Bird Watching in Gibraltar - 27 April 2016

On Saturday 9th April 2016 the Andalucía Bird Society will be meeting to watch the birds returning from their wintering grounds in Africa. Species that may be seen include Booted Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, Black Kite, Honey Buzzard, White Stork, Black Stork, Egyptian Vulture and Griffon Vulture. Also lots of smaller song birds will be spotted in the shrubs.

In Spring, the migrants are flying from Morocco to Spain. Large birds of prey use thermal currents to lift them into the sky. These thermals do not exist over water, only above land. When the birds cross the Strait of Gibraltar they have to flap their wings for the long crossing of 14 Km. so they arrive tired and eager to rest. This give us a good chance to see them at close quarters. They often arrive in flocks of up to 50 individuals: a magnificent sight.

Everyone is welcome to join us. We are a group of mixed abilities with experienced birders helping the less able to spot and identify what they are seeing. For more details please contact the membership secretary on 669 649 529 or simply email us on: abs.sociedad@gmail.com. Check out the website at: www.andaluciabirdsociety.org https://www.facebook.com/groups/andaluciabirdsociety

A second meeting this month will be on Weds 27th April to Sierra de Loja, Granada Province.