Spain - Extremadura in Winter

Tour Code: ESP23

A 7-day winter exploration of the bird-rich steppes of Extremadura, based in a delightful country house a short distance from the beautiful medieval town of Trujillo.

7 days from
£1,695 (Inc flights)

Land only price from
£1,545

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Highlights

Summary

A birding visit to Extremadura in the crystal-clear light and relatively mild temperatures of winter has its own particular, very special, charm. For all six nights we will be based in a country house a short distance from the beautiful medieval town of Trujillo. The location is perfect with easy access to the steppes and Monfrague, peace all around and an incredibly dark night sky. The welcome is warm and the cooking tasty and rustic Extremaduran fare. From an exquisite foraging Bluethroat or flocks of Great Bustards, to a soaring Spanish Imperial Eagle or Black Vulture, this tour is likely to be full of highlights!

Enjoy winter flocks of both Great & Little Bustards
Watch roosting Common Cranes in flocks of 10,000+
Superb raptor-viewing, with a day (or more!) at Monfragüe a highlight!
Magnificent far-reaching winter vistas
Delightful accommodation, with first class hospitality
Expertly guided by a Naturetrek ornithologist

Grading

Grade A. Day walks only.

Traditionally, most birders visit the magnificent rolling steppes, rugged sierras and Cork Oak woodland of Extremadura in April and May, when the countryside is besieged by migrants, and Great Bustards are in full display. A birding visit in the crystal-clear light and relatively mild temperatures of winter, though, has its own particular, very special, merit.

We begin this holiday with a flight to Madrid, from where we head south-west through rolling hills, olive groves and woodland to the central plateau of Extremadura, where we find extensive sheep-grazed grasslands and the Cork Oak forests known locally as ‘dehesa’. For all six nights we will be based in a delightful country house a short distance from the beautiful medieval town of Trujillo. With a warm Spanish welcome and an enviable garden bird list, this is an ideal locality from which to explore the adjacent steppes and Monfragüe National Park.

Due in part to the shorter grass at this time of year and the absence of any heat haze, Extremadura’s many attractive resident birds are much easier to see in winter than at any other season. Stately Great Bustards (the world’s heaviest flying bird) congregate in flocks in their winter quarters, the males busily exercising their wings in readiness for the annual springtime battle for a mate. Little Bustards, too, congregate and, as we scan the fallow steppes for bustards, we may find Blackbellied or Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, and flocks of larks. Great Spotted Cuckoos, too, may be seen, for they return from Africa as early as mid-January, while Stone Curlews, Calandra and Thekla Larks, Corn Buntings, Southern Grey Shrikes, Little Owls, Hoopoes, Spotless Starlings, Spanish Sparrows, Woodlarks, White Wagtails and magnificent far-reaching winter vistas complete the picture out on the plains.

We will also enjoy watching the unforgettable evening spectacle of Common Cranes, in flocks of 10,000- strong, as they fly in to their night-time roosts. The sight of these Cranes coming in at dusk as the winter light slips beneath the horizon will be a highlight of the tour. Elsewhere, the region’s lakes should hold large numbers of wildfowl, Purple Gallinule, Black-necked and other Grebes, plus Cattle, Little and a few Great White Egrets. Water Rails, Cetti’s Warblers and the occasional exquisite Bluethroat emerge to forage at the fringes of the wetlands and in damp channels, all so much easier to see than ever they are in Britain! Patches of woodland and scrub hold Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers, Iberian Magpies, Blackcaps, Sardinian and Dartford Warblers, Firecrests, Short-toed Treecreepers, Crested and Iberian Longtailed Tits, Serins, Siskins, Hawfinches and Cirl Buntings. In fact many of these species may be seen within a stone’s throw of our accommodation! On the higher ground Alpine Accentors overwinter, while Chough, Black Redstart, Raven, Rock Sparrow, Blue Rock Thrush, Rock Bunting and Black Wheatear are all on the cards along with the resident and omnipresent Crag Martins.

