SPAIN Canary Islands 8–15 September 2009 Leader: Vaughan Ashby

As well as being a very popular tourist destination, this group of islands lying off the coast of Morocco holds several endemic bird species as well as good numbers of seabirds and desert-loving species that also occur in North Africa. The islands belong to Spain and some are volcanic in origin. They differ substantially in vegetation, from semi-deserts to lush laurel forests. As the islands are isolated, the number of species we see will be low (about 60) but the quality will definitely be high!

Day 1 Flight from Gatwick to Tenerife and transfer to our hotel in the south of the island. Depending on time, we will then bird locally around the area, probably picking up two of the most widespread special species: Berthelot's Pipit and Plain Swift. The former resembles a rather grey Meadow Pipit, the latter, Common Swift./p>

Day 2 We will firstly drive up to the pine forests flanking Mount Teide, a dormant volcano, and, at over 12,000 feet, the highest point not just on the Canary Islands but in the whole of Spain! In these forests, we will see two endemic species: the absolutely delightful Blue Chaffinch and, of course, a genuine Island Canary! There will also be a few other birds about, a number of which have evolved into distinctive subspecies, including Great Spotted Woodpecker and Common Chaffinch. In the afternoon, we will descend into the laurel forests to look for the two endemic pigeons, Bolle's and Laurel. This is not always easy, however, as low clouds frequently roll in, making viewing difficult. Bolle's Pigeon is the easier and we will also see Canary Island Chiffchaff and African Blue Tit. Tenerife Kinglet, in appearance like a cross between a Goldcrest and a Firecrest, is also common here. Around the villages higher in the mountains, we may find Rock Petronia as well as Sardinian Warbler and Common Kestrel.

Day 3 Today we will head towards Punta Rasca, a largely unspoilt area with great seawatching. With luck, the local banana farmers will not have blocked our access completely! There are also some interesting species en route to the point – we may see Trumpeter Finch, Lesser Short-toed Lark, Barbary Partridge, Southern Grey Shrike (koenigi), many very confiding Berthelot’s Pipits and Eurasian Hoopoe, and in 2006 we found a Eurasian Dotterel. Out at sea we should see good numbers of Cory’s Shearwaters and may spot a Little Shearwater or two. Our final site of the day will be a nearby reservoir that attracts ducks, waders and herons and we may see Cattle or Little Egret. Numerous rarities have been recorded here so anything may turn up! Passage waders are often recorded and we may see Kentish and Little Ringed Plovers, Ruddy Turnstone, Common Redshank, Common Greenshank, Black-winged Stilt, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, Eurasian Whimbrel or even a vagrant American wader. Spectacled Warblers can also be seen in this area and Plain Swifts often fly low overhead.

Day 4 This morning we will drive to Tenerife north airport and take a short flight to Fuerteventura. On arrival, we will head west into this starkly different landscape of volcanic rock and semi-deserts. Our first destination will be one of the sites that hold the endemic Canary Island Stonechat, which we should find easily. We will then set about exploring the semi-desert areas where Trumpeter Finches and Lesser Short-toed Larks are common. Spectacled Warblers are more often heard than seen but our real quarries are Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Cream-coloured Courser and Houbara Bustard. None is easy but, with patience and perseverance, we stand a good chance. We may also visit the reservoir at Los Molinos to look for waterbirds including Marbled Teal, which have bred here in the past. Other birds in the area include Common Ravens, Common Buzzards and Egyptian Vultures whilst Spanish Sparrows are common around the villages. Later we will visit a reliable roost site for Houbara Bustards, which is also good for Barbary Partridges. We will then return to the airport for our flight back to Tenerife.

Day 5 After a full day yesterday, today will be somewhat more leisurely. We will start with some seawatching close to the hotel, which may produce an occasional Pomarine Skua or Great Shearwater in with the commoner Cory’s and Little Shearwaters. Next we will head to Punto Teno, passing some spectacular scenery en route. Wind permitting, we will try some further seawatching. If the wind is too strong, we may head to a nearby golf course in the hope of finding a migrant or two.

Day 6 This morning we will return to Punta Rasca to see if we can find anything new, before heading back into town for lunch. On our 2006 tour the latter turned out to be a fruitful birding time, with Barbary Partridge, Eurasian Hoopoe, a hunting Barbary Falcon and Curlew Sandpiper all putting in appearences. This afternoon will probably be the highlight of the trip for many. We will charter a small boat and take a three-hour pelagic trip to get closer to the seabirds. Cory’s Shearwaters will be almost within touching distance and we should also see Little Shearwater. The star bird, however, would be Bulwer’s Petrel and, on our 2006 tour, we had extremely good views of this tough-to-see species. As well as the birds, marine creatures will be in evidence and we may see Short-finned Pilot Whale, Bottle-nosed Dolphin and Loggerhead Turtle.

Day 7 We will head to the northwestern side of the island to another excellent site for both pigeons (especially Laurel). On the way we will probably see a few open country birds including Eurasian Hoopoe. This is also a good area for Barbary Falcon. In the afternoon we will visit a local park, where highlights may include close-up views of Spanish Sparrows and Monk Parakeets.

Day 8 A leisurely morning, followed by an early-afternoon flight back to London.

General Information The climate is generally warm and sunny, but it can be cloudy with drizzle in the mountains. A sun hat is therefore important together with some warm clothing for mountains and boat journeys. There are no special health requirements but please check with your doctor.

Group Size Minimum number for tour to go ahead: 6; maximum group size: 7 with 1 leader or 14 with 2 leaders.