The breathtaking Moroccan landscape is home for some of the most wonderful birds in the Western Palearctic. Bald Ibis is one of the rarest; Moussier’s Redstart perhaps the smartest; Cream-coloured Courser the most sought-after? 

Occupying the north-west corner of the African Continent, Morocco is an excellent birdwatching destination. Lakes, marshes, snow-covered mountains, estuaries, forests, scrub and both stone and sand desert will all be visited during this holiday, giving us the widest variety of birds within a relatively small area. The holiday has been planned to show you the maximum number of birds and spend the maximum amount of time birdwatching, rather than travelling and changing hotels. We have therefore chosen to concentrate on the area around Agadir (where we shall spend five nights) and Marrakech (for three nights).

 

Amongst the many resident species that will be starting to breed at the time of our visit is the rare Bald Ibis. A visit to the area that is home to almost the entire wild population will provide a unique sight. It is only hoped that the concerted conservation measures, together with a vigorous captive breeding programme, can help to reverse the downward trend which is threatening the species with extinction.

 

ITINERARY

 

AGADIR

We will take a morning flight to Marrakech, then drive down to the coast at Agadir, for a stay of five nights. From here we will visit the Oued Sous, Oued Massa, Cap Rhir, Tamri and the plain of the River Sous.

 

The River Sous flows into the Atlantic a mere 5 km to the south of Agadir. We can regard it as our 'local patch' during the holiday and may make several visits in search of wintering birds and migrants. A large selection of waders will be present, while gulls and terns are plentiful at low tide, feeding and resting on the exposed mud and sand flats. During an evening visit we will listen for Red-necked Nightjars which breed in scrub and open woodland in the vicinity of the Royal Palace. Stone Curlews can be seen during the day, unobtrusively stalking prey in the dry broken ground. A short walk through woodland and scrub will hopefully reveal both Barbary Partridge and the stunning Moussier's Redstart. Other birds which are regularly seen here include the African race of Cormorant (complete with white underparts), Little Egret, White Stork, Spoonbill, Greater Flamingo, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Osprey, gulls including the beautiful Audouin's and Slender-billed and terns including Gull-billed, Caspian, Whiskered and White-winged Black.

 

Cap Rhir is a major headland a few kilometres to the north. Tracks lead down from the road across rough ground which is good for various wheatears, Moussier's Redstart, Blue Rock Thrush, Spanish Sparrow and House Bunting. The cape itself is probably the best location for seawatching in Morocco and if it is windy we may see Cory's and Balearic Shearwaters, Pomarine, Arctic and Great Skuas. A fine Lesser Crested Tern provided the highlight one year.

 

Tamri is a small village 14 km north of Cap Rhir. A pleasant reed-fringed lagoon is formed as a small stream nears the sea. As well as attracting numerous passage waders, Spoonbills, gulls and terns, the lagoons are one of the best places to see the rapidly declining Waldrapp or Bald Ibis. On one tour, we saw more than half of the world’s breeding population in one flock, with a wonderful bonus of a pair of Barbary Falcons, giving close views, perched and flying.

 

Just south of Agadir, the Oued Massa is one of the most exciting areas for birds in the whole of Morocco and has been a reserve since 1980. The River Massa flows from the centre of the country westwards and enters the Atlantic here. The narrow river widens out to form a small estuary, separated from the sea by sand dunes.

 

Directly south of the Oued Massa is the vast Sahara Desert, stretching from the Atlantic Coast across to Egypt, and south to Senegal. Being the only area of fresh water for many miles, the Oued Massa provides a much needed refuelling stop for numerous trans-Saharan migrants in the spring.

 

A rough track leads along the edge of the estuary to the village of Sidi R'bat. Species present may include Greater Flamingo, Common Crane, Glossy Ibis, Ferruginous Duck and various herons. Near the village we will take a track into the desert to look for Cream-coloured Courser, Black-bellied Sandgrouse and Lesser Short-toed Lark. The scrub is perfect for Black-headed Bush Shrike, and despite having a reputation as a skulking species, we can expect good views. Other African species in the area include Palm Dove and Brown-throated Martin. Both Pallid and Little Swifts regularly hawk insects over the marsh, while Bonelli's Eagle, Common Bulbul, Squacco Heron, Spotless Starling, and Cetti's, Fan-tailed and Sardinian Warblers occur.