No mention of birding in Extremadura, however, can be made without reference to the magnificent raptor-watching opportunities. The onset of winter sees the Black Kite being replaced by the Red, and by January Spanish Imperial Eagles are displaying over their nest sites — a breathtaking sight. Although the Short-toed and Booted Eagles will not return from Africa until early March, there is still plenty of variety, with Golden Eagles starting to nest and airborne Griffon and Black Vultures drawing our attention to any carrion in the area. Bonelli’s Eagles soar in bonding pairs, with Buzzards having arrived for the winter by the thousand from elsewhere in Europe. Other residents include Goshawk, Sparrowhawk, Peregrine and, of course, the stunning and much sought-after Black-shouldered Kite, another species with a tendency to form winter groups. Eagle Owls have mated by late December, with the female usually incubating by January, calling for the male at dusk to bring her food. We hope that a late afternoon visit to a special site will provide a fitting climax to our holiday.

DETAILED INFORMATION

Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1

Fly to Madrid, drive Extremadura

Day 2/6

Daily programme of birding excursions from our base near Trujillo

Day 7

Fly London

Download Full Itinerary

What's Included

What's Included?

Flights
Accommodation:
For this holiday we will be based at Casa Rural Las Canteras near Trujillo in Extremadura. This rustic and welcoming guesthouse is situated in a beautiful, quiet rural landscape with easy access to excellent birding areas. Free Wi-Fi is available in the reception area at Las Canteras.
Food:
All included in the price.

Reviews

I thought the holiday was going to be good but it far outlived my expectations. I can safely say the first day was the best birdwatching day of my life. Within a short period of time we had seen very good views of Griffon and Black Vultures, Hen Harrier, Great Bustard, Little Bustard, Spanish Imperial Eagle and Pin Tailed Sand Grouse. I had wanted to see Great Bustard since I was child when I had seen one stuffed in a Museum in Scarborough. The 47 year wait was worth it. Other highlights included large numbers of Common Crane, Glossy Ibis and Stone Curlew. We also got very good views of Penduline Tit, Blue Rock Thrush and Rock Bunting.
AH, West Yorkshire, Nov 24
Staying at a small, comfortable Casa Rurales, our group had sole use of the premises. We visited several different habitat types by short trips in minibuses and short walks, and thanks to the excellent local knowledge of the leaders we saw a wide range of resident birds, including many that were firsts for me. Naturetrek kept us well informed about all aspects of the holiday and provided good advice. The trip went very smoothly with no administrative "hiccups" , keeping the stress levels associated with travel to a minimum. The leaders both had excellent knowledge of the birds and other wildlife, and were skilled at spotting and identifying birds, even at great distance. They drove the minibuses safely and with great patience did their utmost to ensure that everyone got the best possible views of the birds. They provided excellent picnic lunches, with plenty of choice.
S.L. Hampshire, Feb 23
Superb local accommodation with views across the plain towards Trujillo. Daily excursions with our Spanish based guides to view the regions plentiful wildlife. For location and wildlife experiences I have found Naturetrek to be second to none.
T.S. Essex, Nov 22

This was an excellent tour that exceeded expectations. It was fascinating to experience this region of Spain, which we knew little about. The content was very much as expected from the tour description and held our interest throughout. Given the mild and sunny weather and the slow pace with plenty of time at each stop, it was just right. The itinerary was well constructed and built up well to the day at Monfrague national park, which was a real gem. Our tour leaders Niki and Philip did an excellent job. The effort they put into planning the activities each day and making sure that we all had the opportunity to view sightings through the scope contributed significantly to the success of the holiday. The approach taken by Naturetrek to the pandemic, which enabled us to transfer our original booking, has been excellent and much appreciated.
AA, Hampshire, Nov 2021

