Birdwatching in La Janda Lake (Tarifa, Cádiz)

The old lake of La Janda used to be one of the most important and extensive wetlands in the Iberian Peninsula. However, after being dried out in the 1960s it was turned into a huge farming area. 

La Janda Wetland shows a great diversity of habitats as a result of the different uses of the same over time. Today, we find large pastures, an important and unusual wild olive grove, rain fed crops, paddy fields and canals with marsh vegetation that make this site ideal to welcome millions of birds through the different seasons.

The strategic situation, being at the southern end of Europe and close to Africa, makes this place a paradise of great ecological interest: here, birds must stop to have a rest and to recover before or after their trip across the Strait of Gibraltar. The area is a shooting ground, so there are many birds of prey around. 

Therefore, during Winter, it is common to see Spanish Imperial Eagles, Bonelli’s Eagles, Hen Harriers, Short-eared Owls and the rare Pallid Harrier. At this time, a high number of Common Cranes, Black Storks, Lapwings, Golden Plovers, and even the elusive Bittern, are frequently seen around these fields. 

In Summer and Spring, we may find birds like the Montagu’s Harrier, the Collared Pratincole, and the Common Quail, together with year-round residents like the Purple Swamphen, the Black-winged Kite and the Glossy Ibis. The latter have established a breeding colony in the area since 2012.

We have our own telescopes, and if you don't have binoculars, we can lend you some.