Anna, Dag, Joan, Sue, Jim, Janet and Elena
Following a recent cold spell the snowy Axarquian peaks of Maromar and el Lucero provided a spectacular backdrop to today´s walk above the white village of Corumbela.
Click on this photo to see a map and details about the walk.
Click on this photo to see a map and details about the walk.
 Snow on Maromar to the North... |  ...and on el Lucero to the East |
It must be unusual to see snow on these hills on May 1st. but it has been an unusually cold and wet winter. It has not been without benefit though, the reservoirs are all full so ensuring the water supply for a few years at least, and it has enabled those of us who like skiing to continue even into May in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, from where we can see the coast of Africa on a clear day.
Common Blue -
The weather was just warm enough today to bring out some butterflies, including Common Blue, Speckled Wood, Large and Small Whites, Moroccan Orange Tip, Clouded Yellow, Small Copper and a I picked up a single Scarce Swallowtail.
 Moroccan orange Tip -  Speckled Wood - |  Scarce swallowtail -  Clouded Yellow - |
Booted Eagle -
As usual, hiking in the hills is not good for birding. I did see a few Kestrels, a single Booted Eagle, lots of hirundines including Barn and Red-rumped Swallows, and Common and Pallid Swifts. We all heard a Cuckoo calling and were treated to the song of a Nightingale as we ate lunch at a restaurant by a stream near the village of Arces, very nice.