Our tour leaders Robert and Oriol's bird knowledge was second to none and their observation skills were equally impressive. The amphibians, butterflies and flowers they showed us were also a real pleasure to all the group. The hotel location was wonderful too.
PC & MC, Lancashire, Feb 20

Our tour leader, Robert, was absolutely delightful and a first class guide. I believe he found every bird that was on the checklist, even the Great Bustard and Imperial Eagle. The whole holiday was magnificent. He really cared for us all, and our picnic lunches were the best. The accommodation was also excellent. I was very satisfied with the whole holiday.
RG, Co Kerry, Ireland, Nov 19

The leader Laura Benito was absolutely lovely, knowledgeable and caring and prepared to go the extra 2 miles to ensure our comfort and enjoyment. With Simon Woolley they formed an excellent team. Their combined expertise - including language - guaranteed the success of the trip at every level and in every situation. I would happily go with them anywhere else.
M.W. Northamptonshire

David Morris excelled as trip leader and demonstrated his in-depth knowledge of the area, to produce some really cracking finds especially on the last day.
J.H. Somerset

A very enjoyable trip in an area new to me. The tour leader Peter Dunn was extremely helpful and adaptable. The hotel was quiet, peaceful and comfortable. The home cooked food was excellent.
R.S. Cheshire

Accommodation was excellent, nice setting, warm hospitality and excellent (though unusual) food. Both guides were great and their banter enlivened the outings.
B.M. East Sussex

This trip was our first trip with Naturetrek and surpassed all expectations. The leaders both tried their utmost to ensure that all members of the party had views of the target birds. Our lists, without their patience, would have been much shorter. The lunch time catering and picnic sites were delightful. Our accommodation was lovely. The setting was scenic and the building itself charming. Our hosts made us feel most welcome. They were very attentive and Belen provided an astonishing range of the most delicious dishes when needed. All in all, I simply cannot imagine a better holiday. We were fortunate to have joined such a friendly group. The holiday for me was made by the company and the guides. From loading the minibuses at Madrid airport, to taking our luggage off the carousel at Heathrow, Peter could not possibly have done more. The guides worked such long days, but remained cheerful and friendly; they are both a great asset to your company. Thank you to all of you for providing us with such a memorable experience.
P.B. Lincolnshire

It's 30 years since we went on an organised birding trip, having done lots on our own in the intervening period. I was up till 2am the day we got back looking through your brochure for the next one. Many thanks.
R.B. Lincolnshire

This was my first wildlife holiday. I have learned a huge amount. I loved being out of doors all day in clear, calm, open spaces. Extremadura has a magnificent profusion of bird life.
J.M. London

I was very impressed with the hotel, the facilities and the owners' attention to every detail, wonderful food especially for vegetarians. An excellent holiday with wonderful views of some great wildlife.
H.B. Norfolk

A well planned and excellent trip which enabled us to see rare raptors, such as Bonnelli eagles and many kinds of birds not seen in the UK. A small group experience makes for great opportunities. Best of all though is the sight and sound of the wonderful cranes over wintering in the marshlands. Everything is well planned and thought through. It is the quality of the guides which in my experience is second to none.
R.M. Nottinghamshire

Although it was a winter tour we actually had really good weather, sunshine and up to 18 C every day and no rain. We stayed six nights in the delightful rural hotel Viña las Torres just south of Trujillo, which was about three hours from Madrid. The accommodation was excellent with large, comfortable rooms and lovely home cooked food. There were five people in our group with one Naturetrek guide, Byron Palacios, and every day we went out in a minibus to various locations looking for birds. The list of birds we saw was very extensive, the highlights being the Griffon, Cinereous and Egyptian Vultures and the Great and Little Bustards, with such other interesting species as Great Spotted Cuckoo, Bonneli's Eagle, Spanish Imperial Eagle, Bluethroat, Penduline Tit and Pin-tailed- and Black Sandgrouse. We went to a variety of sites within at most half- to three-quarters of an hour away, including the Monfragüe National Park. We had a picnic lunch every day. It was a thoroughly enjoyable and informative trip, made especially so by the excellent bird finding and identification skills of our guide Byron.
R.B. London

