Have you ever gone birdwatching from a boat? I have been doing it for more than 10 years, since I am not only a wildlife lover but also a fisherman, and I assure you that it is an incredible experience. In the reservoirs I frequent, the birds are used to the traffic of fishing boats and they are hardly bothered by their presence. You can observe them quietly, without disturbing them, make use of binoculars, telescope … even take pictures of a certain quality if you have a good lens. In this article I will show you some of the keys to birding in Extremadura from a boat.

Birding from a boat. What do I need?

First of all a boat. Logically it is not something that is within the reach of everyone and for that reason I offer my services as a nature guide from my own boat. Currently there are also other boats offering a birding service in Extremadura, but with a different approach. These boats are larger, more comfortable and in them you can also enjoy the wildlife and landscapes offered by the Extremadura reservoirs. However they are focused for groups, if you are a group of 5 people or more, I recommend you  el barco de la Siberia from my friend Carlos.

It is important to come well equipped, both for the cold and the heat, because on a boat we will not be as protected as in a car.

In our case, the boat has only 3 seats, but I offer a much more personalized experience. It is a smaller boat, faster, more discreet and has a great autonomy so we can sail several tens of kilometers in a single day without investing too much time in travel.

In winter it is advisable to wear thick pants, preferably waterproof, or thermal tights underneath. Also warm clothes, a good jacket, gloves, hat and a warm jacket. Although we do not reach high speeds (normally we will sail at about 50km/h) on the boat you will be fully exposed to the wind and it is important to have warm clothes to enjoy the day. In summer you will need sunscreen and comfortable and light clothing, preferably long sleeves and UV protection. Extremadura reaches high temperatures and the water has a mirror effect, so it is necessary to protect yourself well. Finally it is also advisable to wear comfortable, light footwear and, if you come in winter, warm boots.

Advantages of the boat, birding in Extremadura

In the previous point I talked about the differences between hiring a big boat (more recommended for a relaxed ride with family or a big group of friends) and using a small boat like mine for a more “wild” and personalized experience. Both are very interesting services but totally different, below I will describe the features of Top Birding’s boat. Anyway, the best way to understand it is to live it, so I invite you to live the experience, I am sure you will not regret it.

Autonomy and speed

Large boats usually have established routes of a few kilometers, which are usually done at low speed to enjoy the ride. The boat’s own displacement will be at low speed so that you can enjoy the ride. With a fishing boat you will be able to go directly to the “hot” spots for wildlife watching and enjoy it in a relaxed way. To give you an example, in a single day we can cover the entire navigable section of Orellana lake (about 25km in a straight line plus all its bends) without any problem.

Discretion, birding in Extremadura

The boat has a powerful electric motor, with which you will be able to move relatively fast and in a silent way once you are in a wildlife hot spot. The boat will move without emitting any noise, so we will not disturb the wildlife and will allow us to get much closer than with any boat with the gasoline engine on.

Peace of mind and comfort

With a fishing boat you will be able to reach quiet areas, secluded bays where only you are sailing. The autonomy allows us to reach areas far away from the boat docks where both you and the wildlife can enjoy a great tranquility. On the other hand, being a small boat, we will be able to disembark practically in any shore to be able to taste the Extremadura gastronomy and a very fresh drink.

Nevertheless, there will be enough space on the boat for you to carry a backpack with your camera, binoculars, telescope… And of course also for a good picnic in the form of typical products from Extremadura. Last but not least in the summer, there is a cooler compartment which will allow you to have cool drinks all day long.

Different lakes, birding in Extremadura

With Top Birding’s boat you can access any reservoir, as long as it is navigable. It is transported quickly and comfortably on a trailer, pulled by an all-terrain vehicle, so whatever the reservoir you want to visit, we can go there. Alcántara, Alqueva, Cíjara, García Sola, La Serena, Orellana or Zújar are some of the best destinations to do so!

Access to private areas

The reservoirs are often located in the middle of large private estates, to which access by land is logically restricted. From the boat we will be able to access in a totally legal way to the heart of these estates, since the navigable waters are of public domain. Many times they are true paradises for the fauna. Of course when we enter these areas, our maxim will be to behave in a responsible manner, to avoid disturbing both the wildlife and the owners of the lands.

Possibility of seeing several ecosystems on the same day

Extremadura is the region with more km of freshwater coastline in the Iberian Peninsula. Its reservoirs are located in the heart of different ecosystems. Dehesas, steppes, forests, canyons, mountain ranges… From its banks we can observe practically all the fauna present in the community, except only the fauna associated with the high mountains. However, in the canyons of the rivers that form part of the Alcántara reservoir, for example, we can observe many species associated with rocky environments such as the Blue rock thrush, Peregrine falcon, Griffon vulture or Bonelli’s eagle.

