The top 10 birds of Campo de Montiel
Bird watching and landscape interpretation
It consists of a guided excursion in vehicles (4×4 or minibus depending on the size of the group) and on foot, through the landscapes of the steppe zone of El Bonillo (this activity is adaptable to other natural areas of the Natura 2000 Network of the Sierra de Alcaraz and Campo de Montiel).
The objective is to observe, identify and learn about at least 10 of the most representative and emblematic flora and fauna species of the area, and through them their habitats and interrelationships. Although they depend on the time of the year (the activity can be done in any season), for example, among them are, in terms of flora, junipers and water buttercups; and in terms of fauna, Iberian imperial eagle, great bustard, little bustard, little bustard, black vulture, stone curlew, red kite, common flamingo, purple heron, cave bat, etc. The most elusive species will be included as a target in the longer version.
The activity is aimed at people interested in different aspects of nature.
The duration may be 1) full morning (from first light to noon), 2) until the afternoon (in which case it will end after a half-day lunch) or 3) full day (from sunrise to sunset) complemented by a visit to an interpretation center.
1. 3-day activity package (2 nights – Weekend)
DAY 1 FRIDAY: Arrival and reception.
- Video presentation of the experience and the environment accompanied by a glass of homemade arbutus liqueur. Dinner and lodging at the Sierra Madrona Hotel.
- Baños de Fuencaliente” Spa (thermal bath 30′) NOTE: only in season 2022 from April to December 10. Consult under reservation.
DAY 2 SATURDAY: From Fuencaliente to Solana del Pino.
- Photographic safari “Berrea y más” by Alma Wild Nature, a photographic activity in which the deer during the rutting season will be the main protagonist but not the only one. These are 4×4 routes in small groups (3pax) whose main objective is to observe and listen to the bellowing of the deer. NOTE: reservation is required between September 19 and October 7 during sunrise and sunset. Two different itineraries are available (according to choice).
- Observation and learning about wildlife. Together with ÁGata Verde we will spend most of the experience getting to know emblematic species of the area such as the mountain goat, the deer, the mouflon, the wild boar, or birds as interesting as the griffon vulture or the black vulture, the golden eagle, among other endangered bird species, such as the black stork, etc… and we will make walking tours for the collection of seasonal fruits of autumn “the strawberry tree or emborrachacabras”. If it is not the strawberry tree season, the observation and identification of the shrub and the Mediterranean flora that accompanies it, heather, mastic, cornicabra, holm oaks, gall oaks and oaks will be carried out. (4h)
- Traditional meal at local restaurant “Anka Loren” with a typical local main course and a touch of arbutus “arbutus deer meat” and as a vegan option “eggplant with arbutus jam”.
- Visit to Embutidos Artesanos El Lucero, a family business for more than 50 years, specialized in sausages with game meat. A workshop will be held to demonstrate the preparation and tasting of local sausages “hamburger of bush meat with strawberry tree” (1h).
- Return to Fuencaliente and evening “Stargazing-Starlight Viewpoint” (2h), guided tour to discover the secrets of the night sky of the Alcudia Valley and Sierra Madrona with ÁGata Verde as a Starlight Foundation accredited instructor. Travel through the stars and planets, observing galaxies that are millions of light years away, the marvelous rings of Saturn, the lunar surface, Jupiter and its moons, enjoying the Milky Way. Unique experiences to enjoy in nature, learning in a fun way.
DAY 3 SUNDAY: Scenic route. Sierra Madrona and Solana del Pino.
- Guided tour “Cave paintings in Peñón del Águila” (1h) The Alcudia Valley and Sierra Madrona Natural Park treasures a large number of shelters with cave paintings. It is thought that most of them may have been made from approximately 4,500 to 3,000 years ago. Surely the most famous and best preserved are those of Peña Escrita, we will talk about other more modest and less known paintings: those of the Collado del Águila, in Solana del Pino, a paradise of biodiversity and geodiversity. The paintings are located on a quartzite rock wall, facing north. And beyond the wall, absolutely fascinating views of the Alcudia Valley. Simply intoxicating, to spend a minute absorbed, observing the grandeur of the landscape, while with luck, the vultures glide several tens of meters above our heads.
- A holm oak bath against stress, “The power of the forest” all the keys to this exercise of contemplation in which the five senses are involved and whose objective is none other than to find health and happiness through the trees. During the forest bath we will walk about one kilometer for two hours, making stops and exercises that reconcile us with mother nature. We will see, smell, taste, feel and listen to our surroundings (1h). We will walk along the Robledillo River board along the Robledillo River approximately 1km round trip. Art therapy workshop, healing in nature through the five senses. Appreciation of flora, footprints, remains and signs of fauna.
- Workshop of elaboration of jams and preserves “La Alacena de la Abuela” (2h), we will carry out with ÁGata Verde a workshop of traditional preserves, we will elaborate different recipes and delicious jams, compote or ratatouille. In arbutus season, “Chutny de madroño”.
- Traditional lunch at local restaurant Anka Loren to taste “Migas manchegas”, and as a vegan option “gachas de pito” with aromas and flavors of the mountains.
- Farewell and group photo
Ecotourism commitment
The companies that make up this experience are members of the Natura 2000 Network Tourism Sustainability Recognition System, which involves publicizing the protected area and the benefits of the Natura 2000 Network to tourists.
Services
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Price per person
For tomorrow’s full version:
- Up to 4 people: 60 euros/person.
- From 5 to 12 people: 55 euros/person.
- From 12 to 20 people: 40 euros.
For the afternoon version:
- 10 euros/person plus, in addition to the cost of the meal in a local restaurant.
For the full day version:
- 25 euros/person plus the cost of the meal in a local restaurant.
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Services included
- Transportation in 4×4 vehicles or minibus depending on the size of the group.
- Guide-interpreter service (1 or 2 depending on the size of the group).
- Use of binoculars, telescopes and field guides.
- Morning picnic lunch with local products (tables, folding chairs, ecological kitchenware…).
- Lunch at a local restaurant (depending on the duration of the activity).
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Additional Services
Possibility of transfer from a given point to the starting point of the activity.
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Minimum and maximum group size
- Group min. 4 pax (in 4×4).
- Group max. 20 pax (in minibus).
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Recommended time of year
Any season, except summer.
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Accessibility
Feasible for people with a degree of disability that allows them to get in and out of the vehicle and move around in non-adapted natural environments.
