Sierra Mijas 16/03/25

Sunday 16th March 2025 🌦️ 13C ~ NW @ 14MPH ~ Hard to believe I'm in southern Spain as today brought more heavy showers, but the weather cleared up enough for a quick drive up to Canternos los Arenales, which is just about 15 minutes from the villa. Regular blog readers will remember that this area was devastated by a wildfire in July 2022 - refer to my blog post for more details. HERE 

The Quarry above Mijas

Fortunately, the parking area and surrounding quarry remained intact, allowing me to enjoy a pleasant walk while dodging the occasional shower. 

Rock Bunting

I'd only been out of the car a few minutes when a couple of Rock Buntings appeared. I watched them for a while and grabbed a few images before they moved on. I searched the area for Black Wheatear. This was my 'go-to' area for the species, and I used to find them with impunity before the fire, but unfortunately, there was no sign of any today, similar to my visit last November.

Firecrest

I decided to venture a little further up the mountain, and I must say that although the trees are still scorched and burnt out, there is plenty of new vegetation growing. At first, I spotted Crested Tit, Firecrest, Chaffinch, Crossbill, and Coal Tit but as I climbed higher, bird activity seemed to tail off. 

Golden Eagle & Iberian Ibex.

As I turned to head back, a Booted Eagle drifted overhead, and then another, much larger raptor came into view. To my amazement, when I focused my binoculars on it, I realized it was a Golden Eagle, most likely a second-year bird. To my astonishment, it appeared to be hunting an Iberian Ibex—could that really be?

I watched the eagle for several minutes and took multiple photographs before it gave up and the Ibex walked away casually. It was truly one of those encounters that birders live for, and it will remain in my memory. I just made it back to the car before the next shower began, and two Ravens flew by cronking.