[RayE]

Going there for the first time with Lynn, she went on about it that much I give in. Never been before but would be good to meet other birders who have been there before or haven't. Ray.

[Simon Wates]

I lived in Gibraltar in 1981-3 and then nearby in Spain for many years.At the time you are visiting the raptor migration will be past the peak numbers there will still be very large numbers and a great diversity.

The raptor migration from Gibraltar itself can be frustrating - something like 9 out of 10 days it is much much better from further along the Strait in Spain - as far as Tarifa (about 25kms from Gib).

For Gibraltar - this site is a must: http://www.gonhs.org/

[RayE]

Originally Posted by Simon Wates

I lived in Gibraltar in 1981-3 and then nearby in Spain for many years.At the time you are visiting the raptor migration will be past the peak numbers there will still be very large numbers and a great diversity.

The raptor migration from Gibraltar itself can be frustrating - something like 9 out of 10 days it is much much better from further along the Strait in Spain - as far as Tarifa (about 25kms from Gib).

For Gibraltar - this site is a must: http://www.gonhs.org/

Thanks Simon. Whats the public transport like between Gibralter and Tarifa.

[Simon Wates]

From La Linea - adjacent to Gibraltar in Spain there is a regular service along the coastal towns. You should get a bus to Tarifa (maybe have to change in Algerciras) and get off depending on the wind direction and strength - basiacally with strong west (called poniente) you should get off at Pelayo and walk back 2kms to the Algorrobo watchpoint (I'm not sure if the bus stops before Pelayo somewhere nearer - but you could ask the driver). If the wind is from the east (levante) you should go right to Tarifa itself or get off 4kms ish before at La Cazalla watchpoint (bear in mind none of these watchpoints are near to bars or shops so you should go prepared). If the wind is calm, Tarifa side is probably better or the middle of the straits around El Cuarton (where I used to live).

[RayE]

Originally Posted by Simon Wates

From La Linea - adjacent to Gibraltar in Spain there is a regular service along the coastal towns. You should get a bus to Tarifa (maybe have to change in Algerciras) and get off depending on the wind direction and strength - basiacally with strong west (called poniente) you should get off at Pelayo and walk back 2kms to the Algorrobo watchpoint (I'm not sure if the bus stops before Pelayo somewhere nearer - but you could ask the driver). If the wind is from the east (levante) you should go right to Tarifa itself or get off 4kms ish before at La Cazalla watchpoint (bear in mind none of these watchpoints are near to bars or shops so you should go prepared). If the wind is calm, Tarifa side is probably better or the middle of the straits around El Cuarton (where I used to live).

Excellent, thanks

[John Cantelo]

Busses are roughly half hourly between La Linea and Algeciras. From Algeciras to Tarifa buses run regularly:-.
Algeciras -> Tarifa
07.05, 08.45, 10.15, 11.45, 13.15, 14.45, 16.15, 18.00, 19.30, 21.00
The bus company concerned is 'Comes' and timetables may be found at www.tgcomes.es/rutas.htm
You should be able to get off at various points along the route and although known watchpoints are the obvious points, you might do just as well to get off somewhere like Pelayo/Huerta Grande. You might find my notes on birding Cadiz province are useful although they are aime at those with their own car. Send me a PM with your email address & I'll send them to you. Check the GONHS site to see if they're doing any field trips that week - I'm sure if you joiup they might be able to arrange transport.

From Algeciras Linesur buses also run north to Alcala de los Gazules-Jerez-Seville. Here you could walk into the wooded hills - about an hour from the village. See -www.activagest.com/linesur/horarios.htm

Local buses from Jerez run to Sanlucar and then onto Bonanza-Algaida (every 20 mins or so), but this would be a long tiresome journey.

[Simon Wates]

Yes, as John says, around Pelayo and Huerta Grande is nice - you could walk just 2 or 3 kms further on to El Cuarton/Hotel Meson de Sancho (from here onwards the views are wider - you can see more sea and brilliant views of Morocco) and on to the tourist viewpoint (where there is a little bar). Along the way you could explore a little north and south of the road for other birds.

I should have mentioned that with very strong westerlies Gibraltar is often one of the best spots for seeing large numbers of raptors.

[RayE]

Thanks. Looking forward to a good week.

[John Cantelo]

... one other thing ... have a look on Google Earth 'wikiloc' (click on box under 'Gallery') for footpaths in the area. The walk down to Guadalmesi from the N340 is a particular favourite. A careful look at 'Streetview' should also give you an idea where the bus stops are to be found,

[occasional]

For some reason the excellent advice that you are being given seems to omit two tracks (or at least one track which bifurcates) which run from just west of Huerta Grade in Pelayo to Punta Carnero and to Guadalmesi.

The tracks are not necessarily particularly good for anything but vultures, but they are a lot more pleasant than walking along the road and the Cerro de Tambor on the way to Guadalmesi is an excellent watchpoint.

[Simon Wates]

Guadalmesi is well worth a visit in the autumn and the walk down can be very entertaining but it is sometimes very special in the spring when panting northbound raptors arrive there - especially Honey Buzzards and ST Eagles, sometimes just a metre or two above the shore.

[Simon Wates]

Originally Posted by occasional

For some reason the excellent advice that you are being given seems to omit two tracks (or at least one track which bifurcates) which run from just west of Huerta Grade in Pelayo to Punta Carnero and to Guadalmesi.

The tracks are not necessarily particularly good for anything but vultures, but they are a lot more pleasant than walking along the road and the Cerro de Tambor on the way to Guadalmesi is an excellent watchpoint.

Very true! Also, going north of El Cuarton to the hilltops can be fun - in the spring there are breeding Bonelli's Warblers and a nice selection of woodland and scrubland birds.

Further afield, north of Tarifa you have many other great spots for more species

[gibman]

Originally Posted by RayE

Going there for the first time with Lynn, she went on about it that much I give in. Never been before but would be good to meet other birders who have been there before or haven't. Ray.

Hi Ray
I have only just read your post. I have always lived in gibraltar and have been birding here for the last 32 years so have experienced over 60 migrations have also been birding in nearby Spain for 30 years and consider it my local patch. Send me a personal message and i will be able to give you as much up to date advise as you need. My email is jpacolina@gibtelecom.net.

Regards Paul.

[occasional]

Gibman,

As it might be of general interest could you tell us which is Windmill Hill, and where is the observatory ?

[gibman]

Originally Posted by occasional

Gibman,

As it might be of general interest could you tell us which is Windmill Hill, and where is the observatory ?

Hi
Windmill Hill is situated on the southern side and is the flat grounds just above Europa point. The area is usually the first landing point for birds after having crossed the straits,hence why it can be very good for migrants. This site is a military area so has restricted access.
The Straits of Gibraltar bird Observatory which is what i presume you are asking for is right at the southern entrance of the Nature reserve. There are signs all around Gib towards the nature reserve.At the momment it is being manned from January right up to the first week in May with daily ringing and there being somebody there monitoring raptor migration weather permitting. Birders are always welcome for info on the latest bird sightings of in and around the area.

[occasional]

Thanks, Gibman.

Please could you describe where the nature reserve is located - top of rock, half way up, south end etc..