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S PA I N Spanish Imperial Eagle Male Red Deer, Andújar raptors will be back on territory, whilst others will be passing through on their northward migration and others in the area for the winter months – we can hope to see Spanish Imperial Eagle, Merlin, Hen and Western Marsh Harriers and Blackwinged and Red Kites; the whole area is just teeming with life. Mammals may include Fallow and Red Deer, as well as Iberian Hares. We stay near the picturesque village of El Rocio, with its sandy streets and white buildings, for four nights. Days 5 to 7 Today we transfer to Sierra de Andújar, a wellkept secret in terms of wild mountain habitat in Spain where we stay in a rural location for three nights. Large populations of Mouflon, Red and Fallow Deer, Otter and Wild Boar, as well as the largest Iberian Lynx population in Spain, can be found in this beautiful mountain chain. Lynx used to be spread throughout most of Iberian Peninsula but they have suffered from persecution and hunting for a long time and are now said to be the most endangered feline species in the world - the total population is estimated to be around 200 animals. They are now restricted to very small areas in Spain, principally in Andújar, with smaller numbers (15 to 20) around Coto Doñana. The Iberian Lynx is a smaller version of the European Lynx and is considered a separate species by most authorities. The males can weighs up to 18kgs (compared to 30kgs for a male Eurasian Lynx). We shall scan from various watch points, giving us views into valleys, where we can look for these lovely cats. At this time of year we may hear them calling as they seek out mates to breed with. Hopefully, we will spot one walking along the sandy tracks, marking their territories and sniffing the vegetation for signs of other Lynx that may have passed by recently. There will also be birds to keep our attention focussed with noisy gangs of Azure-winged Magpies, small flocks of Hawfinches, Sardinian Warblers and Red-legged Partridges constantly calling and moving through the scrub, while above us we must watch out for both Eurasian Griffon and Black Vultures, and both Golden and Spanish Imperial Eagles. Small groups of Redbilled Chough pass overhead as well and they can be seen foraging in distant grassy meadows. The calls of Iberian Green Woodpeckers and Little Owls are often heard, while Eurasian Serins may already be in song. We can also look out for Blue Rock Thrush, Black Redstart, Eurasian Crag Martin, Crested Tit and Short-toed Treecreeper. We can drive down to a river which has been dammed and where a reservoir has been created. Here in one of the tunnels we can find various species of roosting bats and on the rock face outside we may well find Spanish Ibex. The rock face sometimes has wintering Wallcreepers and Black Wheatears, but Rock Bunting is a safer bet to find more easily! Grassy meadows will have flocks of Spotless Starlings and noisy mixed gangs of House, Tree and Spanish Sparrows will be around farm buildings. Iberian Grey Shrikes should be spotted as they watch from their own vantage points, scanning the grasslands for small insects. Day 8 After some further birding in the area, we transfer to Seville where we catch the flight back to London. Outline Itinerary Day 1 Fly to Seville and transfer to El Rocio Days 2-4 El Rocio Day 5-7 Sierra de Andújar Day 8 Depart Seville Party Size Maximum of seven clients. Accommodation Comfortable accommodation in twin/double and single rooms with private facilities. Transport By minibus driven by the leader. Includes All flights, meals, accommodation, transport, entry fees, services of the leaders, VAT, airport taxes and tips. Gradings Good 120 Warm Low Normal Relaxed Good Easy Scheduled Red-knobbed Coot To make a booking please call Ornitholidays on 01794 519445 99
S PA I N Spain – The Canary Islands Winter Sunshine Break Saturday 15 February – Saturday 22 February 2014 Leaders: David Walsh and Paul Rogers 2014 Cost: £1,999 single room supplement £120 Sunday 14 February – Sunday 21 February 2015 Principal Leader: David Walsh 2015 Cost: £2,099 single room supplement £130 La Palma La Gomera CANARY ISLANDS Lanzarote Fuerteventura Tenerife Gran Canaria T he Canary Islands provide us with the chance of seeing some special birds in welcome late winter sunshine! Remarkable for the wealth of unique plant and animal life, this Archipelago has been isolated from the continents for a long period, thus giving rise to an endemic avifauna not found in any other part of the world. The Canaries are made up of seven islands and five islets, which fall conveniently into two main groups – the Western Islands (Tenerife, Gomera, La Palma, El Hierro, Gran Canaria) and the Eastern Islands (Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and five islets). This natural division is based on the physical characteristics which the islands exhibit and we plan to visit three of them during our tour. Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and its varied landscapes reflect its volcanic origins. Here, and on the adjacent island of La Gomera, the prevailing winds produce a climate conducive to ancient laurel forests and open pines. The eastern island of Fuerteventura is completely different and more like North Africa, being much drier with scrubby vegetation, rocky gorges and desert-like scenery. The Canary Islands hold a number of endemic (and near-endemic) species, including Fuerteventura Stonechat, Atlantic Canary, Blue Chaffinch and Bolle’s and Laurel Pigeons. In addition there is a healthy population of Houbara Bustard and we hope to see this species in its spectacular display alongside Cream-coloured Courser and Black-bellied Sandgrouse. Additionally, there is the chance to spot some interesting seabirds and cetaceans. The main tour leader will be David Walsh who has made more than 10 winter visits to the Canary Islands. ITINERARY Mountain View on Tenerife Days 1 to 4 We depart from London, or Manchester, to Tenerife. Depending on when we arrive, there may be time for some late afternoon birding. We check-in to our hotel on Tenerife where we stay for the next four nights. The wonderfully varied