From Marrakech to the Sahara, from Horned Larks to Crowned Sandgrouse, our journey took us through some of the most breathtaking scenery in North Africa. The birdlife in Morocco never ceases to thrill and specialities such as Desert Sparrow always reward our adventures into the Sahara. River complexes reach out from the High Atlas Mountains to nourish otherwise arid areas and their green fingers can be traced from the advantage of the high mountain range. Lush palmeries and the well tended gardens of the wadis, all merge to create contrasting brushstrokes to the dramatic desert. Our attention is diverted only by the calls of an excited Barbary Falcon flying high and master of his homeland……

Doñana, the most famous wetland in Europe? To give you some idea of the enormous wealth of this area, one only has to realise that 400 species of birds have been sighted in Doñana! There are also 33 species of mammals, 19 reptiles, 12 amphibians and 7 fish species, plus a further 60 species in the Guadalquivir Estuary. These figures, while high for Spain, are exceptional for the European continent. Our regular visits to this outstanding Biosphere Park never fail to impress and are very popular with visitors to Spain. We strongly recommend combining the Doñana with other nearby destinations such as Serranía de Ronda in order to see as many of the natural wonders as possible that exist in Andalucia ….

Want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the Spanish Costa’s? Then come and enjoy a trip into the countryside of Granada Province. These tours are centred on the area to the west of the City of Granada in the area around Loja, the provinces second largest town. The area has a fantastic mix of habitats, ranging from high mountain tops, reed beds, open water, woodland and agricultural plains. The province has something for everyone, from the beginner wishing to get to grips with the commoner birds or the experienced lister looking for those hard to find species. Whatever your level of experience our local guide will be able to take you to the best sites.

The Serranía de Ronda and Sierra de Grazalema are situated amidst limestone peaks, which lie south and west of the Sierra Nevada. The area’s highest peak is Torrecilla at 1,919 metres. To the southwest of the Serranía the mountains are sandstone. The habitats of the area are varied and include sheer limestone cliffs, pine woods, Spanish Fir, grasslands, scrub and oak woods. Amongst the flora there are several species endemic to the area. The Serranía and its surroundings include three major natural parks, Sierra de las Nieves Biosphere Reserve, Sierra de Grazalema Biosphere Reserve and Los Alcornocales a richly wooded park. This is my study area; I’ve died and gone to heaven!