- 1. THECOMARCAOF MIAJADASTRUJILLO YOUR BIRDING BASE IN THE HEART
OFEXTREMADURA Birding Conservation Accommodation Conferences
SustainableDevelopment AnInformationPackonaccommodationandother
servicesinthedistrictofMiajadasTrujilloin
Extremaduraforthebirdtourismsector
2. 2 REASONSTOGOBIRDINGIN EXTREMADURA.... UNIQUELANDSCAPES
Marvel at landscapes that have remained unchanged for generations,
thanks to traditional extensive land-use practices: the seemingly
endless cork and holm oak savannah (dehesa) and the rolling
steppes. SURVIVINGWILDERNESS Visit one of the last wilderness areas
in Western Europe, where rocky ravines and mountains provide a
backdrop to steppe and savannah, all incredibly rich in wildlife.
41 Importnt Bird Areas occupy no less than 74% of the regions area
(the highest proportion of anywhere in Europe).
STRONGHOLDFORRAPTORSBe thrilled by so many raptors, in an area that
hosts internationally important populations and boats over 20
breeding species, including the largest global concentrations of
Black Vulture and is a stronghold for the Spanish Imperial
Eagle.THE COMARCA OF MIAJADAS AND TRUJILLO 3. 3REASONSTOGOBIRDINGIN
EXTREMADURA.... AMAZINGDIVERSITY See, even in just a few days, one
of the finest and most comprehensive selections of Mediterranean
Birds, including steppe, woodland, scrub and wetland species, as
well as alpine and northern species in the mountains. B R E A T H T
A K I N G SPECTACLES Enjoy the sight of displaying Great Bustards
in spring, nesting Black Stork, squadrons of Griffon Vultures and
wheeling flocks of Lesser Krestel. Birders in the winter will be
treated with huge concentrations of common Crane, representing no
less than 75% of the European
population.SUPPORTINGSUSTAINABLERURALDEVELOPMENTStay in one of the
network of rural lodgings (casas rurales) or small rural hotels
wich provide a lifeline to the local village economies, so
important to maintain the viability of small communities and
traditional livelihoods.THE COMARCA OF MIAJADAS AND TRUJILLO 4. 4
REASONSTOGOBIRDINGIN EXTREMADURA....
EXCELLENTINFORMATIONANDACCESSUse the excellent reference books
available and help from local guides to ensure that you make best
use of your time. Reach the heart of Extremadura in just two and
half hours down the motorway from Madrid airport, with good road
access to all of the key birding
areas.BEAUTIFULHISTORICTOWNSEnjoythe Roman architecture, castles,
medieval town squares, the superbly conserved building that track
the fascinanting history of the bithplace of the Conquistadores,
built from the same granite that has created such a rugged
landscape.A STRONGLOCAL COMMITMENT TO CONSERVATION Support, by your
presence, the local commitment to conservation and the futher
development of bird tourism in the area. This is a visible
expression of the value of Extremaduras natural resources. THE
COMARCA OF MIAJADAS AND TRUJILLO 5. 5YOURBASEINTHEHEARTOF
EXTREMADURAJust two and a half hours drive from Madrid airport, you
reach the heart of Extremadura and excellent base for your birding
holiday. The beautiful small town of Trujillo lies in the centre of
this area, with the historic treasures of Cceres, Mrida and
Guadalupe all close by.The most popular time to visit is spring
(late March to late May) with almost all summer migrants arriving
before mid-April. The climate is excellent for birding and the
landscape wonderful with its flowers. However, good birding can be
had almost all of the year round.The winter, in praticular, offers
tremendous opportunities for biding. There are large concentrations
of Common Crane, flocks of Great Bustard, Little Bustards, as well
as both sandgrouse. Eagles take advantage of fine late winter days
for aerial displays. On the wetlands there are numbers of wintering
duck and waders, whilst species like Black-winged Kite are much
easier to see then. The summer is the best time to see White-rumped
Swift, as well as obliging juvenile Great Spotted Cuckoos prior to
their migration at the end of July.THE COMARCA OF MIAJADAS AND
TRUJILLO 6. 6 EXTREMADURA.... Extremadura, the wildest, least
developed and poorest region of Spain, borders on Portugal. A hard
climate, with extreme temperatures both in winter and summer, and a
poor soil, has until very recently kept agricultural development at
a low ebb and the farming population impoverished. It was from
Extremadura that men like Hernando Corts and Francisco Pizarro set
out to make their fortune, or die in the attempt, in a far-off New
World that must then have seemed as distant as the moon. When the
Conquistadors finally returned to the towns and villages of their
birth, covered in blood, glory and gold, they built sumptuous
palaces and endowed churches and monasteries with riches, a legacy
which is still visible today in the historic and attractive old
buildings that are a feature of the region. This indeed is a part
of Spain far from theMediterranean coast with its concrete
beachresorts, an area where the proud, traditionalSpanish way of
life continues with only limitedoutside influences.Nowadays the
lonely plains and hills of Extremaduraprovide a last great refuge
for some of Europe'smost spectacular birds. In recent years its
wideopen expanses have become famous for theirremarkable
populations of both Great and LittleBustards, species which have
declined drasticallyover most of their range and which are now
veryhard to find elsewhere in Western Europe.THE COMARCA OF
MIAJADAS AND TRUJILLO 7. 7 EXTREMADURA.... The arid plains are not
just superb for bustards, but also provide a home for Pin-tailed
and Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Stone-curlews and numerous larks.
