Description
We’re delighted to offer a new tour to enjoy the birds and other wildlife of Fuerteventura!
A birding trip to the Canary Islands is a must for any keen naturalist in the Western Palearctic. These beautiful islands hold a nice combination of endemic birds, both Macaronesian specialities and African species. The isolation, the variety of habitats and the location have made these islands a paradise for wildlife lovers. In addition, there are large number of endemic plants, reptiles, and insects. Our relaxed itinerary will focus on the island of Fuerteventura, one of the closest islands to the African continent. In addition, we will have the opportunity to see some colourful dragonflies and butterflies, such as Greenish Black Tip, African Migrant, Canary Red Admiral, Plain Tiger and Monarch. Our accommodation will be in Hotel Rugama in Casillas del Ángel.
Day 1 and 2, March 6th and 7th. Tindaya
Once we arrive on the island, we will drive to our hotel. If times allows, we will go to Tindaya where will drive along the semi-desert to see some interesting bird species: Stone Curlew, Spanish Sparrow, Trumpeter Finch, Cream-coloured Courser and Barbary partridge. Furthermore, it will be our first chance to get the globally threatened Houbara Bustard, which has one of its main populations on Fuerteventura.
Other birds we will keep an eye on are Lesser Short-toed Larks, and Southern Grey Shrikes (Lanius meridionalis koenigii). Not far from there, Barbary Falcons occur. In addition, we might encounter the “Guirre” the local subspecies of Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus majorensis) and Berhelot’s Pipit.
Day 3 and 4. March 8th and 9th. Betancuria
Today we will visit the picturesque town of Betancuria and spend few hours exploring it. It is considered one of the most beautiful towns of Spain and was the first city to be founded in Canary Islands in 1834 and therefore the first capital of the archipelago. Later, we will take a trail where we can find some passerines, including migrants and residents such the endemic and scarce Fuerteventura Stonechat, subspecies of African Blue Tit and the Island Canary. We will also have the opportunity to get some dragonflies (Lesser and Blue emperor, Epaulet skimmer and Red-veined darter among others) and butterflies (resident population of Greenish Black Tip). During the second part of the day, we will drive towards Los Molinos looking for Black-bellied Sandgrouse, and Trumpeter Finch among other birds. We will visit some freshwater reservoirs which attracts many birds, both resident and migrant in this arid habitat. We hope to find Plain Swift and Laughing dove, which has arrived from the African continent. Some of the birds we might see in the reservoirs include the rare Marbled Duck, Ruddy Shelduck and waders.
Day 5, March 10th
The day will be spend visiting some good areas where in the past vagrants have been spotted. The Barranco de la Torre, the Alares pond might be of interest for Spectacled Warbler and Trumpeter Finch among others. We also spend the day looking for any target we have missed the previous days. Today we might see one of the many Barbary ground squirrels which were introduce from Morocco.
Day 6, March 11th
On our last morning in Fuerteventura, we may pay an early visit to Tindaya or any other birding spot in route to the airport.
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