Sardinian warbler (Sylvia melanocephala)
[Curruca cabecinegra]
Frequently seen but hard to photograph because it flits around hiding amongst low shrubbery.
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Rock bunting (Emberiza cia)
[Escribano montesino]
These birds prefer the higher rocky areas of Grazalema. This image was taken at around 1000 metres on the slopes of Torreón.
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Little owl (Athene noctua)
[Mochuelo europeo]
This little owl seems quite happy living amongst the prickly pears. That is quite a skill to land without damaging his feet.
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Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus)
[Buitre Leonado]
The largest breeding colonies of Griffon vultures in Andalucia are to be found here in Grazalema and the surrounding area.
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Male golden Oriole (Oriolus oriolus)
[Oropéndola] These birds nest in the poplar trees in our garden. We see them every day during the breeding season. They move around fast and are very shy so photographing them is difficult.
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Grazalema poppy (Papaver rupifragam)
[Amapola de Grazalema]
On Andalucia’s red list for endangered species this poppy is restricted to the sierra de Grazalema area and parts of North Africa.
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Black veined white (Aporia crataegi)
[Blanca del majuelo]
The caterpillar feeds on blackthorn and other members of the prunus family whilst the butterfly feeds on a wide variety of wild flowers.
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Wild mountain goat (1)(Capra pyrenaica hispanica)
[Cabra montes]
Females with young. Taken in December almost at the peak of Torreon this large herd let us move amongst them and observe their habits whilst they continued grazing.
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Rhino beetle larvae (Oryctes nasicornis)
[Larva de escarabajo]
Colonies of these are busy devouring rotten tree stumps in our garden. They are beneficial because they aid in the decomposition of plant material. The adult rhinoceros beetles feed on rotten fruit and are completely harmless.
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Birthwort (Aristolocia baetica)
[Aristoloquia]
This climber is often overlooked but on closer inspection is fascinating. It is also a food supply for the larvae of the Spanish festoon butterfly.
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Megarian banded centipede (Scolopendra cingulata)
[Escolopendra]
This centipede is common in Spain and grows up to 9cm long. Beware as its sting is potent and painful. It injects its poison with its front feelers. Lives in sheltered, stony ground where it burrows. Nocturnal in habit.
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Zahara lake
The lake at Zahara de la sierra is renowned for its stunning colour of turquoise blue green.
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Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)
[Macaon]
The Larvae can be found on fennel and other members of the carrot family. The adult are on the wing from March and can be found anywhere where there is an abundance of flowers. In the garden they are often seen feeding on Lantana.
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Spanish love in a mist (Nigella Hispanica)
[Bonete de clérigo]
Found in fields and verges from June to July in Spain, Portugal and NW Africa.
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Sawfly orchid (Ophrys tenthredinifera)
[Orquídea]
Sometimes forming a clump, this pretty orchid is in bloom from late March. If anyone knows the Spanish name let us know!
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Dragonfly (Onychogomphus ??????)
[Libélula]
This female was rapidly dipping her tail and laying eggs into the small stream beside our house.
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Black eared wheatear (Oenanthe hispanica)
[Collalba rubia]
Photographed this bird on the shore line of Bornos lake. The female was with him and this is the only time we have seen this species in the Grazalema area.
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Wild mountain goat (2) (Capra pyrenaica hispanica)
[Cabra montes]
This Alpha male was leading his herd across the mountain when he accidentally bumped into us. No time to change the zoom lens which is why he fills the frame.
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