Atlas Mountains, arid morning

November 16, 2023 · High Atlas near Oukaïmeden, Morocco · Cold clear high-altitude morning, 40°F at 2600m, strong sun by 9 a.m. · Fujifilm X-T5, 150-600mm

Flew into Marrakech a few days earlier. Drove up to Oukaïmeden with a local guide at sunrise. The high valleys above the ski village have a specialty group of birds I’d never photographed — Crimson-winged Finch, Atlas Horned Lark, Moussier’s Redstart. Got all three in a slow morning walk of maybe three kilometers.

Morocco light is harsh once the sun is up, but the first hour was every bit as useful as dawn back home. Drove back down for lunch in a Berber village; not the worst way to spend a morning.

Crimson-winged finch on pale rock — Small flock on a dirt track. Key target bird. Crimson-winged Finch 500mm, 1/1000s, f/7.1, ISO 640

Moussier's redstart on thorn bush — Orange and black, a striking bird. Moussier's Redstart 250mm, 1/800s, f/7.1, ISO 640

Horned lark subspecies on gravel — Atlas subspecies. A distinct look. Atlas Horned Lark 250mm, 1/1250s, f/6.3, ISO 400

Black wheatear on boulder — On the rocky slope above the village. Black Wheatear 500mm, 1/2000s, f/6.3, ISO 640

Red-billed chough in flight — Choughs over the ridge, calling constantly. Red-billed Chough 300mm, 1/1250s, f/6.3, ISO 800

Raven on a dead juniper — Raven pair at the edge of the valley. Common Raven 300mm, 1/1000s, f/8, ISO 400

Rock bunting on a stone — On the walk back to the car. Rock Bunting 250mm, 1/800s, f/6.3, ISO 200

Wide view of arid Atlas valley — The valley below the village. Stone terraces. Atlas valley morning 23mm, 1/250s, f/8, ISO 100

Ground squirrel on stone wall — Bold around the cafes at the top of the road. Barbary Ground Squirrel 300mm, 1/1000s, f/7.1, ISO 640