Due to their abundance, diversity and ease of watching, the main target of observation in our raids by vehicle around Toledo´s wilderness, will be the group of birds. Less than 50 kilometres from monumental downtown, we offer a whole range of itineraries along the steppes, forests and river banks of Tajo, steppe areas and foothills of Montes de Toledo (Toledo Hills).
Our birding routes will be different and adaptable according to the season of the year and regarding the specific interests of our customers. Be sure we’ll try our best to please you!!
By the natural shire of La Sagra Baja, in the north of River Tajo, lays a huge grain- producing steppe, where the stunning Great Bustards (Otis Tarda) are specially easy to be observed. In addition to this emblematic species, we will have the chance to observe another ones, depending on the season of the year, such as Little Bustard (Tetrax tetrax), Montagus Harrier (Circus pygargus), Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus), Red Kite (Milvus milvus), Lesse Kestrel (Falco naumanni), Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), Black-winged Kite (Elanus caeruleus) Blackbellied Sandgrouse (Pterocles orientalis) or little passerines like Woodlarks (Lullula arborea), Crested Lark (Galerida cristata) or Corn Bunting (Emberiza calandra). The Iberian Hare (Lepus granatensis) will be one of the most easily to be observed mammals. Though the most abundant is the European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), which common presence often attracts eagles and vultures for lunch time.
In the south of River Tajo, a wide area of mediterranean forests and bushes spreads its beauty, covering the main portion of Montes de Toledo and the Meseta Cristalina. Holm and kermes oak woods are sheltering and flying areas for a big number of middle and great birds of prey: Spanish Imperial Eagle (Aquila adalberti), Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo), Short-toed Snake Eagle (Circaetus gallicus), Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus), Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus), Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus), Eurasian Eagle-owl (Bubo bubo), Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nissus). European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), the diet basis for lots of species, will be frequently observed.
Tajo´s valley, riverbanks, reservoirs and rocky cliffs, are irresistibly attractive for a great diversity of birds. For instance, the usual colonies of White Stork Ciconia ciconia), Grey and Purple Herons and Black-crowned Night Heron (Ardea cinerea, A. purpurea y Nycticorax Nycticorax) and the abundant Purple Swamphen (Porphyrio, porphyrio) and Black Kite (Milvus migrans). In winter, you will not forget the spectacular concentration of Common Cranes (Grus grus), Gulls (Larus spp.) and Great Cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo), as well as anatidae and waders. The meadows are also important hunting areas for the Bonelli´s Eagle (Aquila fasciata) or the Eurasian Eagle-owl (Bubo bubo).
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