Day 2 – Mountains & High Forest.
Following yesterday´s long day and many hours of travelling for our clients, we designed the second day such that there would be very little time spent in the car. Within a very short drive of Banyeres de Mariola are some wonderful high forested hills and rocky peaks. They were to be our chosen habitats for today.
At over 1000 metres above sea level, the high forests of the region have beautifully clean air and provide habitat for some very special birds. Strangely enough, in this area you´re more likely to see a Crested Tit than a Blue Tit!
We began our walk up through a steep forested area, stopping to watch Great Tit, Coal Tit, Crested Tit and indeed a Blue Tit. A Hawfinch flew past, giving brief but clear views.
Our walk took us past an area where there´s usually a pair of Bonelli´s Eagle but unfortunately we didn´t see them this time. We did however enjoy views of Siskin, Serin and Short Toed Treecreeper.
We then drove across the valley to a spectacular rocky gorge where we parked the van and enjoyed a picnic lunch. Afterwards we walked into the gorge, looking for some of the speciality mountain species that it holds. Crag Martins were swooping across the high cliff faces. Then we saw the first of the day´s many Griffon Vultures, magnificent creatures that glide and soar effortlessly on their huge wings. This area holds a breeding colony that has become well established over the past few years.
Griffon Vulture
The scrub in the valley bottom held Sardinian Warbler, Blackcap and Black Redstart. After a little searching in the usual places we also had good views of Blue Rock Thrush.
Further into the gorge we were treated to good views of a Peregrine Falcon and after much effort we located and enjoyed views of Alpine Accentor.
The wind was becoming quite strong so we headed back to base and ended the day with tea and biscuits in the afternoon sun. Whilst relaxing and discussing plans for the next day we watched a Goshawk fly through the valley.
Today was about seeing some specialist birds in this very distinct habitat. Although not an extremely long list of species, we had managed to see most of the target birds of the day. The list included…
Crested Tit, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Great Tit, Hawfinch, Chaffinch, Siskin, Serin, Robin, Black Redstart, Blue Rock Thrush, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Sardinian Warbler, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Alpine Accentor, Magpie, Raven (heard), Griffon Vulture, Peregrine Falcon, Sparrowhawk, Goshawk, Kestrel.