Birding in Extremadura, a wide variety of fauna

As we have indicated above, the Extremadura reservoirs occupy a large percentage of the surface of the community and therefore cover the vast majority of ecosystems. Here we will talk about the most interesting fauna that we will be able to observe.

Waterfowl, birding in Extremadura

Obviously from a boat we will be able to see a great number of waterfowl birds. We will be able to see large winter concentrations of ducks such as teals, pochards, ducks, shovelers and red-crested pochards. Of course, fishing birds like the black-necked grebe, great crested grebe, great cormorant…. I have even seen loons! Of course also white and black storks, all species of herons, highlighting spoonbills, great egrets or purple herons.

On the other hand we will also be able to see most of the waders: sandpipers, plovers, redshanks, collared pratincoles, stilts…. Birds associated with the aquatic environment such as kingfishers, coots, moorhens, large concentrations of gulls and terns. Except for birds associated with mountain rivers, practically all birds associated with the aquatic environment of the region can be sighted on the lakes from a fishing boat. As with all birds, but perhaps even more so with these, we must approach with extreme care so as not to disturb them. When we sail we are “entering their home” and it is important to leave a prudent distance so that they do not take flight and have to look for another quieter area.

Steppe birds

We might think that steppe birds are always associated with large plains, and of course the shores of reservoirs are often not the ideal habitat for them… But it is also true that during the summer months in Extremadura many ponds and streams dry up, making the reservoirs excellent watering holes, especially on the borders between these steppe zones and the banks. In the reservoirs of flat areas such as those of La Serena we can see Black-bellied and Pin-tailed sandgrouses or even great bustards and little bustards quenching their thirst.

All species of aludids and other steppe-associated passerines also have to drink water. Likewise Quails, or even if we are very lucky, some European rollers. Finally, I would also like to point out that I have controlled roosting sites of Stone-curlews very close to the banks of some reservoirs. Having spent so many hours of my life on a boat, either observing wildlife or fishing, has allowed me to locate really interesting areas and species.

Forest birds

Although we might think that it is difficult to see forest birds from a fishing boat, it is far from being difficult. Logically we will be limited to the limits of these forests with the shore of the reservoir, but often these limits are kilometers. In the winter months and at the beginning of spring the levels of the reservoirs are usually quite high, and some trees are even partially submerged. In the warmer months the level drops and there can be several tens of meters from the shore to the first trees. But as in the previous case, the birds have to drink, and if we stand at a safe distance we can observe the movements that these birds make to quench their thirst.

To give several examples of interesting birds, we can see Jays, Orioles, Cuckoos, Spotted cuckoos (the banks of Garcia Sola lake are a spectacle for this species), all kinds of passerines and also all species of “woodpeckers” present in the community. It is very common to hear their chirping on the trunks while we are on the water.

Mediterranean scrubland birds

If we can see forest birds, logically we can also see most of the birds associated with the Mediterranean scrubland. If there are km of shore bordering forest areas, there are many more bordering this type of ecosystems. Here I dare to assure you that we will be able to see all the birds associated with the Mediterranean scrub on our boat trips. Of course we will not always be able to see all of them, but it will be possible.

Bee-eaters, hoopoes and shrikes hunting invertebrates in the vicinity of the banks, martins, swallows and swifts hunting on the surface of the water, passerines, corvids, gallinaceous…. We can also see all species of columbiforms, both drinking water in the summer months and perched in the oaks near the shore.

Birds of prey, birding in Extremadura

Finally, as in this website, I have decided to separate the group of birds of prey. Although they are associated to each of the previous ecosystems, they are an interesting enough group to be able to put them apart. And besides I feel like doing it, there doesn’t always have to be a scientific reason, hehehe. At the same time, I have been able to witness and experience countless hunting sets, which I have engraved with fire in my memory, and I believe that this is one of the greatest attractions that this activity can have.

First of all how not to talk about the vultures. Both in the canyons of the Tajo and in the vultures of Cíjara or García Sola, we will be able to observe them incredibly well from the boat. Both griffon vultures and Egyptian vultures often nest or sleep a few meters from the shore, so we must be careful not to get too close. In this type of ecosystems we can also see the peregrine falcon. More than once I have been shocked to hear a sharp blow while fishing, look up and see a coot or an anatidae in free fall after having received the fatal blow. I assure you that these are exciting moments.

Unforgettable sets

Sightings of Bonelli’s Eagles are also relatively frequent. I have witnessed, just a few meters from me, attacks by a pair of bonelli’s egrets even on grey herons, and these are moments I will never forget. Snake eagles hunting reptiles on the cliffs of the reservoirs, Short toed eagles and Golden eagles hunting partridges or small mammals near the shores, Ospreys catching carps, crucian carps and any other fish they can get their hands on? We can even see the imperial eagle in some reservoirs.

