This report, of the recent GPOG trip to the coast, southern desert and High Atlas mountains of Morocco, is intended to compliment that of fellow travellers who have already posted some of our highlights, including Peter Beesley  – check out his fabulous photos, and the more comprehensive trip report, currently under construction.

Twelve GPOG (Greater Peterborough Ornithology Group) members, aged 17 to 70+, departed Luton at  lunchtime on Sunday 12th Feb., returning on the evening of Friday 17th. Our trip took us west from Marrakech to Agadir, south to Guelmim, north east to the High Atlas and back to Marrakech, to complete the round trip of 1500 kilometers. In Agadir we stayed three nights at the Iberostar, Founty Beach – good quality and very good value, exploring the coast from Tamri in the north, south to Oued Massa. On Wednesday we travelled south to Guelmim, exploring the desert sites to the south and east of the town. We stayed at the new HAM, Hotel Adil Moussafir, on the northern edge of town – good standard (but alcohol free). The following day we had an extremely long transfer to the ski resort of Oukaimeden via the Sous valley and the never ending winding mountain road through Tagoundaft and Asni. We stayed at the excellent Hotel Le Courchevel – a really friendly staff, superb food and ‘on your doorstep’ alpine birding – highly recommended. Our last day was spent birding the High Atlas mountains and a gentle run down to the airport.

We saw a total of 140+ species, with something new for everyone – most of the ‘expected’ species with one or two surprises thrown in. Here is my selection:

Bald Ibis – rare, strange and accessible – what a great start to our trip!

Blue Rock Thrush with Thekla Lark

White Wagtail of the distinctive Moroccan sub-species – the only one we saw.

One of a pair of Bonelli’s Eagle, seen in Paradise Valley

How many GPOG members does it take to change a wheel? Answer, none – the friendly taxi drivers did it!

Brown-throated Martin, found accidentally at a crossing of the upper Massa river, whilst trying to locate the ‘proper site’ in Dave Gosney’s Guide to Morocco, coast and mountains

Moussier’s Redstart – when you get tired of looking at these ‘beauties’ it’s time to hang your bins up!

Black-shouldered Kite – too close to focus!

First of the days interesting species, Long-legged Buzzard

Red-rumped Wheatear – one of the more easily photographed desert species

House Bunting in the evening sunshine

Great Grey Shrike of the ‘elegans’ race

Seen in a half-hour ‘purple patch’ on the stoney plains, north of Tiznit – four Cream-coloured Coursers (birder’s equivalent to ‘Where’s Wally?’), and three species of Sandgrouse

Together with Crimson-winged Finch, these Horned Lark were truely the highlights of a fantastic early morning bird watch around the ski resort of Oukaimeden

…apart from this little beauty that is – Levaillant’s Green Woodpecker!

Generally agreed to be amongst the best of the many GPOG trips, Morocco lived up to it’s promise and I’m pretty sure we’ll be back!