Gaucin, Casares, San Enrique, Rio Genal and Rio Guadiaro

This tour stretches from the beautiful “pueblo blanco” (white village) of Gaucin to the coast some 30km to the west. We take in the bird rich fertile valleys of both the Rio Genal and the Rio Guadiaro and visit the confluence of these impressive rivers.  We may encounter Woodpeckers, Orioles, Flycatchers, Tits, Bee-eaters, Hoopoes, Egrets, Herons, Sandpipers and Plovers.

We also drive along the western edge of the magnificent Sierra Crestellina looking for Vultures, Eagles, Choughs, Owls and Warblers. A short stop in the village of Casares may produce Lesser Kestrel, Black Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush which breed in and around its picturesque Church and Moorish Castle.

Finally we arrive near the Coast where we visit a deciduous woodland, a rare habitat in this part of Spain. A small colony of Tree Sparrows still hold on to a small territory whilst Wryneck is a regular breeder. Flycatchers, warblers, treecreepers and woodpeckers are regulars in the woods.

Around 50-70 resident species may be seen on this trip with another 30 summer visitor boosting the tally. In winter some thrushes and waders, maybe 10 species, could be seen, whilst during passage periods another 10 may enhance your day.

Spring sought after Species include:
Bonelli’s Eagle, Egyptian Vulture, Booted Eagle, Lesser Kestrel, Eagle Owl, Alpine Swift, Pallid Swift, White-rumped Swift, Red-rumped Swallow, Blue Rock Thrush, Black Wheatear, Black-eared Wheatear, Melodious Warbler, Sub-alpine Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Spectacled Warbler, Bonelli’s Warbler, Red-billed Chough, Tawny Pipit, Firecrest, Crested Tit, Rock Sparrow, Rock Bunting and Cirl Bunting.