Recent trips along the GR7 in the Alpujarras have brought regular sightings of Kestrels, Lesser Kestrels, Short Toed Eagles and Booted Eagles. On the hillsides of above the spa town of Lanjaron on the approaches to Tello, Tajos Deposito or Puente Palo we have caught glimpses of our resident Golden Eagle and also seen the rare Bonelli’s Eagle on many occasions.

Our cortijo above the town has received visits from Sparrowhawks, Peregrine Falcons and, last week, even a fly past by circling Honey Buzzards. The massive form of the Griffon Vulture is back too! If as last year, when the snows of the upper Rio Lanjaron melt, we are left with the carcasses of cows and cabra monteses then expect a summer full of these magnificent “prehistoric” birds, around the Cerro de Caballo and the higher Sierra Nevada.

All the excellent photos below have been shot by Kiersten Rowland of Birdwatch Alpujarras.

Griffon Vulture underside

Booted Eagle underside Lanjaron

Short Toed Eagle

Golden Eagle Alpujarras

From Golden Eagle

Who?
Ian Williams is the “heart and soul” of Birdwatch Alpujarras. His enthusiasm for our feathered friends knows no bounds. He has vast experience of birdwatching throughout Europe, but especially in the Alpujarras, where he now lives, and in his native UK.

Kiersten Rowland is resident in the Alpujarras and looks after the website and administration functions. She also helps support Ian on birdwatching tours throughout the region. Contact her if you have relevant and related information you wish to be included on the site.

Both are passionate about the area and it’s birdlife.

The Birds
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.

From Bee-Eater

The Tours
They offer guided tours in 4×4 transport in small groups to ensure we 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!

The Website
You will find much information about the tours and birdlife on the site. 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.

Contact:
Via website: www.birdwatchalpujarras.com

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.