESA SOFIA s/n 924533001 HS* JUAN DE DIOS 924315110 CR LOS CASTILLEJOS CALLE BAÑOS, 34 H*** NOVA ROMA LUIS CHAMIZO, 10 924365262 CALLE SUAREZ SOMONTE, 42 927534067 924311261 / 924311201 HR LA SINFOROSA CR SIERRA DE MAMPAR H*** ZEUS C/ NUEVA,10 CALLE SIERRA DE MAMPAR AVDA. REINA SOFÍA, 8 924365606 924124020 924318111 ATR TRINIDAD CR TITA SACRAMENTO H** CERVANTES C/ CASTILLEJOS,3 LUIS CHAMIZO, 12 CALLE CAMILO J. CELA, 8 924365066 924534218 924314961 CR LA CASINA CR TITA SACRAMENTO H** HOTEL RAMBLA C/ ALMENDROS, 27 LUIS CHAMIZO, 12 EMÉRITA 646751139 924534218 RAMBLA SANTA EULALIA, 17 CR LA CASA AZUL P CASTILLO DE 924387231 CALLE BAÑOS, 57 HORNACHOS H** LUSITANIA 924365213 NTRA SRA DE GUADALUPE 16 CALLE OVIEDO, 12 CR EL BALCÓN DE 924533606 924316112 ALANGE HS** ANAS COSO, Nº 67 LA ZARZA AVENIDA REINA SOFÍA, 9 695498731 924311113 CR LOS CORTINALES HS** LAS ABADÍAS ARROYO DE SAN SERVÁN AVDA. ALANGE RONDA DE LOS EMERITOS, S/N 647776684 924313326 P EL CRUCE HS* CASA LÓPEZ HS* ALAMEDA CARRETERA N-V KM. 352 CALLE MERIDA, 3 PLAZA MAGDALENA, 1 924342112 924366350 924300474 HR LOS POZITOS HS* MOLINA HS* BUENO POLIGONO II, PARCELA 5004 JUAN CARLOS I S/N CALLE CALVARIO, 9 665992490 924366103 924302977 / 696230075 ATR LOS POZITOS HR EL ARRIERO HS* EL ALFARERO POLIGONO II PARCELA 5004 DULCE CHACON, 4 CALLE SAGASTA, 40 665992490 924367968 924303183 / 678311783

153 Central Sierras of Badajoz

HS* EL TORERO CR CORTIJO DE LA RIBERA DEL FRESNO CARRETERA ALANGE, 1 SERRANA 924371789 CTRA. LA ROCA DE LA SIERRA- CR POSADA NOSTRA HS* NUEVA ESPAÑA MONTIJO, KM. 14 CURA, 10 AVENIDA EXTREMADURA, 6 924452874 / 646335382 924536116 924313356 / 924304016 CT MÉRIDA HS* SALUD CARRETERA N-V, K. 336 TORREMEJÍA CALLE VESPASIANO, 41 924303453 924312259 HS** MILENIUM HS* SENERO PUEBLA DE LA REINA AVDA EXTREMADURA, 56 CALLE HOLGUIN, 12 924340207 924317207 AT LOS PALACIOS HS* TORERO II CARRETERA HORNACHOS, S/N CTRA. ALANGE, 1 924360033 924371789 CR LA POSÁ DE MARIA HR EL PANTANO ZURBARÁN, 22 FINCA EL PANTANO. 924360077 / 620900393 CTRA. MONTIJO - LA ROCA, KM. 15,700 924140194 / 617386611

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 RUTAS ORNITOLÓGICAS POR EXTREMADURA 17 La Serena and Sierra de Tiros

Location and access

La Serena is a region in the east of the province of Badajoz. Its main distin - guishing features are the vast plains that dominate the landscape. The River Zújar and its tributaries cut across this plateau of slates, with a gently undu - lating 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-349

3

0

1

-

X

E

E X - 1 0 4

BA-112

Great Bustard, Little Bustard, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Residents Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Bonelli’s Eagle, Golden Eagle

Summer Black Stork, Egyptian Vulture, Lesser Kestrel, Montagu’s visitors Harrier, European Roller, Short-toed Lark

Winter Lapwing, Golden Plover, Common Crane, Meadow Pipit, visitors Skylark, Hen Harrier

Passage Northern Wheatear, Black-eared Wheatear, Whinchat migrants

156 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

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 town of Campanario, which you Thekla Lark can reach via the EX-104 from Vil - lanueva 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 Al - morchón, 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 pro - tected 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 pas - tures 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, Sardin - ian and Western Orphean Warblers and Rufous Bush Robin (the latter two particularly in patches of wild olive). Colonies of Montagu ’s Harrier have es - tablished themselves in some cereal crops, in which you may also find pairs of Marsh Harrier .

