January is a great month for watching Griffon Vultures repairing last year´s nests high on limestone ledges, performing beautifully synchronized flights that are a part of their courtship routines, breeding and incubating their single egg. The parents take turns at sitting on the nest and perform an almost acrobatic change-over at the nest. The cliffs where Griffons nest, or “buitreras” in Spanish, are full of activity and interest at this time of the year. See more about the Sierra de Grazalema here: https://grazalemaguide.com/blog/the-sierra-de-grazalema-natural-park/
Spanish Ibex normally roam at lower altitudes in the winter months and the alpha males are more visible as they are establishing and keeping a close eye on their harems, while the pregnant females rest in the warm winter sun.
There are plenty of exciting resident and wintering birds to see, such as the Iberian Grey Shrike, Bonelli´s Eagle, Griffon Vulture, Rock and Cirl Bunting, Blue Rock Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Black Wheatear, Ring Ouzel and Alpine Accentor.
With luck, a resident member of the largely migratory Hoopoe population can be spotted.
The spectacular bright blue and yellow Broad-leaved Iris clusters brighten up the limestone meadows along with Paperwhite Narcissus and delicate pink almond blossom begins budding and blooming at various locations of the Grazalema Park.
Ronda Today
Everything you need to know before you visit Ronda “The city of dreams” in Andalucia. https://www.rondatoday.com/
Wildside Holidays – Spain
Take a trip on the Wildside! Discover the wildlife and nature of Spain, its Natural and National Parks and find the top wildlife, activity and walking holiday companies.
Clive Muir – Wildside Holidays – Walking, wildlife and culture holidays in Spain
I’ve been living in western Andalucía for more than 20 years and spend much of my time researching and running English-language travel websites about Spain. My work covers destinations including Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema and the Caminito del Rey, as well as Wildside Holidays, which focuses on walking, wildlife and nature travel in Spain.
Through Wildside Holidays, I share practical information about Spain’s natural parks, mountains, wildlife and walking destinations, drawing on many years of living and travelling in the country. The aim is to help visitors discover Spain’s natural landscapes responsibly and plan rewarding walking and wildlife experiences.