The holiday accommodation was particularly good; the owners were charming. Both the trip leaders worked really hard to ensure everyone gained as much as they could from this holiday. Brilliant picnic lunches.
M.E. Kent

Great holiday. Excellent attentive leaders. A very congenial group and delightful hosts.
N.S. London

An excellent trip and as usual Naturetrek chose a brilliant small family run hotel. The food was first class. Byron and Julian were great company. Great relaxed birding and we found nearly all the species to be expected. Another very enjoyable holiday.
A.M. Sutherland

I want to thank Andy Tucker for doing an excellent job of rescuing the tour for us after the devastating news that the Spanish general strike had caused our flights to be cancelled. He managed to organise alternative flights at very short notice, giving each of us a choice of how to proceed. I suspect he worked very long hours and I really appreciate it. I wouldn't have missed the tour for the world. Thank you, Andy! Byron and Julian were wonderful, showing huge enthusiasm and energy. They were amazingly clever at spotting and identifying birds that there is no way we would have found without their expertise. Together they made sure that we had a genuinely enjoyable time and their company was as important as their knowledge and expertise to the enjoyment of the trip. The hotel was great as I have a very awkward set of dietary requirements. Belen was amazing as she came up with delicious wheat, tomato and meat-free versions of pretty much every meal. She and Juan-Pedro were wonderful hosts (and their daughter is a brilliant pianist).
K.L. Suffolk

I was totally impressed by Byron and Julian's bird knowledge and their ability to find them. The birdwatching was really excellent considering that I went as a less-than-knowledgeable wife. Excellent picnic lunches too! The hotel was a fantastic place, highly original with good food and nice wines.
M.S. West Yorkshire

I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of this short time in Extremadura. The accommodation and food was delightful, and Juan-Pedro and Belen could not have been more helpful and hospitable. As for Byron Palacios and Julian Gayarre, they certainly went that extra mile to find birds and mammals.
D.H. Middlesex

Byron and Julian worked tirelessly to ensure a varied and interesting itinerary. They both ensured that all the group had access to telescopic sightings of birds and helped with the taking of photographs. The days were well-balanced, with a great variety of habitats. The hotel Vina Las Tores was a delight. Such attentive hosts and excellent food. A most memorable holiday - thank you!
C.W. Hampshire

Byron and Julian made a wonderful "team" to lead the group. I was so impressed with the faultless organisation, their hard work and the excellent picnics they provided.
A.W. Oxfordshire

The hotel is a beautiful place, especially the garden with welcoming and attentive hosts and very good food. The leaders were excellent ornithologists and excellent drivers. Helpful and pleasant.
D.R. Wiltshire

I really liked the Naturetrek brochure as it gave so much detail about each trip. I was really impressed with the way the Naturetrek office, Andy Tucker in particular, dealt with the flight cancellation by British Airways and kept us immediately in touch and up-to-date with the alternatives available to us. Thank you also to Linda for letting us have the e-ticket before we left home. The accommodation booked for us was excellent, both in the facilities provided, the friendliness of the hotel owners and in the presentation and content of all the meals. I liked the fact that all food was provided. I was delighted to find that the tour was all about seeing birds by visiting lots of different habitats and spending time at each. I also liked the relaxed lunchtime with food provided and time to wander and find birds in our way.
P.R. Devon

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Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost

Wed 12th Feb – Tue 18th Feb FULL £1,695

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£1,545

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£170

Tour Leader:

Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary

Keith Hamilton

Tour Leader: Keith Hamilton

Keith grew up in the north-west of Cumbria, close to the sea, spending much of his youth exploring the countryside and becoming a lover of nature from a very young age. He received his first book on birds, Coward & Barnes ‘Birds of the British Isles’, aged 11, and still treasures it to this day! Over the years, birdwatching took Keith all over the UK, though the sea and the Lake District fells remained closest to home. He has been a council member of the Cumbria Bird Club and active member of the Carlisle Natural History Society. Butterflies are also a passion, and as a member of Butterfly Conservation Keith volunteered on the very successful Cumbrian Marsh Fritillary re-introduction scheme and Small Blue regeneration projects.