Lesser Kestrel

158 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

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 eas - ily 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, particu - larly 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 pres - ent. 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 es - tablishing 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 Al - morchón 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 moun - tain 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, Mis - tle Thrush,Nightingale, Eurasian Jay, Azure-winged Magpie, Woodchat Shrike, Wren, Rock Sparrow, Common Chaffinch and Hawfinch ) and those represen - tative 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 audiovi - sual. 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 denomi - nation 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 to - wards Cabeza del Buey and visit the castles of de la Serena and Almorchón (of Almohade origin, from the 12 th -13 th 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 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

Areas of interest (La Serena y Sierra de Tiros)

HS* GALICIA CR LAS SETECIENTAS ACCOMMODATION PLAZA SANCHEZ CORTES CTRA C-103 KM 63,500 TALARRUBIAS 924803528 636865915 P EL OLIVO CR ISLA DEL ZÚJAR P NUÑEZ CARRETERA D. BENITO - VVA EMBALSE DEL ZÚJAR KM. 101 CALLE RAMON Y CAJAL, 2 610390793 / 924760635 924800006 924630309 PENSIONES MONTERRUBIO SIRUELA P CALDERÓN DE LA SERENA CALLE FUENTE VILLA, 9 HS* LOS AMIGOS 924630360 TRV. AVDA GUADALUPE, 26 H** COTO DE LA SERENA CT PUERTO PEÑA CALLE ESPAÑA, 6 CARRETERA N-430, KM. 169 LA CORONADA 924635169 924631411 HS** VATICANO P LA FAMA PLAZA ESPAÑA, 15 PUEBLA DE ALCOCER AVDA LA FAMA, 4 924826322 924610633 H* LA CODORNIZ CR SIERRA DE LOS CAMINO LA LAGUNA S/N CASAS DE DON PEDRO OJUELOS 1 924620110 FINCA OJUELO CR VALLES DE CONSOLA - CR CASA LARES 924610180 CION A ZAMORA, 26 CR SIERRA DE LOS 924864027 / 654211578 FINCA LOS VALLES DE LA CON - OJUELOS 2 SOLACION CAMPANARIO FINCA OJUELO 924145039 / 913510931 924610180 CR VALLLES DE CONSO - CR JARA-SERENA CR CORTIJO DE LACION B CTRA. LA HABA-LA GUARDA, BECERRA FINCA LOS VALLES DE CONSO - KM 7 FINCA BECERRA LACION 658869391 669242146 924145039 / 913510931 CR LOS CASARES CR LA CASA DE LOS CARRETERA DE QUINTANA, 7 CABEZA DEL BUEY TEMPLARIOS 606706676 GARCIA MESONERO, 11 HS* POLIDEP. MUNICIPAL 924620085 / 669936927 MAGACELA AVENIDA N. S. DE BELEN, S/N CR LA BOTICA CR VILLASOL 924600756 CALLE FERNANDO HERNAN - FINCA PARAJE "LAS VIÑAS", CR LA LOMA DEZ GIL, 24 699912023 FINCA LA LOMA 924620315 / 610374524 924600327 / 651908826 CASTUERA DON BENITO QUINTANA DE LA SERENA H** BARON DEL POZO H*** VEGAS ALTAS CTRA. VVA-ANDUJ. KM. 33,5 H** SAN FRANCISCO AVENIDA BADAJOZ, 924761048 AVDA. CONSTITUCIÓN, 8 924810005 H** LOS NARANJOS 924777804 H** VERACRUZ CARRETERA BENQUERENCIA AVDA. VEGAS ALTAS, 105 924760888 BENQUERENCIA 924801362 H* PARAISO HS** KARMEN CALLE DIVINO MORALES, 6-8 DE LA SERENA RETAMOSA, POLIG.INDUS. SAN 924760248 ISIDRO S/N H** LA PANADERIA ATR ISLA DEL ZÚJAR CALLE CARRETERA, 2 924813252 EMBALSE DEL ZÚJAR HS* EL PARAISO 924146010 924774457 CTRA DON BENITO- VILLA - CR LA CASA DE LA AVES CR SABINO ALCÁNTARA NUEVA, KM 99 CTRA. EX-103. PK. 63,5 TAMBOREJO, 28 924803459 610390793 / 924760639 924776191

