Late summer seed heads near the Cueva del Gato
Not only did we see one, but two Golden Eagles, so close that you could see the lighter coloured patches of feathers on the juvenile bird.
Our first full day began with a short coach journey to the Cueva del Gato (Cave of the cat), so called because of its appearance. This huge cave and maze of underground passages have been carved into the limestone hills by water. The birding began in earnest with many sightings while walking to the cave, meanwhile the non-birding contingent watched the ever-changing scene as the sunlight crept down the mountains, illuminating a series of views, and photographed the mountains, plants of the Sierra de las Nieves nature reserve and of course the rest of the party.
Our next call took us into the mountains along narrow roads with panoramic views. There was very little traffic and even fewer people. In the mountains we left the transport and walked along the narrow road, passing pigs and cattle grazing on the flat valley bottom. Holm-oak forests abound in this area where the pigs grow fat on the autumn acorns. This mountainous area was especially scenic with ever-changing vistas. It was rich in birdlife, with many smaller species such as warblers. En route we called at a country hotel that specialized in holidays for birdwatchers. The property was an old farm with
Country hotel, ensuite rooms with terraces set in farmland
En route to the Cueva del Gato (Cave of the cat)
The author had joined a party of experts on a 5-day tour of some of the best birdwatching sites in Andalucía. So in many respects was in the same position as 3 or 4 others, of being a non-birding partner of a birdwatcher on holiday. As a keen nature photographer (landscape, trees, flowers and insects) the trip was a huge success. As far as birding goes it was a crash course in techniques, equipment and birds that resulted in a new interest and appreciation of this passion. The knowledge and enthusiasm of the experts was highly contagious.
‘Golden Eagle, 3 o’clock, level with us, going right’
‘Another just behind it’
Shouted one of the expert birdwatchers as our coach wound its way along the narrow mountain road. This was an auspicious start to what proved to be a spectacular birding adventure that left its participants tired and happy, many having seen their ‘life-bird’.
Spain seems to be bursting with birds wherever you go, but not just the common or garden birds, instead there are many that would be considered exotic by someone raised in the UK. This was one of those rare occasions when you realize that there are places in the world, and not too far distant from our shores, where birdwatching dreams do come true.
Cueva del Gato (Cave of the cat)
