Bird spotting in the Alpujarras, Andalucia, southern Spain

Andalucia is a particulary rich area for bird spotting at all times of year as it is located on a major migratory path. Scarcely a day goes by when it it not possible to see an eagle of some description flying majestically through the sky or hovering over the valley, and at many times of the year the air is full of the mysterious calls of the Bee Eaters. During late summer we have often been mesmorised by squadrons of vultures flying overhead.

We are not experts in bird spotting but we are grateful to some of our guests who have helped educate us in this matter. The following list was compiled by Mike Pryal during one of his stays with us in June 2008.

Birds spotted from the garden of Cortijo Opazo

Booted Eagle, Wood Pigeon Scoops Owl (mainly heard at night), Hoopoe, Magpie, Stonechat, Great Tit, House Sparrow, Turtle Dove, Swallow, Red Rumped Swallow, Spotless Starling, Nightingale (heard), Nightjar, Jay, Sardinian Warbler, Serin, Blackbird.

The following birds were seen on walks in the Alpujarras:

Crag Martin, House Martin, Woodchat Shrike, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Black Eared Wheatear (black throated), Robin, Goldfinch, Wren, Coal Tit, Kestrel, Swift, Green Woodpecker, Grey Wagtail, Raven, Whitethroat, Firecrest, Blue Rock Thrush, Long Tailed Tit, Chaffinch, Corn Bunting, Cirl Bunting, Feral Pigeon, Cuckoo, Bee Eater, Crested Lark, White Wagtail, Dipper, Spotted Flycatcher, Black Wheatear, Black Redstart, Short Toed Treecreeper, Rock Bunting and most prized of all, the shy but startling Golden Oriole.

If you are a keen birdspotter come and see what you can add to this list.