Birding Trip Report - Spain: May 3rd – 18th 2008   Extremadura and the Pyrenees     Participants: Dave Walker, Andy Warr, Phil Andrews and Andy Pullen*   * Extremadura only     Logistics:  Return flights Birmingham – Madrid (BMIBaby ca. £75 per person, including taxes and baggage allowances). Hire car Opel Zafira, (€451 total for 15 days), roomy enough for 4 people but uncomfortable to sleep in! Typical petrol prices €1.18/litre.     Accommodation and Food:   Bungalow #1, Camping Monfragüe (seven nights, €65 per night between 4 people) cheap, cheerful and no frills but ok for a decent nights’ kip and safe place to store your kit. Biting mosquitos were a bit of a pain though. Reception girls spoke good English, were helpful and friendly. Food at the on-site restaurant was variable but generally ok though the cold soup, gazpacho extremenos, was a bit weird and not to everyone’s taste (contained hard-boiled eggs!). The waiters were miserable gits and spoke little English. We found a much better place to eat in Monroy, ‘Bar-Restaurant Christina’. The food and service here were excellent and this place also had accommodation so would definitely inquire for future visits.   Apartment in Jaca ‘Calle de Fernando el Catolico’ (€342 for 6 nights, sleeps 4 people comfortably) clean and pleasant but opening the door required some skill as the lock kept sticking. The lady who handed over the keys spoke no English at all so it was lucky I packed a phrase book. Quite a few decent places to eat in Jaca but mostly we frequented one restaurant that did a ‘menu del dia’ – three excellent courses plus wine and some schnapps – all for €11.95 per head! One night, at El Planeron ca. 120km south of Jaca, we slept (or tried to!) in the car. The food in one of the truckers cafés on the way there was very good and dirt-cheap.   One nights’ stay near Madrid on 17/05 was a bit pricey (€43 each) but we did see a few White Storks and a Night Heron from the balcony, which was some compensation.     Places visited: The holiday was split into two halves with one whole week spent in the Extremadura area (denoted by ℮ in the main text of this report) and the remaining week in the central Pyrenees area (denoted by è).   ℮  Extremadura area (4th May – 10th May). i.e. areas covered in John Muddeman’s excellent ‘Birdwatching Guide To Extremadura’, Arlequin Press, 2000. Exact references to that text are given where possible.   Monfragüe National Park (pp. 27 - 32): Peňa Falcon, Portilla del Tiétar, Villareal de San Carlos, Arroyo de la Vid, Arroyo de Malvecino, Mirador de la Bascula, Puente del Cardinal. Trujillo area (pp. 58 - 60): Belén Steppes, Santa Marta de Magasca, Rio Magasca Sierra de Gredos (pp. 17 - 19): Plataforma de Gredos, Cirque de la Laguna, Puente del Duque, Parador de Gredos. Roads and tracks between Trujillo, Torrejon el Rubio, Monroy and Caceres (pp 53 - 58) Rio Almonte south of Monroy (map p. 52 text p. 57) Rio Almonte south of Torrejon el Rubio Embalse de Arrocampo / Almaraz area (pp. 40 - 41) Presa de Valdecaňas (pp. 41 - 43) Embalse de Azutan (pp. 38 - 40) Calera y Chozas Steppes  (pp. 32 - 38) Embalse de Talaván (pp. 50 - 53) è Pyrenees area (11th May – 17th May). i.e. the area covered in Jacquie Crozier’s ‘Birdwatching Guide To The Pyrenees’, Arlequin Press, 2001.   Jaca area (pp. 29 - 33): Hecho Valley, Boca del Infierno, Gabardito, Oroel, Puente de la Reina, San Juan de la Peňa. Somport area (p. 13 but poorly covered): Candanchu ski station Portalet area (p. 34): Formigal ski station Riglos and Aguero (pp. 29 - 33) Belchite area (pp. 61 - 62): El Planeron Steppes, Balsa de Planeron, The ruins of old Belchite Alfranca de Pastriz ox-bow lakes La Sariňena Embalse de la Sotoňera     Bird Species List:   1. Gadwall Anas strepera ℮ Reasonably common in Extremadura with birds seen at Embalse de Arrocampo on 07/05, north of Monroy and around Embalse de Talaván on 08/05.   2. Mallard Anas platyrhychos  The most commonly seen duck in both regions.   3. (Common) Pochard Aythya ferina è Just one seen, a drake at La Sariňena on 15/05.   4. Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina è A pair seen at La Sariňena on 15/05.   5. Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa  Reasonably common with several seen in both areas.   6. Common Quail Coturnix coturnix ℮ Commonly heard in the steppe areas around Trujillo, Santa Marta de Magasca and Caceres. Several heard and one seen in flight near Calera y Chozas on 09/05. è A few heard calling in areas with suitable habitat. One seen crossing the road between two barley fields near Sotonera on the afternoon of 17/05.   7. Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis  ℮ A couple seen at the Embalse de Talaván on 08/05.   8. Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus  The commonest Grebe, seen at most wetland sites visited.   9. Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo ℮ One seen flying over the Embalse de Arrocampo on 07/08. Several seen at the northern end of the Embalse de Azutan on 09/08.   10. (Great) Bittern Botaurus stellaris  ℮ The unique booming song of the male Bittern was heard from both the south and the north ends of the Embalse de Azutan on 09/05.   11. Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus  ℮ Several seen perching openly, both males and females, in the reedbeds of the Embalse de Arrocampo on the morning of 07/05. Also seen flying around.   12. (Black-crowned) Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax  ℮ Several around Embalse de Arrocampo on 07/05 and the north end of Embalse de Azutan on 09/05. One seen in flight from the hotel balcony near Madrid on the evening of 17/05.   13. Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides  ℮ Two or three at Embalse de Arrocampo on 07/05.   14. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis  ℮ Very common on the steppes around Trujillo. Nesting colonies noted at Embalse de Arrocampo, Embalse de Azutan and near Belén.   15. Little Egret Egretta garzetta ℮ First seen at the Embalse de Arrocampo on 07/05. Also present at the Embalse de Azutan on 09/05.   16. Great White Egret Egretta alba ℮ First seen at Embalse de Arrocampo on the morning of 07/05 when one was present. A total of three seen there on the evening of 09/05. è One seen near La Sariňena on 15/05. This species must be gaining ground in Spain.   17. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea  Seen around most wetlands throughout.   18. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea  ℮ The first was on a tiny farm pond north-east of Caceres on 05/05. Several seen at Embalse de Arrocampo on 07/05 and again on 09/05. Seen at both ends of the Embalse de Azutan on 09/05. è Several seen around La Sariňena on 15/05.     