The Atlas Mountains and the gorges

We spent a whole day at altitude around the ski resort of Oukaimeden, experiencing snow in Africa, chill winds, bright sunshine and great wildlife.

On the bird front, the star turns included Crimson-winged Finch, Alpine and Red-billed Choughs, Moussier's Redstart, Horned Lark, Dipper, Rock Sparrow and Levaillant's Woodpecker. Also here were our first scorpions, stacks of ants (thanks Will!) and some early spring alpine flowers.

Next day, we crossed the famous Tizi n'Tichka pass, again encountering lots of resident and migrant birds on the way, and descended the south flank of the Atlas. There, on the next two days, we worked the Todra and Dades Gorges, getting to grips with Tristram's Warbler, Crag Martin, Black Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Gundi and even a mammal mega - Algerian Hedgehog!

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