And not only this: we can also see sparrowhawks and goshawks hunting in the woods bordering the shore, kestrels and buzzards catching rodents, the marsh harrier, but also the other species of harrier, and black winged kites hunting in the vicinity.  And last but not least, the eagle owl. If we stay until sunset, it is practically certain to hear them if we are in the right area… and if we are very lucky even see them.

Mammals

Mammals are a much more difficult group to observe in broad daylight than birds… However, in the more remote areas of the reservoirs we will also have a good chance of seeing them. The otter is the queen of these ecosystems and we will see it in practically all our outings. Small carnivores of more diurnal habits such as foxes or mongoose will also be relatively frequent. Sightings of deer, roe deer, wild boar… even fallow deer and mouflon in some lands will also be common.

If we are really lucky we may even see the elusive Iberian lynx, especially in summer drinking water.

But if there is a particularly interesting time of the year for this, it is the rutting season. With the first post-summer rains, the deer start with their love-making… If it is already one of the best times of the year to see them, it will be even more so if we are in a boat, motionless, silent, in the middle of the lake in an area where they are rutting. The echo of the sounds produced during fights in this type of area is overwhelming. And many times they will not even notice our presence and will continue to fight as if nothing happened. I will be waiting for you for this from September, I am sure we will live exciting moments.

To sum up, birding in Extremadura

In short, and in order not to make this article about birding in Extremadura even longer, I am talking about real experiences that I have lived on top of a boat and that I would like to share with all of you. They are experiences that very few of us have been lucky enough to live, that have allowed me to take incredible photos in the short time I have had a camera and that, above all, will allow us to observe the wildlife causing minimal disturbance. Because this should always be our priority if we are truly wildlife lovers.

I will never get too close to an animal to take a picture if we are going to cause a major nuisance. Of course there will be times when the birds take flight, we are going to sail in reservoirs where other boats sail daily, but whenever we can we will try to avoid it. Logically we will NEVER approach nests near the shore. We will respect the limits of the non-navigable areas and try to enjoy the experience as much as possible. Nowadays there are telescopes and cameras that allow us to observe in the distance and take good pictures.

I remain at your disposal for any questions you may have and of course to make a tour according to your preferences. You choose the species and the time of the year and from Top Birding we will design a tailor-made tour to meet your expectations. The large number of navigable reservoirs will allow you to do birding in Extremadura in a way you never imagined. Thanks to Philippe from Bio-Scene for some of the pictures of this article.

Campiña Sur in Extremadura

Campiña Sur in Extremadura may be one of the most ecologically valuable regions of Extremadura, Spain and even Europe. The density of endangered species such as the Iberian lynx, the Spanish imperial eagle, the Golden eagle or the Bonelli’s eagle is really high, one of the highest in the country and therefore the area is a delight for all lovers of these species. The high density of these predators is due to the fact that the habitat is ideal for them: a mosaic of ecosystems in which there are very good populations of rabbits and partridges, their main prey.

On the other hand, we can also find in this region important concentrations of  steppe birds: Great bustards, little bustards, Black-bellied sandgrouses, Pin-tailed sandgrouses among others. And finally in the south part of the region, forest and mountain birds. If you also want tranquility, to make routes without encountering virtually no one and enjoy the peace of an area with very little human presence, the Campiña Sur is your best option.

Birding in Campiña Sur, a paradise for predators

If birds of prey are your main objective, here you can find one of the best places in Spain to watch birds of prey. The big eagles find here a paradise as they have everything they need: shelter, nesting places, tranquility and food. Golden, Imperial and Bonelli’s eagles find here an enormous amount of rabbits and partridges to feed on. These three species are probably the most attractive in the area, both for their scarcity and for their beauty and size.

In summer we can also see booted and snake eagles frequently, and if we approach the more steppe-like areas, all species of harriers. Vultures are also present in the area, as there are several small mountain ranges that offer them an excellent habitat. Both griffon and cinereous vultures and even in summer some Egyptian vultures. There is also the presence of peregrine falcons, goshawks, sparrow hawks, kestrels, kites, black winged kites… practically all the birds of prey of the region can be seen in this territory.

Iberian lynx, Campiña Sur in Extremadura

Last but not least, it is worth mentioning a very good population of lince Iberian lynx. The largest population center in Extremadura is located here, being also one of the main ones in the whole Iberian Peninsula. The high density of rabbits and the mosaic between crops, Mediterranean forest and scrubland make it an ideal habitat for this species.

