Macaronesian Pelagic Quest: Andalucia to Gran Canaria

Embark on an unforgettable birdwatching adventure this July, blending the rich avian diversity of mainland Spain with the unique endemics of the Canary Islands. We begin in Andalucía, one of the Western Palearctic's premier birding destinations with a variety of habitats from oak forests, coastal cliffs, lagoons and marshes,. In the height of summer, we will explore iconic sites around the Straits of Gibraltar and Doñana region, targeting sought-after specialities such as White-headed Duck, Marbled Teal, Northern Bald Ibis, Ruppell's Griffon Vulture, Spanish Imperial Eagle, Red-necked Nightjar, and both Little & White-rumped Swifts amongst others. An exciting boat ride out into the Mediterranean Sea near the Straits of Gibraltar could give us Scopoli's Shearwater, and maybe some good cetaceans as well.

From the historic port of Cádiz, we board a scenic ferry crossing to Gran Canaria. This extended Atlantic voyage offers exceptional pelagic birding opportunities, with chances of Cory's Shearwater, Bulwer's Petrel, White-faced Storm Petrel, and potentially something far rarer gliding over the open ocean! Upon arrival at Furteventura in the eastern Canary Islands we will target African Houbara and the endemic Canary Islands Stonechat, although there's some other really great birds to find such as Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Cream-coloured Courser, Red-billed Tropicbird & Mediterranean Short-toed Lark amongst others. A short flight will then take us to Gran Canaria where the main prize is Gran Canaria Blue Chaffinch, whilst we can also see a good selection of other Macaronesian endemics including Laurel Pigeon, Canary Islands Chiffchaff, Canary Islands Chaffinch, Berthelot's Pipit, Plain Swift & Atlantic Canary.

This unique tour combines some rare Western Palearctic species with chances of rare seabirds during our pelagic and some rare Macaronesian endemics, all under the warm July sun — perfect for an immersive and rewarding birding experience. So let's go birding!