Saliente, north of Albox in Almeria province

Thursday 11 April

If, like Dave and company, you are going to return to a favoured site then it certainly helps if you record a Golden Eagle.  In addition, Red-rumped Swallows and both Black and Northern Wheatears help to make the journey well worth while.

Saliente, north of Albox:  Thursday 11th April

Saliente Monastery (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Gilly suggested we do a visit with Paul to Saliente monastery about 15 kms north of Albox up a very twisty road.  The main intention was to see the monastery and to have a snack lunch in the restaurant. It was a very sunny day, temperatures in the mid 20's.

Black-eared Wheatear (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

En route I spotted a soaring sub adult Golden Eagle. Around the car park and monastery we saw Black and Black-eared Wheatears.  About 6 Griffon Vultures slowly glided by.  We also had Red-rumped Swallows and Crag Martins.  As we wandered from the restaurant Gilly spotted movement on the hillside over a small valley.  Three Ibex.  As we drove down the hillside we estimated where these three should be.  As we came round a bend we saw 12 individuals walking in a line through an Almond grove. 

Ibex on the move (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

A lovely day out.  Will do it again soon.  It's been about 7 years since we last came up here.

Sending our best wishes to Les, Lyn and Tom Senior.

Regards

Dave

The first three Ibex (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

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