Outside Asturias: Monfragüe, Extremadura

A view of the ‘Dehesa‘.  Grazing land amongst the Cork, Holm and Portuguese oaks – taken from the path leading to Castillo de Monfragüe. Last weekend we crossed the border of Asturias, drove over the Cordillera Cantábrica mountain range and passed through Castile and Leon. As ‘aficionados de la naturaleza’ we’ve often been told “you must go to Monfragüe, it’s a birders paradise”. So Monfragüe National Park in Extremadura was the destination. We enjoyed clear blue skies, although the strong sun was accompanied by a cold wind. Bird sightings were of impressive quality.  Among the highlights were – Griffon Vulture, Black Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Spanish Imperial Eagle, Stork, Black Stork, Red Kite, Peregrine Falcon. As well as deer, fox and an otter family. Belinda watching for Griffon, Black and Egyptian vultures, Imperial Eagles and otters – from Portilla del Tiétar. We spotted them all from this viewpoint. A griffon vulture near the dam at La Malavuelta. A griffon vulture at Salto del Gitano. There was a large vulture colony...