It was a birding trip to Extremadura in the early 2010s that changed Keith's life, not only for the astonishing birdlife or the amazing butterflies; it was a place to feel comfortable. Around eight years later, after many visits to different regions of Spain, Keith and his wife made the move to the Sierra de Gredos where they love to explore the rich diversity of species to be found there. Keith is an active member of the local butterfly and natural history groups, and, being a member of the butterfly conservation organisation ‘Zerynthia’, he has the necessary permissions to record butterflies and moths. Since moving to Spain he has enjoyed guiding guests around various areas on the peninsula, always finding it a pleasure to show his clients something new and interesting.

Wed 12th Nov – Tue 18th Nov SPACES £1,695

Book Tour Show Details

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£1,545

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£170

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The majority of our wildlife tours focus primarily on birds, allowing us to offer a huge choice of bird holidays. On most of our birdwatching tours we aim to see a wide variety of species, while taking time to enjoy other wildlife as well as cultural highlights and architecture.
Naturetrek Birdwatching Tours
We have one of the largest selections of professionally organised, small group birdwatching holidays around the world and all of our birdwatching tours are accompanied by at least one professional ornithologist leader with detailed knowledge of the area.
The majority of our bird tours have a relaxed, flexible approach which allows more time for photography, detailed wildlife exploration, leisure time and the region’s people, culture, history and architecture, while allowing the group to see a wide range of bird species.

Here is a small selection of our many bird holidays:

Southern Morocco – an exploration of the birdlife in Morocco’s southern deserts, oases and mountains
The Camargue in Spring – a short break to enjoy the spring birds of the Rhône Delta and Camargue wetland
Wallcreepers & Cranes in Northern Spain – a 2-centre holiday focusing on Lammergeier, Wallcreepers, raptors, Cranes, bustards, sandgrouse and more!
Madeira & Desertas Islands – A Seabird Extravaganza! – a short break focusing on special breeding seabirds, including a night on the remote Destertas Islands
Peru – Macaws & Machu Picchu – searches for boobies, macaws and Inca Terns
Spain & Morocco: Birding on Two Continents! – watch the spectacular spring bird migration from both sides of the Straits of Gibraltar

Our Bargain Birdwatching Selection
Our Bargain Bird Tours are intensive birdwatching holidays suitable for the serious birder. They are led by expert English-speaking local guides (and not accompanied from the UK by a tour leader). You can expect a higher-paced tour and to spend long hours in the field.
 

Our specialist recommends...


"Try Coto Doñana & Extremadura for an excellent introduction to Europe's wetland and steppe birds. I would recommend our bargain holiday, 'Nepal – A Birdwatching Tour' for those interested in Siberian rarities and Ibisbill, while Costa Rica offers a chance to search for arguably the world's most beautiful bird, the Resplendent Quetzal."

Byron Palacios - Tour Leader

  
 
All Birdwatching Tours
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Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

Enquire

Tour Reports

Tour report - November 2021

Tour report - February 2020

Tour report - November 2019

Tour report - February 2019

Tour report - November 2018

Tour report - November 2017

Tour report - February 2017

Tour report - November 2016

Tour report - February 2016

Tour report - November 2015

Tour report - November 2014

Tour report - February 2014

Tour report - February 2013

Tour report - December 2012

Tour report - November 2012

Tour report - February 2012

Tour report - November 2011

Tour report - October 2011

Tour report - February 2011

Tour report - January 2011

Tour report - November 2010

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At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

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Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!