Extremadura, although well known by British birders, is one of the least known regions of Spain – even by the Spaniards. The area is twice the size of Wales and is indeed, Spain’s biggest secret.

The region is traditionally known as spring venue for birding and wildlife watching but the autumn and winter are nevertheless rewarding times to visit. Although most of the summer visitors like the Lesser Kestrels may have left there is some autumn passage continuing and the winter visitors are arriving. Indeed, as a whole Extremadura has the richest winter birdlife of any region in Spain and the most individual wintering birds than almost anywhere else in Western Europe. One of the lasting impressions visitors will have of Extremadura is of the sheer number of birds, everywhere.

Extremadura boasts a wonderful variety of habitats ranging from mixed-farming plains to open managed woodland pasture where the famous Iberian pigs roam free-range, deep rocky valleys, irrigated lands, reservoirs and mountains. Added to this mix are the beautiful towns and villages that are steeped in history and great for wildlife. During the time of this tour the landscape will be turning green after the summer drought with beautiful autumn flowers in bloom attracting the remaining butterflies and dragonflies that are still present.

The specialty resident steppe species like the Great Bustard, Little Bustard, Pin-tailed and Black-bellied Sandgrouse will be findable. Winter flocks of Stone Curlew gather making them much easier to see than during the spring. Passage waders like Black-tailed Godwits and waterfowl like geese will be moving through the rice- fields where the harvest will be starting, inducing feeding frenzies amongst the egrets, storks and gulls that follow the combines and tractors.

The autumn is a very special time within Spain’s fifth biggest region. At this time year the region’s signature bird – the elegant Common Crane – is to be found abundantly frequenting the rice fields and dehesas (cork oak woodlands). Their musical and wild bugling calls can sometimes fill the air as nervous flocks consisting of family parties take to the skies as they traverse to their feeding areas. An important portion of the world’s population, in excess of 150,000 birds, choose to winter in Extremadura, where the locals welcome them with open arms. Indeed, their grace and elegance has been well appreciated and celebrated throughout the ages and the Spanish affectionately call them, ‘Damas Grises’ – Ladies in Grey.

Meanwhile, at the world famous Monfragüe National Park, Red Deer will be rutting with Griffon and Black Vultures drifting over their heads. Whilst indulging in those sights and sounds there is a good chance for viewing a local Golden or Iberian Imperial Eagles.

The return to Madrid will include an en route visit to the Embalse de Arrocampo, one of the top birding hotspots of the region.