Purple Heron at Embalse de Arrocampo, near Almaraz, Extremadura     19. Black Stork Ciconia nigra  ℮ Two birds seen flying over at the Spanish Imperial site, ca. 6 kilometers west of Torrejon el Rubio on 04/05. One bird was fishing for food along the Rio Almonte, south of Monroy, and probably the same bird seen flying around the surrounding areas on 08/05. Two birds seen in flight from the Mirador at the Portilla del Tiétar on 08/05.   20. White Stork Ciconia ciconia  Very common throughout the lowlands, often with five or more nests per electricity pylon in favoured areas. A few seen at higher altitudes (e.g. Sierra de Gredos). Many nests seen in most towns and birds were even seen in large cities (e.g. Madrid). Some also nesting in trees – e.g. in the Stone Pines north of Monroy. Also locally very common in the Pyrenees.     White Storks nesting in Extremadura   21. Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus  ℮  One was seen briefly at Embalse de Arrocampo on 06/05.   22. (Eurasian) Spoonbill Platelea leucorodia  ℮  One probable immature bird was at Embalse de Arrocampo on 07/05 with a different bird (an adult) in exactly the same spot on 09/05. Four were seen circling in flight north-east of Juraicejo on 07/05. Three were at Embalse de Talavan on 08/05.   23. Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus  ℮  Three were seen flying over Peňa Falcon on the morning of 04/05. One seen in flight in the middle reaches of the Valle de Jerte on 06/05. è About 20 were seen on the afternoon of 11/05 flying over the upper reaches of the Hecho valley, viewed from Boca del Infierno. Closer views of a medium phase bird were had from Gabardito later on the same afternoon. Five out of a total of seven birds seen at El Planeron gave very close views on 15/05. This group contained one pale- and two dark-phase birds. At least two seen soaring over Riglos on 16/05.   24. Black-winged Kite Elanus Caeruleus  ℮ One seen perched on wires and then hunting in typical hovering flight on 04/06 just north of of the CC-912 Torrejon el Rubio to Caceres road, north of Monroy. One or two birds seen in the same area on the morning of 08/05 and up to three there on the evening of 10/05. One seen from the north end of the Embalse de Azutan on the morning of 09/05 and a distant bird ‘scoped at the nearby plains of Calera y Chozas in the early afternoon. Much closer views of perched and hunting birds were gained later on in the early evening on the same day near Almaraz.   25. Black Kite Milvus migrans  ℮ A very common raptor in Extremadura, seen virtually everywhere on all days. è Most commonly seen south of Jaca, especially the Belchite and Riglos areas.   Black Kite - an extremely common raptor in Extremadura   26. Red Kite Milvus milvus  ℮ Much less common than Black Kite in Extremadura. One lingering around the Rio Almonte bridge, south of Torrejon el Rubio, on the afternoon of 04/05 was the first sighting. Regular sightings of single birds every day thereafter, including one or two in the Sierra de Gredos (e.g. at the Puente del Duque) on 06/05. è More common than Black Kite in the Jaca area with several seen every day, even over the town itself. Multiple sightings relatively frequent in this area. Also seen at reasonably high altitudes near the frontier passes of Somport and Portalet. Birds perched on telgraph poles were seen in several places, such as the Hecho Valley.   27. Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus  è The first sightings of this magnificent vulture were from the Boca del Infierno on the afternoon of 11/05, of two birds perched and in flight. Another seen in flying over Candanchu on 12/05. One bird seen in flight from Gabardito on 13/05 and then stunning close views of four birds engaging in talon-grappling displays over Formigal ski station near Portalet later on the same afternoon. Finally, two birds seen soaring into the clouds above the “mallos” at Riglos on the afternoon of 16/05.   28. Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus  ℮ Seen on the first morning of the trip from Peňa Falcon and the Castillo de Monfragüe flying and perching low on rocks next to the edge of the Rio Tajo. Seen on all days thereafter including in the Sierra de Gredos on 06/05. Especially frequent around Monfragüe National Park and the environs of the Presa de Valdecaňas, with multiple sightings at both sites. Most were adult or near-adult but a much darker subadult bird was seen near the Embalse de Talavan on 08/05. è Seen around the Hecho Valley and Gabardito areas on 11/05 and 13/05. Also seen near Portalet and Asieso on 13/05. Finally, two seen soaring around Riglos on 16/05.   Egyptian Vulture near Presa de Valdecaňas, Extremadura     29. Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus Very common throughout Extremadura and the Pyrenees (and places in-between). The largest flock seen contained 140+ at Riglos on 16/05.   Griffon Vultures at Peňa Falcon, Monfragüe, Extremadura   30. Black Vulture Aegypius monachus  ℮ This immense ‘flying door’ was seen aplenty in Extremadura as well as in the Sierra de Gredos. Several birds were seen every day soaring either alone or in the company of the much more abundant Griffons, in both hilly areas and the flatter steppes.   31. Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus  ℮ This impressive large raptor was seen rather frequently. The first was quartering a hillside by the Puente del Cardinal, Monfragüe, on 04/04. Several, sometimes in pairs, noted most days thereafter. è Two in the middle reaches of the Hecho valley on 11/05 and another two near Embalse de la Sotonera on 17/05.   32. Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus ℮ Seen at Embase de Arrocampo on 07/05 and 09/05. A pair at the north end of Embalse de Azutan on 09/05. è A female at El Planeron on the evening of 14/05 and a pair at La Sariňena on 15/05.   33. Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus  ℮ Commonly seen in the steppes of Extremadura. A particularly large concentration of birds was present east of Caceres with up to 16 seen displaying and quartering over one field in this area! Two examples of the melanistic form were seen – one on the plains of Belén and one north-east of Caceres (both on 05/05). è Just one seen (a male) at El Planeron on 15/05.   34. (Eurasian) Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus è A single bird was seen near the picknick site on the road that leads to the Parador d’Oroel on 17/05.   35. Common Buzzard Buteo buteo ℮ First encountered at Belén on 05/05 and seen reasonably frequently thereafter. è Also seen in the Pyrenees region – for example, between Riglos and Jaca on 16/05.   36. Spanish Imperial Eagle Aquila adalberti  ℮ Distant views of a nesting pair roughly 6km west of Torrejon el Rubio on several dates. The pair seemed most active on 10/05 and as this was a cooler day with little or no heat haze the viewing was much better. One seen in flight over Portilla del Tiétar, Monfragüe, on the evening of 08/05. A few other sightings of distant large eagles in Extremadura were either this or the following species.   37. Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos ℮ A distant soaring bird on the afternoon of 04/05 from the Rio Almonte, south of Torrejon el Rubio. One around Presa de Valdecaňas on 07/05 and reasonable views of a bird perched on a pile of rocks near Embalse de Talaván on 08/05. One seen perched and then flying over the steppes east of Caceres on the morning of 10/05. è Seen perched on the rocky mountainsides around Gabardito on the afternoon of 11/05 and again in the same area on the morning of 13/05.   Golden Eagle near Embalse de Talaván     38. Booted Eagle Aquila pennatus  ℮ Common in Extremadura with excellent views of pale, dark and intermediate phase birds. è Only one seen in the Pyrenees region, a pale phase at Riglos on 16/05.   39. Bonelli’s Eagle Aquila fasciata  ℮ A pair seen soaring around Arroyo de Malvecino, Monfragüe, on 04/05 eventually landed on a telephone mast giving excellent ‘scope views. Another territorial pair near Presa de Valdecaňas on 07/05 gave excellent views.   Adult Bonelli's Eagle near Presa de Valdecaňas, Extremadura   40. Osprey Pandion haliaetus è  One seen in flight over Riglos on 16/05 was a great surprise and a very welcome addition to the trip list.   41. Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni  ℮ Seen around Trujillo on 05/05, especially around the ‘Plaza de Toros’. A roost of 33 males on electricity pylons between Monfragüe campsite and Malpartida de Plasencia on 09/05.   42. Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus  Reasonably common throughout. Some females seen only in flight could’ve been this or the former species.   43. Hobby Falco subbuteo  ℮ One at the Embalse de Arrocampo on 07/05. è  One near Riglos on 16/05.   44. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus  è  Appeared to be surprisingly scarce. One above Gabardito on 13/05 and another at Riglos on 16/05.   45. Water Rail Rallus aquaticus  ℮ Several heard squealing around the North end of the Embalse de Azutan (Finca Particular) on 09/05.   46. Little Crake Porzana parva  ℮ One adult seen very well as it perched out in the open on flattened reeds for about 30 seconds at the Embalse de Arrocampo on 07/05 was a very unexpected find.   47. Moorhen Gallinula chloropus  Commonly seen around vegetated wetlands.   48. Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio  ℮ This big noisy beast was easily seen at the Embalse de Arrocampo on the morning of 07/05 and the evening of 09/05. A few were also seen and heard around the margins of the Embalse de Azutan on the morning of 09/05.   Purple Swamphen at Embalse de Arrocampo, near Almaraz, Extremadura   49. Common Coot Fulica atra  Seen in most wetland areas.   50. Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax  ℮ About five widely separated birds on the Belén steppes on 05/05, including three displaying males. Similar numbers on the plains east of Caceres on the same day. One male at Calera y Chozas on 09/05. Also seen between Trujillo and Monroy on the morning of 10/05.   51. Great Bustard Otis tarda  ℮ More than twenty on the Belén steppes on 05/05, including one group of 13 males, a couple of which were in full display. At least ten seen on the same day just east of Caceres. One group of over thirty seen on the plains around Calera y Chozas 09/05. Three seen between Trujillo and Monroy and eight seen in flight east of Caceres on 10/05.   Great Bustards at Calera y Chozas Plains, Castilla la Mancha   52. Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus ℮ A few seen at several wetland sites, inluding Embalse de Arrocampo and on the small fishing pools in Trujillo. è Four at Balsa de Planeron on 15/05.   53. Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus  ℮ One in flight east of Caceres on 05/05. One ‘coped on a fallow field near Calera y Chozas on 09/05. è Heard calling at dusk on 14/05 at El Planeron. Excellent views the next morning in the same place.   54. Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius  ℮ One seen ca. 6km west of Torrejon el Rubio on 04/05. Two present at the Embalse de Talaván on 08/05 and another pair on the Rio Tamujar on 10/05. è One seen in flight at La Sariňena on 15/05.   55. Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago  è One flushed from a damp hollow by the side of the car park at Candanchu on 12/05.   56. Common Redshank Tringa totanus  è One at Balsa de Planeron on 15/05.   57. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos  ℮ Probably the most regularly seen wader, in various wetland and streamside settings in Extremadura. è One or two at Alfranca de Pastriz ox-bow lakes on 14/05.   58. Black-headed Gull  Larus ridibundus  ℮ Sixteen flew over Embalse de Arrocampo on the morning of 07/05.   59. Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis è Three (2 adult, 1 first winter) around Riglos on 16/05. More than 40 at Embalse de la Sotonera on 17/05 and appeared to be nesting there.   60. Little Tern Sternula albifrons  ℮ Two at Embalse de Arrocampo on 07/05 and three there on 09/05.   61. Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica ℮ One near Belén on 05/05. Two or three at Embalse de Arrocampo on 07/05 and two there on 09/05.   62. Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida  ℮ Three at Embalse de Arrocampo on 07/05. è One at La Sariňena on 15/05.   63. Black Tern Chlidonias niger  è Up to five birds present at La Sariňena on 15/05.   64. Black-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles orientalis  ℮ Several flocks of up to 20 birds seen over the plains between Santa Marta de Magasca and Caceres on 05/05. Birds mainly seen in flight but also distantly feeding on the ground. è Three in flight near Balsa de Planeron on the morning of 15/05.   65. Pin-tailed Sandgrouse Pterocles alchata ℮ One flock of 9 birds seen in flight over the steppes between Santa Marta de Magasca and Caceres on 05/05. è Good flight views of a flock of eight birds at El Planeron on 15/05.   66. Feral / Rock Dove Columba livia  Common.   67. Woodpigeon Columba palumbus  Fairly common throughout.   68. Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto  Common throughout.   69. Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur  ℮ Birds heard calling in several areas. Two seen collecting grit on the side of the road, west of Trujillo, on 10/05. è One seen on the way back to Jaca from Riglos on 16/05.   70. Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius  ℮ Two seen at Belén on 05/05. One between Trujillo and Monroy on 10/05. è Two at El Planeron on the evening of 14/05 and again, giving excellent views on the ground, the next morning.   71. Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus  Commonly seen in most areas.   72. Scops Owl Otus scops  è Several heard calling from trees around the streets of Jaca on most evenings after dusk.   73. Eagle Owl Bubo bubo  ℮ Exceptional views of an adult sat on a rocky pinnacle directly opposite the Mirador de Portilla del Tiétar, Monfragüe, on the evening of 07/05. The same bird plus two newly fledged juveniles seen at the same site on the following evening. The adult was heard to give its deep sonorous booming call.   Adult Eagle Owl at Portilla del Tietar, Monfrague National Park, Extramedura   74. Little Owl Athene noctua  ℮ Commonly seen during the day perched on posts or buildings around the steppes and dehesas, with up to seven individuals seen on 05/05. è One or two sightings in the pyrenees, for example El Planeron on 14/05.   75. Tawny Owl Strix aluco  è Heard on a couple of early mornings around Oroel, whilst looking for Black Woodpecker.   76. Long-eared Owl Asio otus  ℮ One seen between Monfragüe campsite and Malpartida de Plasencia on the evening of 09/05.   77. European Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus ℮ Heard churring near Mirador de la Bascula, Monfragüe, on 08/05. è Excellent views of birds perched in the middle of the roads towards Oroel at dawn, especially on the morning of 17/05.   78. Red-necked Nightjar Caprimulgus ruficollis ℮ It’s distinctive ‘kyotok’ call was heard distantly from Mirador de la Bascula, Monfragüe, on 08/05. None of the birds seen were definitely identified as this species, however.   Nightjar sp. Caprimulgus sp. Several nightjars flushed from roads during early morning or late evening forays could not be identified down to species level, oweing to the brevity of the views. A silent bird floated over the entrance to the campsite on the first evening of the trip (04/05) but no features could be seen.   79. Common Swift Apus apus  Common throughout.   80. Alpine Swift Apus melba  ℮ Perhaps surprisingly, this large Swift was only seen in Extremadura. The first was a group of three at Peňa Falcon on 04/05. Also seen from the Castillo de Monfragüe and near Arroyo de la Vid on other occasions.   81. Pallid Swift Apus pallidus  ℮ A pair was present and appeared to be nesting under the road bridge over the Rio Almonte, south of Torrejon el Rubio, on 04/05. Standing on the bridge afforded close views from above enabling easy identification. Another pair was seen and were probably nesting in a roof in the village of Cabezuela in the Valle del Jerte on 06/05. Some may have been overlooked and we didn’t identify any in the Pyrenees.   82. European Bee-eater Merops apiaster  This exquisitely colourful species is plentiful in Spain and was seen every day in both Extremadura and the Pyrenees. Most commonly seen in lowland areas but also in the uplands, such as è Candanchu on 12/05. A large nesting colony containing 30+ pairs was seen below the road bridge at the ℮ Presa de Valdecaňas on 07/05.   83. European Roller Coracius garrulus  At least eleven individuals of this stunning species were seen during the trip. ℮ The first was seen perched on a wire fence just east of Santa Marta de Magasca on 05/05 and afforded very close views before flying off. No less than three pairs were present and appeared to be breeding in the nestboxes specially erected on the electricity pylons that cross the farmed steppes east of Caceres. These birds were seen on 05/05 and again in the same area on 10/05 and represented the highest concentration of Rollers seen throughout our visit. Two were seen perched on dead trees south-west of Calera y Chozas near a farm track running north from the CM-4101. è One seen perched on a telephone wire in the lower Hecho Valley, about one kilometer north of the Puenta de la Reina, was a surprise find on 11/05. A final bird was ‘scoped from one of the hides at La Sariňena on 15/05 as it perched on the top of a distant dead tree before flying off.   84. Kingfisher Alcedo atthis  A few seen at wetland sites in both regions.   85. Hoopoe Upupa epops  ℮ Common in Extremadura. è Seen at several sites in the Pyrenees, including a pair nesting in one of the ruined building of old Belchite on 15/05.   86. Wryneck Jynx torquilla è One of these abberant cryptic woodpeckers was seen and heard at Riglos on 16/05.   87. Green Woodpecker Picus viridis  ℮ The distinctive ‘yaffle’ was heard near the campsite at Puente del Duque in the Sierra de Gredos on 06/05 but we never managed to see an example of the Iberian race of this species.   88. Black Woodpecker Dryocopus martius è This impressive, large woodpecker lives in extensive pine-forested tracts in the Pyrenees. Seeing one well proved to be something of a challenge. Birds were heard calling around the picknick site near the Parador d’Oroel on the morning of 12/05. They were seen in flight and perched by Andy and Phil, respectively, on the same morning but I struggled to see anything except disappearing shaddows. The same site was tried on the mornings of 14/05 and 15/05 but still I failed to see one. On the morning of 17/05, I was going to get my last opportunity. I decided to concentrate my efforts in an area that had been most productive for the others. A couple of hours passed without anything but distant calling. Then Andy had an idea. He picked up a large rock and started to knock it against one of the wooden posts that lined the side of the track. Almost immediately, a Great Spot flew in close and seemed to go mental for a short while, flying around us calling frantically until it worked out what was happening. The technique seemed to work but had attracted the wrong species!  Then Phil tried a similar thing a little further down the track, this time hitting the rock against the trunk of one of the pines, producing a deep resonant knock. At first there was little reward but Phil persisted until the calls of the Black Woodpecker began to get closer. Eventually it flew right in front of us and landed on a nearby tree, its big white eye peering around the trunk. It was a male bird with a full red crown and it continued to give excellent close views for two or three minutes before disappearing back into the thick woodlands. Also heard calling and seen in flight above Gabardito on 13/05.   89. Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus major  ℮ One seen in the Sierra de Gredos on 06/05. è Seen at most woodland sites in the Pyreness, including Gaberdito, Oroel and San Juan de la Peňa.   90. Dupont’s Lark Chersophilus duponti è When we arrived at El Planeron reserve on the afternoon of 14/05, it was so packed with singing larks that pinpointing a singing Dupont’s seemed like it would be a bewilderingly difficult prospect. Indeed, we had to wait until the comparative silence of nightfall until we could definitely say we’d heard its distinctive creaky phrases. On awakening before dawn on 15/05, we were anxious to listen for the first crepuscular songsters of the day. To our disappointment, Lesser Short-toed Larks were the earliest risers, only to be followed by Calandras, Theklas and Short-toed’s. Our efforts to see Dupont’s seemed doomed to failure as the volume of the chorus grew, threatening to drown out the notes of the much rarer gem, and we all knew we were only likely to be granted a very narrow window in which to see our prize target. Walking down one of the tracks in the gathering light of the morning, we suddenly heard one but it was distant. We moved towards the area from where the sounds appeared to emanate but it didn’t seem to get any louder. We guessed that the bird must be singing high above us as we desperately scrutinised every lark in the dingy sky in the hope that we’d get at least a glimpse before it plummeted earthwards. We resigned ourselves to failure as the morning progressed and even began to contemplate having to spend another night roughing it in the car. Dispondant and losing concentration, I wandered off and tried to console myself with views of some of the other birds in the area. A male Black-eared Wheatear watched silently from a tussock, a Great Spotted Cuckoo laughed as it flew by and a Stone-curlew cried mournfully in a nearby fallow. Then I heard the shout! Andy had located a singing bird on the ground and Phil was already on it. Were my distractions going to cost me a Dupont’s? I rushed over and, to my relief, Phil said “quick, in my ’scope now!”. I could scarcely believe I was looking at a Dupont’s Lark perched right out in the open. The elusive nature of this bird is legendary but this one appeared to defy the stereotype. For probably an hour we watched it and at least one other nearby male sing right out in the open and perform low circling song-flights. I even managed a few digiscoped ‘record shots’. We heard a few birds singing in a different area of El Planeron later in the morning but never got any further views. That didn’t matter though as, by that time, we were very satisfied with our morning’s work. Probably the ‘star bird’ of the whole trip.   The endangered and elusive Dupont’s Lark and its chosen habitat, the grassy steppes of El Planeron near Belchite   91. Calandra Lark Melanocorypha calandra  Remarkably common in agricultural steppe areas. ℮ First seen on the morning of 05/05 at Belén with many singing birds seen on the open plains, especially between Trujillo and Caceres, during the trip. Their distinctive dark underwings with contrasting white trailing edges make them easy to identify and the song is much more similar to skylark than the songs of other lark species present at these low altitudes. è One of the commonest larks to be seen around El Planeron on 14/05 and 15/05.   92. (Greater) Short-toed Lark  Calandrella brachydactyla  Again, common in all arable plains. Many birds seen and heard during the trip.   93. Lesser Short-toed Lark è Calandrella rufiscens  Only seen at El Planeron on 14/05 and 15/05, where they were common and good views separated them from the former species. The song also is more varied.   94. Crested Lark Galerida cristata  Commonly encountered in suitable habitat, especially cultivated steppes, although care needed to safely separate from the following species. Also seen around towns and cities, including one heard singing in Madrid.   95. Thekla Lark Galerida theklae  ℮ First seen near the Fuenté de los Tres Caňos, Monfragüe, on the morning of 04/05 and frequently seen in bushy habitats on subsequent dates. è Also encountered in suitable vegetated steppe habitats, such as El Planeron.   96. Wood Lark Lullula arborea  ℮ Heard and seen quite frequently in Extremadura.   97. Sky Lark Alauda arvensis  ℮ First heard and then seen above the Plataforma de Gredos on 06/05, where it appeared to be common in the grassy moorlands. è Also seen in similar high altitudes in the Pyrenees, such as around Portalet on 13/05.   98. Sand Martin Riparia riperia  ℮ A couple seen at Embalse de Arrocampo on 07/06 in the company of other hirundines. è Also in one or two places in the Pyrenees, such as La Sariňena on 15/05.   99. Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris  Common throughout, often seen nesting under bridges or in buildings as well as more natural rocky sites.   The ruined buildings and church of old Belchite, destroyed in the Spanish civil war, now provide nesting sites for Blue Rock Thrushes, Hoopoes, Wheatears and Crag Martins   100. (Barn) Swallow  Hirundo rustica  Common throughout.   101. Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica  ℮ Only seen in Extremadura, where reasonably common and seen virtually every day. Especially frequent near nesting bridges.   102. House Martin Delichon urbicum  Common throughout.   103. Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris  ℮ One seen at Belén on 05/05. è One or two present around Candanchu on 12/05 and, finally, two at Riglos on 16/05.   104. Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis  ℮ One heard and then seen at the Parador de Gredos on 06/05. Probably a passage migrant?   105. Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta ℮ Common at mid-altitudes and upwards in Sierra de Gredos and è similar upland areas in the Pyrenees.   Water Pipit in summer plumage, Plataforma de Gredos   106. Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava  ℮ Several of the Iberian race (M. f. Iberiae) seen in the Sierra de Gredos on 06/05. è Two seen at the Balsa de Planeron on 15/05.   107. Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea ℮ Several seen in typical settings near tumbling watercourses in the Sierra de Gredos on 06/05. One or two also seen near rocky lowland streams, such as the Rio Tamujar. è A few seen in the pyrenees, such as at Portalet on 13/05.   108. White Wagtail Motacilla alba  Reasonably common throughout.   109. Dipper Cinclus cinclus  ℮ One seen along the tumbling stream near the Plataforma de Gredos and a parent feeding a fledgling lower down near Puente del Duque on 06/05.   110. (Winter) Wren Troglodytes troglodytes  Common throughout.   111. Dunnock Prunella mondularis  ℮ Abundant in the low scrub above the Plataforma de Gredos on 06/05.   112. Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris  è Heard singing on one of the peaks above Candanchu on 12/05 but no birds seen due to the onset of poor weather.   113. (European) Robin Erithacus rubecula  ℮ Two birds seen near the Puente del Duque, Sierra de Gredos on 06/05. è Several seen in the pinewoods of Oroel.   114. (Rufous) Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos  Extremely common in most areas and especially abundant near watercourses with lush vegetation. Many birds showed themselves readily and could be photographed.     