The Imperial Eagle

Hides de Calera (Day 3, AM) - 14.10.2025

This morning I'm just outside a village called Navalcan with the Gredos mountain range in the distance the first opportunity where we are hoping for an encounter with the Spanish Imperial Eagle, other target species I’m hoping to see is the Egyptian Mongoose that’s also been taking advantage of the free offerings.

Very much like the Valley Hide visited the previous day I’m high up on a crag with panoramic views overlooking the vast open countryside preferred by many of the larger birds of prey. In front is a large pine tree where the eagles will use to check out the immediate area to ensure all is safe before coming closer. 

First to arrive are several Raven’s grabbing all they can before being seen off by the larger birds of prey. Red Kite’s swoop down rather than land taking their share and eating on the wing, a couple of Common Buzzards noticeable smaller in comparison to the larger eagles just sit in a tree and wait for an opportunity.

Eventually a couple of Imperial Eagles appear and land in the favoured pine a little to far for any decent images, then one deciding it’s safe to come a little closer but only staying for only a short time never to reappear again for remainder of my time.

Now the activity is quite probably a good time for an appearance of a mustelid that seems completely out of place in Spain, an Egyptian Mongoose. I didn’t have to wait too long for it to arrive, but it’s quick, very quick. Never staying long enough for the ideal full shot but it’s the best on the day. 

 

Raven

Spanish Imperial Eagle

Red Kite

Egyptian Mongoose