White-headed Duck
This handsome relative of North America’s Ruddy Duck has a patchy global distribution and Doñana is the best place to see them in Europe!
Spain has some of the most exciting and diverse birding in Europe! The landscapes that we will visit on this tour are varied and stunning - ranging from lush wetlands and unique Mediterranean scrub to montane forests and shady dehesas (a managed open woodland). We will have opportunities to enjoy the specialities of Spanish culture including delicious food and historic architecture.
The wildlife that can be seen on this tour is diverse and spectacular including species that are specific to the Iberian Peninsula like Iberian Magpie, Spanish Eagle, Iberian Gray Shrike, and the elusive Iberian Lynx. There are many birds we can see that have limited ranges in Europe like White-headed Duck and Red-knobbed Coot. We will also seek out unique bucket-list birds like Eurasian Wryneck, Great Bustard, and Collared Pratincole. The timing puts us towards the end of migration and the beginning of the nesting season when diversity will be at its peak!
Dates: April 28th – May 9th, 2027 (11 nights/12 days)
Cost: $7,750 standard price. $800 per-person discount for doubles. $1,00 deposit due upon registration.
What’s included:
▪ 11 nights of lodging.
▪ Transportation in a comfortable nine-seat van.
▪ Breakfasts, lunches (many in the field), and dinners.
▪ Expert and knowledgeable naturalist guides, María Harana of Wild Doñana and Sam Darmstadt.
▪ Any entrance fees and park admissions.
What’s not included:
▪ Domestic and international airfare.
▪ Meals in airports and any alcoholic beverages.
▪ Tips/gratuities.
▪Extras in hotels (e.g., room service, laundry, etc.).
▪ Trip Insurance (highly recommended).
Accommodations and physical requirements:
▪ All of the lodging is in standard hotels and lodges. Please note that the lodgings listed in the itinerary are subject to change.
▪ Be prepared for a mild number of biting insects.
▪ While no strenuous hiking is expected, we will spend plenty of time walking on park trails. Total walking for a day may total three or more miles.
▪ Weather can be variable with high winds and rain possible. The coastal climate tends to be more mild and the interior areas are generally hotter with daytime temperatures reaching into the 80s. Higher elevations are often considerably colder with temperatures as low as the 40s. Our maximum elevation will be roughly 6,000 feet above sea level.