Blog | Sierra-Trek

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

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

Sierra-Trek at FIO (Extremadura Birdwatching Fair)

Spain’s most important birdwatching fair brought together people from all over Spain and beyond. Sierra-trek’s José Luis Sanchez Balsera gave a short conference to an assembled audience, outlining the work we are coordinating in Jaen on the horse-shoe Lagoon. The fair also gave us a great opportunity to do business, meet up and “chew the fat” with old friends, as well as make some new ones. In short, a great weekend in a really interesting part of Spain.

3 Mar 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

Sierra-Trek at FITUR

Above, left to right: Mercedes Rubio Chaves (Ubeda City Council), Sierra-trek’s Keith Dalton and Jose luis Sanchez Balsera, and Marcelino Sanchez (Mayor of Ubeda). Madrid – 19/02/2011. Sierra-trek presents our project for the recuperation and conservation of La Laguna de Herradura (The Horse-shoe Lagoon)...

8 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

Iberian Fauna: animal tracks, feeding signs, and droppings

22 Dec 2010

“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.