Monfragüe: Vultures, Eagles and Dark Skies
Extremadura, Spain
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Extremadura Birder
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300
XP
+100 Spain
= 400 total
1 day
Monfragüe: Vultures, Eagles and Dark Skies
300 + 100 XP
Monfragüe is dehesa — the Iberian oak savannah that centuries of grazing and pig-keeping produced, open woodland over grass — plus the gorge where the Tagus cuts through a quartzite ridge. The combination makes it the best raptor site in Europe: over three hundred pairs of cinereous vulture, the largest colony of the species in the world, along with griffon vultures, Egyptian vultures, black storks and Spanish imperial eagles. You watch them from the road at Peña Falcón, at eye level, which is not an experience most places can offer.
Required Activities
1
of 4
Watch the vultures at Peña Falcón, the rock face above the Tagus, in Monfragüe National Park, home to the world's largest colony of cinereous vultures with over 300 pairs
2
of 4
Climb to the Castle of Monfragüe at the park's eastern end for views over the Tagus valley
3
of 4
Look for Spanish imperial eagles and black storks around Villarreal de San Carlos, the only village in the park, with a population of 28
4
of 4
Stay after dark for the stars, since Monfragüe was recognised as a dark-sky preserve in 2016
Watch the vultures at Peña Falcón, the rock face above the Tagus, in Monfragüe National Park, home to the world's largest colony of cinereous vultures with over 300 pairs
Climb to the Castle of Monfragüe at the park's eastern end for views over the Tagus valley
Look for Spanish imperial eagles and black storks around Villarreal de San Carlos, the only village in the park, with a population of 28
Stay after dark for the stars, since Monfragüe was recognised as a dark-sky preserve in 2016
Before you go
Best from February to June, when the birds are breeding.
Best from February to June when the birds are breeding. Summer here regularly passes 40°C and the birds are less active.
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About Extremadura
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Challenge Location
XP Breakdown
Challenge XP
300 XP
Spain country bonus
+100 XP
Potential total
400 XP
Country bonus earned on completion of your first challenge in Spain.
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