Birding Marrakech

Apart from the White Storks there are other birds to be found amongst this lively North African metropolis of Marrakech. Common Bulbul and House Buntings are common, with both these birds seen daily on our rooftop garden terrace, along with odd Spotless Starling.

Common Swifts are numerous and fill the skies, with many pairs breeding in the holes in the walls of El Badi Palace, whilst less in number Palid Swift can also be found, along with a speciality of the region Little Swift - I saw most of these birds around the main square Jemaa El Fna. I also managed to pick out a couple of Red-rumped Swallows amongst the migrating Barn Swallows.

Having access to a roof top terrace can also be an excellent vantage point for sky watching - especially if you have the use of a sun lounger (well I was on holiday) with a good chance of a flyover raptor. One afternoon I saw several Black Kites and then got lucky with a low and close Booted Eagle right over the top of the riad. And with one or two Cattle Egrets adding into the mix, it's a great way of relaxing for a couple of hours in the Moroccan sun - especially when you have a refreshing pot of sweet mint tea by your side.