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Griffon Vultures building a nest in Sierra de Líjar

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.




A hawk in flight against a blurred background of green trees and rocky terrain.
Northern Goshawk


A hawk with speckled grey feathers soars in a clear sky.



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!



A griffon vulture with wide wings glides over a lush, green forest.



Two vultures on a rocky cliff; one landing with wings spread, the other perched.
Griffon Vulture landing on a cliff


Two vultures perched on a rocky cliff with green plants. They are interacting closely, possibly nesting.
Another pair of Griffon Vultures, ready to start the construction of a nest?

There was a big colony of Griffon Vultures in this area, several dozens. It makes one wonder what these huge birds all feed on.



A vulture soars against a clear blue sky. Its wings are spread wide, showcasing dark feathers.



Vulture perched on a rocky outcrop amid lush greenery.




Mountain landscape with a rocky peak and rolling hills, green fields below.




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.




A falcon soars in front of a textured, rocky cliff.
Peregrine Falcon landing on the rock


Falcon perched on rocky cliff with green foliage, wings partially spread.




A peregrine falcon soars near a rocky cliff with patches of greenery. The background is textured with greys and browns.
… and diving again to go for another round over the valley.

I didn't see a lot of birds around today, but the views were simply stunning, in whatever direction.



Mountain landscape with green hills and distant peaks under a clear blue sky. Lake visible, trees in foreground.
Zahara de la Sierra on the right


Rustic picnic area with wooden table and pergola, set against a clear blue sky and lush trees. Signboard and distant mountains visible.




A large vulture soars in a clear blue sky, displaying its brown and black feathers.
The easiest species to spot was clearly the Griffon Vulture


Black-capped bird with red eyes perched in leafy green branches, dappled sunlight.
… but also the Sardinian Warbler was very present.



Paraglider with a multicoloured canopy and a bird soaring in a blue sky.
This site is very popular with paragliders

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