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Birdwatching trips in central Spain
Apart from being able to organize longer tours throughout the region, IWT offers tailor-made short-term, day and half-day
birding and wildlife trips to best fit the requirements of the client. These vary through the whole spectrum from specifically
targeting special species (e.g. Spanish Imperial Eagle, Iberian Magpie, Citril Finch) to generalist trips to try and observe
the widest range of species in particular
Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis
© John Muddeman
habitat types. It should be stressed that all levels of knowledge can be catered for, from those with no previous
knowledge of European birds, to those with a high level of experience. In addition, the trips often include sites of
historical and cultural interest, as well as spectacular scenery, and every attempt will be made to try and incorporate
these aspects into the itinerary if requested. In the appropriate seasons, we can also enjoy the flora, reptiles and
amphibians, butterflies and dragonflies of the areas visited, the diversity of which are correspondingly high.
Evening trips for owls and nightjars are available, and special trips to sites for rarer and more localized species in the
region such as White-headed Duck or Dupont's Lark can be arranged. We are also happy to arrange short tours for a few days
to more distant areas, including to Extremadura,
in western Spain, with the emphasis there on observing raptors and steppe species, including Black Stork, Bonelli's Eagle and
(from mid-May until October) White-rumped Swift in addition to many of those mentioned in the texts about Madrid,
La Mancha and Castilla y Leon.
It should be stressed that clearly, not all species can be seen in one day, and although the guides will make every effort
possible to find the species requested, it is not possible to guarantee seeing a particular species. After all,
"Birds have wings and they don't read books" as I heard another guide once say to me!
Black Wheatear Oenanthe leucura
© John Muddeman
Trips are run on the following lines:
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| Duration: | From a few hours to a few days. Start and finish times according to the requirements of the client, though normally leaving around 7 a.m. and returning approx. 10 hours later for a typical day trip. For longer tours please email
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| Guide: | Spanish-speaking English guide (John Muddeman) or English-speaking Spanish guide. For each guide, up to three clients, more by prior arrangement. |
| Transport: | In the rental vehicle of the client, or otherwise by arrangement (as appropriate). Pick up from hotel, airport or meeting point as arranged. |
| Food: | Not included. We find good local food in one of the numerous bars en route. However, if requested, the guide can supply a simple picnic lunch and bottled water. Special dietary requirements need to be discussed in advance. |
| Cost: | The following prices for 2010/11 are for guiding (fuel & food are extra at cost, since they vary according to the itinerary and requirements).
- ½ -day (± 5 hours): 80 Euros for 1 person + 10 Euros per person extra.
- 1 day (± 10 hours): 150 Euros for 1 person + 20 Euros per person extra.
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Information can also be provided on places to stay in the different areas, though the guide cannot legally undertake booking and payment for clients.
The trips are organised by John Muddeman for IWT, with all significant data recorded during the trips forwarded to the
local recorders and SEO/BirdLife, the national ornithological association. IWT does not support the regular use of tapes to lure birds
in the field, especially in spring, but tries to give clients the best views of the birds possible, without causing disturbance.
Photography and sound recording are welcomed.
Spanish Sparrow male
Passer h. hispaniolensis
© John Muddeman
John Muddeman
c/ Alcocer 1, 1°C,
Fresnedillas de la Oliva,
28214 Madrid,
Spain.
Email:
Office: (+34) 918 989195
Mobile: (+34) 649 608747
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