Black Vultures

Another species from last April's trip to Extremadura, Spain is the Black Vulture. They were coming in to feed with the slightly more shy Griffon Vultures which seemed to hide behind them. They were all quite comical as they landed some distance away, before slowly moving in with a galloping waddle. Considering the distance they had travelled, it was interesting that some of them didn't feed, or seem to want to.
There was a carpet of flowering Lavender in front of the hide, it seemed strange to see these huge birds standing among the flowers, but made for some nice shots These and the Griffons are very impressive birds to see up close and it was a great memory for me.

Extremadura, Spain. Trip Report. Day 3

Day 3. February 22^nd

Weather: Sunny with white cloud.

First today would be a trip around La Rocca de la Sierra and Villar del Rey. Some of the first birds seen were: A good group of Azure-winged Magpies, Black Redstart and Dartford Warbler. A walk behind an industrial area in the town of La Rocca de la Sierra would give us: Stone Curlew, Spanish Sparrow, Black-winged Kite, Hoopoe, Little Owl and a Great-spotted Cuckoo was heard. 

 

Crested Lark

Stone Curlew

 Then we had a good stroll along the river, we would see Griffon, Black and Egyptian Vultures. A Bonelli’s Eagle was circling overhead as well as a large forming group of Common Cranes which were heading off on migration. On the journey to our lunch venue at Alberqueque, we would see Bonelli’s and Spanish Imperial Eagle.

 

Black Vulture

Bonelli's Eagle

Common Crane

Common Crane

Griffon Vulture

Griffon Vulture

Griffon Vulture

Griffon Vulture

Griffon Vulture

In the afternoon we would take an excursion through the Sierra de San Pedro to the Castle of Azagala. The castle sits high up above the surrounding countryside and is a great vantage point. With a lake and rocky outcrops below, there would be a lot to look for here. Species seen here would include: Golden Eagle, Black Stork, Crag Martin and Black Vultures which were loafing around on the rocks below.  

Crag Martin

Extremadura, Spain. Trip Report. Day 2

Day 2. February 21^st
Weather: Sunny.

From the hotel in Olivenza, Lesser Kestrel had been seen and Spotless Starlings were perching on the roof.  The morning would be a trip to the Alqueva reservoir. On the way we would stop off at some cork woods which were very productive for passerines. A good list of birds were seen including: Short-toed Treecreeper, Thekla and Crested Lark, Hoopoe, Cirl Bunting, Hawfinch, Woodlark and Serin.

Cirl Bunting

Short-toed Treecreeper

Short-toed Treecreeper

Hoopoe

Thekla Lark

Thekla Lark

 At the reservoir we saw Cattle Egret, Golden Plover, Osprey, Stonechat, Zitting Cisticola and Hoopoe. A gathering group of Griffon and Black Vultures were high overhead.

Osprey

Black Vulture

After a picnic lunch we headed to Badajoz town which is situated on the Guadiana river, this is the border between Spain and Portugal. Here we would do some “Urban birding”.  Along the edge of the river are a series of long thin islands, these have small trees, scrub and reeds and are home to a great variety of birds. We also saw Otters here. The birds seen here were: Common Kingfisher,  Little Egret, Great Egret, Purple Swamphen, Little Bittern, Penduline Tit, Cetti’s Warbler, Grey Wagtail, Chiffchaff and Common Waxbill.

Chiffchaff

We then headed to the town of Alberquerque. As the sun was setting we would wait for an Eagle Owl, which returns each evening to announce it’s territory on a rocky outcrop near the town. A little dark for photography, but great to see such a bird fly in and sit on the rocks.