Andalucia is one of the most important and interesting spots for birdwatchers in Europe. The miniscule distance between our coast and the coast of Africa means that it is not only people that try to cross but all the migratory birds as well! At its smallest and, of course, on the wing distance, it is only about 12 kilometres away –a mere twenty minutes flying for a raptor, let alone one of the high speed members of the swallow family.
The migratory birds can be observed twice a year- in the early, and increasingly earlier with the effects of global warming, spring and in autumn when they return. There are two main areas for observing these fantastic group movements. The best area is around the Straits of Gibraltar-from Tarifa in the west to La Linea in the east.
In Tarifa the ornithological society “Cigueña Negro” (black stork) is based between Tarifa and Bolnia and regularly holds bird watching days at migratory times. Birds that you can expect to see range from the Booted Eagle to the smaller swallows and beeeaters. On certain days hundreds of storks congregate together, practise flying as a group and when the wind is propitious all take off together. A sight without parallel! The storks arrive in spring in the same way.
You can also drive along the coast towards Algeciras during certain weeks in spring and see whole fields of storks resting and drinking in the river after their flight over the Straits. Once recovered, they carry on-some right up to Germany and Poland; but some stay in our lovely local colonies. Stork’s nests are unmistakeable-big messy constructions normally on top of electricity pylons!
In this area the wind is very strong so there are literally thousands of wind generators. Although these do not have too much impact on the environment they confuse the migratory birds, especially on their way-in when they are exhausted. As a result there are some very sad statistics every year of bird mortalities following collisions with the wind mills.
The second area is around Malaga where the pink flamingos arrive. The Laguna de Fuente de Piedras is an excellent place for observing these spectacularly coloured birds. Their beautiful pink colour is obtained from their food –mainly shrimps. Flamingos and a vast selection of other water birds can also be seen in the Donaña National Park which is situated in the province of Huelva just over the River Guadalquivir from Sanlucar de Barrameda. This beautiful wetland area is a must for nature and bird lovers and is only about 3 hours drive from Marbella.
The Natural Park “Los Alcornacales” which is the Province of Cadiz between Tarifa, Jimena de La Frontera and Alcala de Los Gazules is renowned for its birds of prey such as Bonelli´s eagles, buzzards, kestrels and peregrine falcons. The Golden Eagle can even be seen, occasionally, in the north of this park near Cortes de La Frontera.
Also expect to see, especially in farming areas, the dreaded vulture! The most common is the Griffon Vulture but the Egyptian Vulture is also seen in summer. Vultures have a great sense of smell and often fly long distances in large numbers to strip a large carcass down. A very impressive sight as they wheel and land!
Smaller birds are abundant in this area- from wrens to bluetits to finches. This area is a paradise for birdwatchers and a lot of specialised holidays are available for those who require a little help .However the best option for dedicated birdwatchers is to book into a “Casa Rural” in the countryside and set out with your binoculars!