This population extends throughout the region, and lynxes can be found practically everywhere. More than 160 lynxes roam freely in this area where their prey such as the red-legged partridge and especially the wild rabbit abound. It is very important to be extremely careful when driving through the area, as roadkill is currently the main cause of death.

The best dates to visit the area are December, January and February because of the rutting season and then in spring because of the possibility of seeing mothers with cubs. We have to take into account that lynxes are mostly nocturnal and also that most of the time they are in private properties that we cannot and should not access. All this makes it very difficult to see them, but if we are lucky and insist we will be able to cross paths with them. Hiring a guide always will increase your chances.

Steppe birds in the south of Extremadura

Campiña Sur is much more than predators. Here we can find a great variety of birds because we find very diverse ecosystems. There are mountain ranges, small forests, pastures, olive groves… and large plains, where we can find the elusive and scarce steppe birds.

Great Bustards, Little Bustards, Pin tailed Sandgrouse and Black-bellied Sandgrouse are the most outstanding species in the area. However, we can also find cranes, stone-curlews, larks, black winged kites, all the harriers, some european roller… and if we are lucky, we can even find Merlins in winter.

Even in the area bordering Andalusia we can find mountain areas with some forests, logically with their respective birds associated with these ecosystems. In summary, the Campiña Sur is one of the best regions for birding in Extremadura. Whether you want to see the most emblematic endangered species, or if you want to see different ecosystems in the same day, the Campiña Sur will be an excellent choice.

My most sincere thanks to Philippe Macquet of Bio-Scène for lending me some of his magnificent photos. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit his website to learn about his interesting project: a collaborative network dedicated to the valorization of biodiversity and territories by connecting humans and nature.

Birds of La Serena

La Serena is one of the largest regions of Extremadura and also one of the most biodiverse. Here we can find very diverse ecosystems: from endless steppes to mid-mountain forests, as well as areas of crops, small dehesas, etc…. This mosaic makes the variety of fauna and specifically birds of La Serena is brutal.

As for steppe birds, probably the largest winter concentrations of little bustard or Pin tailed sandgrouse in Europe are found here. We can also find important densities of Great Bustards, Stone-curlews, Little Owls, Calandra larks… As for birds of prey we are also in a paradise: golden eagles, imperial and Bonelli’s eagles are relatively frequent. We also find Montagu’s harrier, peregrine falcon, goshawk, black-winged kite… We can see here practically all the birds of prey of the Peninsula at some time of the year. As for waterfowl we can also see interesting concentrations in the seasonal ponds that are formed in winter and a not inconsiderable wintering of cranes.

Steppe birds in La Serena

If there is one thing that makes this region stand out, it is the steppe species. As we know, most steppe species are in a clear decline. The change in land use, drought, increasingly aggressive agricultural practices … make it increasingly difficult to find areas with good densities of these birds. We could talk here about practically all species of steppe birds, but for this there is already a specific post that you can access by clicking on the link.

I am going to start with the little bustard, a real jewel that is becoming more and more difficult to see. In La Serena we can find concentrations of several hundred specimens in winter, which is really incredible. Of course it is also an excellent breeding area, so do not hesitate in contact if you want to book a trip. The terrain is immense, apparently all areas may seem the same but in reality they are not.

The Pin-tailed Sandgrouse is another of the most endangered species of steppe birds in La Serena. It also presents here very important concentrations that we can observe throughout the year. As in the case of the Little Bustard, it is not an easy bird to see and we have to be very attentive. Many times we can hear them before we see them, so stay tuned to listen.

Finally we can highlight an important population of great bustard and stone curlew, small steppe birds such as the larks and the presence of the European roller. The best time to see Great Bustards is the breeding season, because during the winter a part of the population makes small micro-migrations to other areas. We can locate the stone-curlews without problems throughout the year.

Birds of prey in La Serena

Here and although it is not one of the most emblematic birds of prey of our country, I would like to start with the Montagu’s harrier. It is one of the most endangered birds of prey, as it almost always nests in crops. Currently the harvest is done before they have brought out their chicks, so the reproductive success is really low. Associations such as Anser la Serena do an excellent job in the breeding season locating nests and protecting them together with the collaboration of farmers. Thanks to these actions we can also find in La Serena one of the best concentrations of these birds in Western Europe.

As for large eagles, we should highlight the Spanish imperial eagle, as the region has several breeding pairs. Of course there are also Golden and Bonelli’s eagles, booted and short-toed eagles in summer and the fish eagle in the large reservoirs. We can also see very scarce birds of prey such as the peregrine falcon or the goshawk and in winter if we are lucky we can also see the black-bellied skua. As for nocturnal birds of prey, there is an important density of eagle owls and there is also the presence of short-eared owls. I could mention here practically all the aves rapaces de Extremadura but for this you can also access the information in the corresponding post.

