The area in and around Montejaque is famous for both indigenous birds such as the Griffon Vulture and Bonellis Eagle and the fact that it is a migratory route for numerous species that fly between Europe and Africa. The species of birds found are many and varied with birds of prey including the Golden Eagle, Imperial Eagle and Goshawk

By virtue of its location, Montejaque is visited by migratory birds all through the year, the list of them being too numerous to mention on this web page but the surrounding areas teem with Common House Martins, Corn Buntings, Goldfinches, Crested Larks and Swallows. During one visit to the cottage, one bird watcher wrote of a Hoopoe 'taking up residence in the area surrounding the swimming pool' for over a week.

A quote from a visitor - May 2006:

"It was great to be back in Montejaque and we really enjoyed the longer stay this year. Highlights of our holiday included the visits to Ronda, Zahara, Grazelama and Setenil. Birds were again prominent, especially Honey Buzzards, which passed through on most days with a huge count of 800+ over Montejaque on 12 May. Lesser Kestrels nesting in the Tajo de Ronda and on Setenil castle showed well. A Scops Owl called from nearby the cottage as we left at 0600 on Friday."

A quote from the same visitors returning in September 2007:

"A Scops Owl was calling near the cottage as we left for home in May last year. This time, an Eagle Owl was calling from near the edge of the village at 2:00am on 3rd September. Honey Buzzards moved south towards Gibraltar in small numbers between 6th and 8th September. Other raptors seen locally included a pair each Bonelli's Eagles on Mount Hacho and Algarrobo (on either side of the village) and several Short-Toed and Booted Eagles. Bee Eaters were the most predominant migrant with flocks of between 10 to 50 flying south each day. Olibaceous Warbler was the scarcest of six species of Warbler we found locally. Our trip to Arcos produced a fine Osprey at the Embalse (reservoir) de Arcos. Also of note were around 100 alpine swifts going to roost in the Cueva del Gato next to the rail line."

Books on birds found in this area are kept at the cottage.

If you are a broadband user and wish to see more bird photographs, please click here.

The mountain village of Montejaque is an ideal base for walking in and around the Grazelama National Park. Walks range from a 10 minute stroll to a full day hike from the doorstep of the cottage. There are numerous tracks providing spectacular scenery. A true delight.

Details of at least 10 walks, together with 2 books explaining other walks in the area, including detailed maps are available at the cottage.

© Copyright 2007