161 La Serena and Sierra de Tiros

CR EL PALOMAR O.T. MANCOMUNIDAD DE O.T. VILLANUEVA DE LA CRTA. DE CASTUERA A BEN - LA SERENA SERENA QUERENCIA KM 2 PLAZA DE ESPAÑA, S/N PL. DE ESPAÑA, 1 924772398 CASTUERA VILLANUEVA DE LA SERENA ZARZA CAPILLA TEL.: 924773817 TEL.: 924846010 FAX: 924760635 FAX: 924843529 A ZARZA CAPILLA www.laserena.org www.villanuevadelaserena.es AVDA GUARDIA CIVIL S/N [email protected] oficinaturismo@villanuevade lase - 924619152 rena.es TOURIST OFFICE O.T. TALARRUBIAS CENTRO DE OCIO PUERTO INTERPRETATION CENTRES O.T. DON BENITO PEÑA VILLANUEVA, 1 CTRA. DE PELOCHE, KM. 1 C.I. DE LA NATURALEZA DON BENITO PANTANO DE PUERTO PEÑA COMARCA DE LA SERENA TEL.: 924808084 TEL. Y FAX: 924805350 TEL.: 924630100 ARRABAL, S/N www.donbenito.org www.talarrubias.net CASTUERA [email protected] [email protected] 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 RUTAS ORNITOLÓGICAS POR EXTREMADURA 18 Dehesas of Jerez

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

EX-313

5

3

4

- N

N - 4 2 3 1 5 1 X- E

EX-112

N - 4 3 5

Residents Griffon Vulture, Azure-winged Magpie, Black-winged Kite

Summer Black Stork, Short-toed Eagle, Booted Eagle, Common visitors Redstart

Winter Dunnock, Common Wood Pigeon, Song Thrush visitors

164 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

esting observation points. Apart from the irrigated crops in Ardila and Valu - engo Reservoir , the route mainly goes through landscapes dominated by Holm and cork oaks, in single species or mixed expanses, forming open wood - land or dehesa or denser and more wooded formations, often accompanied by Iberian Pears. This natural region of the mountain ranges of Jerez de los Ca - balleros 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 Ex - tremaduran spurs of Sierra Morena. Together with the neighbouring Andalu - sian 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 to - wards 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 re - turn 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 pro - duction 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 crit - ical for its fattening up and the refinement of its cold meats and hams, popu - larly 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 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

mon Redstart , an uncommon summer breeding bird that has its main popu - lation in this area of Extremadura, in the more mature, dense and better con - served 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 Utr - era” , with some huge cork and gall oaks and beautiful views towards the val - leys 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 land - scape 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 spe - cial interest for endangered species such as the Black Stork , which finds seclu - sion 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 Saha - ran 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 Azure- winged Magpies are very common in the Holm oak groves, where they es - tablish 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 an - imal species. As a result nocturnal birds are particularly abundant, such as Tawny Owls and Barn Owls and mammals such as the Genet and Garden Dor - mouse . 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 Cor - morants . 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 mid - dle 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 dis - trict 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 prod - ucts. The annual celebration “Salón del Jamón Ibérico” in Jerez de los Ca - balleros 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 Frege - nal 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 Sal - vatierra de los Barros, famous for its earthenware pots and jars.

Texts: Víctor Manuel Pizarro Jiménez

168 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

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 CTRA. OLIVA DE LA FRONTERO- CABALLEROS H*** LOS TEMPLARIOS VALENCIA DEL MOMBUEY AV. DE LA CONSTITUCIÓN, 4 CARRETERA VILLANUEVA, S/Nº 924740000 JEREZ DE LOS CABALLEROS 924731636 CR EL CHORLITO TEL.: 924730372 H** OASIS CAMINO DEL SANTO Km. 3 FAX: 924730204 CALLE EL CAMPO,, 18 654437575 www.jerezdeloscaballeros.es 924731244 P EL CAMIONERO turismo@jerezdeloscaballe - HS** MIJINA CARRETERA JEREZ, 127 ros.e.telefonica.net ERITAS, 86 658765089 / 924754618 924730390 P LA PARRILLA INTERPRETATION CENTRES HS** CASA RAMOS CARRETERA DE JEREZ 125-A CARRETERA BADAJOZ, 26 924754601 C.I. DE LA DEHESA 924730983 CUBO, S/N ATR EL GUIJO VILLANUEVA SALVALEÓN FINCA EL GUIJO DEL FRESNO TEL.: 924752504 924730074 C.I. AGUA AIRE CR LA ZAFRILLA HS** VILLAFRES OLIVO,3 FINCA LA ZAFRILLA PLAZA ESPAÑA, 24 BARCARROTA 924731031 / 608008217 924427218 / 619324160 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 RUTAS ORNITOLÓGICAS POR EXTREMADURA 19 Arroyo-Conejos reservorir 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 Cone - jos” , 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 thor - ough, a little over 80 km , designed to be done by car in one whole day . It

