SIERRA MORENA PATH - GR-48: Sendero de Sierra Morena

A quite relatively large number of carnivorous mammals live in
the area yet they are very difficult to spot. We will be very lucky
if we see any Fox, any Egyptian Mongoose or even the Otters.
We may spot some Deer as they are very abundant and extent
through most areas in the Sierra Morena mountain range. The
Iberian Lynx, one of the jewels of the Iberian wild animal
world, moves freely in some remote natural sites
in the Sierra de Cardeña y Montoro Natural
Park. Recently, a controlled number
of Iberian Lynx specimens have been
released in the Guadalmellato Valley
located in Adamuz municipality.
Nevertheless, birds will be the most
easily spotted animal species along
this route. In fact, the track passes
through some natural sites
which are exclusively aimed to
conservation and birdwatching.
Griffon Vulture
Moreover, some sections of the
GR-48 partially match some other
routes especially designed for wildlife watching, those included in the
book Birding and Nature Trails in Sierra Morena Cordobesa.
15
Big eagles such as Spanish Imperial Eagles, Bonelli’s Eagles and the Golden
Eagles are located in the most abrupt Mediterranean woods and mounts
of the Sierra Morena mountain range. Goshawks, Short-Toed Eagles and
Booted Eagles are very common in Pine woods, Holm-Oak groves and
cork Oak groves. In open areas such as rain fed crops and fertile plain
fields can be seen other common bird species like the Buzzard, the Kestrel
and the Black-Winged Kite which is very rare in this area. Black and Griffon
Vultures breeding colonies are also located in specific areas of the region
which are perfect sites for Vultures watching all year around.
GR-48Córdoba
Large patches of Mediterranean undergrowth and scrub are home to Subalpine
Warblers, Dartford Warblers, Sardinian warblers, Turtle Doves, Melodious
Warblers, Red-legged partridges, Nightingales and Thekla Larks.
The Blue Rock Thrush, the Eurasian Crag Martin, the Rock Bunting, the
Eurasian Eagle-Owl, the Black-Eared Wheatear and the Kestrel are some
of the bird species which can be watched in rocky ravines and on the
sharpest crests of the mountains. We will be lucky if we watch the shiest
White-Rumped Swift and the Black Wheatear flying over those areas.
River beds and river banks are home to colourful birds such as the Common
Kingfisher, the Oriole, the European Bee-Eater and the Grey Wagtail. They
are also perfect habitats for other birds like the Grey Heron, the Little egret,
the Mallard, The Common Moorhen, the Snipe and the Cirl Bunting or even
for scarce seasonal birds such as the shy Wryneck and the Black Stork.
Finally, Hoopoes, Azure-Winged magpies, Greenfinches and Little owls