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S PA I N Sawfly Orchid Egyptian Vultures Coastal scrub is likely to turn up a variety of migrant warblers and flycatchers; while European Bee-eaters and Golden Orioles may arrive during our stay. Woodlands of Aleppo Pine, Holm Oak, Olive and Lentisc (a relative of Pistachio) hold populations of resident Firecrest, with both Wood and Western Bonelli’s Warblers passing through. Red-rumped Swallows are regular among the other hirundines. The seasonal wetlands of Tirant are in the north of the island. Since all the migrants filter through towards the north it may well repay us to make two visits to look for waders, ducks, and perhaps the odd stork or unusual raptor. The rocky promontaries of the north coast hold good populations of Thekla and Greater Short-toed Larks. Raptors are a special feature of the island. The Booted Eagle numbers about 60 pairs, a huge number for such a small island. Egyptian Vultures have over 30 pairs, and the declining Red Kite hangs on, with about 10 pairs. Peregrines nest on the cliffs; while Eleonora’s Falcons (which nest on nearby Majorca) are sometimes seen passing by in spring. A few pairs of Ospreys nest too, and often fish offshore. Western Marsh Harriers are a regular sight in spring; and we shall keep our eyes open for other migrants such as Montagu’s Harrier, Eurasian Hobby and Red-footed Falcon. Common Ravens are the only corvid on Menorca, and share the scavenging duties with kite and vulture. Offshore, Cory’s (Scopoli’s) Shearwaters wheel over the waves and often join feeding frenzies with the gulls. Menorca is a stronghold for this large, slow-flying shearwater. The island is also important for the rare Balearic Shearwater. On Menorca, Pallid Swifts nest in small colonies along the cliffs (as well as in some coastal towns). Alpine Swifts have a coastal colony too. Blue Rock Thrushes also reach their greatest density in clifftop sites. The beauty of being a small island surrounded by sea is that it increases the chance of visits by over-flying migrants. If weather conditions are suitable we may be treated to some large falls of Pied Flycatcher, Common Redstart, Whinchat, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Barn Swallow, Sand Martin and perhaps even a Wryneck or two. There is always the chance of something unusual turning up: perhaps a Collared Pratincole or a Garganey in the wetlands; maybe a Spotless Starling or Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush in the rock-strewn fields; or perhaps a Dartford Warbler or Western Orphean Warbler in the bushes. In addition to the birds, flowers and butterflies we will spend a little time in the capital Mahon, whose natural harbour is reckoned to be the finest in the Mediterranean. A short cruise will offer good views of the city as well as a chance to see Peregrine Falcon. Along the seafront, Audouin's Gulls can often be persuaded to feed on scraps of bread at our feet – a photographer's joy. Menorca also has a unique series of Bronze Age sites, left behind by the Talayotic civilization, from 1400 BC onwards. They feature many talayots (rocky mounds for defence and observation), taulas (T-shaped henges that were probably astronomical observatories) and navetas (burial chambers). These mysterious places are always great botanical sites and often interesting for birds too. Day 8 Today we have time for further exploration before we catch our direct evening flight to London or regional airports (where available) where the tour ends. Outline Itinerary Day 1 Fly to Mahon and transfer to Matchani Gran Days 2-7 Matchani Gran Day 8 Depart Mahon Party Size Maximum of 14 clients (two leaders with more than seven clients). Accommodation Comfortable accommodation in twin/double and single rooms with private facilities. Lunches are mostly picnics, with some lunches at Matchani Gran. Transport By minibuses driven by the leaders. Includes All flights, meals, accommodation, transport, entry fees, services of the leaders, VAT, airport taxes and tips. Gradings Good 90 Warm to Cool Low Normal Relaxed Good Easy Scheduled Matchani Gran To make a booking please call Ornitholidays on 01794 519445 105
