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The beginning of August sees an increase in bird activity here in the south with thousands of White storks massing in areas such as La Janda, between Benalup and Facinas. These birds are becoming increasingly restless, and it’s the abundant White stork that is one of the first species to migrate south to Africa. Other species follow in the coming months, with birds of prey or raptors, as they are collectively called, being the most spectacular and certainly sought after birds to watch by birders worldwide.
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| Black Shouldered Kite |
The Strait of Gibraltar has long been recognised as of paramount importance
for migrating birds of prey. The narrow stretch of water between the high
peaks of Southern Spain and North Africa provides the shortest crossing over the Mediterranean and soaring birds flock here in their thousands.
Waiting for the right winds, parties of Black Kites begin to gain
height in search of the morning's first thermals over the southern Spanish sierras. Anticipation grows as the first dots appear in the distance, gradually metamorphosing into an assortment of different shapes and sizes, now discernible as birds of prey. Soon they are with us - some so close at times we can even see the expression on their faces! Griffon and Egyptian Vultures, Booted and Short-toed Eagles, Marsh and Montagu's Harriers, Honey Buzzards and Sparrowhawks, all gathering together in readiness for the crossing to Morocco. With them come clouds of White Storks and a sprinkling of scarcer Black Storks, too.
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| Hoopoe |
Each day during the southern migration is different as the appearance of raptors depends very much on the prevailing winds. On days when conditions are not right, however, there is much to see elsewhere in Cadiz province exploring the coast, wild sierras and lakes of this beautiful part of Andalucia.
As well as classic Mediterranean species such as Black-winged Stilt, Audouin's Gull, Hoopoe and Sardinian Warbler, you have chances to seek some of the region's more localised specialities, including the elusive Little Bustard, White-headed Duck, and the very rare Crested Coot.
There is a wealth of wildlife to enjoy in this quiet corner of Spain and there are bound to be many treats in store. This tour, however, is aimed at the exciting movement of raptors through the region and it is this spectacle that will be our main focus. | 
