Just back from a family holiday to Costa del Sol (and Gibraltar )
Stayed in Estepona
Excellent birdwatching base especially for raptors, 9 species seen in all, inc 4 Eagles. Griffon Vultures very visible.
Bee Eaters, Hoopoes, Crested Larks, Spotless Starlings, Sardinian Warblers all within 5 minutes walk from hotel.
Raptor migration ---almost all of which were Black Kite--- was in full swing on a day trip to Gibraltar.
Most interesting, around Estepona I was really surprised by how common Monarch Butterflies were, most of the flower beds around town seemed to have at least one flitting about. I know they have established themselves in Spain , not sure if they breed in any number on the mainland though. Were these migrants ? Possibly from Canaries ?
It's best to stay in Donana so you can get an early start - Hawfinch is amazingly tame at Acebuche - more like Chaffinches here !
Henry Cook said
Fri Aug 21 3:21 PM, 2009
a great recent trip report from the Tarifa area to whet your appetite Mark can be found here - (just copy and paste the link into another tab) http://www.northwalesbirding.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3051
Not birded mid-S.Spain myself so can't offer much more help i'm afraid. Henry.
-- Edited by Henry Cook on Friday 21st of August 2009 03:23:25 PM
Mark Jarrett said
Fri Aug 21 12:55 PM, 2009
In the middle of planning an eight day trip to Spain in early May next year. Loose itinery is to fly in to Madrid, spend two to three days around Monfrague, then travel down to Donana for two to three days there and wind things up with a couple of days around Tarifa/Gib. Fly back from Malaga.
Got flights with Easyjet for £120 all in and have sorted out accommodation (more or less) around Monfrague.
We have the 'Where To Watch' book but would welcome any tips/hints/recommendations, especially accommodation possibilities in the south.
Cheers
Mark
Stayed in Estepona
Excellent birdwatching base especially for raptors, 9 species seen in all, inc 4 Eagles. Griffon Vultures very visible.
Bee Eaters, Hoopoes, Crested Larks, Spotless Starlings, Sardinian Warblers all within 5 minutes walk from hotel.
Raptor migration ---almost all of which were Black Kite--- was in full swing on a day trip to Gibraltar.
Most interesting, around Estepona I was really surprised by how common Monarch Butterflies were, most of the flower beds around town seemed to have at least one flitting about. I know they have established themselves in Spain , not sure if they breed in any number on the mainland though. Were these migrants ? Possibly from Canaries ?
http://www.tonycoatsworth.co.uk/images/spainpix.htm
It's best to stay in Donana so you can get an early start - Hawfinch is amazingly tame at Acebuche - more like Chaffinches here !
http://www.northwalesbirding.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3051
Not birded mid-S.Spain myself so can't offer much more help i'm afraid.
Henry.
-- Edited by Henry Cook on Friday 21st of August 2009 03:23:25 PM