Genet nights!

Mike Lockwood
22/01/2016 10:41:12

The elusive genet!

Posted in: Birds, Mammals | Catalonia | Mainland Spain, Northern Spain

Coinciding with my first clients booking for my Empordà Nature Week, I was taken to a private wildlife hide co-designed by a friend - the well-known Catalan wildlife artist, Toni Llobet. Toni and two local friends had the idea to set up a hide for photography – for keen semi-professionals - and for families staying as guests in a local holiday accommodation in their village. We went one sunny January morning, and I immediately loved the idea and the execution - it provides creature comforts for both those inside and outside, and offers arm's-length views of some of the commonest denizens of the Mediterranean forests of this part of Catalonia. Seeing Blue and Great Tits so close up made me realise that, in terms of plumage, they are as attractive as any of the more showy and colourful birds that are often lauded as exquisite examples of avian 'art'.

However, the conversation turned to the genet and Toni suggested I come back one evening to photograph this elusive mammal, a very regular visitor that he has photographed (the photo to the right is by Jose Conrado) on numerous occasions. Indeed, after 33 years living in Spain, I have never ever seen a live genet. So we have arranged a date in a few weeks time and I will endeavour to see my first ever genet, after over 30 years of hoping. Despite resembling felines in many ways, genets are in fact members of the Viverridae family, whose best known members are the mongoose.

That made me think that a visit here would be a perfect complement to my Empordà Wildlife Week. And so, this year, as an optional extra, I will offer the members of my May Wildlife Week the chance to come and photograph genets. For those who wish to come at any other time of year, get in touch and I will arrange a trip to Toni's hide.

Genet - Pepo Navarro Genet hide - Gerard Port Genet - Jose Conrado

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