The Roof of Cordoba

In the Sierra Subbética lies La Tiñosa, the highest peak in the province at 1568 metre above sea level. While the peaks are not home to a wide variety of birds they do hold some of the harder to find species in Coroba. 

Starting at the village of Las Lagunillas we followed the dirt road that leads to Cortijo Alto. Along the way we saw a Green Woodpecker searching for food on the ground among the olive trees. We passed through the farm, but were advised by the farmer that there is a newer path, which avoids having to cut through the farmyard and dodging the dogs. 

Iberian Green Woodpecker

The mountain loomed above, although the peak remained out of sight at this point. The path started with a gentle climb and we passed the ruins of Cortijo Cañatienda. Here Thekla Larks were seen on the path, darting away to safety as we approached. 

Ruins of Cortijo Cañatienda

Thekla Lark

After a while we came to a fence which we crossed and then turned right following the path towards the mountain. Stonechats sang from their high perches, marking their territory. 

Stonechat

We also saw a pair of Rock Buntings in this area. The males are a fantastic looking bird, with their chestnut chest and humbug heads.

Rock Bunting

As we arrived at the rock face, the climb got a little more challenging and at times we were reduced to scrambling up boulders on our hands and knees. We were rewarded for our effort with the sight of Alpine Accentors. These birds love high altitudes and I believe this is the only place you can find them in the province. Black Wheatears also hold territory in this land of rocks and scrubs. We watched as the flew from rock to rock, occasionally ducking into the shrub to find an insect to eat.

Black Wheatear

We skirted round the side of the mountain and reached the Morrión Cave which offered spectacular views of the area we had just climbed. 

View from Morrión Cave

As we climbed further the birdlife declined as the top of the mountain is quite exposed. However, while enjoying the views from the top another Alpine Accentor appeared within metres of us hopping around the ground looking for insects. However, after a few minutes the sharp wind forced to retreat back down the mountain. 

The nearby area has various other trails worth exploring. Fuente del Puerto del Cerezo is a gentler walk but offers sublime views of the Subbética nonetheless. The peak here is home to a colony of Griffon Vultures which glided effortlessly over our heads. A pair of Golden Eagles appeared to be nesting here as well and didn’t seem too bothered by the presence of so many vultures, often riding the same thermals together. 

Puerto del Cerezo