Iberian Wolf in N/W Spain

March 24th - 28th :- During these dates I was in the Zamora Province of Castilla y Leon searching for the rare & elusive Iberian Wolf. The short break was with the excellent company of Chris Drew, Sandra Strachan & Lorraine Barker staying at the wonderful CTR Veniata in the heart of the Sierra de Culebra. The trip was a personal bitter/sweet experience with us not managing to see an Iberian Wolf (but found plenty of signs), yet had some magical bird & mammal experiences, which nearly compensated for the missed 'Lobos'. Some of the highlights were a sub-adult Golden Eagle keeping 50+ Ravens at bay while it fed on a donkey carcass, Black Vultures amongst the Griffons, finding Iberian Chiffchaffs (for the first time there), 250+ Great Bustards, Hen Harriers displaying, Great Spotted Cuckoos getting it on, Montagu's Harrier down to 15m, fighting Red Deer, a Green Lizard and an Adder - superbly found by Sandra & Lorraine. The Sierra de Culebra is a great place to visit, be it for wolf or just to 'chill out', with great walks, great scenery, great wildlife and great accommodation.