A new company has been started in the Alpujarras running Birdwatching Tours. Birdwatch Alpujarras is run by experienced enthusiasts Ian Williams and Steve Edmonds. They are based in their home town of Lanjaron, ideally located for day tours to either the coastal wetlands, moorlands or high mountain environments.
The Alpujarras offer some of Spain’s most spectacular birdlife. Ian and Steve are passionate about the area and it’s birdlife. They offer guided tours in 4×4 transport in small groups to ensure they get the best the region can provide. Recent days have brought great sightings of Eagle Owl, Goshawk and Iberian Yellow Wagtails. There is always something fantastic to see!
You will find much information about the tours and birdlife on their website. Also they report any news or frequent sightings. Much of the site is “interactive” and they encourage you to assist with any information you can provide. You can keep up to date with recent sightings from this news feed.
The Birds of the Alpujarras
The resident raptors include Golden and Bonelli’s Eagles and these are joined by large numbers of Booted and Short Toed Eagles over the breeding season.
All three of southern Spain’s “exotic” species, namely, Hoopoe, Rollers and Bee-Eaters, breed locally and are seen regularly. Golden orioles nest in and around the village. Chats and Thrushes include the Northen, Black and Black Eared Wheatear. Black Redstart and Blue Rock thrushes.
Other seasonal visitors of note include Great Grey and Woodchat Shrikes, with Subalpine Warblers in the spring. Local woodland brings frequent sightings of Crossbills and Crested Tits. Firecrests are another local speciality.
The website includes pages for “Recent Sightings”, a “Blog”, “Photo Galleries”, “Species Lists”. If “Twitching” is your thing then it is well worth a visit.
Sample Tour – The hillsides of Lanjaron
The perfect introduction to birdwatching in the region. From the gardens and olive groves around the villages, through the open woodland of the lower slopes and up into the rocky scrubland above. This day tours provide a fascinating insight into the various habitats our locality has to offer. With so much variety on our doorstep a memorable first look at the birdlife of the Alpujarras is guaranteed!
Itinerary: Meet at Lanjaron tourist office 9am. Full day of 4×4 exploration of the campo (countryside) around Lanjaron, with plenty of time to stop and enjoy both the birds and the scenery. Every day is different but we make sure you will see as much as possible. Drop off back at Lanjaron tourist office around 5:30pm
