DAY
1, Tue., Sep. 5: MADRID
Meet you at Madrid airport, we recommend you arrive to Madrid
airport between 10.00 am and 14.00 pm. Birding on route before
arriving to Trujillo visiting a good area for Spanish Imperial
Eagle, Monk Vulture , Azure Winged Magpie, and other raptors.
Overnight In Trujillo
DAY 2 & 3, Wed. &
Thu., Sep. 6 & 7 TRUJILLO/MONFRAGUE:
Mediterranean woodland , typical cork oak "dehesa"
and rocky hills. We will walk to a Moorish castle Monfrague
Natural park is an area of truly dramatic scenery, and regarded
by raptor watchers as one of the most outstanding sites to
see birds of prey in Europe. We will explore the north side
of the park excellent for raptors, here specialities like
the Black Vulture breed, together with Griffon and Egyptian
Vultures, and eagles are well represented with Golden, Booted,
Bonelli's, Short-toed and Spanish Imperial. Around the rocky
pinnacle of Portilla del Tietar , which holds Rock Bunting
, Blue Rock Thrush, Crag Martin and Alpine Swift we will look
for breeding Black Stork in one of the easiest sites in Europe
to watch these shy. Eagle Owls can often be found at their
day-time roost. The south side of the park will provide us
good chances for most of the mediterranean warbles such as
Orphean, Dartford, Sardinian, Subalpine, Spectacled or Melodious,
birds as Bee-eater, Roller, Wood Lark, Great Spotted Cuckoo
or Southern Grey Shrike are abundant. Near Serrejón
there is an important marshy area where breed some interesting
specialities such us Purple Heron, Purple Swamphen, Little
Bittern or Savi´s Warbler. One night evening we will
visit a superb area for Red-necked Nightjar with good chances
for several mammals. We visit Trujillo with its large breeding
colony of Lesser Kestrel and then onwards to the steppes around
Trujillo , with good possibilities for Great Bustard, Little
Bustard, Stone Curlew, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Pin-tailed
Sandgrouse,Tawny Pipit, Red-rumped Swallow, and several larks.
Overnight in Trujillo
Perched on a high hill, the town of Trujillo
in Extremadura has one of the most charming personalities
in all of Spain Its traditional appearance remains intact,
along with its exceptional monumental heritage and evocations
of history so intimately tied to the Americas.
DAY 4, Fri., Sep. 8:
Breakfast at our hotel, birding on Extremadura in the morning
and heading to Coto de Doñana. As our journey is very
long (about 450 km) we will have a break to eat our picnic
lunch and do some birding on route. Arrival to our hotel placed
in the town of El Rocio.
Overnight in El Rocio
DAY 5, Sat., Sep. 9:
DONANA
Today we will go right into the heart of the Natural Park
along a twisty path that leads to the visitors' center called
in honor of the naturalist Jose Antonio Valverde. In its surrounded
lakes it is possible to watch several species like Great Reed
Warbler, Purple-swamp Hen, Squacco Heron, Marbled Teal and
White-headed Duck. We will do several stops along the path
before reaching the visitor's centre to see other typical
species of this open fields such as Short-toed and Lesser
Short-toed Larks, Stone Curlew, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse or Spectacled
Warbler. In the nearby Caños del Guadiamar breed the
rare Crested (or Red-knobbed) Coot, a species which in the
last few years seems to have an slight increase here after
a controlled reintroduction of birds coming from the Morocco
wetlands. One of the highlights of our visit to the national
park is a one day excursion by 4WD crossing the heart of the
park where we will have good chances for mammals including
Roe Dear, Wild Boar and Iberian Lynx, the most threatened
European feline, in 2003 we where lucky to see a family group.
This is one of the last refuges of the Spanish Imperial Eagle
where it can be safe from poisoning and hunting, two of the
most relevant reasons for its decline.
Overnight in El Rocio
DAY 6, Sun., Sep. 10:
Pre-breakfast birding . Birding before arrive to Seville where
we will do an extensive cultural visit.
Overnight in Seville city
The irresistible capital and cultural center of Andalusia
captured the imagination of the world during the 1992 World
Expo with its colorful and festive lifestyle. A succession
of cultures (Roman, Islamic, Christian) has left behind a
heritage that is a joy to explore: the Giralda, the gothic
cathedral, the Alcazar, the Maestranza bullring, San Marcos
Church, Plaza de España, etc. One cannot feel the true
pulse of the city, however, without venturing into the small,
traditional districts such as the Triana and Santa Cruz, where
the gypsy lifestyle and folklore are deeply and perceptively
ingrained.
