Birdwatching week in the Natural Park
The Parque Natural Sierra de Aracena is the second largest protected area in Andalucia. Situated less than one hour from Seville, it remains remarkably unspoiled. It offers a mouth watering opportunity to observe a fascinating Flora and Fauna.
More than 130 different species of birds can be observed in the Park and because of the relatively benign climate, bird watching is superb all year round.
In Spring, Nightingales sing both night and day along the Ribera. The fluting call of the Golden Oriole is heard from the orchards and as early as March, the Cuckoo announces that Spring has arrived.
In Winter, Red Kite numbers are impressive. By the end of December, Golden Eagles, Ravens and even Goshawks are displaying
As well as the wide variety of passerines and winter visitors, the Park is critically important as a breeding area for the endangered Black Vulture and Black Stork. Both of these species can be observed with care.
We have put together a series of walks/routes suitable both for complete beginners or more experienced birders. These provide an opportunity to observe a variety of different species in their habitats. The walks will be guided by a leading, international ornithologist (English speaker) of many years experience and expert in the birds of the Sierra de Aracena. There will also be opportunities to observe wild flowers, butterflies and animals.
Itineraries can be varied on request to concentrate on certain species such as Bustards, Sand Grouse. Black Shouldered Kite etc, etc. In addition, visits can be arranged to the Coto de Doñana.
Walk 1
Ribera de Alájar
This pleasant, riverside walk offers the opportunity to observe a wide variety of the typical birds of the Sierra de Aracena Natural Park.
All Year
Blackbird
Cattle Egret
Grey Heron
Crested Lark
Hoopoe
Thekla Lark
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Linnet
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker
Grey Wagtail
Blackcap
Spotless Starling
Chiffchaff
Serin
Cetti Warbler
Goldfinch
Sardinian Warbler
Greenfinch
Nuthatch
Mistle Thrush
Short Toed Tree Creeper
Corn Bunting
Jay
Azure Winged
Magpie
Collared Dove
Wood Pigeon
Wren
Tawny Owl
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Long Tailed Tit
Crested Tit
Crag Martin
Stonechat
Griffin Vulture
Black Vulture
Hawfinch
Winter
Robin
Red Kite
Lapwing
Green Sandpiper
Southern Grey Shrike
Black Redstart
White Wagtail
Meadow Pipit
Song Thrush
Summer
Turtle Dove
Black Kite
Cuckoo
Booted Eagle
Bee-eater
Short Toed Eagle
Swallow
Black Stork
Red Rumped Swallow
White Stork
House Martin
Common Swift
Pallid Swift
Nightingale
Redstart
Melodious Warbler
Iberian Chiffchaff
Garden Warbler
Spotted Flycatcher
Pied Flycatcher
Golden Oriole
Common Sandpiper
Red Necked Nightjar
Walk 2
Aquatic species
This walk will visit some of the larger lakes and streams (Riberas) of the Park. Birds we will expect to see, depending on the time of the year are:
All Year
Little Grebe
Azure Wing Magpie
Great Crested Grebe
Stonechat
Coot
Moorhen
Mallard
Cormorant
Grey Heron
White Stork
Little Egret
Cattle Egret
Kingfisher
Grey Wagtail
Cetti’s Warbler
Blackcap
Sardinian Warbler
Common Buzzard
Red Kite
Griffon Vulture
Black Vulture
Kestrel
Sparrowhawk
Raven
Nuthatch
Hoopoe
Winter
Osprey
Chiffchaff
Lapwing
Green Sandpiper
Snipe
White Wagtail
Summer
Black Stork
Black Kite
Booted Eagle
Swallow
Red Rumped Swallow
House Martin
Swift
Pallid Swift
Common Sandpiper
Walk 3
Higer Peaks of Alájar
This route will visit some of the higher peaks in search of raptors and other birds of the high Sierra. Birds we might see, depending on the time of year include:
All Year
Griffon Vulture
Grey Wagtail
Black Vulture
Dartford Warbler
Common Buzzard
Common Kestrel
Sparrowhawk
Goshawk
Golden Eagle
Raven
Blue Rock Thrush
Black Redstart
Linnet
Crested Lark
Thekla Lark
Rock Sparrow
Rock Bunting
Crag Martin
Winter
Red Kite
Hen Harrier
Song Thrush
Summer
Booted Eagle
Short Toed Eagle
Black Kite
Lesser Kestrel
Red Rumped Swallow
Bee-eater
Black Eared Wheatear
OBSERVATIONS
- Minimum 2 and maximum 6 person.
- Days of the excursions are flexible, but in theory mondays-wednesdays and fridays.
- Starting at 9.00 am untill 16.00-17.00 pm, with a possibility to start earlier for the early birdies.
- First day, will be the Walk along the river of Alajar Walk, so you will meet the guide in the common room for an introduction.
- Next days you will be picked up and driven back to Molino Rio Alajar by Peter the guide.
- There exists the possibilty for more walks in accordance with the guide,for instance a Night Walk and The Doñana National Park Trip.
- Tariff: 50 euros a person a day to be paid directly to Peter ,your guide.