Marbled Teal

The Coto Doñana; the very name conjures up one of Europe’s great birding areas and this vast expanse of marshes, lakes and rice paddies is often at its best in winter with huge numbers of water birds, endless encounters with raptors and a host of regional specialities to look for. In the past, species such as Red-knobbed coot, White-headed Duck and Marbled Duck were practically impossible to see here but now we know they can all be found in the wetlands outside the natural park itself. Spanish Imperial Eagle has declined here but can still be seen and now the feast of raptors includes Black -shouldered Kites too. Throw in a few thousand ducks and geese, hundreds of Cranes, loads of herons, storks and flamingoes and the chance of species such as Little Bustard or Pin-tailed Sandgrouse and you’ll be in heaven. In addition to these superb wetlands, we will spend time visiting an area of plains and mountains for further exciting species such as Great Bustard and Bonelli’s Eagle.  The terrain is mostly very easy with short walks and roadside stops. Your tour leader will be David Gosney and you can expect to see approximately 125 species.