Today it was time to visit one of the areas that had been on my list for quite a while: Sierra de Líjar, starting at the recreational area of La Muela near the twon of Algodonales, just to the north of the Sierra de Grazalema mountains. I was secretly hoping to see some new species, but most of all looking forward to enjoying the beautiful views on this surprisingly warm winter day.
One of the first birds to enter today's checklist was the Northern Goshawk! It was inconspicuously sitting on the branch of a large tree before it launched itself into the air and disappeared out of sight in few seconds. It barely gave me time to take some photos, but I was very excited as it was the first time ever I had seen this bird.
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| Northern Goshawk |
Only a few minutes later I ran into some Griffon Vultures that were sitting on the edge of a cliff at a dazzling height. They seemed to be in the preparing stages of nest building. It would be worthwhile to come back in a month to observe any likely evolution! |
| Griffon Vulture landing on a cliff |
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| Another pair of Griffon Vultures, ready to start the construction of a nest? |
There was a big colony of Vultures in this area, several dozens. It makes one wonder what these huge birds all feed on.
There was even more action on the same spot: a Peregrine Falcon revealed its presence by its distinctive call, while flying over the valley, all the time staying close to the rock.
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| Peregrine Falcon landing on the rock |
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| … and diving again to go for another round over the valley |
Not a lot of birds around today, but the views were simply stunning, in any direction. |
| Zahara de la Sierra on the right |
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| The easiest species to spot was clearly the Griffon Vulture |
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| … but also the Sardinian Warbler was very present |
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| This site is very popular with paragliders |
More about Sierra de Líjar here.
