Spain - Birding and Lynx, Andujar plus Coto Donana

This is a combined birding and mammal trip, with a special focus on seeing endangered Iberian Lynx in the wild. We think this itinerary is one of the best available for this beautiful yet elusive cat, as it includes two classic Spanish destinations, giving you more opportunities to see the animals than alternative itineraries based solely in Andujar. 

You also have the advantage of excellent birding in both places, including many Spanish resident speciality birds, and absorbing birding in pleasant weather is a very enjoyable part of this holiday. Birding in the excellent marismas of Coto Donana, and in Sierra de Andujar, part of the larger Sierra Morena Natural Park, is exceptional. 

Join us in two great destinations, for a full week of great wildlife watching during the (usually!) mild winter of southern Spain.

At the turn of the 21st century, the Iberian lynx was on the verge of extinction, and only 94 individuals survived in two isolated subpopulations in Andalusia in 2002. Conservation measures have been implemented since then and in 2023 the population has grown to approx 1,668.  Finding this elusive cat is difficult, though Heatherlea have an excellent record. January is the ideal time to see Lynx, active during the cool daytime as animals seek a mate, before warmer months when they become more nocturnal.

The first part of the holiday concentrates largely on birding, with some chances of Lynx. From our base in Coto Donana, we will explore the mosaic of marshes, pine woodland, open heathland and sand dunes at one of the best times to visit. This famous area can be very dry later in the year, but in winter its marshes usually hold water and attract great numbers of gulls, waders and other shorebirds, including  flamingos, herons, egrets, White Stork, Black Stork, Glossy Ibis and Spoonbill. Thousands of wintering geese feed in the shallow waters, and we also have the opportunity to catch up with some of southern Spain's specialities, in particular Purple Gallinule, Marbled Teal, Red-knobbed Coot and rare Spanish Imperial Eagle. Some breeding raptors are back on territory, whilst others are passing on migration, and the whole area is just full of life. We have chances of seeing Iberian Lynx, and other large mammals include Wild Boar, Red Deer, and Fallow Deer.

The second part of our holiday is spent in Sierra de Andújar. This beautiful mountain chain holds dense populations of Red and Fallow Deer, Moufflon, Otter, and Wild Boar, as well as the largest remaining Lynx population in Spain. Birds seen here should include Griffon and Black Vultures, Spanish Imperial Eagle, Azure-winged Magpie, Iberian Green Woodpecker, and Black Wheatear.

We have taken great care in this itinerary to give you the best possible chances of seeing Lynx. Our days are exciting, with excellent birding and mammal watching in a pleasant climate. Our rural hotels give you the chance to experience real Spain, and we hope you will enjoy our special meals and Andalusian local wines. This is a relaxed holiday, with very little walking.

Enjoy your complimentary pre-flight overnight hotel before your holiday begins. Full details from our office! Read more about our Pre-flight Service here!

Days 1 – 5:                                                                                        Doñana National Park
After relaxing in our complimentary VIP Airport Lounge, we fly from Gatwick to Malaga. We drive to Coto de Donana, perhaps with a detour to see White-headed Duck, then passing through the fertile farmland and fruit groves west of the Guadalquivir River.

Our birding begins at adjacent “marismas”, bird-filled lagoons and wetlands at their wintering peak, laden with Flamingos, Egrets, coots, waders and numerous other waterfowl. Birdlife also includes Black-winged Kite and Spanish Imperial Eagle. We spend time looking for Iberian Lynx, exploring the woodland, marshes, sand dunes and open grassland where we are likely to also encounter Iberian Hares, Red Deer and Fallow Deer.