This is also undoubtedly the best place in Western Europe for
raptors, and the density is truly impressive. The star attraction
is of course the Spanish Eagle, formerly treated as a subspecies of
the Imperial Eagle, but now usually considered as a full species in
its own right. Globally threatened, the Spanish Eagle is, for all
intents and purposes, endemic to Spain, where the population is
slowly recovering from near-extinction in the 1960s and 1970s. All
the othereagles found in WesternEurope occur here as well
andvultures arestillquitecommon; in particular we canexpect to see
good numbers ofthe huge Eurasian BlackVulture.In addition, small
numbers of Black-shouldered Kites have colonized the region. As
well as bustards, sandgrouse and raptors, Extremadura holds a
number of other specialities including Red-necked Nightjar, Thekla
Lark, Black Wheatear and the delightful Iberian Azure-winged Magpie
(a species now recognized as specifically distinct from its cousins
in northeast Asia). As well as these specialities, Extremadura
supports a great wealth of more widespread Europeanspecies,
including prehistoric-looking Black Storks and colourful Great
Spotted Cuckoos, European Bee-eaters, European Rollers and Eurasian
Golden Orioles. THE COMARCA OF MIAJADAS AND TRUJILLO 8. 8
YOURBASEINEXTREMADURAA network of rural lodgings Casas Rurales and
small country hotels Hoteles Rurales exist and they provide ideal
accommodation for those visitors looking for charm, character and a
special friendly environment. The following pages give details of
establishments are all close to the best birding areas and cater
especially for visiting birdwatchers. Further information can be
obtained by visiting their respective websites.Opening Spring 2005,
this family houseis run for birders by an active birder,Martin and
his wife Claudia. The two-hundred year old house is set in a
hectare of garden and olive groves at the edge of a small village
and has six double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, as well as a
library. Meals are taken in a beautiful old wine cellar. It lies in
easy reach of all the prime birdwatching areas, as well as enjoying
good birding in the garden and immediate surroundings. Up-to-date
local birding information is available from the host, as well as
guiding services if required. This homely setting is an excellent
place for independient visitors or small groups to stay. Address:
Lagar El Recuerdo, Pago San Clemente, 10200 Trujillo Cceres.
Extremadura. Spain Mobile: +34 609684719 (Martin)+34 609844631
(Claudia).Tel: +34 927319349; E-mail: [email protected]
www.birdingextremadura.com; www.casaruralelrecuerdo.com THE COMARCA
OF MIAJADAS AND TRUJILLO 9. 9Knowing the passion that birdwatchers
have for birds and their requirements, Javier and Marisol have
built and equipped, close to Monfrage Natural Park, accommodation
specifically for birdwatching in Extremadura.It is designed to
offer birdwatchers rest after long days in the field, to enjoy
local traditional meals and the means to meet all of their
information needs (library, video, internet, maps). El Tenado
Country Cottage has six en- suite bedrooms and is the ideal base
for birdwatching in Extremadura.Address: Hernn Corts, 10, E-10291,
Aldea del Obispo. Cceres. Extremadura. SpainMobile: +34 679475955
(Javier)+34679475956 (Marisol). Tel/Fax: +34 927311677; E-mail:
[email protected]; www.eltenado.comThis country inn, run by Henri,
is centrallylocated in Extremadura to explore the
regionsmagnificent variety of birds, unspoilt landscapeand mediaval
towns. It lies just 14 km from Trujillo on the road toward
Guadalupe. Uks reputed bird-guides guarantee a daily average of 85
species according to our five year experience. Finca Santa Marta is
converted from two farms which produced olive oil and wine, has 14
en-suite bedrooms, with meals served in the ancient olive oil mill
with its 19th century hand-driven olive press. Finca Santa Marta is
a popular and well established, long-standing base for bird tours,
as well as those travelling independently...Address: Finca Santa
Marta, Pago San Clemente, 10200 TrujilloCceres. Extremadura. Spain
Tel: +34 927319203; Fax: +34 927334115; Mobile: +34 658914355
(Henri)THE COMARCA OF www.fincasantamarta.comE-mail:
[email protected] MIAJADAS AND TRUJILLO 10. 10Francisco is the
owner of this sevenbedroom house and a birdwatcherhimself. Las
Canteras has en-suitedouble bedrooms and central heating.Meals are
taken in the huge porch, which not only has impressive views of
Trujillo, but also a wonderful panorama of the steppes. Guests can
watch, whilst at breakfast, a thriving White Stork colony just few
metres away, as well as birds like Great Bustard, Montagus
Harriers, Griffon Vultures, Black Vultures, Black stork and
Rollers, whilst a night traditional local cuisine will enjoyed.