DAY 7, Mon. Sep. 11:
Gibraltar
From Seville we will drive to Gibraltar area. We will visit
the most important nature reserve near Seville city with good
chances for big concentrations of storks, egrets, ibis, waders
and waterfowl. Several stops to see raptors migrating to Africa.
We will visit several inland lakes. depending on the water
level these lakes, surrounded by agricultural fields and with
an important ring of reeds, are a good habitat for residents
including Red Crested Pochard, White-headed Duck, Black-winged
Stilt, Marsh Harrier, Zitting Cisticola and Sardinian Warbler.
Overnight in Zahara de los Atunes
DAY 8, Tue., Sep. 12:
Tarifa Area
The Gibraltar Straight concentrates most of the migrants of
western Europe. Several watch points will be visited which
will provide excellent opportunities to follow the flights
of nemerous migrants; swifts, swallows, Bee- eaters etc. but
mainly soaring raptors such as Spanish Imperial Eagle, Egyptian
Vulture, Booted and Short-tailed Eagles, Osprey, Honey Buzzard
or Lesser Kestrel and storks. We will visit Trafalgar cape
for seabirds being easy to find Gannet or several species
of shearwaters. On the coast line we will observe numerous
concentrations of gulls, including Audouin’s Gull and
Slender Billed also terns and waders in a perfect combination
of birdwatching and scenery that will offer the chance of
finding a rarity or unexpected bird.
Overnight in Zahara de los Atunes
DAY 9, Wed., Sep. 13:
From Europe to Africa
Early morning we will take the ferry from Tarifa to Tanger
departing at 9 am and arriving at 945 am. from Tanger we fly
to Agadir at around 1235pm to arrive Agadir at 1735. We drive
to our hotel in Agadir and enjoy some good birding in its
gardens.
Overnight in Agadir
DAY 10, Thu., Sep. 14:
Sous Massa National Park
An early start will see us ahead to the Atlantic coast. We
will spend the morning in the Sous Massa National Park. We
will walk all along this important spot for the endangered
bald ibis, one of the rarest birds in the planet, with an
important bird population, we will search the vegetation along
the water's edge for skulking Little Bittern, Spotted, Little
and Baillon's Crakes, whilst the distinctive call of Black-crowned
Tchagras ring out from dense cover. More easily observed birds
can include Marbled Duck, Marsh Harrier, Osprey, Black-shouldered
Kite, Glossy Ibis, Squacco and Purple Herons, Ruddy Shelduck,
Plain Martin and possibly Tawny Eagle. Other possibilities
include Savi's, Western Olivaceous and Moustached Warblers,
Zitting Cisticola, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Pallid Swift, Red-rumped
Swallow, Common Bulbul, Spotless Starling. After lunch we
will drive along the semi arid steppes of the Sous valley
with good chances for Lesser Short-toed Lark, Cream Coloured
Courser, Stone Curlew or sandgrouse. Later in the afternoon
we will visit the Oued Sous - a delightful area which is very
good for waders, terns and large flocks of roosting gulls,
including Slender-billed, Audouin's and Mediterranean. Other
species here include Greater Flamingo, Zitting Cisticola and
Sardinian Warbler. At dusk we will check a nearby site for
Red-necked Nightjar.
Overnight in Agadir
DAY 11, Fri., Sep. 15: Agadir to Ouararzate
After breakfast we travel by coach from Agadir to Ouarzazate.
Following the fertile Sous Valley through scrub thickets and
citrus groves where we could find European Roller, Black shouldered
Kite or Western Orphean Warbler. We could find anything from
Black Kites migrating overhead, Bluecheeked Bee-eaters resting
on roadside wires, to skulking Subalpine Warblers or a Rufous
Bush Robin in a roadside wadi. Time permitting we will visit
the Ait Benhaddou Kasbah.
Overnight at Ouarzazate
The city lies at the centre of a desert plateau in stark contrast
to the rugged greenery of the surrounding High Atlas mountains
- an exceptional setting geographically and climatically speaking,
at the crossroads of the Drâa, Dades and Souss Valleys.
