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As the Strait of Gibraltar is the narrowest crossing point for birds migrating to and from Europe and Africa, the Rock offers unrivalled bird watching opportunities. Gibraltar also has its permanent residents such as the Barbary Partridge, which originally was only to be found in North Africa. Over 200 species of birds have been recorded, many of which are migratory.

Birdwatching

Zoe
2005-12-15 21:37:05

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As the Strait of Gibraltar is the narrowest crossing point for birds migrating to and from Europe and Africa, the Rock offers unrivalled bird watching opportunities. Gibraltar also has its permanent residents such as the Barbary Partridge, which originally was only to be found in North Africa. Over 200 species of birds have been recorded, many of which are migratory.

Gibraltar, at the head of the Strait, is a prominent headland, which accumulates migrants during the passage periods. The vegetation on the Rock, unique in southern Iberia, provides a temporary home for many species of migratory birds that stop to rest and feed before continuing migration for their crossing over the desert and sea. In spring they return to replenish before continuing their journeys to Western Europe, journeys which may take them as far as Greenland or Russia.

The bird watching high season extends from February to June, and from July to October, although interesting species can be seen throughout the year. For example, Gibraltar also has its permanent residents such as the Barbary Partridge, not found anywhere else on the mainland of Europe.

Full details of the bird passage through Gibraltar can be found on the Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society website: www.gib.gi/gonhs

For spectacular migratory movements, visits should be made during the main passage periods, although the species to be seen depends very much on the month.

February - March

February to March is good for Cory Shearwater, Black Kite and Short-toed Eagle.

March – April

During late March to April there is a good variety of passage raptors including Black Kite, Egyptian Vulture, Short-toed Eagle, Marsh and Montagu’s Harriers, Buzzard, Booted Eagle and Osprey.

April – May

Are excellent for migrating passerines and large falls occur ...