Sierra | Sierra-Trek

Category: Sierra

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

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

PREHISTORIC CAVE PAINTING IN LYNX COUNTRY

Fascinating stuff this, and claimed to be the earliest discovered cave painting in the World – a claim one feels might open some debate, but nevertheless… On a rainy day, we took time out from Lynx watching to enjoy what is a surprisingly, little-visited, historic artistic monument in an area which can boast of many such examples.

1 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

“Sierra-Trekking” to the summit of Sierra Magina – Day 1

A weekend break for Spanish trekkers C.D.Ecologistas Sherpa, brought them to the province of Jaen, where Sierra-Trek were delighted to guide them safely to the summit of Sierra Magina. At over 7,100 feet, this colossus of a Sierra offers truly magnificent views accompanied by a wonderful array of botany peculiar to the area. Sierra-Trek’s Jose Luis Sanchez Balsera was able to give informed interpretation throughout the ascent on the natural wealth of this gem of a mountain range.

7 Dec 2010

“Sierra-Trekking” through Sierra Mágina – Day 2

More trekking in and around the sierra.

7 Dec 2010

A visit from our friends in England – day 2

Leaving Baeza around mid day we ventured out to visit Guadalén reservoir, where every year 1-3 Ospreys come back to winter. Since Sierra-Trek, we are going to try the Ospreys breed in this reservoir. We are going to carry out an introduction project. On the route to the reservoir we passed the River Guarrizas where the remains of an old Roman bridge, and its accompanying tower still stand. Wild otters are often seen feeding by this bridge. On reacing the...

28 Nov 2010

A visit from our friends in England – day 1

A few friends visited us today from England so we decided to give them a quick tour of Sierra de Cazorla. We had a quick stop over in the olive groves for refreshments with good opportunities for a few photographs. Moving upwards, we stopped at some beautiful rock formations on the way to the new public Bird watching hide to view Griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus). The day was cloudy and a little wet, but we managed to spot some roosting,...

27 Nov 2010

The w.w.t. (Wildfowl & Wetland Trust) visit to “La Laguna de la Herradura”- Day 2

Second day of work with Matthew Simpson. At 9 am we left the Hotel Las Casas del Consul in Ubeda, where our guest houses, towards the Bridge Reservoir La Cerrada, which is located further north into the Natural. There we see with Fernand Exposito, a technician from the ADR de Cazorla, who will explain more about the problems of treatment and management of the olive. Upon arrival, the picture is bleak, it is almost empty, because the regulating dam at the head,...

18 Nov 2010