 

The marshes hold a variety of waders including both Wood and Green Sandpiper, while herons feeding in the overgrown fish ponds include Squacco and Night Heron and Little Bittern. On a small lake excellent views can be obtained of Garganey and maybe Marbled Duck. We have seen Wild Boar, Egyptian Mongoose and Mediterranean Chameleon here, alongside numerous African butterflies.

 

The plain of the River Sous is inland from Agadir, sandwiched between the High Atlas and the Anti Atlas. It is home to North African endemics such as Fulvous Babbler, recent splits including African Blue Tit and amazingly different subspecies such as the African Chaffinch and blue-faced Common Magpie. Raptors in this area include Black-shouldered Kite and Lanner, while migrant harriers and eagles pass through.

 

Birds of prey will be on our minds when we approach the foothills of the Atlas Mountains and we can scan for Griffon and Egyptian Vultures, Golden, Booted and Bonelli's Eagles, Long-legged Buzzard, Peregrine and Barbary Falcon.

 

On day six we will leave Agadir and drive to Marrakech, our base for the last three nights.

 

MARRAKECH AND THE HIGH ATLAS

The High Atlas Mountains, within easy reach of our second base at Marrakech, offer a combination of breathtaking scenery and exciting birdwatching. Two full days spent in this area will yield a number of localised breeding birds such as Crimson-winged Finch, as well as more widespread high altitude species like Shore Lark. There will also be the opportunity to visit the markets of Marrakech if you wish.

 

A journey to Oukaimeden, a ski resort situated at 8500 feet, will take us in search of high mountain birds. Of these, one of the most sought-after is the Crimson-winged Finch. It is perhaps easier to find this species here than anywhere else in the world. Tristram's Warbler, a smart little bird endemic to the Atlas Mountains, inhabits juniper scrub at a slightly lower elevation. Seebohm’s Wheatear and Levaillant's Green Woodpecker nest around the town of Oukaimeden. The beautiful Shore Lark breeds at altitude while Alpine Accentor is thinly spread. Other birds of the high altitude areas include Black Wheatear, Rock Sparrow, Rock Bunting, Alpine Swift, Black Redstart, Alpine Chough and Red-billed Chough. At a lower altitude we can hope to find Blue Rock Thrush, Little Swift, Red-rumped Swallow, Hoopoe, Firecrest and Subalpine Warbler.

 

Although very rare, Lammergeiers can be seen anywhere in these remote mountains and share the habitat with Bonelli’s and Golden Eagles. One of the best places to see these species is the Tizi-n-Test Pass. The beautiful scenery here, with snow-capped mountains and gushing mountain streams provides one of the many highlights of the trip.

 

On day nine we can have a leisurely start, with no excursions planned, before driving the short distance to the airport, arriving in plenty of time for our return flight home.

 

PACE

Breakfast will be taken at about 7am most mornings, later if the previous day has been tiring. Basic fitness is all that is required. Full days will be spent in the field and short/medium length walks on the flat will be undertaken regularly. In the Atlas Mountains some uphill walks will be undertaken, but at a sensible pace.

 

ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD

Full-board accommodation is provided with five nights in the Hotel Le Tivoli, Agadir and three nights in the Moroccan House Hotel, Marrakech. Rooms are of a very good standard and have en suite facilities. Packed lunches will be taken every day.

 

PRICE INCLUDES …..

All birdwatching excursions with expert leader, full-board accommodation (starting with lunch on 15^th, ending with breakfast on 23^rd), soft drinks at meal times, local transport by mini-coach, reserve entrance fees, international flights and airport taxes.

 

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

Our optional travel insurance, payable at the time of booking. Items of a personal nature, alcoholic drinks, laundry.

 

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS

Return flight from Manchester to Marrakech using the charter services of Thomsonfly. Outbound flight departs early morning, return flight arrives back late afternoon.

 

8 nights:                                 Principal leader:   Maximum group size:   Cost with discount (if you book before 30th November 2008):   Full Cost:   Single supplement:   Deposit:   Insurance premium:

15th to 23rd March 2009   John McLoughlin   10 clients with one leader and a local driver     £1350 per person sharing   £1450 per person sharing   £140   £300   £26 due at time of booking (£39 for age 65 to 69) (£52 for age 70 and over)