Another birds

As we said above, if this region stands out for anything, it is for the great biodiversity of ornithological fauna. Really extensive municipalities, a low density of human population, a great diversity of ecosystems, a really mild microclimate in winter… If we put all this in a cocktail shaker we get the result: one of the best regions to make Birding in Extremadura.

As for the common crane, we have a not inconsiderable wintering. As for aquatic birds, we have an important wintering of waterfowl and various waders. We can see this aquatic fauna both in the large reservoirs and in seasonal streams and ponds in winter. In summer we can see the elusive Black storks, Purple herons or even the Great bittern on the banks of the river Zújar.

Finally we could highlight a good population density of small predators such as Otters and Genets. In the area of the mountains we can also see large mammals such as deer, fallow deer or wild boar.

Tierra de Badajoz region

Do you want to go birding in Tierra de Badajoz? In this region you can find some of the most emblematic birds in Extremadura. In a radius of less than 30 km we can observe species as rare as the Little Bustard, a very interesting population of other large steppe birds such as the Great Bustard and the Crane, good densities of Stone-curlews and Black bellied sandgrouses…

As indicated in the post of Badajoz city the great variety of waterfowl birds is more than remarkable. It is one of the few SPAs in Spain to be found entirely in an urban area. In addition, in the nearby Sierra de San Pedro (less than 50 km from the city) we can see all the large eagles and almost all the endangered birds of prey in Extremadura. In addition, there is also a large concentration of large mammals, mainly deer, fallow deer and wild boar.

For all these reasons, the region of Tierra de Badajoz has an enormous ornithological and faunistic value in general. Despite not being one of the most famous, it is one of the best destinations you can choose if you want to come to Extremadura to see birds. In this post I am going to focus on the steppe birds present in the area, as I have already talked about waterbirds in the link above and about birds of prey and ungulates in the post of Sierra San Pedro. I recommend you check this last link if you are more interested in these wildlife groups.

Main areas

If we want to see steppe birds, for me there are two areas whose potential stands out above the rest: the Albuera area and the surroundings of Badajoz city. The former is the most famous and, especially if we want to see great bustards, in winter there is a large population, one of the largest concentrations in Europe. The surroundings of Badajoz have smaller populations. However, due to the greater flow of farmers, stockbreeders and people in general, they are more accustomed to human presence. Thanks to this, we can observe them more easily and from shorter distances.

La Albuera area

As we have said before, in the Albuera area there is a very high concentration of Great Bustards. However, there is also a good density of blackbellied sandgrouses, Calandra larks and, if we are lucky, we might see a Little bustard or a Stone curlew. You have to be very careful on the dirt roads, as the terrain is very clayey. Especially if we go during the rainy season, we could easily get stuck.

We can also see some cranes, although it is not a particularly fond of them. Also there is area with lagoons, where we can see a multitude of waterfowl. However, it is difficult to find the lagoons with a good level of water. Rainfall is increasingly scarce and so are the birds that inhabit them. There is an interesting presence of Collared pratincole, spoonbills, some ducks and waders, but this will depend a lot on the level of the lagoons, as most of the year they are dry.

Surroundings of Badajoz, birding in Tierra de Badajoz

As I live in Badajoz, I have spent a lot of time investigating the different dirt roads leading out of the city. These go to other villages, farms, farmlands… and I have been lucky enough to find several interesting spots with Great Bustards, Little Bustards and Black-bellied sandgrouses relatively close to the city. This proximity is a great advantage, as we won’t have to spend too much time to find them.

In winter we can find good flocks of Cranes, Peewits and

golden plovers. There is also a good presence of birds of prey: Hen harrier, Marsh harrier, the scarce Montagu’s harrier, a good population of Black shouldered kites, buzzards, kites, kestrels, sparrow hawks… In addition to the short-toed and booted eagles in their season.

This area is not very well known but I have been surprised by its potential. I have managed to control 15 Little Bustards in a very small area. This is an incredible concentration, considering the scarcity of this species nowadays. I invite you to go birding in Tierra de Badajoz and, of course, if you want to get the most you can hire my services for it. I can make you a personalised tour according to the species you like the most.

Although they are not in Extremadura, Arribes del Duero are my home land and it is a place close and attractive enough to write at least a small article. In this post I am going to talk about the birds of Arribes del Duero. I hope to make you want to visit this land as beautiful as unknown. I like to come to the area often, so if you are interested in hiring a guide I could also offer you my services here as I know it very well. Just write me well in advance to see if we can arrange dates. By the way, if you need acommodation, you can book a nice appartament in Lumbrales, one of the biggest and most centric villages in Arribes del Duero.

Why Arribes del Duero?

