Zaframagón Observatory - Via Verde de la Sierra - Andalusia

The Zaframagón Old Station is home to the Interpretation Center and Ornithological Observatory of the Peñón of Zaframagón.

The big attraction is the Vulture Nest Video Observation System.

A highly sensitive digital camera, with a 360º rotation, makes it possible to know in real time how griffon vultures fly, feed their young and reach their nests. The camera is camouflaged among the rocks in a difficult to reach area on the other side of the canyon of Guadalporcún, just 200 meters from where the vultures nest on the steepest slope of the Peñón.

It is equipment that has a great deal of respect for the environment. The camera has a 300mm motorized zoom, a night vision system that uses high-capacity infrared rays, and up to 99 different positions.

The location and power of the equipment allows the signal to be transferred over a fiber optic network to 800 gigabyte digital recording and playback equipment located 1 km away in the Interpretation Center. There is a keyboard with a joystick to control the camera remotely and a plasma screen, which displays the images in real time along with the footage which can also be viewed on the web at the Sierra Greenway Foundation's website.

The Interpretation Center also has an interesting exhibition space with interpretive panels about the Peñón de Zaframagón Nature Reserve, the griffon vulture and its natural environment, as well as the Sierra Greenway and finally a souvenir shop.

Willem Vandenameele