BIRDWATCHING SPOTS IN RONDA
Several landscapes unites the so called "Serranía de Ronda", offering each spot a particular set of birdlife. The Ronda area is renown as one of the must visit destinations for birders visiting southern Spain. These spots are:
The Ronda mountains
A nice set of limestone mountain chains among mediterranean forest, rivers and farmlands that make up a varied habitat. Many trails get us to scenic spots where to find elusive birds. The variety of not just birds but also butterflies, dragonflies and general wildlife is ranking top throughout Europe. Wild orchids are also present from February till June. The area offers nice walks in well preserved mediterranean woodlands with enormous specimens of Cork Oak, Gall Oak and Holm Oak. Iberian Ibex and Two-tailed pasha add to the list of famous local wildlife.
Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park
Among the many tracks -some of which are not easily accessible for normal cars- there is one in particular that Álvaro enjoys driving through our tours. This long path is known as Los Llanos de Líbar, near Montejaque. Sought-after resident birds here are Black Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Corn, Rock and Cirl Buntings, Bonelli's Eagle, Rock Sparrow, Chough, Thekla Lark, Little Owl, Griffon Vultures and many others. In spring and summer this site -which is also a GR7 path- is good for warblers such as Orphean, Western Bonelli's and Subalpine warblers. Likewise, Short-toed Eagle, Booted Eagle, Alpine Swift, Crag Martin and Woodchat Shrike breed here. In winter the area could offer Ring Ouzel (of both subspecies), Black Redstart and, occasionally, Alpine Accentor. There's many other sites to check within the Park, and we can certainly design an itinerary adapted to your species of interest. We also manage private land within this Natural Park.
Sierra de las Nieves National Park
South of Ronda, the best kept secret is the magnificent wild landscapes of the Sierra de las Nieves National Park. Home to the biggest specimens of the endemic Spanish Fir (pinsapo) and a peculiar geology, Sierra de las Nieves is definately worth a visit if you like hiking. It is Álvaro's favourite site for Alpine Accentor in winter. Other interesting species are Dartford Warbler, Iberian Grey Shrike, Blue Rock Thrush and Crested Tit. We manage privateland near this site which turns out to be magnificent to observe Rock Bunting, Orphean Warbler and Thekla Lark. Know more about the wildlife of the Sierra de las Nieves.
Guadiaro Valley
The Guadiaro river flows across the Serranía and adds lots of river wildlife, specially in summertime, when Golden Orioles sing among a chorus of Nightingales and finches. Western Olivaceous Warbler, Kingfisher and Otter are scarce jewels along the river. Along this river we sometimes visit the Cueva del Gato -Spanish for the "Cat's cave", of a great beauty and catalogued as Natural Monument. This valley is also a migratory route for birds linking the Strait of Gibraltar with inner Spain, so we can expect some unusual bird sights during spring and autumn. Cetti's and Sardinian Warblers are regulars here all year long.
Genal Valley
Also known as the Copper Valley, its many walking paths offer dramatic views of the white villages over an infinite chestnut and wallnut forest. Among these "white washed villages", Júzcar, Cartajima and Alpandeire are linked by scenic roads. An interesting area where woodland and montane birds mix. Secret waterfalls and long-distance horizons can be enjoyed year round. This is a magnificent place to look for Peregrine Falcon, to watch nesting Griffon Vultures or to photograph Crag Martins in flight. Other birds that are very much of a joy to experience here are Bee-Eaters on migration (August), passage of Honey Buzzards (May and September) and breeding Spectacled Warblers (April to July).
Ronda town
Urban birding in Ronda town is a magnificent idea for those birding in southern Spain for the first time. The town itself is quite interesting from a historical point of view, but not many people know we can find iconic birds right in the old town or its impressive cliff. Among these, our favourite sightings include Red Crossbill, Lesser Kestrel (summer), Tawny Owl, Hawfinch, Blue Rock Thrush, Little Owl, Crested Lark, Alpine Swift, Red-billed Chough and Rock Sparrow. A great idea for those willing to do some quick birding in town as we learn a bit about its rich historical legacy.