Limosa - Birdwatching and Wildlife Hoildays Worldwide

Day 1. Saturday 8th May. On arrival at Madrid we met Stephen, our second leader, and Ron and Sue who had flown direct from Manchester and once the formalities of getting our mini buses had been completed we were soon driving around the M40 (Madrid’s equivalent of London’s M25) and onto the A5 heading for Trujillo. We made one stop for birdwatching near to Orepesa and enjoyed views of species such as White Storks, Black and Red Kites, Montagu’s Harrier, Red-rumped Swallows, Spotless Starlings and Zitting Cisticola. As we approached Trujillo the outline of the old town perched on the top of a hill loomed closer and in the early evening sunshine we pulled into the Finca Santa Marta to sound of Nightingales, Azure-winged Magpies and Golden Orioles.

Day 2. Sunday 9th May. The day started surprisingly cold and overcast as we went for a stroll in the grounds of the Finca de Santa Marta but despite the atypical Spanish weather we did enjoy good views of the Azure-winged Magpie, Short-toed Treecreeper, Hoopoe and Serin, and fleeting glimpses of Sardinian Warbler and Golden Oriole. After breakfast we enjoyed a few brighter spells as we first stopped at the bullring in Trujillo to look at the Spotless Starlings and the Lesser Kestrels. In the olive groves were Woodchat Shrikes, Spanish Sparrows and plenty more Azure-winged Magpies and on the plains we had our first views of Little Bustard, Black-eared Wheatear and Calandra Lark although calling Quail remained hidden in the long grass as they would continue to do so throughout the trip. We did well for raptors, kick-started by a low flying Black Vulture near to the Finca de Santa Marta followed by about ten more later plus many Griffon Vultures and an Egyptian Vulture. During the day we also had excellent views of Short-toed and Booted Eagles and some wonderful views of Montagu’s Harriers that proved to be quite common on the plains. During the afternoon we had some rain but it did not dampen our bird watching and we saw Raven, Crag Martin, Thekla Lark, Southern Grey Shrike and a Cirl Bunting. Despite some rain it had been an excellent day for seeing typically Spanish birds set in the gentle landscape of the steppes and in the beautiful river valleys that had cut themselves intothe plains.

Day 3. Monday 10th May. Another cold and cloudy start to the day although during the late morning and it gradually warm up creating much brighter afternoon. Our birdwatching started with a pre-breakfast visit to the plains just to the east of Caceres in the hope of finding sandgrouse and bustards. Although we did not see any sandgrouse there was plenty to look at as we saw a Roller on a fence alongside the road, two Great Bustards in a nearby field, overhead Calandra and Short-toed Larks in song flight and more views of Montagu’s Harriers. After breakfast we headed east. Here the river is characterised by a small flood plain edged by a wooded slope and along it were Bee-eaters, Woodchat Shrikes, Hoopoes, Red-rumped Swallows, a Melodius Warbler - and an unexpected surprise was a Black Wheatear found by Andrew. From there we moved onto the hills and an area of flat scrub to search for sylvia warblers - our efforts were amply rewarded with excellent views of Dartford Warbler and Spectacled Warbler in the scrub and a pair of Western Orphean Warbler that showed themselves well in a single tree. A little further on we had fleeting views of Subalpine Warbler before moving onto an area of wetlands. Here it seemed that the colour purple was in fashion as we saw several Purple Herons and Purple Swamphens as well as typical reed dwelling species such as Marsh Harrier, Reed Warbler and a pair of Savi’s Warblers that were carrying food to a nest somewhere in the vegetation. It had been a wonderful days bird watching highlighted by a good selection of warblers, a good range of marshland birds and the star of the bird a Black Wheatear, a species on the edge of its breeding range and often difficult to find in this location.

