Sierra Morena Spring Trip - Day Two; Eagles and foxes

Day Two of my short trip to the stunning Sierra Morena region was spent in the very well-appointed Spanish Imperial Eagle hide. For a full description of the set-up, see my post from my last trip in January.

It was a very early start to get to the private Finca and into the hide before the light started to come up, but well worth it. As we arrived, a solitary Griffon Vulture was roosting in one of the Stone Pines towards the back of the clearing, and it stuck around for most of the day.

We then got very excited when two huge, dark birds flew out of the gloom towards the clearing, before the sun had come up... however, it soon became clear that it was a false alarm & that it was a pair of Ravens, rather than the Eagles. Still very impressive birds; you forget just how big they can get, until you see them close up. They did briefly perch up, but light levels were still too low for a shot. 

The last couple of times I've been here, the first arrivals on the bait have been a huge, noisy flock of Azure-Winged Magpies. At this time of year, there weren't the same large flocks - presumably because most of the birds are on nests at present. However, a couple of pairs did briefly visits several times throughout the day, though they weren't hanging around; it was strictly a case of grab some grubs  head off to the nest.

Azure-winged Magpie

The pair of Imperial Eagles did show up not too long after the sun had come up, but initially assumed a watchful position in the tops of the trees right at the back of the clearing. The antics of a small group of Goldfinches kept us entertained as we waited, and it was also nice to see a couple of Crested Tit flying too & from between the pines. We also had a pair of Blackbirds about their business, and a pair of Spotless Starlings was busy ferrying a steady stream of maggots and grubs over to their nest.

Spotless Starling

Spotless Starling

Eventually, the Griffon Vulture came down to feed on the bait (most of a deer carcass, in this instance). Another tried to join it, but the original bird soon saw it off by hissing and posturing aggressively.

Griffon Vultures

I was delighted when an Iberian Red Fox vixen put in an appearance, after an hour or so. I've been hoping for an encounter with one of these stunning creatures every time I've visited this hide, but no joy - until now.  The Eagles weren't quite so pleased to see her, though. As soon as she started attempting to feed on the bait, they moved forward into the closest pines and made their displeasure very clear.Indeed, one even got so riled up that it swooped down on the fox, and managed to grab it, as she fled toward the cover at the side of the valley. It was quite something to witness, as the bird lifted the vixen off the ground; however it can't have had a proper grip, as the fox was able to escape, apparently unharmed. 

Spanish Imperial Eagle -Pair

Iberian Red Fox

Both eagles looking for the fox

Shortly after this, a small herd of about 6 Red Deer hinds, plus one surprisingly well-grown fawn crossed the far end of the clearing. I'm always happy to see a deer or two!

Eagles beating up a Griffon Vulture

The Eagles came and went throughout the course of the day, though they didn't actually come down to the bait to feed; seemingly more interested in guarding their larder from all intruders. I also enjoyed watching a Goshawk coming & going in the distance over the valley; clearly taking food back to the nest. A third Griffon made a appearance, however it didn't seem hungry for it left after a short stay. 

We did also get another visit from a second Vixen in the afternoon. Interestingly, the Eagles didn't seem at all bothered by her, which seems surprising, considering their attack on the first fox during the morning. This one, really wasn't hanging about; she grabbed a huge hunk of meat and promptly dragged it off with her. I really like the light effects on this photo of her.

On the way back to town we were privileged to stop off to check out a little owl sight. We did find the wee chap though not coming out of the trees. Further down the road another was posting nicely on top of a wooden electricity pylon but by this time my battery had run out and I had stupidly left the spare at home!!

Little Owl

Another very memorable day in this beautiful place. Final installment of the trip to follow tomorrow.