The griffon vulture Gyps fulvus, is one of the largest raptors in the Iberian Peninsula. This scavenger bird, nests in great cliffs on ledges and caves most of the time, in colonies that can acomodate dozens of nests. In spanish they are called “Buitreras”
The Grifon Vulture Gyps fulvusIn our environment, the most important areas for reproduction are located in the El Cuera Mountain Range Protected Area, the Peñamellera Peak and the National Park of Picos de Europa.
Birdwatchers in the Peñamellera Peak
In general, due to the large number of areas suitable for the location of their nests, the colonies don’t use to be big. The bigger ones are around 5-6 nests
The Aegyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus is also a scavenger bird, but he´s able to catch little preys like little snakes, lizards and even little birds. Unlike the other vultures this is a migratory bird. He reproduces in the Peninsula, and spends winter in Africa
The Aegyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterusIt is white with a black rim on the wings. It’s a little bit smaller than a Griffon Vulture and not breeding in colonies. Their nests use to be located in lonely and difficult holes on cliffs.
TOUR DESCRIPTION: As stated above, the most abundant Buitreras are located in the immediate surroundings of Río Aliso Rural Apartments and have around 5 and 6 nests. This is because there are a lot of areas in which is easy to find suitable points for nesting.
We´ll visit 2 of the Buitreras at least. It depends of the state of nests and development of chicken in each moment. In this sense it´s essential to be aware that not to disturb birds, particularly in their breading season is a priority.
TOUR DESCRIPTION: As stated above, the most abundant Buitreras are located in the immediate surroundings of Río Aliso Rural Apartments and have around 5 and 6 nests. This is because there are a lot of areas in which is easy to find suitable points for nesting.
We´ll visit 2 of the Buitreras at least. It depends of the state of nests and development of chicken in each moment. In this sense it´s essential to be aware that not to disturb birds, particularly in their breading season is a priority.
Birdwatchers in the boundary of the National Park of Picos de Europa trying to observe a "buitrera"Also we´ll try to visualize the Aegyptian Vultures. Although the specific locations of the nest usually change every year, in the surrounds of the apartments 1 and 2, pairs use to nest every year.
One Aegyptian Vulture Neoprhon percnopterus sitting in the Peñamellera Peak
A pair of Aegyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus next their nest, In El Cuera Mountain Range Protected AreaFinally it is important to know that during the journey many other bird species can be watched: Black Kite, Red Kite, Short-toed Eagle, Common Buzzard, Rough-legged Buzzard, Golden Eagle…etc
A pair og Golden Eagles Aquila chrysaetos sitting in a tree near the National Park of Picos de Europa
