What an incredible start to our Morocco birdwatching adventure!
Our day began bright and early in Marrakesh. After a hearty breakfast, our group of eight birders from across the UK met our guide Hamid at 7:30 a.m., outside our city-centre hotel. With excitement building, we set off toward the High Atlas Mountains.
Today wasn’t about chasing a huge species list; it was about quality birding in one of Morocco’s most spectacular landscapes.
As we left the city behind, early morning mist hung over the valleys while the road climbed steadily into the mountains. Soon, the sun began to break through, revealing dramatic views of snow-capped peaks towering above us. After navigating winding mountain roads, we reached a deserted ski resort.
It might have been quiet for skiers, but it certainly wasn’t quiet for birds.
Almost immediately, we were greeted by flocks of Red-billed Chough and Alpine Chough feeding along the roadside.
Alpine Chough
ChoughAfrican Crimson-winged Finches and Atlas Horned Larks crept about almost under our feet. Rock Sparrows and Rock Buntings kept appearing, and a pair of Black Wheatears showed up nicely.
Atlas Horned LarkDown by the river, Dippers and Water Pipits foraged along the edges. Every building seemed to host its own pair of Black Redstarts and Rock Sparrows.
Rock Sparrow
One bird, however, remained stubbornly elusive—the Alpine Accentor. We scanned rooftops, walls and rocky slopes for ages without success. Then, suddenly, a shout came out from the group, and there it was! The much-wanted Alpine Accentor giving us prolonged views. High-fives all round as another mountain speciality went onto the trip list.
Alpine AccentorWith spirits high, we enjoyed a delicious lunch of fresh salads and tagine.
On the descent, we added a few more species, including Coal Tit and Mistle Thrush, before heading lower to search for one of Morocco’s most sought-after birds, the Levaillant’s Woodpecker. Hamid, our tour leader, delivered, leading us straight to a nest hole where we watched the female entering and leaving. Soon, the male appeared too, calling and feeding in full view.
Levaillant’s WoodpeckerA short walk up a nearby valley added calling Crossbills, a lovely pair of Cirl Buntings, and even our first Robin of the trip.
Although we didn’t find Tristram’s Warbler today, something we’re hoping for later in the week, we certainly weren’t disappointed.
Stunning scenery, fantastic birds, brilliant guiding, and great company. A perfect start to our Morocco birding tour.
