Migration in Tarifa: Raptors, soaring bird migration y cetaceans

In order to ensure the best bird migration moments, keeping a close eye on the weather conditions is of paramount importance. As a result, the following itinerary is subject to changes, taking into consideration the main focus of the tour is on the sheer spectacle of soaring birds migration crossing the Strait.

Day 1: MÁLAGA AIRPORT – RONDA

After arrival in Málaga, pick up of the group at the location and time arranged and departure toward Ronda. On the way to this beautiful Málaga province town, stops will be made at the best spots to watch our first aquatic birds and raptors. Once checked into our Ronda hotel, a short walk to enjoy the birds at El Tajo gorge, with Alpine Swift, Red-billed Chough, Lesser Kestrel and Peregrine Falcon on the menu among other species. Meeting at the hotel and dinner. Overnight stay in Ronda.

Day 2: RONDA – GRAZALEMA – TARIFA

We have an early start today, with some distance to cover down to Tarifa. Beginning with a location nearby Ronda to target the impressive flocks of Alpine Swifts that can gather here, and soon moving on to one of the most beautiful towns in Spain, Grazalema. Around here, we will search for interesting species such as the Rock Bunting and Blue Rock Thrush, to the set off for Tarifa stopping along the way at relevant hotspots for raptors like the Spanish Imperial Eagle or the Bonelli´s Eagle. Arrival at hotel, dinner and time to rest. Overnight stay in Tarifa.

Day 3: SEABIRDS FROM THE COAST – RAPTOR AND SOARING BIRDS MIGRATION – LA ZARGA

Today is our first true raptor and soaring bird migration day, but we have to allow some time for the necessary thermal currents to build so migration can take place, and so, we will first visit a coastal location and observe seabirds such as Cory´s Shearwater, Balearic Shearwater and terns. After this, factoring in the wind strength and direction, and with our experience in the area, we will determine the best locations to settle down and enjoy this spectacular migration phenomenon. To finish off this great day out, we will drive to La Zarga, one of the most stunning cliffs in the Strait, and target the very scarce Rüppell´s Vulture. Arrival at our hotel, dinner and time to rest. Overnight stay in Tarifa.

Day 4: TARIFA – CADIZ SIDE OF DOÑANA – TARIFA

Today´s trip will take place within one Europe´s most iconic nature reserves, Doñana. After a 1,5 hour-drive, we will reach the eastern bank of the Guadalquivir river and spend time exploring the saltpans, lagoons and pine woods, enjoying a great day out in search of outstanding species such as the Little Swift, Lesser Crested Tern, Elegant Tern, waders, Slender-billed Gull and waterfowl like the White-headed Duck and the Marbled Teal. Later, in the vineyards of Trebujena, we will target the elusive and scarce Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin, wrapping up our fantastic day in this birdwatching paradise. Arrival at the hotel, dinner and time to rest. Overnight stay in Tarifa.

Day 5: PARAJE DE LOS LANCES – RAPTORS AND SOARING BIRDS MIGRATION – CETACEANS

Today we are presented with another chance of witnessing the migration spectacle. Starting off at Paraje Natural de Los Lances, an ideal location to see waders, terns, gulls such as Audouin´s Gulls, as well as passerines such as the Greater Short-toed Lark and the Calandra Lark that frequent the grasslands. A Little later, we will head off toward the best locations to experience the raptor and soaring bird migration passage to Africa. Again, depending on the wind force and direction, we will visit the best spots. After a break for lunch, our day will carry on with exciting whale-watching boat trip in the Strait of Gibraltar, where we will have a great opportunity to see cetaceans and seabirds in their natural habitat. Return to our hotel, dinner and time to rest. Overnight stay in Tarifa.

Día 6: LA JANDA – NORTHERN BALD IBIS TERRITORY – BARBATE MARSHES

The former lagoon of La Janda will come first on today´s agenda. A legendary bird migration hotspot. Around its water canals, rice paddies and magnificent lowlands for raptors, we will devote our morning outing to targeting species such as the Black-winged Kite, Spanish Imperial Eagle, Montagu´s Harrier and the elusive Red-necked Nightjar. After this, we will move on to the best places to track down the scarce Norther Bald Ibis. In the late afternoon we will visit the Barbate marshes, home to a vast number of aquatic birds and waders. Here, we will have a chance for the Osprey and the challenging Stone Curlew. Arrival at hotel, dinner and time to rest. Overnight stay in Tarifa.

Día 7: TARIFA – MALAGA AIRPORT

Depending on return flight times, we will enjoy a last chance for a short outing nearby the hotel to seek birds. Departure towards the airport, where our tour finishes and this unforgettable birdwatching week comes to an end.