Day 4. Tuesday 11th May. When we woke up just after dawn the weather was cold and wet and so it was with some trepidation that we set out before breakfast to look for bustards on the Plain. As we drove to Trujillo the rain persisted and the cold and damp plains seemed devoid of birdlife. We persisted, however, turning onto a dirt track that would take us past some large fallow fields and our persistence was finally rewarded when we found a flock of 19 Great Bustards feeding in a bare field. Despite the rain we got out and had excellent views of them through the telescope before we returned to the Finca for breakfast. Because of the bad weather we decided to postpone our planned visit to Monfrague until tomorrow and instead headed for the rice fields. As we drove we enjoyed one or two breaks in the weather and our bird watching was also on the up when we passed several Rollers perched on telegraph wires. On the large open fields we found another flock of Great Bustards, numbering 11 this time, and after initially seeing them in a field we later we had even better views of the same flock standing on one of the tracks on which we were driving. We stopped for our lunch at a disused bridge with plenty of bird life in the reeds along its banks. The star species was undoubtedly Little Bittern as up to three males made several flights back and forth past the bridge and at times perching on the tops of reeds. There was also a good supporting cast as we saw species such as Great Reed Warbler, Red Avadavat, Common Waxbill and a Collared Pratincole that flew around hawking insects. On the way back we had a look at a reservoir where we saw Little Egret, our only Cormorant of the tour, a couple of Great Crested Grebe and several Gull-billed Terns that were flying to and fro a breeding colony on the opposite side of the reservoir. Despite a cold and wet morning we had enjoyed a good day's birding and we drove back to the Finca for a cup of tea and coffee.

Day 5. Wednesday 12th May. A much brighter start to the day as we set out on a pre-breakfast visit to the plains to continue our search for Sandgrouse. It proved to be a good move as once we had moved onto a high point on the plains we finally heard the bubbly call of Black-bellied Sandgrouse and it wasn’t long before we were watching seven birds flying over the fields in front of us and this was quickly followed by several flocks of Pintailed Sandgrouse, their staccato call and white bellies distinctive from the previous species. After breakfast we set off for the Monfrague National Park going by way of a detour to look for Rock Sparrow - that contrary to their name were nesting in an olive grove. Soon we heard them calling but our search for them was hampered by a farmer who appeared with a chain saw to prune his olive trees and the sound of the saw soon drowned out the calling birds. It was only when we had almost moved out of ear shot that we saw the birds well. As we travelled through the dehesa habitat we kept our eyes open for raptors and found two adults and an immature Spanish Imperial Eagles that circled over a wood for 20mins before drifting away. We moved onto Peñafalcón where stopped for lunch and spent some time scanning the sky and the rock faces at this impressive spot. There were too many Griffon Vultures to count as they wheeled around in the air currents and perching on the rock faces where they were nesting – we also saw small numbers of Egyptian and Black Vultures. Others species we saw included Black Stork, including a couple of nesting pairs, and a good selection of rock-dwelling passerines such as Rock Bunting, Blue Rock Thrush and Black Redstart. We moved on through the Park and made an unsuccessful search this year for Eagle Owl - but we did find an immature Bonelli’s Eagle sitting high on a rock ledge. As usual Monfrague National Park enthralled us with its wonderful bird life and its spectacular scenery and we had much to reflect on as we made our way back to the Finca.

Day 6. Thursday 13th May. Our day started with a pre-breakfast walk up to the pine trees where we had been hearing the call of Red-necked Nightjar the previous evening and earlier this morning. Although we did not see the nightjar it was a fine clear and sunny morning. After breakfast we said goodbye to Henry and set off once more to drive through the Monfrague National Park stopping at most pf the places we stopped at yesterday. We enjoyed more views of the species such as Imperial Eagles, Short-toed Eagles, three species of Vulture, Hawfinch and Blue Rock Thrush and at our lunch \stop in a pinewood we had excellent views of Crested Tit and a female Subalpine Warbler. We moved on through the park, around the town of Plasencia and then up the Valle de Jerte. We stopped just above the tree line in a beautiful landscape with the hills and valleys rolling beneath us and one of the first birds we saw was Ortolan Bunting closely followed by Rock Bunting, Stonechat, Dunnock and last but not least a stunning male Rock Thrush that first posed in profile and then obligingly turned and showed us the white patch on its back. We would have liked to have stayed longer but time was pressing and so we drove back down into the valley and then up to the plateau where the best sighting was undoubtedly a pair of Bonelli’s Eagles soaring over a distant hill. From there we pushed on in the evening sun and finally at our superb mountain hotel.

