Request for Info - Ronda and Coast at Marbella

[mcapper]

Hi everyone

I wonder if any one could help a little.

I've got a couple of days in Spain, four of us staying in Marbella, in mid March. 3 of us are birders, one of us (my other half) is not.

We have therefore agreed a days birding in Donana for the 3 birders without my other half, a day for all of us that will be a mix of sightseeing and birding in the Ronda area and the last day will be a day where we do our own things and for me, this will my other halfs day to spend together around Marbella.

I was wondering if anyone had any site details for around Ronda that would give some good birds - a mix of stuff would be good but raptors would be high on the list. Any sight seeing tips would be good too if any one has any.

And if there is anything close to Marbella - Audiouns gull on a beach for example, that I can sneak, I mean fit in to the day with my other half that would be brill.

Many thanks for any help you can provide.

Regards

Matthew

[Jandilla]

I wouldn't aspire to offering advice about Ronda, but as a visitor in past years to Marbella during March, I'd suggest the Refugio de Juanar as a location for your "sneak" visit.  It takes about 45 mins to get there.  You drive inland on the Coin road for about 10 miles, then turn left onto a mountain road for another six miles or so.  Drive on for a short distance past the Refugio and park by the gates - you then have a walk of about a mile to the viewpoint. (Ignore a rival establishment called El Refugio just after you leave Marbella). 

For the non-birder, this trip will provide a fabulous walk through great scenery leading to a panoramic view of Marbella and with a snack or a full lunch avalable at the Refugio on your return.  It can still be cold there in March even when it's warm in Marbella, so it's advisable to have some warm clothing with you.

Two years ago, I was lucky enough to see several goshawks displaying over the wooded vallyand I've also seen booted, Bonelli's and short-toed eagles there, and once a juvenile golden eagle.  Other birds there over the years have included rock bunting, woodlark, hawfinch, crested tit, chough
and raven.

Have a great trip!

Roger

[TonyB]

I know that Peter Jones is away till late February and this is his stamping ground. I'll send him an email and ask him if he has time to reply. Can you wait a couple more days?

[TonyB]

Hi Matthew. I sent Peter an email and got an out-of-office reply saying that he'll be back on 18th February.  Can you wait till then?

[mcapper]

Hi Tony, yep, not going till 16th March so more than happy to wait - many thanks for the help.

Regards

Matthew

[TonyB]

No problem. My email to Peter was linked this page so he'll see it when he gets back.

[Peter]

I was wondering if anyone had any site details for around Ronda that would give some good birds - a mix of stuff would be good but raptors would be high on the list. Any sight seeing tips would be good too if any one has any.
Many thanks for any help you can provide.
Regards
Matthew

Hi Matthew,

There are a great number of sites around Ronda that are worthwhile and also scenically outstanding, all you need is decent weather! I'd recommend Sierra de Libar, a track behind Montejaque and no need to venture too far for raptors and a few local specialities like Black Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Rock Bunting, Alpine Accentor and Rock Sparrow. In fact, with recent rains, I would not go far off the concreted area of the track unless you have a 4x4. The road from Monte Corto to Acinipo (Old Ronda) can also be good for raptors during March. Further information is available within the pages of www.spanishnature.com

Hope you have a great visit and do not hesitate to ask for further information or make contact if you have any queries.

Peter

[mcapper]

Brilliant, many thanks Peter. I'll look into those - it sounds perfect as we can see some of the specialities and get a bit of non birding time in too.

I'll get back to you if I have any queries.

Cheers

Matthew

[Peter]

Brilliant, many thanks Peter. I'll look into those - it sounds perfect as we can see some of the specialities and get a bit of non birding time in too.

I'll get back to you if I have any queries.

Cheers

Matthew

You are most welcome Matthew. Just give a shout if you need further assistance. Peter