landscape, from the wetlands and marshes to the rugged cliffs, which is where we were heading.
There is usually at least one keen birder on every trip who keeps account of the sightings of the various species - Spanish sparrows, spotted cuckoos, magpies and black kite were duly noted by Barry Trevis who has kindly supplied a detailed list printed on pages 3 and 4 of this supplement.
Whilst many of the birders had a keen eye, nothing could compare to the expertise of the local guides attached to our party, Martin and Gottfried. Their observations and vast knowledge added immensely to the success of the tour.
However, the main purpose of this Press Trip was to visit the 3rd Extremadura Bird Watching Fair, FIO 2008 and to sample many of the diverse attractions for the dedicated bird watcher.
Fio is an important venue for local business reps in the tourism sector with meetings and workshops arranged for hoteliers, tourist guides and tour agents.
For the third year running the bird-watching fraternity descended on this tiny village, just one main street, and transforms it into a two-day exhibition. Two large marquees full of trade stands and reps from other birding areas such as Navarra, in the Pyrenees, extol the many diverse attractions. In a fiesta-like atmosphere the wine of the region flows freely and local delicacies are on offer, especially the renowned ham and cheese - Spanish hospitality at its best. Old friends meet and new acquaintances are made. What the resident population think about this annual invasion is not known, but if nothing else it has put this remote little village on the bird-watching map.
Monfragüe National Park covers a wide area and the Salto del Gitano is well worth a visit to view the Griffon colony. A layby gave us an ideal spot to watch the Vultures on a high peak across the valley, spreading their wings to dry out in the sun, once the morning mist had lifted.
Not quite what Noel Coward sang about but his lyrics came to mind when strolling through a village which was deserted with virtually all the inhabitants taking their mid-day siesta.
The intrepid party of birders had no time for this Spanish custom, many having travelled from Northern Europe, and were keen not to waste daylight hours, with so many different species of birds to be spotted and logged.
The party numbered some 40 or so delegates from a dozen or more countries all eager to observe the birds of this delightful region of Spain.
A four-hour coach journey south from Madrid airport took us to the most southerly point of our trip, and an overnight stay at a four-star parador in the attractive town of Mérida, the regional capital.
At the crack of dawn a stroll down to the Guadiana River to watch the early departure of egrets, herons and cormorants leaving their roosts was a most impressive sight. Following breakfast, a half-hour drive took us to the Canchales Reservoir, a favourite haunt for birders.
Part of the roman ruins at Capárra that have been carefully preserved
The early morning mist soon lifted and gave us some excellent sightings of waterbirds, including waders and herons. A flurry of swallows ducking and diving under a low bridge, left me wondering if they had just stopped off on their migrating journey to the UK; perhaps they knew that the English spring was going to be late again this year.
One of the beauties of birding in Extremadura is the varying