Arribes del Duero is one of the most unpopulated areas of Spain and therefore one of the least modified by human. While it is true that the abandonment of the rural world (even more pronounced in such harsh and remote terrain as this) sometimes has a negative impact on biodiversity, there are always species that benefit.

This big area was declared  Natural Park in 2002 and also has other conservation figures such as IBA, SAC and Biosphere Reserve. It is more than 120 km long and includes land in the provinces of Salamanca and Zamora, as well as the west bank of the Duero River in Portugal. If you are passionate about wildlife, nature and being able to spend full days without any trace of human beings, it is one of the best places to visit in the Iberian Peninsula.

Birds of Arribes del Duero

But let’s get to the point, this is a wildlife website, mainly about birds, so I am going to mention the most interesting species. Birds of prey are probably the most valuable group, among which we can highlight the peregrine falcon, Egyptian vulture, golden and Bonelli’s eagle, eagle owl and an important population of griffon vulture. also we can find mountain birds among which I would highlight the red-billed chough, Alpine swift, blue rock thrush, black-eared wheatear…. And the black stork, of course, which is one of the jewels in the crown of the park.

Raptors, birds of Arribes del Duero

The great eagles usually nest in the great cliffs present in the Park, although their roosting area extends for dozens of kilometers. The golden owl and the peregrine falcon have similar tastes… On the other hand, the increasingly abundant booted and short-toed eagles can be seen more and more frequently in the flatter and clearer terrain. Finally, despite its scarcity, I would like to highlight the presence of the goshawk, which benefits from the fact that there are more and more areas of forest due to the abandonment of crops.

The landscape is changing a lot in this area; only a few tens of years ago, a large percentage of the park’s surface was cultivated. Cultivation on terraces was essential and the use of donkeys and oxen to access the most inaccessible areas was also essential. Today, depopulation and the introduction of more “profitable” agricultural models in the flatter lands means that most of the crops are being abandoned. Although native vegetation is recolonizing these areas, it will be many years before there will be oak forests again where once there were almond or olive trees… In the short term, this translates into a significant loss of biodiversity. Many species had become accustomed to this mosaic ecosystem in which the “virgin” areas and the different crops coexisted in a certain harmony.

Another birds of Arribes del Duero

However, this abandonment of the rural environment benefits other species such as the elusive black stork, which is not at all comfortable with human presence. The inaccessibility of the terrain means that all those birds associated with river ecosystems have here miles and miles of riverbanks where they can live undisturbed. Droughts and lack of rainfall are the main problems here.

Rupicolous birds also have a real paradise here. There is an enormous amount of kilometers in which both the Duero and its tributaries are very boxed in, generating an ecosystem similar to that of the mountain ranges. Of course there are big differences in temperature between the Arribes del Duero and the mountain ranges of the central system, in the south of the province, but there are some species that are perfectly adapted to both environments.

Another fauna in Arribes del Duero

Mammals

Birds are by no means the only faunal resource of interest in the park. Interesting communities of other animals stand out, among which I will start with the mammals. The roe deer and wild boar are in clear expansion, the abandonment of the fields benefits them. Predators such as the genet, the beech marten, the european wildcat, the otter find here a true paradise. Others, such as the egyptian mongoose or the wolf, have recently “arrived” to stay, expanding the carnivores portfolio of the park.

It is important to mention here the practical disappearance of the european rabbit in most of the Arribes. Key piece in the diet of the most emblematic predatory species, its decline does not affect so much the populations of more generalist predators such as the fox, the genet or the beech marten, which today are relatively abundant.

Amphibians and reptiles

Within the reptile group, there is a great diversity. Among them we could highlight the black-green lizard, the red-tailed lizard, the Iberian skink or the horseshoe snake as the most interesting species. The amphibian community is not far behind either, highlighting interesting populations of marbled and Iberian newts and very good populations of common frog, running frog and the iberian painted frog.

Fish

Finally, the fish fauna is also important. Although the heart of the park is formed by reservoirs built several decades ago, there are many small rivers. These rivers do not have a large flow and many stop flowing in summer. However, they form large pools that never dry up and are home to many native species. The northern straight-mouth nase, the common barbel, Achondrostoma arcasii,  Squalius pyrenaicus or Cobitis paludica are very endangered species in other areas. In these redoubts they have found an ideal habitat in which to survive.

In short, if you feel like getting lost in areas where no human being has passed for years, this is your place. I hope you enjoy it as I have had the privilege of doing it during all my youth…. And I still do every time I go back there.

One of the best places in Extremadura for birding is Sierra de San Pedro, on the border of the provinces of Cáceres and Badajoz. Do you want to do birding in Sierra San Pedro? Below you will discover some keys and the most emblematic species. If you want to hire a guide and get the most out of your visit, click on the link to see the conditions. However, we can tailor-make a package to suit your preferences.