Founded by the French in the late 1920s, this former garrison
has witnessed tremendous growth in recent years, both in terms
of the tourist trade and the craft industry, and now has an
international airport. The hub of regional trade, Ouarzazate
is reputed for its pottery and carpets, and a major cultural
centre is currently under development.
Ait Benhaddou Kasbah Registered as part of UNESCO world heritage,
this fortified village, adorned with serrated towers, is rightly
considered one of the most beautiful in the country. Restoration
work has been carried out to protect it against erosion, some
of its clay-brick houses having been damaged and also to encourage
the residents to keep the village alive.
DAY 12, Sat., Sep. 16:
From Ouarzazate we will drive through the Dades valley to
Tinerhir. Long birdwatching day and our unique chance to see
some semi-desert species such as Desert Eale Owl. We will
drive across the ‘hammada’ or stony desert. Roadside
birds can include Black and White-crowned Black Wheatears,
as well as both Desert and Thekla larks. This afternoon we
will visit the famous and exciting Tagdilt Track, which is
an excellent area for some very special birds. careful searching
of the area could reveal Cream coloured Courser, Black-bellied
Sandgrous, Thick-billed, Bar-tailed desert and Temminck’s
Horned Larks, as well as Red-rumped and Desert Wheatears and
Trumpeter Finch.
Overnight in Ouazarzat.
DAY 13, Sun. Sep. 17:
Marrakesh
From Ouarzazate to Marraakesh. Birding around Ouarzazate with
chances for water birds as Ospreys Grey Heron Little Egret,
Ruddy Shelducks , Black-winged Stilt, Little Ringed Plovers,
White Wagtail of the Moroccan race (subpersonata). There should
be a little time to check out a reservoir for migrants before
leave to Marrakesh.
We will drive through the High Atlas Mountains, stopping at
the scenic and rather impressive Tizi `n' Tichka pass before
continuing on our journey to Marrakesh. The road through the
mountains is extremely winding and we will take our time,
stopping at a few convenient locations.
Overnight in Marrakesh.
DAY 14, Mon., Sep. 18:
This morning we will drive up into the High Atlas Mountains
and visit Oukaimeden (2600m). As we drive along the cultivated
valley floor we should find a good mix of resident and migrant
species such as Golden Oriole, Woodchat Shrike, Common Crossbill,
Cirl Bunting and we may well see our first stunning Moussier's
Redstart. Slightly higher up among the rocky slopes we will
search for Barbary Partridge, Blue Rock Thrush and the endemic
Levaillant's Woodpecker. When we finally reach the ski resort
of Oukaimeden we will take some time to admire the stunning
scenery before beginning our search of the snowline for the
handsome Crimson-winged Finch. Other species here include
Alpine Accentor, the 'seebohmi' race of Northern Wheatear,
Red-billed and Alpine Chough and Shore Lark. Raptors to keep
an eye out for include Golden and Bonelli's Eagle and possibly
the stunning Lammergeier.
Overnight Marrakesh
DAY 15, Tue., Sep. 19:
Marrakesh to Casablanca
Founded in the 11th century by the Almoravid Sultan, Youssef
Ibn Tachfine, Marrakech became the capital of the Kingdom,
giving its name to Morocco as a whole and was embellished
by many fine buildings before taking on a rather more secondary
role under the Alaouites.
Known as "the Red City," or again, "Pearl of
the South," Marrakesh is a fascinating city, bewitching
visitors with its contrasting colours - the ochre sandstone
of its buildings, the green of its countless palm trees and
the white of the snow-capped Atlas mountains - as well as
its remarkable monuments and immense gardens. Berbers and
Arabs mingle there, nomads and mountain folk converge there
and a wealth of products and handicrafts is on offer there
ˆ to say nothing of the palaces, casinos, hotels and
golf courses, which all go to make any visit an unforgettable
experience. Marrakech is indeed true capital of the Moroccan
South!
Jemaa-El-Fna
This vast square, alive in the morning with fruit and spice
sellers, Guerrab (water sellers) with their leather water
skins and metal cups, barbers, and a host of other hawkers
and peddlers is transformed in the afternoon: Gnaoua (dancers
of Guinean descent), musicians, story-tellers, snake charmers
and monkey trainers mark out their halqa, and the entertainment
begins.
Overnight in Casablanca
DAY 16, Wed., Sep. 20: Return to North
America
After breakfast, we transfer from our hotel to Casablanca
Airport for our international flight home.
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