Birding in Extremadura
Welcome to Ruralplan, a locally based incoming service agency, specialized
in green and rural tourism.
Located in Extremadura (southwest of Spain), in one of Spain’s
undiscovered regions, rich in culture, nature and local tradition, RURALPLAN
offers you a different holiday concept and a unique way of discovering
the area.
We offer a wide selection of rural accommodation in the heart of Extremadura,
one of the best bird watching regions in Europe. Charming hotels and
lodges ,magnificently restored noble houses, monasteries, manor houses,
and palaces –all carefully selected–. To maximize your birding
time, our properties are located close to the best nature reserves.
We cater for individual and groups, and will tailor every element of
the trip to suit your needs. Request a quote and we provide the best
rate for services.
What to visit and where to stay in Extremadura:
Visit
one of the last wilderness areas in western Europe, where the Mediterranean
forest (Holm and cork oak woodlands) has remained unchanged for generations,
has not suffered the impact of unchecked progress, with an excellent
state of conservation.
The Sierras of Monfrague (1) on the banks of the river Tajo play
host to the biggest concentration of birds of prey in Europe. Here can
be found the largest known population of Black
Vultures, the Iberian Imperial
Eagle, and in a notable extension of its nesting grounds,
the Black Stork.
Yet another sanctuary for our majestic and emblematic birds of prey
(Royal Eagle, Egyptian
Vulture) is the Sierra of San Pedro (2). A stroll
along its paths, taking you into the dense Mediterranean woods, will
give you an opportunity to see them.
The mountainous surrounds of the Villuercas (3) are of vital
importance for the Bonelli’s Eagle,
and other birds of prey.
Campo Arañuelo (4), in addition with the beautiful Arrocampo
reservoir, welcome the massive European winter migration of birds such
as the Common Crane and the Wood
Pidgeon.
The regions of Llanos de Cáceres (5) and La Serena (6),
steppes for agriculture and grazing, are the established homes for the
most important Spanish populations of the Great and Little
Bustard, Montagu Harrier, Little
Owl and Black Belly Sandgrouse.
Cities such as Trujillo and Cáceres and
their surrounding villages (Brozas [7], Malpartida) provide
refuge to one of the Europe’s principal strongholds for the White
Stork and Lesser Kestrel.
La Serena (6), largely uncultivated and submerged by great dams
together with Orellana (8), offer excellent refuge to steppe birds
and birds of prey.
To the north of this fluvial clay pit we find Las Vegas Altas (9)
with large tracts of grazing land converted into paddy fields making
themselves into the principal winter resting grounds for the Common
Crane.
Local experts on hand to guide you!
Our Accommodations:
Click on the top-right map to see our diverse range of places to stay in birdwatching areas of Extremadura.
Our guided tours, the unique way to discover Extremadura:
- Half and full day guided trip.
- Routes by 4-wheel drive (full day, local food and wine include).
- Birding zodiacs routes (5 to 10 group).
- Summer routes during night.
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