Day 7. Friday 14th May. We awoke to a fine clear but decidedly cold morning and drove the short distance to listen and wait for birds to arrive. We did not have to wait long as we soon heard the musical tinkling of a Citril Finch that was soon located singing from the top of a nearby pine. We watched them make several visits to the garden and even enjoyed excellent views of several birds sitting within 15 yards of us on the veranda. Although the Citril Finches consumed most of our attention we did see other species as well such as Pied Flycatcher, Goldcrest, Coal Tit and several Crossbills that flew overhead calling. We enjoyed an excellent breakfast back at our hotel and then set out for the Plataforma, making a stop on the way along the stream. The pine trees here hold Western Bonelli’s Warbler and it was not long after we got out of the vehicles that we heard the rapid trilling of its song telling us that it was present. We had excellent views of a couple of birds, as well as a very obliging Firecrest, several Pied Flycatchers and along the stream a Dipper sat for a while on a stone almost motionless before it flew up stream and out of sight. By now it was a beautiful warm and sunny morning and so we decided to take advantage of the good weather and drove straight to start our gentle walk up to the breeding grounds of the Bluethroat. On the way up we saw more Rock and Ortolan Buntings, Dunnock and at our destination several flocks of Red-billed Choughs were flying acrobatically along the ridges. After an initial distant sighting of a Bluethroat a much nearer one gave us a wonderful display singing from bush tops and performing its display flight by flying about 50feet above the bushes and parachuting down in full song. It was an idyllic spot to have our picnic lunch with the sun shining overhead taking the chill from the air. We slowly made our way back to the car park where we had good views of Water Pipit and then returned to our hotel where had a well-earned cup of coffee and we looked forward to another delicious evening meal and some fine wine.

Day 8. Saturday 15th May. Our last morning of the tour and just enough time for a pre-breakfast visit toa pine wood - although we did wonder what we might see through the mist that greeted us as we walked out to the car park. Although we did not find any new species we had some good views of Crossbills flying overhead and perching on the tops of the pine trees. After another delicious breakfast we said goodbye to our hostess, and set out for Madrid. After arriving at the airport and the formalities of returning the vehicles we all said goodbye to coleader Stephen and we headed for the U.K.

Systematic list of species
(total no. Species 142)

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

A pair present on a small pool near Trujillo that we passed most days whilst staying at the Finca Santa Marta, although they were not always visible.

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus

One on the on 10th and two on the wetlands on 11th.

Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo

One on the Reservoir on 11th.

Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutes

At least three birds on 11th.

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis

Very common during the first five days but absent from the Sierra de Gredos.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Four birds on rice fields on 11th and one at the Reservoir later the same day.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Recorded in ones and twos from 9th – 12th with a total of 11 birds.

Purple Heron Ardea purpurea

Three as we travelled to Trujillo on 2nd, seven on the wetlands on 10th and a three other birds seen in flight as we drove around the steppes.

Black Stork Ciconia nigra

Single birds in flight on each of 9th, 10th and 11th, but a total of 14 seen during our two visits to the Monfrague National Park that included a couple of nesting pairs at Peñafalcón.

White Stork Ciconia ciconia

Very common everywhere including several nesting pairs in the grounds of the Finca Santa Marta.

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos

Fairly common, recorded in smallish numbers every day.

Black Kite Milvus migrans

Very common, recorded in good numbers every day of the tour.

Red Kite Milvus milvus

Recorded almost daily in numbers up to ten except for the 9th when we were on the plains west of Caceres.

Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus

Single birds west of Trujillo on 9th and on 11th and a total of eight in the Monfrague National Park.

Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus

Very common throughout the tour with large populations in Monfrague particularly at the breeding site at Peñafalcón.

Black Vulture Aegyptus monachus

Over 30 birds recorded on the steppes and in the Monfrague National Park with our sightings kick-started by a very obliging and low flying bird near the Finca Santa Marta on the morning of 9th.

Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus

Ones and twos recorded nearly everyday with a total of eight birds.

Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus

A total of five birds recorded during the first five days of the tour.

Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygarus

One as we travelled to Trujillo on 8th and then fairly common on the steppes.

Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus

A single bird in the Monfrague National Park on 12th was the only record.

Buzzard Buteo buteo

Fairly common recorded each day in daily numbers up to ten except in the Sierra de Gredos where it was not recorded.

Imperial Eagle Aquila adalberti

Two sightings on 12th when two adults and an immature were seen and again on 13th when two adults were seen.

Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus

Recorded in ones and twos every day from 9th – 14th when a total of 15 were recorded.

Bonelli’s Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus

An immature bird perched high on a ledge on 12th and a distant pair in flight along the road on 13th.

Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni

Common in Trujillo and on the surrounding plains.

Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

Common throughout the tour although fewer birds were recorded in the Sierra de Gredos than at our Trujillo location.

Hobby Falco subbuteo

Two at Hoyos del Espino on 14th.

Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa

Ones and twos recorded each day from 9th – 13th.

Quail Coturnix coturnix

Heard calling every day from 8th – 13th but could we entice one to show itself? No we could not!

Water Rail Rallus aquaticus

One heard calling on 11th.

Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

One or two birds seen on pools on the steppes and about ten on 10th.

Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio

Seven birds seen on 10th.

Coot Fulica atra

Single birds as we travelled to Trujillo on 8th and at the Rio Gargalligas on 11th.

Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax

About 20 birds recorded in total on the steppes around Trujillo mostly seen as single birds but a few seen in flight too.

Great Bustard Otis tarda

Two on the plains east of Caceres on 10th, on 11th a flock of 19 in the rain on the Plain and 11 near Madrigalejo, and a flock of 11 to west of Trujillo on 12th.

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus

Single birds in small pools on 10th and 12th and three on rice fields on 11th.

Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus

A single bird on the steppe between Trujillo and Santa Marta de Magasca on 12th.

Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola

One on 11th and one near the Bull ring in Trujillo on the following day.

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus

About 20 birds seen on 11th.

Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica

A single bird in flight as we travelled on 8th and six at the Reservoir on 11th.

Black-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles orientalis

The adverse weather conditions made sandgrouse very hard to find but it finally came good on the morning of the 12th on the plains west of Trujillo when seven of this species were seen well in flight.

Pin-tailed Sandgrouse Pterocles alchata

20 birds seen at the same time and location as the previous species.

Rock/Feral Rock Dove Columba livia

Common, seen every day of the tour often as feral birds but the genuine article seen in more mountainous regions.

Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus

Common during the first half of the week but fewer birds in the latter half.

Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto

Now very common on the steppes but absent from the Sierra de Gredos.

Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur

Seen regularly in small numbers on the steppes but not recorded in the Sierra de Gredos.

Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius

A total of eight seen from 9th –12th around Trujillo.

Cuckoo Cuculus canorus

Recorded throughout the week with a dozen seen and others heard.

Scops Owl Otus scops

Several heard calling in the grounds of the Finca and one at our retreat in the mountains - but try as we might we could not see one!

Little Owl Athene noctua

A total of seven birds recorded as we drove around the steppes.

Red-necked Nightjar Caprimulgus ruficollis

Heard calling on one or two occasions from the pine trees but our efforts to find it were unsuccessful.

Common Swift Apes apus

Fairly common throughout the week.

Pallid Swift Apus pallidus

About 30 recorded around Trujillo and in Monfrague National Park but probably far commoner than numbers suggest.

Kingfisher Alcedo atthis

One on 11th.

European Bee-eater Merops apiaster

Very common throughout the tour.

Roller Coracias garrulous

One on the plains to the east of Caceres on 10th, a total of six on 11th and a single bird on 13th.

Hoopoe Upupa epops

Fairly common throughout the tour.

Green Woodpecker Picus viridus

Heard at the finca on 8th and one seen at Hoyos del Espino on 14th.

Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major

At Finca Santa Marta one seen on 11th and heard on 13th. One seen and others heard at Hoyos del Espino on 14th.

