As the month progresses sightings of birds of prey are becoming ever more regular.
Booted Eagles have been returning to the Alpujarras and are becoming a frequent sight over the hillsides around Lanjaron, especially the light variant with its distinctive off-white and black plumage under the wing.  Short-toed Eagles are also increasing in number with really good sightings in the last few days…close enough to see the pale underside and dark bib and head. Have seen a Short-toed Eagle carrying a snake in the last day or so.
Today brought two fantastic birds highlighting the diversity of the region…around 2pm a male Marsh Harrier flew east, plumage quite unmistakable, but I have to say it threw me for a minute! Inspired, I headed off up the track with my binoculars and within a couple of minutes I found a Goshawk soaring overhead. It stayed in view for maybe five minutes…a great sighting of a usually difficult to see bird of prey and my first ever. A brilliant day…