S PA I N Spain – Southern Catalonia Birds, Butterflies & Bouquets Saturday 24 May – Saturday 31 May 2014 Principal Leader: Steve West 2014 Cost £1,599 single room supplement £100 e now have several tours to Catalonia and this one is particularly focused on the natural history W of the southern area. This tour visits the Montsant range, where lonely hermitages sculpt the character of the most beautiful and solitary locations in this surprising massif. Unlikely rock formations silently stand guard and small rivers continue their patient work sculpting valleys, gulleys and gorges out of sheer rock. According to the Catalan Butterfly Monitoring Scheme no fewer than 86 species of butterfly have been recorded at a single site in this area! We can look for birds here too, including Eurasian Griffon Vulture, Bonelli’s Eagle, Blue Rock Thrush, Sardinian and Subalpine Warblers, Golden Oriole, European Bee-eater and Eurasian Hoopoe. The Ebro Delta in contrast is flat and rather featureless but compensates for its lack of altitude by an exciting array of wetland birds, including gulls, waders, herons, terns and much more. We return to the mountains and the els Ports massif which is just as abrupt as Montsant and possibly even more eyeopening. It is home to a host of indigenous plants, as well as interesting and varied communities of butterflies including Nettle-tree Butterfly, Cardinal, Southern White Admiral, Pale Clouded Yellow as well as amphibians, birds and mammals; among the latter a large population of the Spanish Ibex. A walk into the rocky heart of els Ports will reveal astonishing and unexpected landscapes, and will also provide us with many opportunities for an inviting dip into the cool clear waters of the Rivers Estrets, or Matarranya, probably the cleanest and most inviting rivers in the whole of northeast Spain. The landscapes are unique and unforgettable and the wildlife is abundant and stimulating. Throughout the tour you will have the expertise of Steve West, who has been studying the wildlife here since he took up residence in Catalonia, more than 20 years ago. Madrid SPAIN Montsant National Park Els Ports Barcelona National Park Ebro Delta ITINERARY Days 1 to 4 We leave London, or regional airports, on a flight to Barcelona where we meet our local guide, Steve West. Our first stop is on the doorstep of the airport, at one of the Llobregat Delta wetland reserves. Depending on the water levels we can see a variety of wetland species here including ducks, herons, gulls, waders and more, as well as reedbed passerines and maybe a late migrant or two. A short walk down to the nearby beach will soon reveal if there is any interesting movement of seabirds just off the coast. From here it is a relatively short drive, excluding any diversions we may make for birding reasons, to our welcoming hotel in the little village of Morera de Montsant. This is the heart of the delightful Montsant range, and we will be staying here for four nights. The next day we take a short drive to the village of Siurana. Here we can delight our senses on a walk around the cliffs and the village itself and look out for raptors and other birds including the Eurasian Griffon Vulture, Peregrine Falcon, Blue Rock Thrush, Alpine Swift and a local speciality in the shape of the attractive Red-rumped Swallow. Later we skirt around the edges of the Montsant range, passing picturesque villages and rocky mountainsides, all the time looking for an encounter with interesting birds such as Golden Oriole, European Bee-eater, Eurasian Hoopoe, Rock Sparrow, Woodchat Shrike, or even the localised Black Wheatear. We amble along quiet winding roads to discover the little known scenery of this Mediterranean massif. Terraced hillsides, pinewoods and little streams are dominated by imposing rock faces and huge crags. Along the way we will take the best opportunities that present themselves to stop and search for butterflies, plants and birds in these lovely hills. A peaceful amble just off the road could reveal a good number of the following bird species: Crested Tit, Rock Bunting, European Serin, Western Bonelli’s, Western Orphean, Sardinian and Subalpine Warblers, Common Crossbill, Firecrest, Short-toed Treecreeper, Cirl Bunting, and Grey Wagtail. We dedicate the third day to exploring part of the natural treasures of the nearest steppeland habitat in the Lleida plains. Little Bustard, Stone The Roques de Benet, Els Ports Massif 106 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 - F LO R I D A USA - Florida
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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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TA N Z A N I A Tanzania - Photograp
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G H A N A Ghana In search of Picath
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E T H I O P I A Ethiopia Undiscover
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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
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Page 75 and 76: I N D I A India - Goa Birds, Beache
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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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