In spring 2013, there will be an ornithological study tour to the region of Extremadura, southwesternSpain. It includes the provinces ofBadajozand Cáceres east of the border withPortugal, and is not only famous for the best-preserved medieval monuments inSpainbut among nature lovers for its unique combination of oak woodlands, grasslands, agricultural landscapes, lakes and rocky regions. Accordingly, the avifauna is highly diverse (about 340 spp.), with many species having their distribution centers for the Iberian Peninsula and southwestern Europe in that region. The spectrum ranges from common birds like the Lesser Kestrel, Azure-winged Magpie and Thekla Lark to outspoken rarities, such as White-headed Duck, Little and Great Bustard, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Black-shouldered (or Black-winged) Kite, (European) Roller and Great Spotted Cuckoo – species which are only distributed here and/or are already gone at most other places in Europe. The list of remarkable sightings is growing continuously; in spring of 2012, for the first time Lesser Crested Tern and Little Swift were recorded for the Extremadura.
A highlight of the tour will be a visit to the Monfragüe National Park north of Trujillo, which has been established
only since 2007. With an area of 181 km2, the park is among the major European Bird Areas (EBA) and is divided by the river valleys of the Rio Tajo and Rio Tietas, on whose banks steep cliffs rise. Among the excellent birds there are black storks and eagle owls, a significant populations of birds of prey, including the largest European colony of griffons and black vultures. Furthermore, there are significant populations of eagles, of which Bonelli Eagle, Golden Eagle and especially the critically endangered Spanish Imperial Eagle needs to be mentioned.
For patrons and friends of the Brehm Fund, there is the opportunity to visit this avifaunistic outstanding region from 16-25. April 2013. The trip includes a flight from Duesseldorf (other airports on request) to Madrid, accommodation with breakfast at a local hotel in Trujillo and transfers and tours on minibus or other cars (depending on number of participants). The costs are € 1375,- p. person (double room) or € 1495,- (single room), respectively. The minimum group size is 5. If you are interested in participating, please register until 1st of October 2012 in order to meet reservation deadlines and to guarantee the timely organization of the travel.
Registration and further information:
Dr. André-A. Weller
Secretary’s Office, Brehm Fonds e.V.
Zoologisches Forschungsmuseum A. Koenig
Adenauerallee 160
D – 53113 Bonn
E-mail: a.weller(AT)brehm-fonds.de