Spent Sunday afternoon on a walk with friends. Walked up the side of the valley above the village with the Rio Lanjaron below us.Within only about ten minutes we had a really good view of a Golden Eagle, soaring slowly overhead. The bird was close enough to get a good look through binoculars. Juvenile plumage again, with the white plumage of its tail clearly visible.
Further on we disturbed a wild boar that was laid up in cover on the slope below us. How an animal that size could go unseen under its chosen bush is beyond me…it crashed through the undergrowth and disappeared down the hillside. A formidable sight, and I made a mental note to watch where I go after dark! We progressed up the valley through Chestnut trees and rocky scrub with just occasional Blue and Great Tits making an appearance.
Just when I thought we had seen the best of what the day had to offer a truly enormous bird took flight in front of us further upstream and passed us as it powered away down the valley. No doubt about it. My first Eagle Owl, and every bit as impressive as all the books would suggest! May have to wait a long time for another chance encounter like that…
