MOROCCO TRIP-MARRAKESH TO AGADIR-DAY 2

Up early before sunrise to make the most of the daylight, we left Marrakesh in the dark and headed south to Lalla Takerkoust Reservoir.

Takerkoust Reservoir

Our first stop produced a singing Common Cuckoo, a great start to the day! Sardinian Warbler and European Serin were also active in the early morning light.

Sardinian Warbler

At the lake, we found three Ruddy Shelduck on the water while Little Swift and Pallid Swift flew overhead.

Pallid Swift

A smart Black Redstart showed well, and a very confiding Little Owl and Laughing Dove posed nicely for photos.

Little Owl 

Laughing Dove

Two Rock Sparrows gave excellent close views, and several Plain Martins were zipping around the lake.

Plain Martin

Rock Sparrow

Exploring some nearby fields proved productive with Woodchat Shrike, Subalpine Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Whinchat and Iberian Chiffchaff. 

Subalpine Warbler

Woodchat Shrike

A short walk through a village brought friendly greetings from locals and plenty of House Bunting around the houses. Highlights here included a stunning Blue Rock Thrush and a pair of Black Wheatear.

Back at the lake, we saw Little Ringed Plover and several Green Sandpiper. The stars of the area were several beautiful male Moussier’s Redstart feeding in the lakeside bushes. Two Barbary Partridges also showed briefly. Then, an unforgettable moment, a superb Osprey perched on a telegraph pole, eating a large fish!

Moussier’s Redstart

Barbary Partridge

Osprey

In the afternoon, we explored the Agafay Desert, where persistence paid off with several singing Greater Short-toed Larks.

Before returning the hire car, we enjoyed a quick walk around Menara Gardens in Marrakesh, where several striking Maghreb Magpies gave a perfect end to a great day of birding.

Maghreb Magpie

Tomorrow we head into the mountains… looking forward to what we might find!