Mapin species

Sierra de San Pedro is a mountain range of low altitude, in which the Mediterranean mountain predominates. However, there is a very interesting mosaic of crops such as olive groves, vineyards, cereal fields… And of course it is surrounded by meadows, which allows many birds of prey to have an ideal habitat for nesting and hunting.

If there is a group of birds that stand out in this area, it is the birds of prey. We can see practically all the raptors of Extremadura in this area, both diurnal and nocturnal. As emblematic species we would highlight the cinereus vulture, Bonelli’s, imperial and golden eagles and the Eurasian eagle-owl. All of them have interesting densities, although we must not forget that they are top predators and are at the top of the food chain. The densities of these birds will never be high, but if we are lucky we will be able to observe several of these species in the same day.

In addition to the birds of prey, we could also highlight several forest birds such as the great spotted cuckoo, the hawfinch, the brambling, the green woodpecker… and a great variety of fringilids. On the other hand we can also observe some mountain birds, rare in other regions. We could highlight the ring ouzel, the alpine accentor, the rock thrush and the blue rock thrush. In addition, in the vicinity of this mountain range we have large pastures where we can observe all kinds of birds typical of the Mediterranean mountain and even steppe birds.

Other interesting wildlife

Finally, and as a plus for this area, it is worth mentioning the abundance of large mammals. Hundreds of wild boars and deer find in this mountain range an idyllic habitat. In addition, we can find fallow deer, mouflon… and even some roe deer. As for predators we can find foxes, badgers and other mustelids and, if we are very lucky, we might even come across a wild cat.

Some advice, birding in Sierra de San Pedro

An important percentage of the Sierra de San Pedro are large private farms, mainly dedicated to livestock or hunting. Several of them are crossed by public roads, through which you can travel without any problem, as long as you do not leave the road. Depending on your physical condition, you can choose to make trips by car or take long walks along the trails.

There are several recommended routes and also a good number of viewpoints from which you can use binoculars and / or telescope. These viewpoints are usually very good places to observe vultures, Egyptian vultures and other diurnal birds of prey.

Depending on the time of the year, it is important to choose the right time to make the routes. In summer, due to the high temperatures, most of the birds concentrate their activity in the first and last hours of the day. In winter this is not so important and we can observe birds of prey hunting in the central hours without any problem. However, if we want to see the great eagles hunting, the best time is spring. During the months of March, April and May these raptors have to hunt much more in order to feed their chicks.

The routes usually have a moderate difficulty, it is a mountain range without steep slopes and if you have a good or acceptable physical condition you will have no major problems. Keep in mind that in many points of this mountain range there is not much coverage so I recommend that you download the routes before arriving.

I hope this information will help you to enjoy birding and wildwatching in one of the richest areas of Extremadura.

There are many ornithological routes already established in Extremadura, but here I will try to present the best places for watching birds in Extremadura, according to their classification. Do you want to try to see the great eagles? Are you more interested in steppe birds? Or would you like to observe waterfowl birds in lagoons and wetlands?

Whatever your preference, in this section you will find interesting information about where to go birding in Extremadura. Of course this is not an exact science and it is very difficult to guarantee that you will see the imperial eagle, bittern, little bittern, little bustard… or other endangered species such as the Iberian lynx.. However, I can assure you that if you take your time and know how to stop and look, you will see a number of species that are rare in other regions.

Bird of prey sighting areas

Watching birds in Extremadura is probably the best choice in the Iberian Peninsula, so there are a large number of ideal areas for this.

For spotting the great eagles, Campiña Sur is perhaps the best option, due to the good density of rabbits and partridges. Also Sierra de San Pedro is a very good option. In the vicinity of the Peña del Águila reservoir we can see Golden eagles, Imperial eagles and Bonelli’s eagles. In summer, short-toed and booted eagles are also frequent, and in winter the osprey occasionally drops in.

If we want to see harriers, kites, buzzards or kestrels, we can go to the Llanos de Cáceres, the plains of La Serena, La Albuera or Dehesas de Jerez, among many other options.

For the great vultures and egyptian vultures Monfragüe is an iconic place, although there are also many other options: Canchos de Ramiro, Sierra de San Pedro, Las Hurdes…

The peregrine falcon is rather scarce but can occasionally be seen in the Siberia or Canchos de Ramiro. Forest birds of prey such as the sparrowhawk and the goshawk are not easy to observe either. The areas of Gata, Hurdes, Sierra de San Pedro, Tajo Internacional or Monfrague can be good options. Especially goshawks will be easier to spot in wooded areas with high rabbit densities.

