Ornithological tourism has become fashionable, especially in recent years. There are more and more adepts to this type of ecotourism activities that consist of excursions armed with good binoculars and a good dose of patience to see as many more birds better.

 

Although in principle it was in other countries where it was most practiced; Nowadays, whoever else, least of all in Spain, has already heard about birding or birdwatching. There are many spaces within our geography where this activity can be carried out; but if you really want to find the best option, you have to do birding in Andalusia.

 

According to the SEO / BirdLife organization, Andalusia is one of the best places in the world to practice ornithological tourism. To affirm this, the organization is based on the variety of bird species present in the community, as well as on the high percentage of protected areas. To the great number of National or Natural Parks of Andalusia, it is necessary to add that there are more than 60 Zones of Special Protection for the Birds (ZEPA).

 

But it's not just the number that counts. The most important thing is that, among all the species that can be seen in Andalusia, there are some that are very complicated or almost impossible to see in other parts of Spain. For this reason, birding in Andalusia is a safe bet when it comes to marking your ornithological guide.

 

Not in vain, in this community is one of the great sanctuaries of birds, internationally recognized. We speak, of course, of the Doñana National Park. Despite the setbacks suffered, this space continues to be one of the main birdwatching destinations in Andalusia.

Also Jaen. If ther is a characteristic image of Jaen olive fields, it would be in the region of La Loma, cradle of the Renaissance and with Human Heritage cities such as Ubeda and Baeza. Rolling landscapes and ancient olive groves. The Guadalquivir River part the region leaves a trail of reservoirs filled by sediments, filled with vegetation and reedbeds, with great ornithological importance. In these makeshift wetlands you can sight rare waterfowl such as the Purple Swamphen, Water Rail, Marsh Harrier, Purple Heron and Squacco Heron, Red-crested Pochard or Common Pochard, not forgetting the birds of the olive groves and the steppe birds residing within a whole repertoire of lands with the Laguna Grande de Baeza as the culmitation. The demarcation includes the Nature Reserve of the Alto Guadalquivir, composed by Pedro Marin´s reservoirs, Doña Aldonza, and Puente de la Cerrada. This offers ornithologists a variety of environments and species, and birds linked to aquatic environments excel.

Rate also sounds, of course. Due mainly to the migration routes that many species make between Europe and Africa. But there are many other places, scattered throughout the Andalusian geography, conducive to these tasks. The mountains and protected areas of eastern Andalusia, for example, are not far behind when it comes to birding.

 

The Andalusian destinations have echoed this, and companies and guides specialized in ornithological tourism proliferate. As in other ecotourism activities, trusting in the hand of an expert will make you reach your goal more easily and, above all, enjoy the experience 100%.

 

It deserves a separate mention, and it is not for less, since it is the main ornithological destination of Andalusia. In Doñana you will find a multitude of different bird species. Among the raptors, highlights the Iberian imperial eagle, one of the great predators, along with the Iberian lynx, of this National Park. There are also different types of herons and several endangered species such as the Marbled Teal or the Moorina Coot.

 

 

Located between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, between Europe and Africa, the Strait of Gibraltar is an important place of passage for many species in their migratory routes. There it is possible to see, among other things, several raptors. The same happens with the nearby lagoon of La Janda, in Tarifa. In these places you can also see cranes, bitterns or the threatened black stork.

 

 

In Malaga, near Antequera, is the largest wetland in Andalusia. The Fuente de Piedra Lagoon Nature Reserve gives shelter to many species that find their home there during part or all of the year. The wigeon duck, the white jar or the duck spoon are some of them, in addition to the omnipresent flamingos.

 

 

The Andujar and Despeñaperros mountain ranges, in the Sierra Morena jiennense, are two magnificent enclaves to observe raptors. Multiple types of eagle, for example, and the third largest black vulture colony in Andalusia, await you in these mountains.

The village of Aldeaquemada opens the door to the spectacular Cascada de la Cimbarra, a tectonic fault that crosses the river Guarrizas, offers a unique landscape within the Sierra Morena. Predominant vegetation of dense oak groves are only interrupted by the vegetation of riverside trees like the alder and ash, used by the endangered Spanish Imperial Eagle for their nesting.

 

On the other hand, you can also make observations in the Natural Park of Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas. Some interesting proposals are the routes to discover nocturnal raptors or the departures in search of the lammergeyer, reintroduced in the Park in 2006.

 

 

In the National Park of Sierra Nevada there are many enclaves that ensure good ornithological observations; especially in regard to alpine birds. Some of the small but striking birds that you can see are Capuchin tits, listed wrens, pipits or alpine accents.

 

On the other hand, leaving the mountain behind, in the middle of the Costa Tropical, is the Concerted Natural Reserve of the Charca Suárez where four small lagoons are home to many interesting species, highlighting, without doubt, the Moorian coot.

 

 

Those who visit Almeria in search of birds can decide to visit the Salinas de Cabo de Gata, in the Natural Park of Cabo de Gata-Níjar, where you can find such unique species as the black wheatear or the gray marbled teal. Another option is to go to the Natural Area of ​​the Tabernas Desert, which, among other species, has the royal swift or the trumpeter bullfinch.