During my search along the track which gives spectacular views of the valley another sought after species was noted Atlas Shorelark. A rather smart bird which was present from the lake and the slopes leading off the track.
A Short Toed Eagle seemed to cause some concern amongst the goat herders all jumping to their feet when this raptor appeared! But in the blink of an eye the bird had moved on and calm returned to the valley!
During my time in the mountains the Red Billed Chough was the more regular of the Chough species. I have seen reports where this trend is reversed in favour of the Alpine.
I'm not sure if there is any particular reason for the switch in numbers.
The Parc de Ouikaimenden held a good number of the more regular species but I guess there is always the potential for future splits particularly at this altitude! It was pleasant walking through the pines in search of Atlas Coal Tit, Short Toed Treecreeper, Firecrest, African Blue Tit and Great Tit.
The race up to the ski slopes was momentarily halted by a line of Red Rumped Swallow on the wires.
The gardens of my hotel were also busy with birds a calling Cuckoo on two mornings was a nice addition to the trip list!
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