island of Tenerife is dominated by the volcanic Pico de Teide (3718m), the highest mountain in Spain. The north of the island is often cloudy and the hills have moist laurel forests. The central area consists of open pines and a high plateau, whilst the south is in the rain shadow and is drier and sunnier. On our first full day we will concentrate on the south and central areas. In the open pines, which occur above 800m, we will visit a well-known picnic site in search of the endemic Blue Chaffinch and we will hope to have excellent views of this species as well as the local races of Goldcrest, Great Spotted Woodpecker and African Blue Tit. We also have our first opportunity of seeing the Atlantic Canary, the symbol of the islands, renowned for its distinctive song. Weather permitting, we will venture higher and marvel at the spectacular volcanic, moon-like, rock formations in the centre of the island where the excellent display boards will prove informative. On the barren plains of southern Tenerife, with their prickly pears and euphorbias, we will have our first chance of seeing Berthelot’s Pipit and Plain Swift; these two species are restricted to the Canary Islands and Madeira. On some previous trips local information has also helped us locate a number of rarities, with American ducks and waders amongst the possibilities! The next day we will take the inter-island ferry to La Gomera. The boat trips will give us the opportunity of looking for Macaronesian and Cory’s Shearwaters, whilst we will also hope to spot groups of Shortfin Pilot Whales or Bottlenosed Dolphins. On arrival on Gomera we will head for the beautiful laurel forests and find good vantage points from where patient scanning should produce views of our main target species, the endemic Bolle’s and Laurel Pigeons. We will enjoy lunch at a restaurant in a 100 For a previous tour report or further information please call: 01794 519445
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ORNITHOLIDAYS 2014 49 Our Forty-Nin
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49 Our Forty-Ninth Year ORNITHOLIDA
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I S O R N I T H O L I D AY S R I G
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L AT E 2 0 1 3 T O U R S Summary of
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T O U R G R A D I N G Tour Grading
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G R E E N TA X E S A N D C A R B O
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Bryce Canyon, Utah, USA
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U S A - U TA H & A R I Z O N A USA
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U S A - U TA H & W YO M I N G USA -
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U S A - N E W E N G L A N D USA - N
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U S A - F LO R I D A USA - Florida
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U S A - H A W A I I USA - Hawaii Ii
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M E X I C O Mexico Western Mexican
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C O S TA R I C A Costa Rica Classic
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C U B A Cuba Endemic Birds & Winter
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T R I N I D A D & T O B A G O Trini
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S T LU C I A St Lucia at Leisure Pi
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G U YA N A Guyana Rainforests, Wate
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C O LO M B I A Colombia Birding’s
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B R A Z I L Brazil Atlantic Forest
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B R A Z I L Brazil - Photographic T
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E C U A D O R Ecuador Tumbesian & A
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Waterhole at Etosha, Namibia
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S O U T H A F R I C A South Africa
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S O U T H A F R I C A & B O T S W A
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Page 57 and 58: U G A N D A Uganda Birds & Primates
Page 59 and 60: N A M I B I A Namibia Etosha & the
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Page 63 and 64: E GY P T Egypt Birds & History Frid
Page 65 and 66: M O R O C C O Morocco High Atlas &
Page 67 and 68: M O R O C C O Morocco Atlantic Coas
Page 69 and 70: Sing-sing with Huli, Papua New Guin
Page 71 and 72: J O R D A N Jordan Birds & History
Page 73 and 74: K U W A I T Kuwait Birding in the G
Page 75 and 76: I N D I A India - Goa Birds, Beache
Page 77 and 78: S R I L A N K A Sri Lanka Teardrop
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Page 85 and 86: N E PA L Nepal Chitwan, Koshi & Phu
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Page 95 and 96: Boating on the Danube Delta, Romani
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Page 105 and 106: S PA I N Spain - Coto Doñana & Ext
Page 107 and 108: S PA I N Spain - The Island of Meno
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Page 123 and 124: I TA LY - S I C I LY Italy - Sicily
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Page 127 and 128: I TA LY Italy at Leisure Birds & Wi
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Page 131 and 132: F R A N C E France - The Camargue,
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Page 135 and 136: I C E L A N D Iceland Winter Wonder
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Page 149 and 150: R O M A N I A Romania Danube Delta
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O U R T E A M O F L E A D E R S Our
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O U R T E A M O F L E A D E R S Blu
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C A L E N D A R Calendar 2014 JANUA
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C O N D I T I O N S O F B O O K I N
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C O N D I T I O N S O F B O O K I N
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ORNITHOLIDAYS 29 Straight Mile Roms
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