Andalucia 28.12.09-04.01.10

[MichaANeumann]

Micha A. Neumann <Micha.A.Neumann@gmx.de>

Hello,
my wife and me will have a one week holiday in a hotel in Matalascanas. I am a keen birdwatcher and birdringer in Germany. It will be my first time in Andalucia and though it will not be a pure birding trip I would love to find some of the specials. Highest on my list are: Spanish Imperial Eagle, Crested Coot, Booted Eagle...
Any help in finding this species and other nice birds and birding places in the area would be appreciated.
Micha A. Neumann

[Peter]

Hi Micha,

To be very honest you would do best to purchase a copy of 'A Birdwatching Guide to Donana' by John Butler published by Trafford Publishing ISBN: 978-1-4251-2192-1 (Alternatively visit their website www.trafford.com to purchase).

I think the above is your best option and will give you all the information you need, plus some ideas of where else to look in the area.

Hope this is helpful,

Peter

[Kevin Wade]

Hi Micha

I second Peter's excellent advice.  I was there four weeks ago and even though I know the Northern marshes quite well, used the book extensively.  The area around El Rocio is incredibly dry at the moment and the rice fields in the northern marshes were the only areas containing water.

Incidentally, many of the  firmer roads in the Northern marshes have been "streetviewed" on Google Earth, so you can see such sights as el Cortijo de los Madrigales (site North 12 in John's book) as wrap around 360º photos!

[Bob Wright]

Hi Micha!
With friend and espective wives we spent a week at Matalascanas at the beginning of this month, staying at Tierra Mar Golf hotel.  Great base for viiting local birding spots.  Lots of birds seen in Donana but, having had no rain for months, whole area was very dry.  If you have the use of a car, take the coast road to Huelva and visit the Odiel Marshes.  Absolutlely great site - especially for waders.  Your hotel will be able to check high tide times so that you can plan to be there at Low Tide.  We visited twice during week; each journey taking about 40 minutes at most.  You can read my account on the blog at:   http://birdingaxarquia.blogspot.com
Also, if visiting Rio Tinto concentrate on the fabulous museum.  No point in going on the mine excursion; it is not what you would expect.  Train ride was very enjoyable so make sure you arrive in time for 1 o'clock departure (if going).

Hope you enjoy your visit to Andalucia and welcome to the "Club".

Bob Wright