Category: Tour


Expedition XV Morocco: in search of the Lammergeier

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...

Expedition to Sahara – March 2013

Expedition to Sahara – March 2013

EXPEDITION XII MOROCCO: IN SEARCH OF THE LAMMERGEIER

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.

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

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...

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

‘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.

Guiding the Andalucia Bird Society in Cazorla and Magina

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...

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

“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.

A visit from our friends in England – day 2

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...

A visit from our friends in England – day 1

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,...