171 Arroyo-Conejos reservoir and Campiña Sur

Sketch of the route and selected species

6

1

0

-

A

B

2

4

0

-

A

B

1

1

1

-

X

E

6 08 A- B

B A - 0 7 5

Great Bustard, Little Bustard, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Residents Stone Curlew, Black-winged Kite, White Stork, Red-billed Chough

Gull-billed Tern, Little Tern, Collared Pratincole, Black- Summer winged Stilt, Montagu’s Harrier, Lesser Kestrel, visitors European Roller

Winter Common Crane, Hen Harrier, Merlin, Golden Plover, visitors ducks

Passage Garganey, Black-eared Wheatear migrants

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 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

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 (30S- 241322-4246132), 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 afore- mentioned 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 white - washed 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-259756- 4252775) leave this inter-town road, turning left onto an asphalted road ( Car - retera 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 Ser - ena) 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 An - drés ), another typical feature of La Campiña and very important, although in most instances they have been highly altered by drainage processes, agricul - ture, mismanagement, etc. In any case, after periods of heavy rainfall they can shelter interesting species of water birds (see later), particularly during win - ter 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 pre - viously 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, de - pending on whether your “ornithological expectations” have already been ful - filled 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 fur - ther. 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 destina - tion 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 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

Ornithological interest

There are many and varied ornithological attractions that are worth highlight - ing 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 im - portant 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, North - ern 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 spec - tacular 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, Black- bellied Sandgrouse, Stone Curlew, European Roller, Montagu ’s Harrier, Ca - landra 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 dis - used. Lastly, there are interesting species of birds linked to the dispersed de - hesa 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 Sier - ras 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 Nues - tra Señora de Granada, Plaza Mayor, Mudejar houses, walls) and Azuaga (Cas - tle of Miramontes, Church of Nuestra Señora de la Consolación, chapels, ancestral houses). Mudejar style churches of Granja de Torrehermosa, Ber - langa 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 mu - nicipal district of Azuaga, there are several megalithic monuments, including a menhir within the urban area itself.

Author: Casimiro Corbacho Amado

176 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

Datos de interés (Embalse de Arroyo-Conejos y Campiña Sur)

CT CAMPIÑA SUR H*** ISUR LLERENA ACCOMMODATION CTRA. BADAJOZ-GRANADA DOCTOR FLEMING S/N AZUAGA KM. 142 924516361 924144074 HS* GALLEGO H*** EL MIRADOR DE CARRETERA N-432 K. 112 BERLANGA AZUAGA 924870050 CARRETERA N-432, K. 142 HS* RUFINO HR LA FABRICA 924892930 CARRETERA N-432 KM. 131 MIGUEL SÁNCHEZ, S/N HS* LAS CONCHAS 924894036 924873824 P ZURBARÁN AVENIDA EXTREMADURA,, 31 PLAZA ESPAÑA, 3 924890239 CAMPILLO DE LLERENA 924871412 HS* JIMENEZ CR LA POSADA CALLE MUÑOZ TORRERO,80 C/ SAN BARTOLOMÉ, 18 PERALEDA DEL ZAUCEJO 924890390 924770304 / 670856302 CR CASA DEL SOTILLO ATR EL CUARTEL FINCA LA SIERRA. CTRA. GRANJA DE C/ NUESTRA SRA. DE FÁTIMA, 1 PRESA DEL SOTILLO TORREHERMOSA 646591385 924144074 CR CASA GABRIEL CR LA HOYA H*** HOTEL HACIENDA DE CALLE PALOMAS, 1 N-432, KM.149,5 DON MANUEL 924636744 924890390 AVDA. EXTREMADURA, 150 CR FAICA CR CORTIJO LA SEÑORA 924895480 CALLE MORTERO, 22 FINCA LA SIERRA HS* SAN FRANCISCO 924636657 924144074 CALLE CANALEJAS, 28 H** FAYCA CR CORTIJO 924895045 PASEO SERENA, 15 924636657 MIRADORCILLO HIGUERA DE LLERENA FINCA LA SIERRA VALENCIA 924144074 HS** EL MIRADOR CR CORTIJO VIÑA DEL REAL Nº 2 DE LAS TORRES DUCO 924880053 HS** CAMPO ABIERTO CAMINO DE LAS CURTIDAS S/N CARRETERA DE LLERENA, KM. 637017022 LLERENA 0.110 AT APARTAMENTOS H**** HOSPEDERIA 924881016 TURÍSTICOS DE AZUAGA MIRADOR DE LLERENA P LA TERRAZA CARRERA, 3 AURORA, 7 AVENIDA JOSE CAMPILLO, 10 687516527 / 924890237 924870597 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

BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

Field Guide Field Guide

Terms for the topography of a bird

11 12 1 Thigh (or tibia) 2 Under-tail coverts 10 3 Cola (o retrices) 13 4 Rump 9 5 Primaries 8 6 Secondaries 14 7 Tertials 7 15 8 Scapulars 6 9 Nape 10 Ear-coverts 5 16 11 Crown 4 12 Forehead 13 Bill 14 Chin 17 3 15 Throat 16 Breast 2 18 17 Flanks 1 18 Tarsus

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 at - tention, but in order to get to know them better, it is useful to take into account certain de - tails 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 cer - tain clues and these can be useful for us. For example, dabbling ducks like Mallard and Sho - veler 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 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

Close-up of the head

6

7 5 8 4 9

10

1 Throat 3 2 Bib 3 Chin 2 4 Lores 1 5 Eye-ring 6 Median crown-stripe 7 Lateral crown-stripe 8 Supercilium 9 Eye-stripe 10 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 sand - piper……).

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 Wo - odpecker), 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 fe - eds 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 ra - ther 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 fi - ner 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 cur - ved bill and a large crest, that can be raised and flat - tened. 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 cultiva - ted dehesas and spaces with few trees. It feeds ex - clusively 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 ı SAH : Sensitive to alteration of habitat ı V: Vulnerable ı IE : Of Special Interest 182 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

Dunnock Prunella modularis IE

Smaller than a sparrow with brown back, finely stre - aked 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 lo - wer ground. It feeds mainly on insects, grubs and spi - ders. 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 mot - tled 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 worl - d’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 Medi - terranean woodland, feeding on rabbits, pigeons and partridges. It does not migrate, although young birds disperse widely in search of te - rritories in which to settle.

183 Field Guide

Osprey Pandion haliaetus V

A medium-sized bird of prey which specialises in cat - ching 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 ye - llow eyes and is white below. It does not breed in Ex - tremadura, 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 reser - voirs 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 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus SAH

Smaller than the Hen Harrier, but similar in appea - rance. 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 un - derparts. They can be found in open country. In Ex - tremadura there a few breeding records in the Llanos de Cáceres, La Serena and Campiña 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 sha - llow pools and rice stubble. It does not breed in Ex - tremadura 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, camou - flaging well into the surroundings. It is found on ex - tensive arable land and open plains. Its fluty call is he - ard 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, adap - ted for capturing prey. It occurs in dehesas, woo - dland and valleys hunting for grasshoppers, small li - zards 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 rosy- flushed 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 fal - conry for hawking in the large halls of castles and pa - laces.

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 distinc - tive bold dark moustache. It has a very rapid and ae - robatic 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 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus V

It is the smallest vulture. Its plumage is unmistakea - ble: 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 ca - rrion. 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 plu - mage and an orange-toned tail, which is usually coc - ked. It can be found in olive groves, vineyards, almond or fig orchards. It feeds mainly on insects, but also ta - kes 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 Ex - tremadura 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 irri - gated 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 ma - rrón parduzca, parecida a la del azulón, pero con es - pejuelo 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 ed - ges 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 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

Grey Lag Goose Anser anser

This migratory wild goose arrives in Extremadura at the start of the winter cold and leaves as temperatu - res rise in February. It is greyish-brown with orange- pink 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 mot - tled, and it has a pale belly. The base of the bill and the legs are red. It occurs in rice fields, the edges of re - servoirs, 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, depen - ding on the season. They can mimic many sounds, in - cluding the miaow of cats. They are present throug - hout the year.

Scops Owl Otus scops IE

The smallest Iberian owl, smaller than a dove. It is gre - yish 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 arri - ves in spring to breed, leaving Extremadura in mid- September.

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 mud - dier 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 Ex - tremadura.