Nightingales sang from every available piece of vegetation   115. Bluethroat  Luscinia svecica  ℮ An un-spotted form which is quite localised within the region but apparently common at moderately high altitudes in the low scrub between the Plataforma de Gredos and the Cirque de la Laguna Grande. At least 16 males seen in this area on 06/05. These singing birds were reasonably confiding and afforded close views.   A view of the Cirque de la Laguna, Sierra de Gredos, showing the low scrub in the foreground that is favoured by Bluethroats (pictured) and Dunnocks     116. Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros ℮ First seen around the Puente del Cardinal and Peňa Falcon, Monfragüe on 04/05. Several seen in the Sierra de Gredos on 06/05. è Common around towns in the Pyrenees and one of the most numerous birds seen at higher altitudes around the ski stations.   117. Whinchat Saxicola rubetra  ℮ Only one seen, a dingey female bird on 05/05, in an area of steppe between Trujillo and Santa Marta de Magasca.   118. Stonechat Saxicola torquatus  Fairly common throughout. Spanish birds appear to be very dark compared to most seen in Britain.   119. Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe ℮ Common in the uplands of the Serra de Gredos. One seen on the roof of a building near the Embalse de Azutan on 09/05. è Very common in the Pyrenees, mainly in the uplands but also lower down – such as around the ruined buildings of old Belchite on 15/05.   120. Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica  ℮ First seen near the Fuente de los Tres Caňos, Monfragüe on 04/11and then on most days in various parts thereafter, although not particularly common. è Seen in several areas in the Pyrenees, such as Asieso on 13/05 and at least three at El Planeron on 14/05 and 15/05. One or two around the ruins of old Belchite on 15/05 and finally one at Riglos on 16/05.   121. Black Wheatear Oenanthe leucura  ℮ A pair seen on the top of a pinnacle from the road above Presa de Valdecaňas on 07/05. A pair seen along the rocky banks of the Rio Almonte, south of Monroy on 08/05 and again on 10/05, appeared to be nesting in a hole in the bridge. è Not seen in the ruins of old Belchite, where they are supposed to nest, but a pair was present at Riglos on 16/05.   The impressive sandstone massifs (or “mallos”) at Riglos, one of the most northerly breeding areas for Black Wheatears in Spain   122. (Rufous-tailed) Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis  ℮ A pair seen above the Plataforma de Gredos on 06/05. è Two males seen display-flying and singing on the slopes of Candanchu on 12/05. A pair seen above Gabardito and another male above Formigal ski resort near Portalet on 13/05.   Adult male Rock Thrush at Plataforma de Gredos   123. Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius  ℮ Commonly seen in rocky areas in Extremadura. è Birds also seen in the Pyreness (e.g. Riglos on 16/05) and on the ruined buildings of old Belchite on 15/05.   Male Blue Rock Thrush at Portilla del Tietar, Monfrague National Park, Extramedura   124. Blackbird Turdus merula  Common throughout.   125. Song Thrush Turdus philomelos è Singing birds around Oroel on several mornings from 12/05 onwards.   126. Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus ℮ A couple seen at Puente del Duque, Sierra de Gredos on 06/05. è Seen at Gabardito on the morning of 13/05 and regularly around Oroel on subsequent mornings.   127. Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti  ℮ Heard at Embalse de Arrocampo on 07/05 and birds seen around the southern end of the Embalse de Azutan on 09/05. è Heard at Alfranca de Pastriz ox-bow lakes on 14/05. A singing bird seen in bushes around the ruins of old Belchite and another at La Sariňena on 15/05.   128. Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis ℮ Commonly encountered in grassy areas throughout with occasional good views of perched birds. è Seen in several places in the Pyrenees, such as Alfranca de Pastriz ox-bow lakes on 14/05 and around La Sariňena on 15/05.   129. Savi’s Warbler Locustella luscinoides  ℮ Singing males afforded excellent views at the Embalse de Arrocampo on the morning of 07/05 and at the north end of the Embalse de Azutan (Finca Particular) on 09/05. è Possibly heard, but not seen at La Sariňena on 15/05 – or was that noise coming from an insect?   130. Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus ℮ A few seen at the Embalse de Arrocampo on 07/05 and the Embalse de Azutan on 09/05. è Present at Alfranca de Pastriz ox-bow lakes on 14/05 and La Sariňena on 15/05.   131. Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus  ℮ Several of these large warblers seen and heard singing their loud croaking songs in most vegetated wetland areas, such as the Embalse de Arrocampo on 07/05, the Embalse de Talaván on 08/05 and the Embalse de Azutan on 09/05. è Seen at Alfranca de Pastriz ox-bow lakes on 14/05 and La Sariňena the next day.   132. Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta  ℮ The first, a singing male, seen around the bridge over the Rio Magasca on 05/05 and again in the same place on 10/05. One seen in a low bush bordering the steppes north-east of Caceres on 05/05. Another singing male seen on the way to the Sierra de Gredos on 06/05 and another on the way back in the Valle de Jerte on the same day. One singing on a telegraph pole near the southern end of the Embalse de Azutan on 09/05. è One seen in the lower Hecho valley on the evening of 11/05. One singing around the ruins of old Belchite on 15/05 and several seen around Riglos on 16/05. Finally, two seen and heard calling at the Embalse de la Sotonera on 17/05.   133. Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla ℮ Singing birds heard near the Plataforma de Gredos on 06/05. è Commonly heard in the Pyrenees with a few birds seen in places.   134. Garden Warbler Sylvia borin è First seen near Asieso, with a singing male and another bird present there on 13/05. Seen singing around the picknick site near Parador d’Oroel on the mornings of 16/05 and 17/05. Another singing at San Juan de la Peňa on 17/05.   135. Western Orphean Warbler Sylvia hortensis ℮ Two males seen in the scrubby dehesa just north-east of Jaraicejo on 07/05. One singing in the Holm Oaks in the rocky grazed dehesa, south of the Rio Almonte, south of Monroy on 08/05. One heard near Arroyo de la Vid on 08/05. è Seen around Riglos on 16/05.   136. Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis ℮ Only one seen, near Belén on 05/05.   137. Spectacled Warbler Sylvia conspcillata ℮ A male seen briefly perched in a bush in the steppes north-east of Caceres on 05/05 with better views of a pair in exactly the same area on 10/05.   138. Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata  ℮ A few seen in the scrubby dehesa just north-east of Jaraicejo on 07/05 and at the southern end of Embalse de Azutan on 09/05. è Several around Riglos on 16/05.   139. Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans  ℮ First seen around Peňa Falcon on 04/05 with a few seen in widely scattered sites thereafter, including very good views at the southern end of Embalse de Azutan on 09/05. è One or two around Riglos on 16/05.   140. Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala  ℮ Probably the most commonly seen Sylvia. The first ones were seen near Presa de Valdecaňas on 07/05 and in several places with suitable low scrub thereafter. Particularly common around the south end of the Embalse de Azutan on 09/05. è Seen at a few sites in the Pyrenees, particularly around Riglos on 16/05.   141. Western Bonelli’s Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli  ℮ Several singing around the Parador de Gredos on 06/05. è One or two singing birds seen on most mornings around Oroel from 12/05.   142. Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita è Birds singing at several sites in the Pyrenees including the Hecho Valley on 11/05 and at Oroel on several dates thereafter.   143. Iberian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus ibericus ℮ One seen around the Plataforma de Gredos on 06/05.   144. Goldcrest Regulus regulus  ℮ One or two at Puente del Duque, Sierra de Gredos on 06/05. è One singing near Gabardito on 13/05.   145. Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla ℮ Two or three at the Parador de Gredos on 06/05. è Singing birds seen around Oroel on several dates from the 12/05 and at Gabardito on 13/05.   146. Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata  ℮ One at the north end of the Embalse de Azutan (Finca Particular) on 09/05. è One at Alfranca de Pastriz ox-bow lakes on 14/05 and another at the Balsa de Planeron on 15/05.   147. Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca  ℮ A pair around the campsite at Puente del Duque in the Sierra de Gredos on 06/05. è A female at Gabardito on the morning of 13/05.   148. Bearded Tit Panurus biarmicus  ℮ The first definite sightings were of two at the north end of the Embalse de Azutan (Finca Particular) on 09/05 although a couple of ‘probables’ seen briefly at the Embalse de Arrocampo on the previous morning. è Two or three at La Sariňena on 15/05.   149. Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus  ℮ First seen on 07/05, with a group near the Presa de Valdecaňas. Seen in one or two other places afterwards. è Reasonably common in the Pyrenees.   150. Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus   Common throughout.   151. Great Tit Parus major   Pretty common throughout.   152. Crested Tit Lopophanes cristatus  ℮ One or two at the Parador de Gredos on 06/05. è Regularly seen near the Parador d’Oroel on several dates from 12/05, including a pair entering one of the nest boxes. Also around Gabardito on 13/05.   153. Coal Tit Periparus ater  ℮ Common in the pine woodlands of the Sierra de Gredos on 06/05. è Common in similar habitat in the Pyrenees.   154. Nuthatch Sitta europaea ℮ One near the Puente del Duque in the Sierra de Gredos on 06/05. è One or two birds around the picknick site near the Parador d’Oroel on several dates from 12/05.   155. Wallcreeper Tichodroma muraria  è One was seen at Candanchu on 12/05. Stunning views of two rival males display-flying around a craggy cliff face above Gabardito on 13/05 was one of the undoubted highlights of the trip. On one occasion the birds alighted less than 15 metres from where we sat, low down on the rocks (below our eye-level!) – an unforgetable sight. One of the birds sang its strange whistling song.   156. Short-toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla  ℮ One singing around the Castillo de Monfragüe on 04/05 and again on 08/05 was definitely identifiable. One or two near the Puente del Duque in the Sierra de Gredos on 06/05 must’ve been this species as the ‘normal’ ones don’t occur here, according to the book.   157. Eurasian Treecreeper Certhia familiaris  è One or two birds around the picknick site near the Parador d’Oroel were closely scrutinized and found to be of this species.   158. Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus  ℮ At least 4 birds seen at the north end of the Embalse de Azutan (Finca Particular) on 09/05. è Several heard and one male seen at the Alfinden ox-bow lakes (Finca del Cascarro) on 14/05.   159. Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus  ℮ Often heard in lowland areas, especially near watercourses. Good views obtained of perched males near Presa de Valdecaňas on 07/05 and at the north end of the Embalse de Azutan (Finca Particular) on the morning of 09/05. Flying birds observed quite regularly in several areas. è A bird was seen in flight over the river near Asieso in the afternoon of 13/05 and another seen at the Alfinden ox-bow lakes (Finca del Cascarro) on 14/05.   160. Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio  è The majority were seen perched on low hedges and bushes around small barley fields in the lowlands. One bird, a male, was seen at much higher altitude on the approach to the Portalet pass on 13/05. A pair were seen in the lower Hecho valley on 11/05 and again in virtually the same place on 13/05. Four individuals (all females!) were noted on 16/05 on farmland around Riglos, Aguero and Triste.   161. Southern Grey Shrike  Lanius meridionalis   ℮ Commonly encountered in Extremadura, especially in open steppes with low scrub and scattered bushes. Newly fledged juveniles were noted on 05/05 between Santa Marta de Magasca and Caceres, with no less than twelve individuals seen on that day alone è Only one bird seen in the Pyrenees area, near Balsa de Planeron on 16/05.   162. Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator   ℮ Very common in Extremadura and seen virtually everywhere, every day in lowland habitats but especially common in dehesa and bushy steppes. è One near Sariňena on 15/05 and five around Riglos and Aguero on 16/05. Most often seen perched openly on telephone wires.   163. Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius  ℮ Seen in the Sierra de Gredos, especially around Puente del Duque, on 06/05. è Seen on several dates in the Pyrenees, especially around Oroel.   164. Azure-winged Magpie Cyanopica cyanus  ℮ This southern spanish curiosity was common and seen every day in Extremadura, especially in dehesa habitats. Birds around the campsite were especially bold and inquisitive.   165. Magpie Pica pica  ℮ Reasonably common in Extremadura but easily outnumbered by the former species. è More common in the Pyrenees.   