This working country estate is set in the Plains of Trujillo and
not very far away from the famous Montfrage Natural Park.Address:
Finca Las Canteras, Monroy Road, Km 6 Trujillo. Cceres.
Extremadura. SpainMobile: +34 609861315 (Francisco). E-mail:
[email protected]; Web: www.casarural.net Juan Pedro and Beln
run this attractive Rural Hotel located in the Sierra of the
Lagares, 10 kms from Trujillo. It is a carefully restored small
stately home with a warm, conforrtable atmosphere. Their main goal
is to make guests feel at home and enjoy their stay to the full. It
has got 8 double bedrooms with full- equipped bathrooms, air
conditioning, telephone, TV and minibar. There are spectacularly
beautiful views of the sierra of the Villuercas and the Trujillo
Plains together, with the historic town of Trujillo as centrepiece.
With the proximity of the Monfrage Natural Park and other sites,
there is a Address: Ctra EX-208, Km 87,6, 10200 Trujillo Cceres.
Extremadura. Spain THE +34 927319350; Fax: +34 927319355; Mobile:
+34 635604949 (JuanTel: COMARCA OF MIAJADAS AND TRUJILLO 11.
11OTHERRURALLODGINGS NOSPECIALIZEDINBIRDTOURISM Address: Pago San
Clemente, 10200 Trujillo Cceres. Extremadura. Spain Tel: +34
927312093; Mobile: + 34660984412 E-mail: [email protected];
www.laflorentina.es Address: Ctra Torrecillas de la Tiesa, 10252
Torrecillas de la TiesaCceres. Extremadura. Spain Mobile: +34
679960324 E-mail: [email protected]; Web :Address:
Plaza de la Independencia 9, 10260 Santa Cruz de la Sierra Cceres.
Extremadura. Spain Tel: +34 927342243; Mobile: +34 679442343E-mail:
[email protected]; Web: www.casadelconde.comAddress: Finca las
Gamitas 10132 Almoharin Cceres. Extremadura. SpainMobile:+34
607805444 / +34 661375140THE COMARCA OF MIAJADAS AND TRUJILLO 12.
12OTHERRURALLODGINGS NOSPECIALIZEDINBIRDTOURISM Address: Calle
Palmera 1, 10290 Huertas de Animas (Trujillo) Cceres. Extremadura.
Spain Tel: 927659209; Mobile: +34 650953137
E-mail:[email protected]; Web:
www.trujillo-rural.comAddress: Plaza de la Constitucin 15 y16,
10380 Jaraicejo Cceres. Extremadura. Spain Tel: +34 927336189;
Mobile: +34 619803770E-mail: [email protected]; Web:
www.montefragoso.com Address: Calle Real 75, 10210 Madroera Cceres.
Extremadura. SpainTel: +34 927334262; Mobile:+34 615579464; Fax:
927319339E-mail: [email protected]; Web : www.soterrana.com
Address: Plazuela de Aragn 2, 10200 Trujillo. Cceres. Extremadura.
Spain. Tel: +34 927320243; Fax: +34 927659116 E-mail:
[email protected]; Web: www.isladelgallo.comTHE COMARCA OF
MIAJADAS AND TRUJILLO 13. 13
Birdwatching&NaturetoursinExtremaduraBirdwatching and Nature
tours Services offer possibility to make guides tours to important
birding sites like Monfrage Natural Park, Caceres-Trujillo plains,
Villuerca-Ibores District, or San Pedro Mountain....as well as
possibility to make specific trips if required. More information:
Tel: 0034 676784221E-mail: [email protected];
www.extremadurabirds.netExtremadura Birdwatching is a family
company specialised in offering you all the information and help
you need to watch bird in Extremadura. This includes information
about species, the best sites, routes, trip reports, bilingual
guides, accommodation. Aldea del Obispo. Cceres. Extremadura. Spain
Tel: +34 927311677; Mobile: +34 679475955 (Javier) E-mail:
[email protected]; www.eltenado.comTHE COMARCA OF MIAJADAS AND
TRUJILLO 14. 14 BirdingExtremadura The choice is yours.. guided day
trips or fully inclusive toursbed and breakfast and evening meals.
Join us to enjoy some of Europe's most exciting birding in the
heart of Extremadura. Martin Kelsey has been watching birds for
about 40 years and across five continents. Before settling in
Spain, he did research on birds, worked for BirdLife International
and lived in South America and India. Nowbased in Extremadura with
his wife, Claudia and son Patrick, Martin can provide guided day
trips, as well as accommodation and fully inclusive holidays based
at their country guesthouse (Casa Rural El Recuerdo) just outside
Trujillo. Enjoy local expert knowledge as well as a warm friendly
welcome, with hospitality especially Trujillo Cceres. Extremadura.
SpainTel: +34 927319349; Mobile: +34 609684631 E-mail:
[email protected]; www.birdingextremadura.comTHE COMARCA
OF MIAJADAS AND TRUJILLO 15. 15 LOCATIONMIAJADASANDTRUJILLO 16. THE
COMARCA OFMIAJADAS -TRUJILLOYOUR BIRDING BASE IN THE HEART
OFEXTREMADURA