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 vege - tation, where it can occur unnoticed, only being de - tected when in flight from one side to another or by its call. It feeds on small aquatic animals. In Extre - madura it is common spring and summer, with few re - cords 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 ve - getation 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, bre - eding 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 ea - ves 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 un - derparts. 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 ı SAH : Sensitive to alteration of habitat ı V: Vulnerable ı IE : Of Special Interest 190 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris IE

Similar to Sand Martin, but larger and stouter. Its up - perparts 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 vi - sitor 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 Extrema - dura 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 me - dium-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 stre - aks 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 dark- rimmed facial mask and small “ear” tufts. Its brow - nish-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 hun - ting 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 orange- yellow eyes. Its plumage of brown with buffish mar - kings 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 pi - nes close to cultivation. It feeds on voles and mice and sometimes also small birds. In winter, it will often ro - ost 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 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

Eagle Owl Bubo bubo IE

The largest European owl with warm brownish plu - mage, “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 ha - bits. 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 in - fection by killing pathogenic bacteria or viruses which may have been responsible for the death of the ani - mal 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 be - comes 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 agri - cultural 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 ye - llowish breast and whiter belly. It is associated with marshy vegetation and river valleys. It feeds on small invertebrates such as spiders and insects. In Extre - madura 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 plu - mage with brilliant iridescence and legs, bill and shield bright red. They are associated with large wa - ter bodies with abundant marshy vegetation on the banks and water lilies. They feed mainly on aquatic ve - getation 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 ı SAH : Sensitive to alteration of habitat ı V: Vulnerable ı IE : Of Special Interest 194 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

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 Extrema - dura.

Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola SAH

Slightly smaller than a dove with an acrobatic flight like a swallow. Its upperparts are olive brown and un - derparts 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 in - sects captured on the wing.

Tawny Owl Strix aluco IE

A nocturnal medium-sized owl with brownish or gre - yish 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 pat - ches. 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 fe - eding 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 va - rious 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 ve - getation, 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 bre - eds 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 be - low. 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-carr - ying 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 ı SAH : Sensitive to alteration of habitat ı V: Vulnerable ı IE : Of Special Interest 196 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

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 ho - les in buildings in cultivated land or in towns, prefe - rring 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 re - servoirs 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 camou - flage 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 visi - tor, preferring damp woodland to open spaces. With its long bill it finds worms, grubs, slugs and small in - sects 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 coc - ked. 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 blac - kish, complete with a bright yellow eye-ring. It tends to run along the muddy banks of pools and small ri - vers searching for invertebrates. It is present throug - hout the year.

Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria IE

Smaller than a partridge with brownish-yellow plu - mage 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 vi - sitor to Extremadura.

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 198 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

European Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus IE

It is dove-sized but with larger wings and tail. The plu - mage 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 enor - mous gape. It does not usually perch in trees, spen - ding 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, oc - curring in dehesas, wetlands and pastures, nesting on almost any tall building such as churches, large hou - ses, 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 be - come resident in Extremadura.

Black Stork Ciconia nigra EE

Slightly smaller than the White Stork, with dark plu - mage with green and violet iridescence on the back and wings, with a white belly. The bill, legs and eye- ring are red. Unlike the White Stork, it is a shy and ti - mid species, very difficult to watch in its natural ha - bitat. It feeds on fish, snakes and crayfish. It arrives in Extremadura to breed towards the end of March, le - aving 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, re - servoirs and on rice fields. It is noisy and territorial du - ring the breeding season. It feeds on small inverte - brates 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 buf - fish 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 charac - teristic crest and long legs with short toes and a very long hind-claw. The song can be heard from a long dis - tance 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 plu - mage, with white patches on the wings and a promi - nent 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 Extre - madura 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 ı SAH : Sensitive to alteration of habitat ı V: Vulnerable ı IE : Of Special Interest 200 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

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 characte - ristic inverted black “T” against white background on the tail, visible in flight. It is found in open mountai - nous areas, with scrub and stony areas, where it fe - eds 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 al - most 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 throug - hout 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, re - maining 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 oc - curs 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 uropy - gial 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 Extre - madura. It feeds on aquatic vegetation and inverte - brates, 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 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

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, es - pecially caterpillars and may help to control infesta - tions.

Raven Corvus corax

Very large with black plumage, which at close quar - ters has iridescent patches of metallic blue. The Ra - ven 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 wo - ods 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 fron - tal vision which gives it an almost owl-like appearance. Its plumage is brown above with white underparts, fi - nely 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 pre - fer 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 gra - ceful. 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-le - aved woodland, wooded valleys, orchards and gar - dens. 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 gre - yish 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 dif - ficult to see but easy to detect by its song. It feeds on insects in spring and small berries and fruits in the au - tumn. It breeds in Extremadura, leaving in mid-Sep - tember 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 ma - les 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 ı SAH : Sensitive to alteration of habitat ı V: Vulnerable ı IE : Of Special Interest 204 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus V

A small pigeon-sized bird of prey with bluish grey plu - mage 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 spe - cies, it will disperse to areas of high rodent abun - dance.

