Fauna
The actual owners of these lands fly, run and hide around in them.
The location of Sobroso Castle is excellent; on top of Mount Landín and guarded by a large forest park. The reforestation project driven by the Pontevedra Provincial Council has created an oasis in this cared-of environment, with food and shelter for many animals.
Reptiles, insects, birds and mammals have found their home in this Atlantic forest, and are already part of the landscape. That is why we want to introduce you to some of our neighbours and ask you to help us conserve and keep clean their home when you visit Sobroso.
Accessories such as binoculars or a magnifying glass are perfect to visit our trail. At any time of the year we can see wild fauna in the land, and although in winter reptiles and butterflies hibernate for a short period, it is possible to see them from February to November, enjoying the sunny days. In a deciduous forest like this one, winter has an advantage; it is easier to locate birds at first sight when there are no leaves for them to hide amongst.
BIRDS
Some birds as the blackbird or the robin are easy to see, while others require more patience. We will not always be able to see them, but their chirping accompanies us on our walk. Keep in mind that the more silently we move, the more possibilities to find them we will have.
The image above shows a male common chaffinch, a regular visitor that we can catch by surprise, patrolling the ground in search of food. It has a powerful chirp, and chooses the best stage from where to sing. We can see it over there, on the lantern hanging on the hórreo.
Paying attention to the sounds around us is key to locate the smaller, twitchier birds, such as firecrests or tits. Coal tits move constantly around the branches, like real tightrope walkers. The Eurasian wren is one of the smallest birds in Europe, and, just like the chaffinch, likes to sing from high perches. Firecrests are also small-sized birds, but they will catch your eye with their colourful crests.
The legs, beak and eyes of a bird tell us a lot about the environment they live in, and thus, give us hints about which family and genus they belong to. Jays are beautiful corvids that stand out for the colour contrast in their white, brown, blue, black and greyish plumage. They have a predilection for acorns; that is why they love Sobroso Forest. They are great reforestation allies, as they dig holes to cover the fruits as a habit. In this way, they help to scatter the seeds throughout the land, and as a result, the oak trees planted by the Pontevedra Provincial Council are able to reach larger areas. They are normally shy and distrustful; in fact, the sound of their birdcall is not considered a trill. Still, they are communicative animals that are even able to imitate other birds' chirp.
Blackbirds are early risers; they are one of the first birds to sing every morning. Identifying them has no secrets, as they are familiar around the park, and it is not unusual to see them running or jumping around, searching for food. They are usually quite trusting, although they like to keep a moderate distance. They will quickly hide if they are bothered or feel threatened, and they shriek when scared, alerting nearby birds of a potential danger.
REPTILES
Small lizards are our regular companions, easily spotted sunbathing on the castle wall during summer and spring season. Occasionally, we can find them with a missing tail, as lizards and slowworms can drop their tails when they feel in danger. The tail keeps moving in order to lure and mislead their predators. That way, they gain time to escape in exchange for a body part that they can regrow.
Some will be surprised by the size of the ocellated lizards, measuring 20-25 cm in length from head to body. They are harmless and beautiful, with their characteristic black-ringed blue ocelli.
The large psammodromus can be spotted in the surroundings of the castle. It is easy to distinguish, as in the spring, male adults acquire a bright orange tone.
BUTTERFLIES
Butterflies are elegant, beautiful insects, and moreover, they play an important role in pollination. The orchard of native fruit trees in Sobroso depends on these animals to grow mouth-watering, locally sourced pears and apples.
It is quite interesting to learn fun facts about these extraordinary creatures as we enjoy observing them. Did you know that their wings are covered by scales? Their life course is surely fascinating, not only because of their metamorphosis, but also due to their scientific value as bioindicators. These images show the large white butterfly (Pieris brassicae). You can also see the intriguing brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni), whose wings resemble a leave in shape, making evident the ability of Lepidoptera to blend in the surroundings when they fold their wings. You must have seen the third one many times; it is the red admiral, a migrant butterfly.
The southern scarce swallowtail (Iphiclides feisthamelii), also really well known, flies around the castle, flaunting the zebra print on its swallowtail shaped wings. In the image below, you can appreciate its “blue eyes”.
The wall brown butterfly (Lasiommata megera) in the picture is honouring its name, flying around the castle wall as it seeks sunlight and food. The marsh fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia) can be seen parading its elegant wings around the trail of Sobroso Forest, a place where life makes its way in every corner.