Calandra Lark Melanocorypha calandra

Recorded in good numbers on the plains around Trujillo.

Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla

Ten birds recorded on the plains to the east of Caceres on 11th and a few birds recorded elsewhere on the steppes.

Crested Lark Galerida cristata

Very common on the steppe but not seen in the Sierra de Gredos.

Thekla Lark Galerida theklae

Recorded on the steppe in smaller numbers than the previous species.

Woodlark Lullula arborea

A couple of birds seen and others heard in Monfrague National Park on 12th and one at Finca Santa Marta on 13th.

Skylark Aluuda arvensis

A few birds seen or heard on the steppes and four Gredos on 13th.

Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris

Common throughout the week particularly in mountainous areas and rocky river valleys.

Swallow Hirundo rustica

Very common throughout the week.

Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica

Very common throughout the week.

House Martin Delichon urbica

Very common throughout the week.

Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris

A single bird at the Reservoir on 11th.

Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta

Two at the Plataforma de Gredos on 14th.

Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava

Two on 11th of the ssp flava (Blue-headed) and three Gredos on 14th of the ssp iberiae (Spanish Wagtail).

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea

A total of four in the rocky valleys of the steppes, two as we travelled on 13th and three in the Sierra de Gredos.

White Wagtail Motacilla alba

Recorded in small numbers each day of the tour.

Dipper Cinclus cinclus

Three on 14th with one posing well in the stream below Hoyos del Espino.

Wren Troglodytes troglodytes

A resident at Finca Santa Marta was seen or heard each day and three were seen in the Sierra de Gredos.

Dunnock Prunella modularis

About 20 birds recorded Gredos on 14th.

Robin Erithacus rubecula

Two in the Sierra de Gredos on 14th.

Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos

Seen and heard in small numbers throughout the tour.

Bluethroat Luscinia svecica

Three in the Gredos on 14th included one bird that performed its wonderful display flight for us.

Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochuros

A pair at Peñafalcón in Monfrague National Park and a total of eight in the Sierra de Gredos.

Stonechat Saxicola rubicola

Recorded in small numbers each day of the tour.

Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe

One on the steppes on 9th and at least 20 recorded in the Sierra de Gredos.

Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica

Recorded in quite good numbers on the steppes but just a single bird in the Sierra de Gredos on 14th.

Black Wheatear Oenanthe leucura

A pair seen on 10th. Always tricky on this tour.

Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis

One seen at Porto del Honduras on 13th and two Gredos the following day.

Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius

Five birds recorded in Monfrague National Park on both 12th and 13th.

Blackbird Turdus merula

Common throughout the week.

Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus

One as we travelled to the Sierra de Gredos on 12th.

Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti

Several birds seen and others heard on 10th and 11th with a few birds heard on other days.

Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis

A few birds seen as we travelled to Trujillo on 8th and then seen and heard regularly in small numbers on the steppes.

Savi’s Warbler Locustella luscinioides

A pair carrying food to a nest on 10th and one heard singing on 11th.

Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus

A couple of pairs on 10th and two on 11th.

Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus

Four birds on 11th.

Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta

One along the Rio Almonte on 10th, one heard on 11th and one near Hoyos on 14th.

Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata

At least six on 10th and two at Puerto de Honduras on 13th.

Spectacled Warbler Sylvia cospicillata

Two birds seen well in the scrub on 10th.

Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans

Fairly common in Monfrague NP where we heard it singing regularly and managed good views of a couple of birds.

Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala

One or two seen or heard regularly in the grounds of Finca and several seen as we travelled on 13th.

Western Orphean Warbler Sylvia hortensis

A pair seen in the scrub on 10th and one heard in song on 12th.

Whitethroat Sylvia communis

A couple of birds outside Hoyos and several more on the way up to the Gredos on 14th.

Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla

Four seen and others heard on 14th.

Western Bonelli’s Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli

Four birds seen well in the pinewoods on 14th.

Goldcrest Regulus regulus

One seen and others heard at the Gredos on 14th.

Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus

Two seen very well in the pine woods on 14th.

Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata

A single bird along the road just west of Trujillo on 9th.

Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca

A total of six birds seen in the Sierra de Gredos.

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus

A total of nine birds seen during the week relating to ssp A.c.irbii distinguished by its grey back, striped cheeks and side of head and a shorter tail.

Crested Tit Parus cristatus

Three birds seen in the Monfrague National Park and two in the Sierra de Gredos.

Coal Tit Parus ater

Common in the Sierra de Gredos particularly in pine woods.

Blue Tit Parus caeruleus

Very common throughout the week.

Great Tit Parus major

Very common throughout the week.

Nuthatch Sitta europaea

One in deciduous woodland on the way up to Gredos on 13th and one heard in pinewoods on 14th.

Treecreeper Certhia familiaris

Two Gredos on 14th.

Short-toed Treecreeper Certhia brachdactyla

Seen regularly in the grounds of the Finca and a few seen in Monfrague National Park.

Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus

Heard and seen regularly in the grounds of the Finca. Also a few elsewhere in the Trujillo area.

Southern Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis

Recorded in small numbers each day on the steppes.

Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator

Recorded each day and slightly more numerous than the previous species.

Jay Garrulus glandarius

Three as we travelled on 13th and a few birds in the Sierra de Gredos.

Azure-winged Magpie Cyanopica cyana

Very common in the steppes and also good numbers in the grounds of the Finca Santa Marta.

Magpie Pica pica

Very common throughout the week.

Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax

About 20 birds seen Gredos on 14th.

Jackdaw Corvus monedula

Common throughout our stay in the Trujillo area and four in the Sierra de Gredos on 14th.

Carrion Crow Corvus corone

Common in the Sierra de Gredos but not recorded in the Trujillo area.

Raven Corvus corax

Fairly common throughout the week.

Spotless Starling Sturnus unicolor

Very common throughout the week.

House Sparrow Passer domesticus

Very common throughout the week.

Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis

A dozen birds along the road west of Trujillo on 9th and one or two at Finca Santa Marta.

Rock Sparrow Petronia petronia

Six on 12th and one in the Gredos on 14th.

Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild

Ten on 11th.

Red Avadat Amandava amandava

Five on 11th.

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

Fairly common throughout the week.

Serin Serinus serinus

Small numbers recorded on the steppes but much commoner in Monfrague National Park and the Sierra de Gredos.

Citril Finch Serinus citronella

Excellent views of about ten birds in the Gredos on 14th.

Greenfinch Carduelis chloris

Small numbers recorded in and around the steppes and in the Sierra de Gredos.

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis

Very common throughout the week.

Linnet Carduelis canabina

A total of 12 on 10th, two at the Porto de Honduras on 13th and a dozen in the Sierra de Gredos.

Common Crossbill Loxia curvirostra

Two flying over on 14th and about half a dozen in pinewoods the following day that included perched birds.

Cirl Bunting Emberiza citronella

A total of four seen in the steppes and others heard singing.

Rock Bunting Emberiza cia

Good views of a pair at Peñafalcón on 12th and 13th, a pair on 13th and 20 in the Sierra de Gredos.

Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana

Six on 13th and six in the Sierra de Gredos the following day.

Corn Bunting Milaria calandra

Very common on the steppes and in Monfrague National Park but not recorded in the Sierra de Gredos.

MAMMALS:

Red Deer Cervus elaphus

Spanish Ibex Capra pyrenaica

Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgari

Red Fox Vulpes vulpes

BUTTERFLIES:

Swallowtail Papilio machaon

Scarce Swallowtail Iphiclides podalirius

Spanish Festoon Zerynthia rumina

Small White Artogeia rapae

Bath White Pontia daplidice

Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines

Moroccan Orange Tip Anthocharis belia

Clouded Yellow Colias crocea

Cleopatra Gonepteryx cleopatra

Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas

Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus

Red Admiral Vanessa atlanta

Painted Lady Vanessa cardui

Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae

Marsh Fritillary Euphydryas aurina

Iberian (=Spanish) Marbled White Melanargia lachesis

Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina

Spanish Gatekeeper Pyronia bathsheba

Wall Brown Lasiommata megera

Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus