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

Grendos View

Hides de Calera (Day 2, AM)  Valley Hide - 13.10.2025

Today we are heading toward the Grendos mountain range to what’s called the “Valley Hide” primarily for vultures and other possible large raptors. The hide is located on top of a large gorge with expansive views over the gorge and countryside with the Grendos mountains in the distance.

The landscape is rugged and brown due to the prolonged period without rain, the trees autumn like sporting hues of yellow’s, orange and browns, coupled with the low early morning yellow sun creating long shadows, it could be challenging getting any descent images !

On arrival there are already several fox waiting to take advantage of the up and coming free offerings, I count five in total, some grey and a single brown animals. The fox grab what they can before the ever vigilant vultures arrive, one vulture arrives then more and more, it’s a free for all a feeding frenzy !

The best photo option is to wait and just watch the spectacle and when things calm down a bit you can pick your shot. Both Griffon and Black vultures are present the BV less so in number's maybe just three. Raven’s dance around the periphery trying to grab what they can cheekily harassing the vultures, the fox by this time have given up and sit well back occasional making a dash for a morsel.

Apart from several Red Kites zooming in picking the last remaining offerings the activity is over after maybe just twenty minuets, the vultures happy now just to sit and look out over the vastness of the countryside looking for the next opportunity. 

This afternoon it’s Hawfinch !…wow can’t wait.  

Fox 

Griffon Vulture

Black Vulture

Raven