Lodging
in Fuente Piedra Hotel,
in Fuente de Piedra (Malaga -
Spain), you'll be able to enjoy the
observation of thousand different species of birds.
Our situation, right in the center of Andalusia, makes
possible the visit to:
Laguna
de Fuente de Piedra nature reserve
(from Spain
On Line)
Fuente de Piedra Lagoon, the largest in Andalusia, with
its 164 hectares of Nature Reserve and a 1,364-hectare
Protection Zone, is a unique location within the wet
zones of the Western Mediterranean. It is home to the
largest colony of flamingoes to be found anywhere in
the Iberian Peninsula, second in importance in Europe
after France's Camargue. It is one of a group of lagoons
in the Antequera area, which includes other nature reserves
and covers some 3,000 hectares.
Flamingos
A
Reception and Interpretation Centre has been set up
to welcome researchers from Spain and abroad. Elliptical
in shape, the lagoon is replenished by rainfall and
the underground flow of water provided by aquiferous
land. It is also irrigated by Santillan and El Humilladero
streams.
Due to the extremely saline nature of the substrata,
the increase in evaporation in spring leaves crytallised
salt on the surface. This resource was exploited from
Roman times until the 1950's.
Similar
characteristics are displayed by the neighbouring lagoons
of Campillos and La Ratosa, which, along with Fuente
de Piedra, contribute to the maintenance of a number
of aquatic bird communities.
Flora
Typical
lagoon vegetation adapted to saline soils. Canes, reeds,
salt cedars, sedges, rosebays. Mediterranean scrub and
cereal crops.
Fauna
The
largest flamingo colony in the Iberian Peninsula. The
old dykes, walls and canals which were built to aid
salt extraction are today essential to the nesting of
the flamingo and other aquatic birds such as the Geochelidon
nilotica, Larus genei, Ciconia ciconia, common goose
and Anas clypeata. Other species which visit the lagoon
in winter or during migratory periods include the sandpiper
and a number of birds of prey.
More
info about Laguna de Fuentepiedra
(from Diario
Sur)
The
lake, which is only 500 metres from the town itself,
is elliptical shaped, measuring about 6,5 kilometres
from end to end and 2,5 kilometres wide, occupying a
space of 1,300 hectares. Its geological make-up has
resulted in a unique collection of flora and fauna in
this place, a humid zone in the western Mediterranean
that is home to the biggest flamingo breeding grounds
in all of Spain. Along with the humid zones of Campillos,
made up of six lakes, and the lake at La Ratosa in Alameda,
Andalucía thus has a magnificent complex of lakes
rich in animal, bird and plant life.
Flamingos over La Laguna de Fuentepiedra
Flora
and Fauna of the lake
One
of the curiosities of this lake is the presence of plants
that have adapted themselves to salt water, above all
the Sosa plant, although there are many other species
here too. These form the ecosystem in which live a large
number of animals and birds, mostly of the aquatic kind.
The flamingo colony here is the biggest in Spain and
the second biggest in Europe, and the lake is a winter
breeding ground for many other bird species too, some
in danger of extinction and protected by law. During
the breeding period, March to July, it is possible to
see here different species of sea-gull and other quite
rare birds, apart from the flamingoes. In fact, there
are birds here all the year round, winter and summer,
and also the passing migratory birds that rest here.
The reserve has an information and interpretive centre
situated at the Cerro del Palo, where there is plenty
of interesting information available on the lake and
its inhabitants, with audiovisual panels explaining
how this delicate ecosystem works.
Spatula
Interesting
species often occuring at Fuente de Piedra
(from
Birdwatching
in Southern Spain)
Greater
Flamingo, Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Red-crested Pochard,
White-headed Duck, Marsh Harrier, Black-winged Stilt,
Golden Plover, Lapwing, Whiskered Tern, Bee-eater, Short-toed
Lark, Yellow Wagtail, White Wagtail, Great Reed Warbler.
