Birdwatching Holidays in Andalucia

Andalucía is, without doubt, one of the richest Iberian regions in terms of its flora and fauna and is a birdwatcher’s paradise. The diversity of habitats and the range of species are outstanding, for instance, Andalucia has a vascular flora of some 5000 taxa, 10% of which is endemic! Over 500 species of birds have been recorded in Spain and many species rare to Europe turn up each year, particularly along this southwest region.

Andalucia boasts more than 80 protected areas covering around 20% of its land area; there are two national parks, seven Biosphere Reserves and eight Ramsar Sites.

Ornithologists arrive throughout the year, but are especially interested when most birds appear, i.e. during the migration period, February – June and August - October. The early spring period is the most popular because at this time of the year you can see many wintering species together with those arriving for the summer months. However, September is an exceptional month for watching raptor migration. This is a spectacle not to be missed and if the weather conditions are right thousands of birds can be seen in the sky at any one time. Our migration tours during September are geared up for you to enjoy this wonderful array of birds on migration.

Winter birding (November-February) can also be very rewarding with resident bird numbers being greatly enhanced by winter visitors mainly wildfowl and waders and sea-watching during this period can be very productive.

An ideal centre from which to explore this wonderful area is Gaucin, perhaps the most beautiful of Andalusia’s Pueblos Blancos, or White Villages, surrounded by picturesque and varied scenery studded with olive, oak, carob and chestnut trees. The village is perched some 630 metres (2,000 feet) up on a mountain balcony and is 30km from the madding crowd of the Costa del Sol.

There are some 13 resident raptor species in Andalucía, as well as another 9 which migrate there annually from Africa. There are four eagle species which can be found in the mountainous regions, Golden and Bonelli’s Eagles being the stars, with Booted, and Short-toed Eagles providing the supporting cast. The best place to see them is in the more mountainous parts of the province where they can be seen hunting or riding the thermals. The Grazalema natural park has ideal habitat for these Eagles and is within easy reach of Gaucin.The much rarer Spanish Imperial Eagle can be found in areas just south of Sevilla but may appear anywhere in the region. Add to these Egyptian and Griffon Vultures and smaller birds of prey, such as the Kestrels, Buzzards, Harriers, Falcons and Kites, makes the total some 23 species of raptors that can be seen in the region.

In Andalucia up to 20 Warblers may be seen along with, Storks, Herons, Egrets, Terns, Larks, Pipits, Swallows, Swifts, Martins, Tits and Buntings. A splash of colour is added with Hoopoe, Golden Oriole, Roller, Shrikes, Serin and Kingfisher.

The region is also host to many, rare and endangered species such as Red-knobbed Coot, Marbled and White-headed Duck, Purple Swamphen, Spanish Imperial Eagle, Black Vulture, Black Stork and Glossy Ibis. Many species on most wanted lists also appear, Penduline Tit, Black Wheatear, Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush, Bonelli’s Eagle, Eagle Owl, Red-necked Nightjar, Audouin’s and Slender-billed Gulls to name but a few.

Wingspan Bird Tours offer you the opportunity to seek out and observe this abundant wildlife and experience the real Spain, the list of birds that you will see are unequalled in many parts of Spain.

Daily inexpensive tours are conducted throughout the year, short breaks are also offered and 7-day tours of the whole of Southern Andalucia are available. All you need to do is book your flight and from the moment you step off the plane you are completely catered for.

Within easy reach of Gaucin are: Grazalema natural park, Alcornocales national park, Serrania de Ronda, Sierra Crestellina, Los Reales, Soto Grande natural park, Rio Palmones salt marsh and many more.

Wingspan Bird Tours offer self catering or B&B accommodation in the centre of Gaucin in a delightful village house with a 2-bedroomed apartment built in the courtyard. The terraces off the bedrooms offer outstanding views. Full package bird watching tours of the region are available throughout the year.

Thanks to Bob Buckler of Wingspan Bird Tours for this article.

For further detail visit their website at www.wingspanbirdtours.com