In the middle of Spain to the west of Madrid lies the region of Extremadura comprising of the provinces of Caceres & Badajoz. Extremadura is one Europe's premier birding areas with Caceres Province in particular offering a number of different habitats. These range from hot & dry plains/steppe to extensive dehesa (open Cork/Holm Oak pasturelands) through to rocky crags/cliffs with river valleys and even to areas of wetland (Embalse de Arroyocampo), whilst just to the north there are high mountains (Sierra de Gredos) with subalpine areas & broad-leaved forests.
With such a wide variety of habitats the range of bird species is impressive but it is not just quantity -this area holds quality birds including internationally threatened species such as Spanish Imperial Eagle, Bonelli's Eagle, Black Vulture, Great & Little Bustard. With a supporting cast including Booted & Short-toed Eagles, Egyptian Vulture, Montagu Harrier, Lesser Kestrel, Bee-Eaters, Rollers, two species of Sandgrouse,etc, the attraction of the area is obvious.

I had visited this wonderful area with my family in 2002 & 2003 but at that time did not have the gear for taking quality images. The images in this gallery were taken on a family holiday in august 2004(not the best time to bird in Extremadura!) & on a 3 day trip in early May 2005.