The small merlin is very scarce, although if we are very lucky we could see it in the southern Campiña, La Albuera or the surroundings of the Almaraz reservoir… And lastly, to see eurasian hobby, which are equally scarce, we should move to the east of the region. Preferably in the province of Badajoz, although there is a certain population in the pine forests of Tiétar.

Watching birds in Extremadura: waterfowl

Due to the enormous diversity of birds associated with the aquatic environment, the following are the main areas in which we will be able to see a large number of them. If you are interested in a particular species, you can visit the waterfowl page for a little more information.

Almaraz / Arrocampo reservoir is one of the best places for watching birds in Extremadura. A great place to see all kinds of water birds, including the western swamphen and the squacco heron. Also in the province of Cáceres is the Borbollón reservoir, where a large number of cranes and geese roost in winter. Los Barruecos, where we can take a very simple route in which we can observe a large colony of white storks and various ducks… There are innumerable areas ideal for bird watching, but to name them all would mean creating a post just for them…

The province of Badajoz also have several great areas for birdwatching. In La Albuera we can see stilts, gooses, red-crested pochard and many other aquatic birds (also steppe birds). In Cornalvo there is a wide variety of ducks and black storks, in Alcollarín a multitude of waders, ducks and common spatula and in Valuengo we could highlight the gadwall and the shoveler. Another good spot is Arroyo Conejos, where the gull-billed tern, the little tern and the collared pratincole.

Finally, I would like to mention the urban stretches of the Guadiana in both Mérida and Badajoz. In both cities, dozens of species can be easily spotted, and the large number of birds present in each urban centre is particularly noteworthy.

Sighting areas for steppe birds

Extremadura is a region with large plains, ideal scenarios for the sighting of steppe birds of all kinds, some of which are in serious danger.

In La Serena we can find large winter concentrations of Little Bustard and Pin-tailed Sandgrouse. Los Llanos de Cáceres, Trujillo and Sierra de Fuentes are excellent areas for the observation of every kind of steppe birds. Los Llanos de Olivenza are also home to good populations of great bustards and little bustards. Of course, the area around the Albuera lagoons is another excellent place to observe steppe birds, specially Great bustards and Black-bellied sandgrouses. Finally, the area around the Arroyo Conejos reservoir is also worth mentioning.

Watching birds in Extremadura: mountain birds

Extremadura is not a community characterized by large mountain formations or important altitudes. However, we can find a variety and quantity of rupicolous birds and / or birds associated with mountain ecosystems. In the north of Cáceres we have Sierra de Gata, Las Hurdes, El Jerte and La Vera. Here we can visit key points such as the viewpoint Chorro de los Angeles, Puerto de Honduras or the viewpoint Chorrero de la Virgen. Passerines such as the common accentor, alpine accentor, red and blue rock thrush, bluethroat… can be observed in these areas. In the east of the province we have the Sierra de las Villuercas, a great place for raptors where we could highlight the Honey buzzard.

In the province of Badajoz we have the central range mountains, very rich in birdlife, Sierra de San Pedro bordering Cáceres and also the southern mountain ranges of the province among which we would highlight Tentudía and Hornachos. On the other hand, and although they are not mountain ecosystems as such, in the cliffs of Tajo river and, and in some areas of Guadiana we can find large stone cliffs. In them we can observe rocky birds such as the Rock martin, the Red-billed chough, Crows, Jackdaws, Griffon vultures, Black storks, Egyptian vultures…

Sighting areas for woodland birds

We close this block of areas for birdwatching with the forest areas. As in the previous case, Extremadura is not a community that stands out for having large, leafy forests like other communities further north in Spain. However, it does have some well-preserved forests that are home to good populations of forest birds.

In the province of Cáceres, the best places to see birds are the chestnut and oak groves on the way up to the Honduras pass from both Hervás and Jerte. The climb up to the Refugio del Brezo from Losar de la Vera can also provide us with a good number of sightings of passerines. There we can find the short-toed treecreeper, jay, great tit, warbler, bunting, tit, bunting, hawfinch, chaffinch, brambling… The pine forests of Tiétar are another good place to see birds associated with this type of forest.

Finally, in the province of Badajoz we also have several interesting spots. In the Cerro de Tentudía we can see less frequent birds in the region, such as the green woodpecker or the redstart. In the Sierra de San Pedro we can see the bullfinch, great spotted woodpecker, lesser spotted woodpecker, nuthatch… And in the large dehesas in the south of the province, we can see cuckoos, great spotted cuckoo and warblers, among others.

As you can see, Extremadura is a very biodiverse region, with very varied ecosystems. In them we can see most of the birds present in the Iberian Peninsula. I invite you to get lost in this region so unknown to many, I am sure that like me, you will fall in love with it.