Destinations
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Tarifa and Gibraltar 5 – 12 September 2012
Watching whales and seabirds
Sailing the waters between the two continents provides a great opportunity to observe the area’s unique marine ecosystem. This area is not only notable for migrating birds but also important feeding grounds for many marine mammals. Long-finned pilot whales, common, bottlenose and striped dolphins are all regularly encountered and orca can sometimes be seen in early September. We will take a boat trip into the strait to witness these animals at close quarters while ensuring we do not disturb their normal behaviour. Offshore we will also be able to catch sight of several seabird species, especially Cory’s shearwaters.
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Other wildlife
In early September southern Spain is, inevitably, rather parched, so the range of wild flowers is limited. Pictured below and right are some of those in flower: the Colchicum and the sea daffodil are autumn flowering specialities.
Colchicum lusitanicum, sea daffodil Pancratium maritimum; morning glory
Ipomoea purpurea
This time of year Egyptian locusts are fairly numerous, including wingless nymphs, which intriguingly have no wings but do have the typical striped eyes of the species (pictured, right). The chameleon was in the hands of a specialist, on its way to being released.
Egyptian locust, praying mantis at Huerta Grande; chameleon. See a movie of the praying mantis here or by clicking on the picture.
Long-finned pilot whales, above and below.
All photos on this page from September 2011.
Geranium bronze on aromatic inula Dittrichia viscosa
Egyptian locust nymph