The Marshes by El Rocío and the varied habitats of El Rocina teem with birds – Spoonbills, herons and egrets fly over the reed beds as Marsh Harrier quarter the vegetation. In shallow water, Greater Flamingo and White Stork feed, surrounded by wintering waders. The unique village of El Rocío lies at the edge of the Parque National de Doñana, and this “Wild West” town, with its white buildings and church, makes an amazing backdrop. Here we are likely to encounter horsemen cantering through the wide, sandy streets, or a mule and cart tied up to the hitching rails outside the houses. Thousands of Greylag Geese and Common Cranes graze fresh grass, while a few wintering Whiskered Tern may hawk over open water, swooping down to the surface to pick off a small insect or tiny fish. In the more wooded areas, Serin and Azure-Winged Magpies seem never to stop looking for food. Purple Gallinule can often be seen and Little Grebes occasionally take a brief swim across to another patch of reeds. A large number of wintering duck include Shoveler, Pintail and sought-after Marbled Teal.

Days 5– 7:                                                                                Sierra Morena Nature Park 
A tremendous contrast, as we head east for a three night stay in the Sierra Morena. To give the best chances of a Lynx sighting, we must spend time scanning from a number of scenic viewpoints. From each we overlook vast tracts of Lynx habitat, and we may have to be patient to see the animals! Here sightings of Lynx are often at long range, though can be quite close at hand. The scenery in the dehesa, formed by huge rock boulders and extensive scrubland is magnificent, and birdlife is rich, with excellent chances of Spanish Imperial Eagle, Black Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Golden Eagle, Sardinian Warbler, Iberian Green Woodpecker, Hawfinch, Firecrest and Eagle Owl. Our accommodation here is a comfortable hotel/guest house in the heart of beautiful dehesa woodland. All rooms have en suite facilities.

Day 8:                                                                                        Final Day and Return Flight
Early morning birding before we drive to Malaga Airport to fly home. Arrive London Gatwick late afternoon

What's included in your holiday price:

• return scheduled flight from London – Malaga, airport taxes, baggage and hand luggage up to airline included limit.
• airport transfers, ground transportation, accommodation and meals as specified.
• the services of Heatherlea leader John Muddeman, joined by Sergi Sales with seven or more clients.
• The Heatherlea Pre-Flight Service offers everything you need at the airport, including hotels, car parking, airport lounges, regional flights, and upgrades. Let Heatherlea take the strain! Pre-flight airport hotel and lounge included subject to terms and conditions. Read more....

What's not included in your holiday price:

• travel to and from departure airport before and after holiday, in-flight meal, baggage above airline included limit
• incidental tips, expenses of a personal nature including drinks and personal insurance.

More holiday information

Accommodation is in comfortable rural hotels with all rooms en suite.
Food Breakfast is typical of Spain, consisting of a roll with jam and cheese. Fruit juice and tea or coffee is also available. Picnic lunches will include a variety of local produce plus soft drinks. Evening meals are generally local dishes, which are very good but sometimes simple. Food is usually plentiful. Vegetarian and other diets are welcome.
Walking The holiday is not strenuous. Walking is generally easy, on paths and tracks. Most birding is done close to our vehicle, and even on the longest walks we are never far from the minibuses, should anyone wish to go back.
Weather Typically, temperatures will range from -4 to 8ºC in the early morning to perhaps 10-20ºC in the “heat” of the day. Sunshine should be plentiful, but wind, clouds, rain or even snow are possible. Cold weather, with temperatures as low as -10ºC, are rare but possible.
Insects biting insects are not expected.
Group size is restricted to 12 clients maximum.
Flights are by scheduled airline, from London. We may be able to offer flight arrangements from another location and/or or quote without flights so you can make your own arrangements. If you wish to add an extension either before or after your holiday, please contact us and we will be happy to arrange this for you.

Your Leaders

John Muddeman: has lived in the mountains near Madrid since 1997, and has led numerous birding tours throughout Spain. With Andalucía being one of the prime birdwatching and principal Iberian lynx watching destinations, it is no surprise that John starting visiting and guiding here many years ago. He says 'Andújar and the Coto Doñana give the best options for Iberian lynx in Spain, and I have been combining these two areas on tours almost since the start. They also have wonderful birdlife and contrasting scenery'. A very experienced Leader with over 300 group tours worldwide to his name, John also has a keen interest in the field identification and conservation of reptiles and amphibians, dragonflies, butterflies and moths, mammals and flora. Author of "A birdwatching guide to Extremadura" in 2000, John is an honorary member of the regional guiding association, GUIDEX.