Birdwatching
in the Lake
Los
Montes de Málaga and the river-mouth of the Guadalhorce
(from
Birdwatching
in Southern Spain)
These
are two different areas, one a river-mouth consisting
of fresh water and brackish pools close to the sea,
the other a mountain site covered mostly with pines
and cork oaks, where several tracks lead through the
woods. The Montes de Málaga are famed for the
presence of Chameleon, which are extremely difficult
to find. Some streams contain yellow Wagtails from the
Iberian breeds and Passerines are abundant along these
small streams, especially during winter when residents
are accompanied by northern species such as Thrushes,
Redwings and, sometimes, Ring Ouzels. The Firecrest
is often seen as are all Tits. Nightingales and Cuckoos
can be heard in summer, Golden Orioles fly by and some
Raptors are present, including the Short-toed Eagle
and Booted Eagle and Buzzards and Sparrow Hawks in the
summer. This is a nice area to visit, but it is best
done early in the morning, and avoiding weekends when
hundreds of people have their barbecues in the mountains
and along the streams.
Finch
Guadalorce
River-mouth
This
is an excellent site for people who booked a Costa del
Sol holiday accompanied by non-birding family members.
A good compromise is to enjoy some bird-watching while
the others are sunbathing on the beach of the same park.
This can be done perfectly on a day-trip as even a short
visit uncovers numerous species.
The area consists mainly of a few fresh-water and brackish
pools close to the sea. The ponds have originated from
former gravel extractions but the area is now a nature
park. Occasionally, after heavy rains, the area is flooded
but this does not occur often. The species are the typical
ones: Kentish Plover breed; Osprey appear during migration;
and wintering Booted Eagles also are present. You can
expect rare species at all times of the year, such as
the Western Reef Heron in 1996, and the Feruginous Duck.
The Bengal Terns and all the other Terns also appear.
In winter there are colonies of Cormorants and Blue
Herons and some years a Short-eared Owl stays in the
area for a few weeks. Fan-tailed Warblers breed commonly
and, in contrast to other places, are highly visible.
Breeding around the ponds are the Great Reed Warbler
and Reed warbler. Little Bittern also breed and there
are many migrating Squaco Herons.
Click
here
to see a complete list of birds
Sierra
de Grazalema and Ronda:
(from Birdwatching
in Southern Spain)
Watching the locals for the first time, it seems surprising
that many of them are carrying umbrellas, It is not
strange, however, when you learn that the average annual
rainfall is 2,223 millimetres- making the village of
Grazalema one of the wettest places in Spain. Grazalema
itself is one of the renowned "white villages"
and more of these villages can be found in this area.
The small roads that connect these villages are good
routes to see Raptors. Sierra de Grazalema actually
belongs to the western part of Sierra de Ronda. It is
famed for the presence of the rare pinsapos (Spanish
fir) - thanks to the micro-climate. Unlike other sites
in Spain, it is cool and wet throughout summer. The
Spanish fir woods are well preserved and an entry card
is required to visit some areas.
Sierra de
Grazalema
It
is of interest for bird-watchers because of the high
density of Eagles. Golden Eagles breed here, albeit
in small number. It is thought that the high numbers
of Bonellis Eagles prevent breeding of Golden Eagles.
In recent years, the Spanish Ibex has extended its area
from Serrania de Ronda to this mountain range.
Ronda, which is 15 kilometres from Grazalema, is another
good site to look for birds in this mountain range,
although the aforementioned has higher densities. The
village of Ronda itself is divided by a deep gorge spanned
by a bridge. We therefore are able to see Lesser Kestrels
and other cliff-nesting birds such as Rock Doves, Alpine
Swifts and Alpine Coughs. Peregrines also are common.
The Vultures of Ronda have disappeared but, on the other
hand, a recent project encouraged the reintroduction
of Storks by creating nesting possibilities.
Also of interest are the valleys west of Ronda, Sierra
de Libar, which are divided by the Guadiaro river. This
area holds numerous Raptors and the Passerines, especially
the Scrub Warblers, should not be overlooked. Sierra
de Grazalema and Serrania de Ronda extend over a huge
area. It is best to concentrate on one area, such as
Grazalema or Sierra de Libar. The tourist town of Ronda
offers excellent places to stay during the night, and
Grazalema has a fine camping area at the end of the
village, coming from Ronda.
