Monfrague Trip Report
(25/4/2004 – 27/4/2004)
Peter Jones
Introduction:
With very limited opportunity for a continental holiday in 2004, I decided to embark on a mission: One of the few European breeding birds that I had never seen was Eagle Owl. Despite at least 10 unsuccessful stake-outs and scouring of cliffs in Spain, Israel, and an Ibis Owl tour, this species still eluded me. I decided therefore to take advantage of the numerous cheap flight deals and spend two nights in Monfrague searching for an Eagle Owl. I previously tried unsuccessfully here in September 1997. By visiting in the spring I figured my chances would be improved. Monfrague is a superb birdwatching venue with many species of raptor, and both European storks present, together with many other European species scarce or absent from the UK.
I could have spent up to a week in the park as there were plenty of areas i didn't see in my one and a half days there, and the park has plenty of photo opportunities. (maybe next year!)
Flight and car
Easyjet flight from Luton to Madrid was good value at £60. The hire car, through holiday autos was also £60.
Accommodation
I decided to find accommodation when I arrived, and was lucky to find the Monfrague rural hotel. This was fine and reasonably priced.
Getting around
Not many people speak English in rural Spain, and a cheap Spanish phrase book by DK was very useful. Driving out of Madrid on the Sunday was hell. I got lost on an Spanish version of spaghetti junction, where every road seemed to want to take me in the opposite direction to Zaragoza (a reminder that I never did get proper views of Dupont's lark on the Zaragoza plains despite them singing in flight all around me!). Once on the right road I hit traffic.. lots of it. It transpired that my journey coincided with the Madrid marathon, and the roads were jammed with spectator traffic. Even worse was to follow when I realised my exit from the ring road was closed (marathon again). I was beginning to think that I really was cursed when it comes to seeking an Eagle Owl. Eventually, I decided that the only way to end this hell was just to get out of Madrid by the first opportunity, (even if it meant going towards Zaragoza!). I found a relatively quiet motorway to la Coruna, and followed this for a good 10 miles before following signs in the right direction to Badajoz.. The rest of the journey and return was fine, with quiet roads, and good time made to the destination.
GPS track of route out of Madrid!
The sites
Monfrague is well documented in the Gosney guide to Northern Spain, and the Helm guide to Southern Spain. More time in the area would open up possibilities to explore the Steppe area nearby for Bustards, Larks and Sandgrouse. Something that time didn't allow on this visit!
Highlights and Systematic list
The albeit brief view of an Eagle Owl, together with its regular calling was the highlight, and main reason for going to Monfrague. A pity I didn't see an adult perched on the rocks in daylight, but that is one reason to return in the future. The park also had an abundance of raptors and soaring birds. Excellent views were had of Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle, Short toed Eagle, Three species of Vulture, and both the European Storks.
Of the Passerines seen, it was nice to find some species that are scarce or extremely rare in the UK including Dartford Warbler, Woodlark, Bee Eater, Woodchat Shrike, and Serin. Also a few spanish specialities including Azure Winged Magpie, Rock Bunting, Sardinian Warbler, and Spotless Starling.
Click here for complete list of species seen
Mammals
Good views of a Red Deer plus Bats described below.
Also a smallish mammal crossed the road ahead of me at night. In hindsight was probably an Otter.
Bats!
The park is quite famous for holding 15 species of bats. I took my detector, and managed the following: Pipistrelle, Probable Noctule, Serotine, plus a few other inidentifiable observations.