Fauna & Flaura | Sierra-Trek

Category: Fauna & Flaura

Expedition XV Morocco: in search of the Lammergeier

Last June we did The Expedition XV Morocco: in search of the Lammergeier. It was a 11 days long trip to Atlas Mountains, 4×4 driving, trekking…around the Massif of the Jbel Ayachi, in the Eastern most area of Atlas Mountain. This time, we saw three Lammergeiers (or Bearded vultures): one borned this year, and the other two, between two and three years old. It is a very good new, as confirm the breeding of the specie in this area, being...

25 Aug 2013

Trip to Natural Park of Cardeña – Madrona y Alcudia

13 May 2013

Expedition to Sahara – March 2013

10 Apr 2013

Expedition XIV Morocco: in search of the Lammergeier

Road to Morocco to continue the Lammergeier conservation programme. Our objective this time- Tobkal Natural Park, where we hoped to identify territories, nests, and most importantly, evidence of species reproduction. This time we were delighted to share the company of French biologist Fabrice Couzin, and his four-legged friend, Isli. Fabrice has excellent knowledge of the area having lived in Morocco for over 30 years during which time he has compiled an extensive data base of Moroccan fauna and flora. Over...

22 Jun 2012

Ringing Kestrel and Jackdaw

Together with friends and colleagues Iberus Medioambiente, Sierra-Trek spent a day ringing birds from collonies of these two species. An initiative started in 2008 to deepen an understanding of the biology of these species with respect to birth rate, colony size, and dispersion. During the course of the day we were able to ring some 21 Kestrel chicks from 6 nests, and a further 5 Jackdaw chicks from 3 nests in two seperate location near our base in Ubeda. Follow...

10 Jun 2012

Andalucia Bird Society Field Meeting at Andujar Natural Park. 31 st March 2012

We watched two lynx: one feasting on fresh rabbit and then moving off a little way to bask in the sun. Then in the afternoon, we watched another one, obviously well-fed, lying stretched out in a shady spot. A privileged sighting over a period of about three hours! There was a Red deer carcase nearby on which two lynx had been feeding for a couple of days. Adjusting vantage point, we were able to see the carcase and the lynx...

1 Apr 2012

EXPEDITION XII MOROCCO: IN SEARCH OF THE LAMMERGEIER

From 24th June to 2nd July, 2011, Expedition XII to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco was carried out. The objective – to find breeding pairs of Lammergeier ( Gypaetus Barbatus ). A ten-year-old project, working for the conservation of this endangered species in the north of Africa. Another year, and IBERUS MEDIOAMBIENTE and SIERRA-TREK continue to explore the AtlasMountains, registering valuable information about the status of Lammergeier populations.

5 Jul 2011

Black Vulture, Lynx & Lammergeier in Jaen’s natural parks

Early June, and I’m guiding through the Natural Park of Cazorla, Segura & Las Villas when we’re surprised to observe the Black Vulture in the valley of the River Guadalentín. A species more common to other natural parks of the province of Jaen. I was accompanied by an enthusiastic couple, Kenny and Pauline, who had arrived from Ireland to visit Spain on a bespoke trip with two target species in mind – the Lammergeier and the Iberian Lynx. Fortunately, Kenny...

15 Jun 2011

Male Spanish Ibex in the natural park of Sierra Mágina

In the dark in the night, I was hoping to see the Eagle owl amidst the high mountains of S.Mágina, when, amongst the olive groves, I heard hard, cold, clashing noises. 300 meters down I found a group of 12 male Spanish Ibex playing and interlocking horns. Dragging myself forward along the ground, I was able to take a couple photos of these strong fearless beasts. Once again nature has proven to be full of surprises.

27 May 2011

Orchid season

Spring is in the air and nature is bouncing back to life with a vengeance. From lowlands to the highlands of the neighbouring sierras, flora and fauna animate the countryside spectacularly. Of the latter, whether it be common or rarer species of plant, they all do their bit to bring colour and life to the countryside. Of special interest are orchids, and at about 70 varieties here in Andulucia, we are truly blessed- more so still in the province of...

18 May 2011

‘A VERITABLE FLYING BARN-DOOR’ – THE BLACK VULTURE IN SIERRA ANDUJAR

Hopefully not considered a despective description of such a wonderful species. With a wingspan of around 3 metres, and substantial wing breadth, this soaring giant offers one of those ‘seeing is believing’ moments that cannot fail to impress. Photos by Dylan Dalton Martinez (15) and his new camera.

20 Feb 2011

Guiding the Andalucia Bird Society in Cazorla and Magina

We recently had the pleasure of guiding the Andalucia Bird Society around our particular neck of the woods here in the province of Jaen. A 3-day visit, staying in and around Ubeda, gave us the opportunity to show members the vision and work Sierra-trek has been leading, in collaboration with Ubeda City Council, for the restoration and conservation of the Horse-shoe lagoon (La Laguna de Herradura). Admittedly, we had to brace ourselves for some pretty cool temperatures on our excursiones...

25 Jan 2011

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