Rock Bunting Emberiza cia IE

Similar in size to a sparrow, it has reddish brown up - perparts, 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 les - ser extent, insects. In Extremadura it is present throug - hout the year and is common in suitable habitat.

Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus IE

Slightly bigger than a sparrow, with chestnut plu - mage., mottled with black on the back, yellow under - parts and yellow head with black bands in the male, whilst the female has duller tones. They occur in de - ciduous woodland, feeding mainly on seeds, with in - sects given to their young. They are present throug - hout the year in Extremadura.

Merlin Falco columbarius IE

This is the smallest of the falcons found in Extrema - dura, 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 visi - tors 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 extraor - dinary 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 plu - mage with a white bill and shield. They occur in re - servoirs, lakes and wetlands where they make a floa - ting nest to incubate their eggs. After hatching the chicks will swim, following the female in search of aquatic invertebrates and vegetable matter. They oc - cur 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 aqua - tic invertebrates that are captured in flight. Often they hunt in small groups of up to five birds. They build flo - ating nests in wetlands. They are present in Extrema - dura 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 vege - tation, 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 ı SAH : Sensitive to alteration of habitat ı V: Vulnerable ı IE : Of Special Interest 206 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

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 plu - mage and black bill and legs. The feet are bright ye - llow as is the iris. They occur in wetlands with shallow edges where they feed alone on small fish, inverte - brates 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 de - hesas and pasture. They breed in large colonies along - side 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 ca - mouflage 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 plu - mage, 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 woo - dland, 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 ı SAH : Sensitive to alteration of habitat ı V: Vulnerable ı IE : Of Special Interest 208 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

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-flo - wing 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 distin - guish the sexes. They nest in abandoned buildings or farm buildings, stables and other buildings which are infrequently used. They feed exclusively on flying in - sects. It is a migratory species, arriving in Extrema - dura at the beginning of February and leaving in Sep - tember.

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 tubu - lar entrance. It feeds on insects captured in its acro - batic flight. It is a summer breeding visitor to Extre - madura.

209 Field Guide

House Sparrow Passer domesticus

A bird closely associated with man since time imme - morial. 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 in - sects 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 Ex - tremadura 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 co - lonies 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 Ex - tremadura.

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 au - tumn 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 in - vertebrates.

Peregrine Falco peregrinus SAH

A medium-sized bird of prey with slaty grey upper - parts, a dark moustache and white underparts barred with dark grey. It is the fastest of all birds, able to re - ach 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 Extrema - dura to spend 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 210 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

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 pine - woods, but also occurs in cork oak and Holm oak gro - ves, 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 pre - sent 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 dehe - sas, 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 Ex - tremadura.

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 peo - ple 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 spi - ders that it collects mainly from the ground. It is pre - sent throughout the year, but is more abundant in the winter. In recent years it has started to form large ro - osts 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 ri - ver banks. It feeds on small insects and spiders cap - tured close to the water’s edge. It is usually seen on migration, although a few pairs do breed in Extrema - dura.

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea IE

A strikingly plumaged bird, with upperparts, wings and tail ashy bluish grey and the underparts bright ye - llow, with a black throat in the male. This wagtail is closely associated with faster flowing water and is the - refore commonest in northern Extremadura. It feeds on insects and other invertebrates that it captures whilst searching the water’s edge. It occurs throug - hout the year in the breeding areas, whilst birds from further north are found throughout Extremadura du - ring 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 whi - ter below. Its face has a white heart-shaped appea - rance 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 wa - ter. It nests in a hole excavated in a riverbank. It is pre - sent 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 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax SAH

A medium-sized heron with long yellow legs, grey back, white underparts and intensely red eyes, adap - ted for fishing at dusk. They feed on medium-sized fish, amphibians and snakes. They are colonial nes - ters, 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 Eu - rope. 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 Extre - madura, 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 am - ple 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, remai - ning 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 wo - odlands on the mountains and in the valleys in the north of Extremadura, but can be found throughout re - gion 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 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

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, hed - gerows and dehesas. It feeds exclusively on small in - sects and helps to prevent pest infestations in or - chards 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 plu - mage with black wings, whilst the females are duller with a more greenish tone. Its fluty song is very be - autiful and betrays their presence in the trees. It is clo - sely 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 fre - quents reservoirs where there are islands without ve - getation, 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 throug - hout the Guadiana floodplain as well as at Arrocampo, feeding mainly on Typha (reed mace) seed heads, of - ten hanging upside down to collect the seeds. It is pre - sent 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 plu - mage, with the black being replaced by brown. They breed in woodland above 1000 metres above sea-le - vel 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, brow - nish head, flushed orange on the crown, with an in - tense 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 unpo - lluted water. It breeds on a few wetlands in Extrema - dura such as the Orellana, Portaje and Morantes, al - though 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 cultiva - ted 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 ı SAH : Sensitive to alteration of habitat ı V: Vulnerable ı IE : Of Special Interest 216 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

