Birdwatching in Spain
Spain is a large and diverse peninsula, often quite sparsely populated. It is well worth keeping a casual lookout for interesting birds as species such as stork, vulture and eagle which are commonplace in many areas and easily seen. In autumn we have seen spectacular numbers of birds of prey massing on the south coast waiting for good weather to fly to Africa. On a beach on Lanzarote we have sat on a (naturist) beach and watched Osprey fish!
Extremadura has two of the best places to see eagles and vultures, Salto del Gitano
and La
Tajadilla
on the Rio Tajo in the Monfrague natural park. There are a number of good wetland areas, such as the famous Coto Donaña
,
Mallorca's Albufera marsh next to the holiday developments of Alcudia
and
less well known places such as Tablas de Daimiel.
or Cañón del
Río
Lobos . Las Lagunas de Villafáfila
(south of Benavente) has a reserve with an interpretation centre and
hides, geese and ducks can be seen from the many "camino rurals" in the
area but the highspot are the Great
Bustards that can be seen with a telescope from the roads and
tracks just to the north of the main lagoon.Laguna de Gallocanta
(to the
east of Madrid in Aragon) is
the winter
home of 10,000+ cranes with
another 20,000 passing through during migrations.
Parque
Nacional Cabañeros (SW of Toledo) looks as if it will be good
for
storks and a brief recce in August rewarded us with close views of a
Harrier. Gallocanta with cranes and a single flamingo in stills and video:-
Wild
Spain - Grunfeld 15x21cm222p colour
An ideal starting point for researching where to go in Spain. Over 60 areas covered including the Canaries and Balearics. General description of each area, how to get there, where to stay and what to do when you get there. Excellent illustrations.
Aves
de España - (in spanish) A spanish field guide is useful for the appropriate species and local distribution maps. Species names in english.
Where to watch birds - Northern and
eastern Spain "What is says on the can". All of Spain except Extremadura and Andalucia. 112 major sites and 75 additional sites. Seasonal bird lists and maps.
Where to watch
birds - Southern and Western Spain Extremadura and Andalucia. 200+ sites. Includes information on migration watching. These two volumes cover all of Spain.
Wildlife
Travelling
Companion Spain - Measures 15x21cm 240p colour
If you are interested in wildlife while you walk this book is a must. Lists and describes all the best wildlife sites with likely species plus a field guide.
If you are interested in wildlife while you walk this book is a must. Lists and describes all the best wildlife sites with likely species plus a field guide.
Bird photos
Tenerife bird photos
Walking in Canary Islands
Walking in Spain