Sierra de las Nieves 18/11/24
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| Sierra de las Nieves |
The Sierra de las Nieves National Park is located in the hills behind Marbella and to the east of the Ronda-Marbella road as it winds up the mountain along hairpin bends. The park centres on Mount Torrecilla (1909m) and covers an area of 30km by 20km or 18,530 hectares. The Sierra de las Nieves, formerly a natural park, was declared a National Park in January 2021 and formalised in May 2021. It also boasts the tallest Spanish fir on the Iberian Peninsula. The Spanish fir, or Abies pinsapo, is a unique fir species endemic to specific mountain zones in Andalusia. For information: Hostal Restaurante El Navasillo is a great place to stop for breakfast before entering the park (the restaurant is closed on Wednesdays)
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| A Cirl Bunting at the water font during my spring visit of 2023 |
After breakfast, we started our ascent and paused briefly at a water font to check for any wildlife coming to drink. (See my 2023 spring visit post HERE). Unfortunately, to our disappointment, there was construction activity nearby with an enclosed area, and although it's uncertain, Derek suspects they might be constructing a visitor centre. We soon moved on!
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| Redwing |
Two of our target species for the day were Brambling and Redwing. Indeed, you read that correctly; these are two species I regularly see during the winter months back home. It's always a surprise to spot these birds so far south, yet I've observed them in Andalusia before. Given the abundance of hawthorn in the Sierras, their presence here is not entirely unexpected. In fact, we saw a good number of Redwings today, but only a single male Brambling, which was high on Derek's list.
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| Derek's image of male Brambling |
The trip featured the usual stop-and-go progress, with keen observation of any activity on the way to the Los Quejigales parking area. At one point, we observed a Woodlark in song, and I was quite delighted to spot an Iberian Green Woodpecker low in the scrub. During a short stroll among the rocky outcrops, where we spotted the day's sole Brambling, a large raptor emerged. It was a Golden Eagle, which, unfortunately, remained at a distance throughout our observation.
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| A Cirl Bunting is alerted to our presence. |
We saw Hawfinch, Short-toed Treecreeper, Crested Tit, Firecrest, Crossbill, Iberian Grey Shrike, Rock Bunting, Cirl Bunting, and Dartford Warbler before pausing for lunch at Los Quejigales.
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| Singing Woodlark |
Over lunch, several Griffon Vultures took advantage of the thermals, and at one point, we observed sixteen of them soaring at a considerable altitude.
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| A lone Griffon Vulture breaks from the group. |
After lunch, we took the low road back and spent time observing a Black Wheatear and an Iberian Grey Shrike. It was quite surprising to encounter so many Jays today, with over a dozen sightings.
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| Iberian Grey Shrike |
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| Black Wheatear |
The day was outstanding, characterised by delightful weather, enjoyable company, and excellent bird sightings, providing a perfect end to my recent journey in Andalusia.
Sierra de las Nieves...
