Andalucia in autumn


7 - 13 September 2023



South Spain is an area rich of birds all year around. In autumn the raptor migration is forceful and in the middle of September the mix of species is on top. Among Buzzards & Kites, there will be plenty of Harriers, Falcons and Eagles in the air. Among the Vultures we look out especially for one of the new birds in the European fauna - Rüppel´s Vulture. The sheer volume of birds of prey is often impressive and even a rather mediocre day one thousand birds can be counted. On this one base trip we do day excursions to see a good variety of the local specialities that are on offer. The furthest we go is 2,5 hours away to visit the wetlands of the east side of the Guadalquivir. Here we have good chances on waterbirds like White-headed Duck, Marbled Teal, Crested Coot, Squacco Heron, Purle Swamphen and much more.

We stay in the cosy, rural, family-run hotel with pool and restaurant near Tarifa and make day excursions from here. All rooms have en-suite facilities. Nature and beach is just around the corner. It´s a lush place in the hills, surrounded by green, but off the main road. The rooms are in separate cabins but we get together for meals and roll calls in the restaurant and lounge. The advantage with this is that we can adjust the birding to the weather situation. When winds are right we focus on the migration, other days we visit the nearby coast, wetlands and mountains. In the La Janda-area irrigated rice-fields attract Pratincoles, Black-winged Stilts, Egrets and a variety of raptors. Recently Spanish Imperial Eagles have been breeding in the nearby mountains, some years even Black-shouldered Kites.

South Spain have some more scarce specialities too; White-rumped Swift is never easy but a late breeder that will still be around in September, the Little Swifts are resident and known from just one colony in Spain and within reach for us. Red-necked Nightjar is another attraction we will look for. One of the days we make a boat excursion in the straits of Gibraltar to look for Whales and Dolphins. Pilot Whales, three species of Dolphins and Orcas are seen regularly in periods, this time of the year there should also be a passage of other Whales and Seabirds like Shearwaters in these waters.

The furthest we go is 2,5 hours away to visit the wetlands of the east side of the Guadalquivir. Here we have good chances on waterbirds like White-headed Duck, Marbled Teal, Squacco- and Purple Heron, Purple Swamphen and much more. Here we also get exposed to 3 other new immigrants that might not even be even depicted in the field guide; Black-headed Weaver, Yellow-crowned Bishop and Common Waxbill. Initially spread with the help of man, but still handsome birds. This is a comfortable trip with a leisurely pace and no longer or strenuous walks. There´s also the possibility to just stay on the quiet lodge some day if you prefer to enjoy the pool or read a book in the shadow on your veranda.


Day 1
We land at Malaga airport to be received by our guide who will take us past the long queues to the rental cars and straight out into nature. A first stop by a wetland near the airport give us the first chance to see White-headed Duck, Greater Flamingo and some other waterbirds. After a 2 hour drive we are in the Tarifa area. If weather is fine for migration we stop to get a little taste of what will come during the week, at least Griffon Vultures will probably be up soaring along the hillsides. If the weather is less productive we head to the hotel to get a bit of rest before dinner.


Day 2
We start with testing the weather and winds - our guide is very experienced after years of counting raptors - and knows if it´s worth focusing on the migration or not. The raptor migration this time of the year could include Honey Buzzards, Booted- and Short-toed Eagles, Black- and White Storks. Probably Marsh Harriers, Hobbies and Peregrines too. Bee-eaters can pass in flocks this time of the year. Naturally we look really carefully at the vultures to spot the rare Rüppel´s Vulture - a rarity that has become a regular the last decade. Mostly young birds seem to follow the Griffons from Africa when they return north on spring migration to stay the summer in Spain. In autumn they take the same way back.


Day 3
We start the day with a visit to nearby beach reserve Los Lances with flocks of Calandra Larks and Corn Buntings, Stonechats and Cisticolas in the bushes and some Waders on the shore. Maybe the first of the days Raptors starting to migrate will be seen. Later we drive up the nearby hills and mountains known as Sierra de la Plata where we have better chances to see Bonelli´s Eagle, Egyptian Vulture and Griffon Vultures at closer range. Also here we should look out for Mr Rüppel. Thekla Lark, Blue Rock Thrush, Red-rumped Swallow, and Iberian Green Woodpecker are also likely here. If the weather is right we do a boat excursion in the straits of Gibraltar to look for Cetaceans and seabirds. Pilot Whales, three species of Dolphins and some years Orcas or bigger Whales like Sperm Whales are seen. This time of the year there should also be a passage of several other whale species as well as birds like Shearwaters and Gannets in these waters. When back in Tarifa, we have a late lunch and spend some time looking for Europe´s only Common Bulbuls, that recently established as a breeding bird here. Possibly some Lesser Kestrels are still around.


