With the Portuguese hilltop town of Marvão high above us, our road turned left, and we soon passed seamlessly into Spain, heading towards Valencia de Alcántara; shortly after this remote town, we once again turned left, this time a very minor road towards Cedillo.
We are now in the International Tajo, no sign of a river or cliffs,
just the rolling Dehesa and scrub warblers.
We bear right, and the road winds down towards the Tajo River, the international border splitting Spain and Portugal; the river forms the border for some 40 Kilometres.
just the rolling Dehesa and scrub warblers.
We bear right, and the road winds down towards the Tajo River, the international border splitting Spain and Portugal; the river forms the border for some 40 Kilometres.
Here, the green-clad cliffs are home to Black Storks, Egyptian Vultures, Black and Griffon Vultures, Golden and Bonelli's Eagles, Short-Toed Eagles, Black Kites and Booted Eagles are seen with many other cliff and rock species.
We will follow the river upstream to Alcantara through a wonderfully remote landscape,
full of nature.
We will follow the river upstream to Alcantara through a wonderfully remote landscape,
full of nature.
Portugal to the right and Spain on the left, the Rio Tajo centre stage.
Black Kites hunt along the green cliffs.
A critical species for our visit was the Blue Rock Thrush.
It was perfect timing, as the male birds sought partners and were very visible as they sang and defended their territories.
Our road continues through small deserted villages towards a tributary of the Tajo, the Rio Salzar.
Black Vulture "What a bird!" is so massive!
Black Stork, what a day!
Unbelievably, the Black Stork and Black Vulture circle together on the thermal.
Just look at the size of the Vulture compared to the Stork.
At this time of year, Short-Toed Eagles are familiar.
A pair of Crag Martins, beautifully camouflaged, take a rest from their nest building.
On the cliff face, we can watch their nest-building progress.
The Emabalse de Alcántara is a vital breeding ground for the Black Stork; during our visit, we were lucky to see two females arriving at the nesting site; the males had already returned.
Reunited on their nest, "Yes, that is a CCTV camera," all the nests here are given maximum protection.
Egyptian Vultures are also nesting close by.
Synchronised flying by a pair of Egyptian Vultures!
Meanwhile, the resident Griffon Vultures looks on.
We find acres of wildflowers and Red Deer above the river.
A hunting Spanish Imperial Eagle.
What a fantastic area to visit.
For us, the road heads North, and we will return!
For us, the road heads North, and we will return!
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