Mediterranean birds

I would argue that birds make the Mediterranean for a natural historian, especially in southern Spain. Here, the pinch-point of the Straits of Gibraltar focus migrant birds through a narrow channel, so that during the Spring and Autumn the diversity of species is unparalleled in western Europe. Species range from vultures and eagles to warblers and hirundines, and a visit to this area is a must for anyone interested in wildlife. My personal favourites are the griffon vultures, just for sheer, impressive size.