Vultures nest and roost on the huge cliffs in the El Chorro gorge and on another cliff near Bobastro. They are an extrordinary sight when flying with a massive wingspan of up to 3metres! As well as the Griffon and Egyptian vultures, other birds of prey found in the area are Bonelli’s, Booted and Short-toed eagles, There are also Kestrels, Peregrines and occasionally Golden Eagles.

Alongside the river in El Chorro you can see different types of Blue Rock Thrushes, Warblers, Black Wheatears and Rock Buntings together with a large number of other species throughout the year. The pine trees surrounding the lakes and rivers hold Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Crested Tits, Nuthatches, Jays, Crossbills and Short-toes Treecreepers.

Further afield In the north of the area is the Laguna de Fuente de Piedra, a famous lagoon. It is the largest natural lake in the Iberian Peninsula at 2.5km wide and 6.5km long, it is a haven for over 170 different species. As well as large quantities of aquatic birds, it is famous for its flamingo population, the second largest gathering of these birds in Europe, it is the only inland site on the continent where they breed.

They flock here in huge numbers to reproduce, drawn by the high salt content of the water and the shallowness. The lake fills up in winter and covers around 15km², but can virtually dry out in summer. In 1988 it was a declared a protected zone for birds. There is a lakeside visitors' centrewith a path around the lakes. You can hire bikes here to get you round the lake. There is plenty of information about the lake here. Guided tours are also available.