Gibraltar

Gibraltar

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As the Strait of Gibraltar is the narrowest crossing point for birds migrating to and from Europe and Africa, the Rock offers great bird watching opportunities.

Added* by Joseph Paul Acolina
Most recent update 6 January 2021

Description

In Gibraltar 315 species of birds have been recorded, many of which are migratory. Gibraltar, at the head of the Strait, is a prominent headland, which accumulates migrants during the passage periods. Migration of soaring birds & seabirds occurs almost year-round and the sheer numbers can be impressive in the peak seasons March-May & August-October. Birds of prey such as European Honey-buzzard, Black Kite, Short-toed Snake Eagle, Booted Eagle and Griffon Vulture. But also White Stork, Cory's Shearwater and Audouin's Gull pass in their thousands, with smaller numbers of Egyptian Vulture, Western Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier and Montagu's Harrier, Sparrowhawk, Osprey, Eleonora's Falcon, Black Stork and others. But many more birds pass here, are resident or summer or winter visitor. See the birdlist below. Gibraltar’s most emblematic breeding bird is the Barbary Partridge, which is found nowhere else in mainland Europe. The species is not easy to see, but patient observers may well encounter them in the Gibraltar Nature Reserve.

Details

Access

The Rock of Gibraltar is a 5 km long and 1 km wide limestone promontory. The summit ridge, rising to 426m, offers superb views the Strait of Gibraltar. The Moroccan shore is only 20 km away and views often extend to the Rif Mountains beyond. Key places to visit in Gibraltar are the bird observatory and ringing station at Jews' Gate (run by the Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society); the Summit Ridge, Botanic Garden, North Front Cemetery and Europa Point. The key places are marked on the map. You also see a 5 km circular walk around the summit ridge on the map. There are of course other walks possible, but this walk combined with the key places, gives you good chances to see a good selection of birds.

Terrain and Habitat

Mountain , Canyon/cliff , City/village

Conditions

Mountainous , Open landscape

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Autumn migration , Spring migration

Route

Paved road , Wide path , Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

Extra info

The Strait of Gibraltar Bird Observatory is a branch of the Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society (GONHS) which was founded in 1976. Its aims are to foster the study and protection of wildlife and the natural environment in the area of the Straits of Gibraltar. The Observatory monitors migration of seabirds, raptors, storks, and passerines and holds a database of records since 1964. Activities also include an intense passerine ringing programme, and accomodation for visiting ringers or observers are located within the Upper Rock Nature Reserve from where spectacular views of migrating soaring birds can be seen. Ringing is carried out on days of suitable weather from February to June and August to November. For more info see the website of GONHS (see the link below)

Links