Operación Lince : the Iberian Lynx in Andalusia / Tour February 2022
Saturday - February 12
After collecting the participants of our wildlife tour in Andalusia from their respective hotels in Malaga, we begin our journey at a wetland located near the city. The most desired species is the White-headed Duck, of which 5 individuals were observed in a small pond in the reserve. Other marsh species are observed such as Greater Flamingos, Black-winged Stilts, Common Greenshank, Common Sandpiper, Common Ringed Plover, Sanderling, Shovelers, Common Pochards… Two Booted Eagles are also observed perched. On the sea, we even see Northern Gannets.
We drive from Malaga to the Sierra Morena, one of the two major areas of our route. The first Iberian Magpies and Red Partridges are observed. We search for the lynx until nightfall without success. But a few species still delighted us: Little Owls in number, Sardinian Warbler and Dartford Warbler, Blue Rock Thrush, Griffon Vultures and Cinereous Vultures.
Photo Jérémy Gremion
A Golden Eagle passes close to us and the first Spanish Eagles are observed. A group of four is even seen nearby!
Photo Jérémy Gremion
Photo Jérémy Gremion
We join our accommodation for our first evening. The welcome is warm, the meal is delicious and the rooms are comfortable.
Sunday – February 13
After a good breakfast, we reach La Lancha early. Despite about 30 observers spread over the track, no Iberian Lynx was seen all day. However, beautiful bird sightings caught up with the day: Dartford Warbler, Wood Lark, Eurasian Hoopoe, Little Owls, Spanish Eagles, Vultures, several species of finches, etc...
Photo Jérémy Gremion
Photo Jérémy Gremion
It is clear that observing a wild Iberian Lynx in its natural environment with irreproachable ethics is not easy, and our group is well aware of the difficulty of the task. This is the beauty of nature, nothing is ever guaranteed, and every sighting is a gift.
Monday - February 14
Smooth start on the La Lancha track with some interesting first sightings.
An Iberian Lynx is observed from afar by another guided group. The wait is long but an adult Horseshoe Snake (Hemmorhois hippocrepis) is well observed in thermoregulation. Also, Tomares ballus, an early butterfly restricted to southern habitats.
At the end of the afternoon, we go to the edge of the river to try to observe the European Otters.
Arrived, we wait on a rock at the edge of the water. It's not an otter that will be seen first, but an Iberian Lynx on the other side of the river! He walks along the bank cluttered with dense vegetation.
We follow its trajectory to enjoy this amazing sighting a bit more. I spot a Great Spotted Cuckoo looking for a clear view to find the lynx. Then, magical moment, we see an European Otter out of the water (!) and then swimming.
The day will end with the hoot of a Tawny Owl. What an end to the day! Our guests are delighted with these magnificent observations. This tour to Andalusia keeps all its promises!
Wildlife Tour in Spain
Tuesday – February 15
Last morning dedicated to the lynx in the Sierra Morena for this wildlife tour in Andalusia. It starts quietly with observations of species already encountered. A lynx is observed quite far away.
Photo Jérémy Gremion
The moment is already magical. Of course, we decide to wait to see what happens. The Iberian Lynx is on the move, active. Everything can happen. Little by little, it progresses in our direction and goes up the valley.
Photo Jérémy Gremion
Photo Jérémy Gremion
Photo Jérémy Gremion
A good prediction of its trajectory allows us to observe it very closely as it crosses the track 15 meters away from us! An exceptional sighting!!
Photo Jérémy Gremion
Photo Jérémy Gremion
Photo Jérémy Gremion
Photo Jérémy Gremion
Photo Jérémy Gremion
A sighting of Lynx like this does not happen every day! Not recovered from our emotions, we decide to go down the track to observe a herd of Iberian ibex.
Photo Jérémy Gremion
An Iberian worm lizard is found under a rock and we will end our observations in this area with bats wintering in a tunnel.
Photo Jérémy Gremion
After a picnic, we take the road to reach the Doñana region for the second part of our wildlife tour dedicated to the Iberian Lynx and Andalusian fauna.
Wednesday – February 16
Early in the morning, we join Fran, our guide to observe in the natural and national park of Doñana, in El Rocio. After a quick passage to the lagoon to observe the species dependent on the lagoon (Greater Flamingos, Bar-tailed Godwits and Black-tailed Godwits, Greylag Geese, Black-winged Stilts, Pied Avocets, etc.), we look for the Iberian Lynx in the open areas. Then, we observe the red deer in the more forested environments. A new stop in an open area allowed us to find a Western false smooth snake under a cork oak bark. We take a moment to observe and photograph this magnificent little snake, then we continue on our way.
Photo Jérémy Gremion
Then we reached a wetland where new species are added to our already long list: Western Swamphens, Eurasian Marsh Harriers, Common Cranes, etc. We return to El Rocio in the middle of the day and take advantage of the late morning to take a last look at the lagoon. A couple of Bluethroats and Penduline Tits are observed close to the edge.
Photo Jérémy Gremion
Photo Jérémy Gremion
Eurasian Spoonbills, Greater Flamingos and waders are always in large numbers. At noon, we eat in this fabulous city that looks like the Wild West.
So far, we have traveled through the wetlands and forests of Doñana National Park. We join Matalascañas to observe in the dunes and on the beach. The rare Carbonell's lizard (Podarcis carbonelli) is observed in sandy environments. In fact, this is the only Spanish population. After unsuccessful searches for chameleons, we reach our accommodation superbly located in the middle of nature and share the evening meal.
Thursday – February 17
The road between Doñana and Malaga is quite long so we leave our hotel quite early after a hearty breakfast. On the road that runs along the coast, a stop is dedicated to look for the chameleon. The first is found quickly and is photographed from every angle. A second will be unearthed by Sophie who dreamed of seeing this species in the wild!
Photo Jérémy Gremion
Photo Jérémy Gremion
After a stop for lunch and a few coffee and ice cream stops, we arrive in Malaga at the end of the afternoon. After a stay at the hotel, we share an excellent meal in the old town. It was an opportunity to reminisce about all the fabulous naturalistic encounters we experienced together during this wildlife tour to Andalusia.
Friday – February 18
Very early departure for the airport and return to Geneva. Many thanks to our guests! Next edition of our wildlife tour “Operación Lince : the Iberian Lynx in Andalusia” in February 2023 ;)
Jérémy
Guide Salva Fauna
