Day 3

Tarifa

Today will be in two parts

Part one

Foundation for the Information and Research of Marine Mammals. (FIRMM).

There are a few tour operators offering whale-watching trips within the Strait. The operator we use is the Foundation for the Information and Research of Marine Mammals, FIRMM. They employ the same ethics that we as a company believe in. All their proceeds go towards research that is used towards the conservation of cetaceans all across the globe. They are extremely knowledgeable and very professional.

We will be using either a 12 or 24 seat boat depending on the time of year, wherever possible we will be using the smaller boat, as it tends to be a more personable experience. A full safety briefing is given before the trip and all safety equipment is provided. There will be a biologist on board who is both a specialist and informative.

There are a few cetaceans to be seen in the area, including Striped and Common dolphins, both of which breed within the Bay of Gibraltar (Perez 2006). One thing we cannot promise is sightings of any animal, they are wild, but with the knowledge and expertise of FIRMM they offer the best chance possible. They offer us a free trip if nothing is seen first time round which we will factor into the itinerary. On our last visit we had excellent views of two pods of Long-finned pilot whales including mothers and their calves.

Further out into the Strait there is the chance of seeing pelagics and species not found in the Bay. With this in mind always keep your eyes scanning not just the sea but the skies as well. Here there is the chance to see Fin, Killer and Long-finned pilot whales. There are other species that are occasionally seen such as, Sunfish and White Shark the trip itself lasts for approximately three hours. Be warned, it can get a little chilly out in the Strait and there is a fair amount of spray thrown up, so remember appropriate protection for both you and your equipment. (See equipment list). Even when cloudy, when on the water the chance of sunburn increases, so a hat and plenty of sunscreen is advisable.

On return to the harbour there will be the chance to visit FIRMMS office, which gives you the opportunity to ask any further questions, and you may want to purchase something to remind you of your cetacean experience. All proceeds of which go directly to FIRMM. Then (pack lunch) or lunch in one of the typically Andalucian local bars.

Part Two

Our first afternoon stop will be to a new nature reserve that has been created by the registered charity Siren, who works with local conservation groups, local people and a conservancy of landowners to protect and educate people about this unique part of coastland. A short minibus ride will see us in Bolonia Cove. Here there are the extensive ruins of the Roman town Baelo Claudia. They are said to be one of the most extensive and best examples found in Europe. It was built in the second century BC, and its growth was down to the richness of the surrounding sea, which was full of mackerel and tuna. These were the basic ingredients of a concoction called garum, which was to the Romans what caviar is to us today.

Birds and Wildlife:

This site is situated along Spain 's Costa de la Luz, "The Coast of Light", in the region of Tarifa. The beaches along this stretch are composed of fine sand with impressive dune ecosystems. Behind the beaches there is a mix of habitats, the further inland you go. There are barren hillsides, rough pasture, and stands of coastal scrub each offering us the chance of seeing some exciting birds and other wildlife.

As we walk on through this area we will be moving inland, towards the Sierra de la Plato's, to find ourselves walking through stands of Stone pine. When looking down onto the top of these pines you can see where they get their name, they appear to stretch out in front like a strange green rockscape. All around on the hillsides during the spring is a riot of colour from the masses of wild flowers that adorn the hillsides. Watercourses wind down the hillsides cutting a path of least resistance whose banks are lined with Oleanders that in the summer are covered in vibrant pink flowers.

This diversity of habitats will allow us to see a varied mix of birds and other wildlife. For birders there is the chance of seeing the five species of swift, Common swift, Pallid swift, Alpine swift, White-rumped swift and lastly little swift. This is probably the only place in Europe that the latter is known. The Little swift is normally found frequenting tropical Africa and this site is the first and only place in Europe it has bred.

Some of the Birds of Interest Found as this Site

Kentish plover, Griffon vulture, Blue-rock thrush and Zitting Cistocola

Egyptian vulture, Short-toed eagle, Montagu harrier, Booted eagle, Lesser kestrel, Short-toed lark, Tawny pipit, Rufus-bush chat, Black-eared wheatear and Ortolan bunting. Black stork, waders, Eleonoras falcon, Great-spotted cuckoo and numerous species of passerines.

<< < Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 > >>