Raptor Feeding Site

La Red Andaluza de Comederos de Aves Carroñeras has set up 23 feeding centers in Andalucia, and this morning we set out to see the one nearby. Their purpose is to preserve endangered species by “supplementing the natural diet of raptor populations while complying with current health measures.” Birds at the various centers include griffon and black vultures, Egyptian vultures, bearded vultures, red and black kites, and golden and imperial eagles. We’ve known about the feeding center near Casares for several years, and specifically planned to stay in our current cottage because it is within walking distance of the feeding site. However, we didn’t count on arriving after 16 days of continuous rain in the area!

We set out for the feeding area in mid-morning during a break in the weather. The dirt track was noticeably more water-logged than yesterday, with new rivulets racing down the middle of the track. After navigating several washed out areas and flooded fords, it dawned on us that if the heavy black clouds in the area ahead of us started to pour out rain, our return might be cut off (second video). We reluctantly turned back, and were rewarded with a rainbow and glimpses of raptors flying overhead (first video). This is a gorgeous area, definitely worth returning to see more of the raptors on another trip.

www.juntadeandalucia.es/medioambiente/portal/la…

Many nearby areas are reporting rain damage. Arroyo Vaquero, beside the track we planned to walk out tomorrow, has overflowed its banks. A house collapsed in Marbella. Some villages have been completely inundated with floodwaters, with stairs and roads turned into waterfalls and rapids. Tomorrow is supposed to be a dry day with the rain returning on Thursday.

www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/valle-acedia-2052…Read more