Another early rise and at our regular coffee stop we met up with a local photographer friend.
The weather was meant to be poor with heavy rain predicted. However after a check on the weather radar it looked like it would be dry till about 2pm which was perfect as that's the time we would be finishing.
Arriving in darkness and laying the food out hopes were high that the eagles would show. Well the action started in the twilight....a large shape was seen gliding towards the central pine.......Our first Spanish Imperial Eagle!!!!
Looking through the lens we could make out it was a 3 to 4 year old with its spotted feathers. These sub adults are stunning as they change from the juvenile orange to the adult dark brown of adults.
We sat praying that it would stay till we could take some record shots. 30 minutes in and high ISO and speeds of 1/8sec a few shots were taken. I love my 1DX. We needed to worry as it stayed for 3 hours giving us fantastic views on various perches.
Once the light came the action started. I spotted movement on the ground and the Eagle dropped out the tree.
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| 3/4 year old Spanish Imperial Eagle - Twilight |
2 red foxes....One on the track the other to the right and a Egyptian Mongoose to the left. The Eagle trying to see them off. Flying all over as it chased them away. The mongoose being the first to vanish without staying for its photo. The foxes being more cunning did manage to get to steal some food before heading back into the forest. The Eagle then returning to the pine for a rest.
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| Iberian Red Fox |
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| 3/4 Year Old Imperial |
Not long after another shape gliding past....A second Imperial and this time this year's chick. It tried to join its older sibling with no joy as she saw it off the perch. Finding it's own pine to the left, it made its self comfy.
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| Juvenile Being chased off |
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| 3/4 Year Old Imperial |
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| 3/4 Year Old Imperial |
After a hour and few fly byes the vultures desensed....100+ arriving all over the lower plato. This brought the adults eagles to the party!!!!
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| This years Imperial Chick |
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| This years Imperial Chick |
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| 3/4 Year Old Fly by |
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| 3/4 Year Old landing |
Both parents arriving and taking centry posts on either side of the valley.
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| Adult Spanish Imperial Eagle |
What we assume to the the male making various patrol passes to ensure all was in check. We did expect him to chase the young away but lucky for us today his tolerance of them was good.....he only reminded them he and his lady own this area and allowed them to stay. The Ravens seam to have other ideas of who is in charge but the Adults know how to deal with them!!
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| Adult Imperial & Raven |
After an hour the vultures started to walk to the hide and as yesterday the food would be gone in minutes. This did not deter the eagles as the young joined them on the ground to feed. Unfortunately for us away from photo opportunities. The adults weren't hungry today as they stayed on the perches.
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| Cinereous Vulture |
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| Griffon Vulture |
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| Griffon Dispute |
By leaving time we had near 200 Griffon, 5 Black Vulture and three eagles still at the location!!!!
Not like me but today I completely ignored the 50+ Azure-winged Magpies making regular visits, however did take a few record shots of the black redstart and wagtails.
On being picked up a distant Golden Eagle was seen. A perfect end to my winter trek to the Sierra Morena!!!!
The weather was kind and only the slightest of shower. I was hoping for a downpour towards the end as I would love some shots of vultures in the rain......
If you fancy a trip to this stunning location please get in contact as I run various workshops throughout the year. I have a couple of limited places left in mid May.
Future dates will be added including the deer rut in September/October and next winter. I should also be visiting during other times and you are welcome to join me.
www.wildlifeinpixels.co.uk for more details or drop me a message.
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