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 bre - ast. It is mainly insectivorous, but will also eat small seeds and fruit. In winter it is common throughout Ex - tremadura, but breeds only in the northern third of Ex - tremadura, including Monfragúe, 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 un - derparts whitish with a slight pinkish tinge with blac - kish streaks. The male has a red crown. It makes its nest in holes excavated by its bill in tree trunks. It fe - eds on insects in the timber and below the bark of bra - ches. It is present throughout the year.

Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major IE

Smaller than a Green Woodpecker with black upper - parts with large white patches on the wings. The bre - ast 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 in - sects 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 po - werful, 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 Extre - madura 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 Ex - tremadura, 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 be - low. 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, greenish- grey underparts and striking red crown. It occurs in dense woodland, cork oak groves and oak woods, in - cluding 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 in - tense red iris. The female, as with almost all ducks, is duller in plumage. They prefer water bodies with abundant bank-side vegetation, feeding on inverte - brates captured whilst diving. In Extremadura they only breed in the La Albuera lakes, the Llanos de Cá - 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 ı SAH : Sensitive to alteration of habitat ı V: Vulnerable ı IE : Of Special Interest 218 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

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, pin - kish-toned body and black crown. It occurs in dehe - sas, orchards, valleys, pinewoods and olive groves. It practices cooperative breeding, with related birds, in - cluding 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 abun - dant 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 Extrema - dura, 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 bram - bles. 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 blackbe - rries. 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 under - parts paler. It is found in thick vegetation, with its plu - mage making it rather unobtrusive, so its makes it presence known by its loud and striking song. Pos - sible 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 win - ter in sub-Saharan Africa.

Wigeon Anas penelope

A very attractive wintering duck. The male has a cha - racteristic 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 reser - voirs 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 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax SAH

Somewhat bigger than a partridge, its plumage on the upperparts is light-brown with darker stripes, ma - king it well camouflaged on ground with little vegeta - tion, and white underparts, with long stout legs. The male has a characteristic black collar. In flight, a whis - tling 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 invertebra - tes. It is present throughout the year in Extremadura.

Great-crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus IE

A duck-sized diving bird which swims low in the wa - ter, showing only its back, neck and head. They have a characteristic crest and long chestnut-coloured fe - athers on both sides of the face, which get darker to - wards the tips. Like the Little Grebe, it builds a floa - ting 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 per - ches on bare twigs to wait for small insects on which it feeds. It is present throughout the year in Extrema - dura.

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 snake- like 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 com - mon than nowadays, being much harder to find in pla - ces where it used to be common. It occurs in culti - vated 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 des - cending 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 Extrema - dura, favouring mature woodland.

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 222 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

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 se - ason. 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 violet- green. 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-rum - ped Swallow or House Martin. They are very scarce in Extremadura and are one of the latest summer mi - grants to arrive, in the second half of May. There ap - pears to be two return migrations: some leaving in Au - gust 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 in - deed roosting on wing at great height. They nest in ho - les 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 under - parts. They usually nest in small colonies close to wa - ter, in bridges or rocky outcrops beside reservoirs or rivers. The species arrives from Africa to breed in Ex - tremadura towards the end of March and leaves to - wards 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 du - ller. 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 Extre - madura.

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis IE

A small water bird which feeds on aquatic inverte - brates by diving under water, where it can remain sub - merged for several minutes. It has two plumages: a winter plumage and brighter breeding plumage. Bre - eding 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 in - vertebrates. In Extremadura it is a scarce winter visi - tor, which leaves in the spring to breed in Central Eu - rope.

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 224 BIRDWATCHING ROUTES IN EXTREMADURA

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, ge - nerally 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 bol - der and more rounded dark spots on the underparts. It can be found in oak, cork oak, pine and chestnut wo - ods 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 in - sects. 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 fo - rest and can often be heard giving its fluty song. It fe - eds on snails, slugs, grubs and worms. In Extrema - dura it breeds in only a few places, but is very common and widespread in winter.

225

JUNTA DE EXTREMADURA UNIÓN EUROPEA Fondo Europeo Consejería de Cultura y Turismo de Desarrollo Regional “Una manera de hacer Europa”

www.turismoextremadura.com