great bustards in Spain

[scary-canary]

Can anyone recommend places to birdwatch when flying in to either Zaragoza or Vallaroid on a ryaniar cheap flight? Is there a site for great bustards near either of these?
Thanks

[Edward]

Don't know of Great Bustard sites near Zaragoza but there are some great birding areas nearby, such as the area around Belchite only half an hour away. Belchite is THE site to see Dupont's Lark in Spain and other lark species such as Calandra, Short-toed, Lesser Short-toed and Thekla are very common here in spring. Black-bellied Sandgrouse was easy to find here too and Black Wheatear was common in the ruins of old Belchite. Zaragoza is also close to the Pyrenees (a couple of hours) and there some superb areas there and in its foothills. Get a hold of Steve West's book "Where the Birds are in northeast Spain" and Michael Rebane's "Where to Watch Birds in North and East Spain."

I've not been to Valladollid but a friend of mine who knows Spain well says that there is a site close to the city which he considers one of the easiest places to see Great Bustard. Can't remember its name but it's mentioned in Rebane's book. Somebody here will know.

E

[scary-canary]

Thanks. I'll look for the book.

[steve west]

To the east of Zaragoza there's a small (c.80 birds) population of Great Bustards in the Monegros which can be seen in the area between Bujaraloz - Monegrillo - Sástago, while there is usually a small, mobile flock in the vicinity of Belchite (to the south). Further away the non-breeding period is the time to look for the species on the edge of the Gallocanta lagoon. It's not a species that's easy to find in this part of the world and due to the delicate status of the bird here more precise instructions, if they exist, should not be encouraged, above all during the breeding season.

Regards
Steve West
http://geocities.com/westvidal

[scary-canary]

Thanks. So can anyone tell me where is the best place to try and see great bustards in Spain in a weekend, using cheap airlines as a starting poiint?

[Brian Stone]

Just back from the Zaragoza area. Only spent one day in the plains but no bustards (although I know another BF member saw Little Bustard at the weekend). To be honest the habitat south of Bujaraloz looked to be largely knackered with almost wall to wall intensive agriculture. Met another birder here who had covered different parts without seeing any either. Didn't go very near Monegrillo.

Easyjet fly to Madrid and the bustards should be much easier in Extramadura.

[Edward]

Thanks. So can anyone tell me where is the best place to try and see great bustards in Spain in a weekend, using cheap airlines as a starting poiint?

I've seen plenty of Great Bustards with BF member Jules Sykes in Castilla La Mancha, only one hour away from Alicante. Getting in touch with Jules would be an excellent start.

I'm not quite sure where budget airlines fly to but Madrid would also be a good bet. Extremadura is only two hours' drive away and Great Bustards are easily found there (in my experience). There are probably sites closer to Madrid but I don't know them personally. If you decide to go to Extremadura then there are plenty of sites to try.

E

[Jules Sykes]

Hi
Would be more than happy to give you directions to where the Great Bustards are. This is a very reliable site (or area) and in numerous visits have never failed to see any yet. As Edward says they are an hour from Alicante and Valencia airports.
Although Belen Plain just outside Trujillo (Extremadura) is currently quite reliable with displaying birds seen on every day we went there 2 weeks ago.
Good luck where ever you go.
Regards Jules

[Nick-on]

Thanks. So can anyone tell me where is the best place to try and see great bustards in Spain in a weekend, using cheap airlines as a starting poiint?

Another vote for Belen plains, Easyjet fly from Luton, Bristol, Liverpool and Gatwick to Madrid From the airport to Trujillo is about 2.5hours max, providing traffic around Madrid is OK, and I've always connected with both bustards without problem (plus you are only half an hour from Monfrague).

Nick

[Steve G]

Another vote for the Belen Plains & if you are based nearby (Trujillo) the Santa Marta de Magasca road is also very reliable for both Bustard, both Sandgrouse & numerous Montagus harrier. Between them Belen & St Marta de M. should deliver the goods -with in addition a fair chance of vultures on a carcase.
Both areas are perfect for birding from the car yielding considerable coverage in a short period of time > allowing you time for a visit to Monfrague for a possible 5 eagle species, 3 vulture sp, 3 kite sp, Black Stork, Eagle Owl & lots more.