Organised a trip in November 2010 to combine birding with a life-long wish to see the elusive Iberian Lynx. The valley of the Rio Andujar, in Jaen Province (two and a half hours from Malaga) offers the only realistic chance of success. Well off the beaten track, the scenery is glorious and the full complement of Spanish mountain birds is present (Spanish Imperial Eagle, Bonelli's Eagle, Black Wheatear, Eagle Owl, Scops Owl, Azure-winged Magpie, Rock Sparrow, Hawfinch, Cirl Bunting etc). In addition there are loads of other mammals (Red and Roe Deer, Otters, Wildcat, Genet, Mouflon, Iberian Hare etc) as well as the stunning Iberian Lynx and lots of reptiles and amphibia.
We managed two Lynx sightings and stopped at the wonderful Fuente de Piedra reserve,near Malaga, on our way back. This latter sight has improved massively since I first visited in the 1980's. It's now a first class wetland with masses of waders, flamingos, raptors, Purple Gallinules, Common Cranes, warblers, wildfowl etc.
Trip Report is available to anyone who is interested.
