Gourmet Birds Destinations, Dates and Details, 2009

SPAIN: Discovering Doņana 20 to 25 March - Ģ675.
I first visited the Coto Doņana in September 1968: it has changed hugely in the last 40 years. My most recent visit was last September, courtesy of the Andalucian Tourist Office, and it reminded me what a productive area the Doņana still is for birds, with wonderful sightings of many interesting species, including an adult Spanish imperial eagle. There is also excellent accommodation available in El Rocio - there wasn't 40 years ago.

The easiest way to reach the Doņana is to fly to Faro, and drive east into Spain, and this is what I plan to do. Many airlines fly to Faro: Easy Jet has flights from Gatwick, and the current return cost for the days we want is Ģ71.00. By late March the first nightingales will be back, and many other migrants, from swallows to short-toed eagles, will be returning. Add in the local specialities, such as azure-winged magpies and marbled teal, and there will be plenty to see. With luck we should also enjoy some warm sunshine as an added bonus.

Notes

Booking flights
None of these holidays include flights: where possible, the best thing is to book them yourself over the Internet. (Check with me beforehand to get the precise details you need). When to book is debatable. Many flights get more expensive as the departure date gets closer, but sometimes (if the flight is still quite empty) the price drops. British Airways invariably has a sale in January, so this can be a good time to book BA flights; while I'm sure that next year's market will be very competitive, with some good deals available, even at the last minute.

Single rooms
No one hates single-room supplements more than me. In recent years I have tried to absorb them into the price of the holiday and not charged extra for them, but the flexibility to do this does depend on the destination. I always charge the minimum amount possible for the SRS; for Cyprus there is no SRS.

What the price does include
As is usual with GB trips, wine is included with both lunch and dinner. Lunch is usually a picnic with local produce.

Travel
We normally travel in self-drive minibuses that give us the flexibility needed for a good birdwatching holiday. In Cyprus it's impossible to hire minibuses, so we use two large 4x4s.

Insurance
Is not included: we expect you to have your own.

If you would like a detailed programme for any of these holidays, plus a more extensive species list, then please ask.