Day 4
Early start to do birding by the rice patties, lagoons and river-arms on the east side of the mighty river Guadalquivir. Here we have good chances to see a number of Herons, including Squacco- and Purple Heron, Greater Flamingo and Little Bittern. We look for Crested Coot, Marbled Teal and Ferruginous Duck. In the drier habitats we look for Calandra Larks, Lesser Short-toed Lark and Woodchat Shrikes. Also a good area for Slender-billed Gull and many Waders. Here we also get exposed to 3 other new immigrants that might not even be depicted in the field guide; Black-headed Weaver, Yellow-crowned Bishop and Common Waxbill. Initially spread with the help of man, but still handsome birds. On the way back we stop by to visit Europe´s only colony of Little Swift - only established a few years back. Here we could spend some time botanizing among the Gulls on the beach and when we feel happy with what we’ve got, we enjoy a cool drink at one of the chiringuitos in the harbour.


Day 5
We go all in for Raptor migration, spending a minimum of time in the van. Among Buzzards & Kites, there will be plenty of Harriers, Falcons and Eagles in the air. Among the Vultures we look out especially for one of the new birds in the European fauna - Rüppel´s Vulture. The sheer volume of birds of prey is often impressive and even a rather mediocre day one thousand birds can be counted. In the surroundings we also have birds like Little Owl, Cirl Bunting, Corn Bunting, Serin to look out for. If we didn´t see the Bulbuls the other day we try again today. One of these days - maybe today - we will also head out to look especially for the very localized White-rumped Swifts, usually breeding with a small number of pairs in the surroundings can be seen in september years when breeding late. If time permits, we go looking for charming and photogenique shy little Chameleons by the beach.


Day 6
Less than an hour from our hotel is the La Janda area. Once a proper lake, but although drained since many years back, this irrigated farmland, still attracts a lot of birds. This morning we start with looking for Little Owls, a resident breeder that often peaches in a favourite tree in the early morning. We will also target the smart looking Black-shouldered Kites that breed in the area some years. The rice fields also attract large flocks of sparrows this time of the year and we will pinpoint some smart males of Spanish Sparrows among them. Calandra Larks and Red-legged Partridges are resident in the area. Raptors from the mountains often come down to hunt here and Harriers, Short-toed Eagle, Booted Eagle, Egyptian Vulture, Golden- and even Spanish Imperial Eagle are frequently seen in the area. Not far away from here we will also look for Europe´s only population of Northern Bald Ibis. They are the result of a re-introduction-project, but nonetheless a very special bird, that actually used to breed here until a few 100 years ago. In the Barbate/ Vejer-area there´s often Turtle Doves, Hoopoes and Iberian Green Woodpecker.


Day 7
Transfer to Malaga for the flights or train home. Depending on departure hours we might have some time for a little bit of birding along the way. If the weather is not optimal for migration - and if departure flight times permit - we might take a detour through the well-hidden Ojen valley where we will see some fine Spanish nature and probably some more good birds along the way.


The journey is a collaboration between BirdSafarisweden and Karlmark Travel. (Karlmark Travels holds the travel warranty insurance that covers this trip)


When: 7 - 13 September 2023

Price: 19.700 SEK per person in doubleroom (excl. flight ticket)
Single room supplement: 2.000 SEK

Max number of participants: 8 persons

What's included:
Full board in double room at rural Hotel with pool, restaurant and natural surroundings, all rooms have en-suite facilities. English-speaking tour leader, local guide all the time, all transports, all possible entrances to nature reserves and parks except the whale safari -see below.

Not included: Flight ticket to Malaga. We are happy to book the ticket for you to get the best price and so we all land at the same time. Transfer to the airport, insurance, Participants are required to have a travel-insurance covering accidents and illnesses. Alcohol, souvenirs and other personal expenses, gratuities to tour leader, local guide / driver (we usually collect money for tips at the end of the trip if we are satisfied). Ticket to the whale safari - approx 25 pounds. Lunch or coffee or other drinks on cafés or restaurants on the transfer day - day one and seven.


Other: This is a "mixed group" trip where Swedish- and English-speaking travelers are welcome.

Application fee: Once you have registered you will receive an invoice of 3,500 SEK. The payment of that bill guarantees you a place on the trip.