6 September 2024: Day 0, Arrive in Seville, Spain WINGS Spain in Autumn
Click on right here to look (usually) the place I’m these days.
As of late I will be able to land two times at the Iberian peninsula, at Lisbon, Portugal and Seville, Spain. It’s the simplest house of the Spanish eagle* (Aquila adalberti), pictured above.
If all is going as deliberate I will be able to land in Seville at 3:40pm Central Eu Summer season Time (9:40am in Pittsburgh). This night our team will spend an evening close to the airport, then set out early the next day for our birding journey. Since we gained’t have time to review Spain’s tradition and historical past, I’ll use this chance to explain the cities the place we’ll be staying, marked at the WINGS map beneath.
embedded Google map from WINGS Birding Excursions
Our travel is completely inside Andalusia, the self reliant neighborhood that covers southern Spain. Situated between Europe, Africa, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Mediterranean Sea, Andalusia has attracted immigrants, buyers and conquerors during its historical past together with historic Iberians, Celts, Phoenicians, Romans, Visigoths and Arabs. We can see their influences within the cities we discuss with.
Seville
Issues A, B & G at the map, our excursion will spend one night time close to the airport initially of the travel. On the finish I will be able to keep one night time on the identical resort sooner than my 6:30am flight house the following day. We can now not see a lot of Seville.
Seville is the fourth biggest town in Spain and its simplest inland port. Based within the eighth century BC within the Guadalquivir River Valley (the “frying pan of Spain”) summers are lengthy, scorching and dry (moderate 97°F in July, 88°F in September). Seville’s historical past is clear in its well-known structures, two of which can be pictured right here — one Catholic, one Muslim.
Chipiona
Level C at the map: 2 nights.
Chipiona is at the Atlantic coast close to the mouth of the Guadalquivir River the place the Salmedina Rocks are a danger to navigation. The Romans constructed a lighthouse there and named town for the Roman Consul who commissioned it. The existing lighthouse, in-built 1867, is the tallest in Spain and fifth tallest on this planet.
Chipiona’s riverfront is filled with historic structures together with Chipiona Fortress, constructed within the thirteenth century.
The city has a well-liked seaside on its Atlantic waterfront the place highs in July are 84°F, in September 81°F. Understand that, the birds are at the river aspect.
Tarifa
Level D at the map: 5 nights.
The southernmost level in Europe and gateway to Africa, Tarifa is simplest 8.1 miles (13 km) from Morocco around the Strait of Gibraltar. The wind blows right here. So much! This means that heat climate can really feel downright chilly.
There are two forms of wind in Tarifa: the windsurfer-friendly Levante (that is available in from the east, typically hotter and at it’s perfect throughout summer time) and the Poniente (blowing in from the west, cooler from the sea and extra commonplace throughout iciness), which is perfect for kite surfers. Because of the pressure and consistency of windy days, Tarifa has masses of wind generators. Attention-grabbing truth: in 2013, Spain used to be the primary nation on this planet to depend on wind power as its most sensible power supply. Visiting Tarifa, and experiencing the speed (and injury) of the wind firsthand, it’s no marvel why.
As a result of wind and site, Tarifa could also be a great spot to look at fall migration. The fowl remark submit described at this hyperlink is on the pin drop at the map. Zoom the map to look the encompassing space.
We can additionally take a pelagic excursion (see instance at Birding the Strait) and cross on a whale watch.
Ronda
Level E at the map, 2 nights.
Within the province of Malaga, Ronda is at 2,460 toes so its local weather is cooler. July top temperatures moderate 83°F, highs in September are 77°F.
Ronda is understood for its cliffside location and a deep canyon that carries the Guadalevín River and divides town. It is likely one of the cities and villages which might be integrated within the Sierra de las Nieves Nationwide Park.
The Puento Nuevo bridge is the place I’m hoping to look red-billed choughs (Crows With Crimson Beaks).
Osuna
Level F at the map, 1 night time.
Regardless that Osuna is constructed on a hilltop it’s within the Guadalquivir watershed with hot-weather plains beneath. Prime temperatures in Osuna moderate 94°F in July and 85°F in September. Osuna is our ultimate prevent sooner than returning house by means of Seville Airport.
* The fowl pictured at most sensible is an immature Spanish eagle coming in for a touchdown. Our travel tick list has it because the “Spanish imperial eagle.” Birds of the International lists the Spanish eagle and the Imperial eagle as a separate species.