Wildlife

There is much of interest for the nature lover amongst the biodiversity that thrives in the varied habitats provided by woodland, meadow, scrubland, pond and river at La Mandria. Many varieties of butterfly, bee, wasp and moth are easy to spot, and we try to encourage the wildflowers and plants they feed on. Our particular favourites are the Scarce Swallowtail, Carpenter and Digger Bees, Mammoth Wasps and Hummingbird Hawk Moths among many others. There are beetles and bugs of all descriptions ranging from the never-ending delight of Fireflies and Glow-worms appearing in May and June to the weird and wonderful Praying Mantis later in the summer. Other favourites include various types of Grasshopper and Cricket, Cicadas and Shield Bugs, Dragonflies and Damselflies, and also Stag and Rhinoceros Beetles. Cuckoos arrive in spring, together with the swallows and Hoopoes. Buzzards and smaller birds of prey are often seen and Golden Eagles nest in the mountains not far away. Bats flit in and out of the cantina as night falls and Owls call to each other across the valley. Sightings from avid bird watching guests have also included Short-toed Eagles and Golden Oriels. Amongst the many creatures we share our wildlife are the Wall Lizards that scuttle over the warm stones defending their territories and the larger Green Lizards with their iridescent blue throats. Newts, salamanders and toads live in and around the pond we have created and amorous frogs call out at night. Although we see snakes from time to time and regularly find their sloughed skins they are not dangerous, unless, that is, you happen to be a small rodent or an amorous frog. The large tracts of woodland that surround us are home to Wild Boar, Deer, Badgers and the acrobatic Brown Squirrels who regularly steal our walnuts. Apparently there are Porcupines in the area but sadly we are yet to see one. However we have found a quill in the woods so we live in hope.