166. Alpine Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus è First seen distantly from the Boca del Infierno and Gabardito on 11/05. Much better close views at Candanchu on 12/05 with the largest flock there containing around 30 birds. Even larger numbers (ca. 150) seen feeding on the alpine pastures above Gabardito on the morning of 13/05.The calls are generally very different from those of the following, more widespread, species.   167. Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax  ℮ Seen around the Castillo de Monfragüe on 04/05 and 08/05. è Pretty common around the Pyrenees with the largest flock (ca. 20 birds) at Candanchu on 12/05. Several seen at El Planeron on 14/05 and 15/05 with a pair apparently nesting on one of the old stone buildings. Also seen at Riglos on 16/05.   168. Eurasian Jackdaw Corvus monedula ℮ First seen around the Rio Almonte bridge, south of Torrejon el Rubio on 04/05 and in several places thereafter. è A few seen in the Pyrenees.   169. Carrion Crow Corvus corone ℮ Seen in the Sierra de Gredos on 06/05. è Common in the Pyrenees.   170. Raven Corvus corax   Possibly the commonest corvid in Extremadura and also common in the Pyrenees.   171. Spotless Starling Sturnus unicolor  Very common throughout. Possibly should’ve scrutinized the starlings around Jaca to see if any common ones were amongst them.   172. House Sparrow Passer domesticus  Very common, especially near habitations.   173. Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis  ℮ Not widespread but where they did occur they were often in large flocks. First noted between Trujillo and Santa Marta de Magasca on 05/05. A large flock containing a few hundred birds seen near Embalse de Talaván on 08/05.   174. Tree Sparrow Passer montanus ℮ A small colony around the north end of the Embalse de Azutan on 09/05. è A pair near the old citadel of Jaca on 12/05.   175. Rock Sparrow Petronia petronia  ℮ Several, including a family party, seen in rocky grazed dehesa, south of the Rio Almonte, south of Monroy on 08/05. Two seen between Trujillo and Santa Marta de Magasca on 10/05. è Seeing only two around the old citadel at Jaca on 12/05 was a bit disappointing as they’re supposed to be abundant here. Maybe we would’ve seen more if we’d paid the €10 entrance fee but we weren’t that desperate. Two or three around nearby Asieso on 13/05.   176. Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Reasonably common throughout.   177. (European) Serin Serinus serinus  Very common wherever there were trees.   178. Citril Finch Serinus citrinella  ℮ Two birds seen in flight at the Parador de Gredos on 06/05. è Easily seen at Gabardito with small flocks of up to eight birds perching openly in the pines and regularly coming to the ground on 11/05 and 13/05. Birds were also observed to collect horse hair from barbed wire fences, presumably for their nests. Four or five seen around the middle slopes of Candanchu on 12/05, near to a few stunted pine trees. Again, these birds were regularly seen feeding or collecting grit on the ground.   Gabardito in the upper Hecho valley, central Pyrenees, where Citril Finches regularly come down to feed on the grassy alpine pastures   179. Greenfinch Carduelis chloris  Reasonably common throughout.   180. Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis  Reasonably common throughout.   181. Linnet Carduelis cannabina  è A few around Candanchu and Formigal on 12/05 and 13/05.   182. Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula è A pair seen around the picknick site near the Parador d’Oroel on several dates from 12/05. Heard at Gabardito on 13/05.   183. Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes ℮ First seen in flight around Monfragüe on 04/05 and in several places in Extremadura thereafter. Unfortunately, never really got any decent views of perched birds though.   184. Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella  è Common at mid-altitudes around Candanchu and Formigal on 12/05 and 13/05.   185. Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus  ℮ A male singing at the Rio Almonte, south of Monroy on 08/05. è A pair along the road between Jaca and Oroel on the morning of 14/05 and several males singing around Riglos on 16/05.   186. Rock Bunting Emberiza cia  ℮ Several seen around Monfragüe, particularly Peňa Falcon, the Castillo area and Puente del Cardinal on 04/05 and on subsequent dates. A few around the Plataforma de Gredos on 06/05. è Seen above Gabardito on 13/05 and around Riglos on 16/05.   Rock Bunting at Plataforma de Gredos   187. Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana  ℮ Several seen around the Plataforma de Gredos on 06/05. Birds feeding on scraps around the car park were especially confiding and approachable.   Ortolan Bunting at Plataforma de Gredos   188. Reed Bunting Emberiza shoeniclus  ℮ One seen at the north end of the Embalse de Azutan (Finca Particular) on 09/05.   189. Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra  Abundant virtually everywhere.     Mammals, Herptiles and Insects Species List: Although not the main focus of the trip, the following were noted in passing.   Spanish Ibex Capra pyrenaicus  Common in the Sierra de Gredos. Iberian Hare Lepus granatensis Common Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus Red Fox Vulpes vulpes Alpine Marmot Marmota marmota A few seen in the Pyrenees around Candanchu and Portalet. Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris One at Oroel Izard (Pyreneen Chamois) Rupicapra pyrenaica A few seen in the Pyrenees around Candanchu and Portalet. Bat sp. – several seen at dusk in most places.   Spanish Ibex at Plataforma de Gredos   Oscellated Lizard Lacerta lepida Monfragüe Ladder Snake Elaphe scalris  On the road near Camping Monfragüe. Natterjack Toad Bufo calamita Many heard at El Planeron. Lizard sp. Lacerta sp. Several types seen.   Butterflies were generally quite scarce in both areas (probably not the best time of year) but the following, familiar or easily recognised species, were seen on the odd occasion.   Swallowtail Papilio machaon Scarce Swallowtail Iphiclides podalirius Clouded Yellow Colias crocea Orange tip Anthocharis cardamines Moroccan Orange Tip Anthocharis belia Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus Brimstone Gonepterix rhamni   In addition, a few Fritillaries and Blues were noted. Other insects seen included several adult Ant Lions, a Praying Mantis and a large Locust.     Bibliography:   A Birdwatching Guide To Extremadura, J. Muddeman, Arlequin Press, 2000. A Birdwatching Guide To The Pyrenees, J.  Crozier, Arlequin Press, 2001. Where To Watch Birds In Southern And Western Spain, E. Garcia and A. Patterson, A & C Black, 3rd Edition, 2008. Where To Watch Birds In North And East Spain, Michael Rebane. Guide to North and East Spain, D. Gosney. Bird Guide, K. Mullarney, L. Svensson, D. Zetterström, P. Grant, HarperCollins, 1999. David R.E.Walker      28/05/08   Pair of Spanish Imperial Eagles attending their huge eyrie near Torrejon el Rubio, Extremadura