Exploring our corner of Morocco, we caught sight of some Kestrels. They were nesting high above the Anogual valley here in the Atlas Mountains. All together there were five or six individuals flying around. Deep in a crack in the limestone we saw one poking its head out, presumably this is where its nest is.

The limestone gorge is an unusual feature of this valley, and is not just home to kestrels. It also provides shelter for many other birds and lizards. It is one of the many bands of limestone to cut through the foothills, presumably the remains of the ancient seabed of the Tethys sea. The clash of continents which resulted in the formation of today’s Atlas mountain geology will have pushed up and broken this seabed, leaving the bands of limestone we see today. More on that in another post.

On our return through the gorge, we had a treat when in addition to the kestrels an eagle turned up and was quickly mobbed by some local crows.

Its really great to get a sight of these fast flying falcons. They are quite common in the lower foothills of the Atlas. There is also at least one pair nesting in the Imlil valley which we saw on our last trek through there, as we were passing through towards Toubkal.

The sight of these lovely raptors is something that you may see if you book one of our Nature Walks