Birds and Botany - Spain and Menorca

For guaranteed spring sun and the opportunity to witness some of Europe’s finest bird and floral specialities, head for the spectacular headlands and wetlands of Menorca, the sun-drenched steppes and plains of Extremadura, the imposing granite peaks of Sierra de Gredos, and Catalonia’s Parc National d’Aiguestortes.

Naturetrek still has availability on spring natural history tours to mainland Spain and Menorca.

Menorca - 8-days, departing London 1st May 2009.
Spring in Menorca promises an intricate mosaic of wild flowers such as White and mauve Cistus bushes, yellow Crown Daisies and a great assortment of vetches and Alyssum among the dunes. Avian highlights include Europe’s only sedentary population of Egyptian Vultures (up to 40 breeding pairs), Booted Eagles and a few pairs of breeding Ospreys.

Base for the holiday is a superb 18th century Menorcan farmhouse, lovingly restored and complete with large outdoor pool, situated amongst ten hectares of unspoilt countryside. From here, enjoy gentle walks along the coasts, through woodland and around the edges of wetlands - host to a variety of birds and some of the island’s flowers.

The tour costs £1,095 p/p including flights from London, taxes, transfers, accommodation with all meals and expert guiding.

Spain - Extremadura & Gredos Mountains – 8-days, departing London 9th May 2009
This two-centre holiday combines the contrasting habitats of central Spain — the undulating, sun-drenched steppes and shimmering plains of Extremadura, the rugged oak-forested hills of Monfragüe National Park, and the imposing granite peaks of the Sierra de Gredos.

Explore these exciting and wild habitats taking in abundant and colourful wayside flora of the plains and mountains, as well as butterflies and mammals. Highlights include one of the most exciting bird spectacles in Europe - the breeding display of the Great Bustard.

The tour costs £1,095 p/p including flights from London, taxes, transfers, accommodation with all meals and expert guiding.

Catalonia - The Eastern Pyrenees - 8-days, departing London 9th May 2009.
Initially guests are based at the monastery of Santa Maria de Bellpuig, near les Avellanes. Nearby, avian species such as Blue Rock Thrush, Cirl Bunting and Bonelli’s Warbler occur, whilst surrounding areas host flora species including mulleins, thistles, mallows, asphodels and Judas Trees.

Later, head northeast where floral delights include a mix of Mediterranean, northern European and Alpine species. Here, birds of prey may include Golden Eagle, together with Woodchat Shrike, Hoopoe, Red Kite and Short-toed Eagle. At Parc National d’Aiguestortes spectacular displays of alpine flowers are on offer, including Alpine Pasque Flower (Pulsatilla alpina ssp. sulphurea), along with bird specialities such as Crossbill and possibly Black Woodpecker.

The tour costs £1,095 p/p including flights from London, taxes, transfers, accommodation with all meals and expert guiding.

For more information, log on to Naturetrek.co.uk.