You
also can visit:
Laguna
de la Ratosa
Laguna
de Campillos
Full
listing of birds of Laguna
de Fuente de Piedra
| Great
Crested Grebe Podiceps
cristatus Somormujo
lavanco |
| Black-necked
Grebe Podiceps nigricollis
Zampullín
cuellinegro |
| Cattle
Egret Buculcus ibis
Garcilla
bueyera |
| White
Stork Ciconia ciconia
Cigüeña común
|
| Greater
Flamingo Phoenicopterus
ruber Flamenco |
| Greylag
Goose Anser anser
Ánsar común
|
| Shelduck
Tadorna tadorna Tarro
blanco |
| Wigeon
Anas penelope Ánade
silbón |
| Common
Teal Anas crecca
Cerceta común
|
| Mallard
Anas platyrbynchos
Ánade real
|
| Northern
Pintail Anas acuta
Ánade rabudo
|
| Garganey
Anas querquedula Cerceta
carretona |
| Northern
Shoveler Anas clypeata
Pato cuchara
|
| Marbled
Duck Marmaronetta
angustirostris Cerceta
pardilla |
| Red-crested
Pochard Netta rufina
Pato colorado
|
| Common
Pochard Aythya ferina
Porrón común
|
| White-headed
Duck Oxyura leucocephala
Malvasía
Cabeciblanca |
| Eurasian
Marsh Harrier Circus
aeruginosus Aguilucho
lagunero |
| Hen
Harrier Circus cyaneus
Aguilucho
pálido |
| Montagu's
Harrier Circus pygargus
Aguilucho
cenizo |
| Common
Buzzard Buteo
buteo Ratonero
común
|
| Lesser
Kestrel Falco naumanni
Cernícalo
primilla |
| Merlin
Falco columbarius
Esmejerón
|
| Hobby
Falco subbuteo Alcotán
|
| Peregrine
Falcon Falco peregrinus
Halcón peregrino
|
| Red-legged
Partridge Alectoris
rufa Perdiz
roja |
| Common
Quail Coturnix
coturnix Codorniz
|
| Water
Rail Rallus
aquaticus Rascón
|
| Common
Moorhen Gallinula
chloropus Polla
de agua |
| Purple
Gallinule Porphyrio
porphyrio Calamón
común |
| Common
Coot Fulica atra
Focha común
|
| Common
Crane Grus grus
Grulla común
|
| Little
Bustard Tetrax
tetrax Sisón
|
| Great
Bustard Otis tarda
Avutarda
|
| Eurasian
Oystercatcher Haematopus
ostralegus Ostrero
|
| Black-winged
Stilt Himantopus
himantopus Cigüeñuela |
| Pied
Avocet Recurvirostra
avosetta Avoceta
|
| Stone-curlew
Burhinus oedicnemus
Alcaraván
|
| Collared
Pratincole Glareola
pratincola Canastera
|
| Little
Ringed Plover Charadrius
dubius Chorlitejo chico |
| Great
Ringed Plover Charadrius
biaticula Chorlitejo grande |
| Kentish
Plover Charadrius
alexandrinus Chorlitejo
patinegro |
| Eurpean
Golden Plover Pluvialis
apricaria Chorlito
dorado |
| Grey
Plover Pluvialis
squatarola Chorlito
gris |
| Northern
Lapwing Vanellus
vanellus Avefría |
|
| Sanderling
Calidris alba Correlimos
tridáctilo |
| Little
Stint Calidris minuta
Correlimos
menudo |
| Temminck's
Stint Calidris temminckii
Correlimos
de Temminck |
| Curlew
Sandpiper Calidris
ferruginea Correlimos
zarapitín |
| Dunlin
Calidris alpina Correlimos
común |
| Ruff
Philomachus pugnax
Combatiente
|
| Black-tailed
Godwit Limosa limosa
Aguja colinegra
|
| Whimbrel
Numenius phaeopus
Zarapito
trinador |
| Eurasian
Curlew Numenius arquata
Zarapito
real |
| Spotted
Redshank Tringa
erythropus Archibebe oscuro |
| Common
Redshank Tringa
totanus Archibebe
común
|
| Greenshank
Tringa nebularia Archibebe
claro |
| Green
Sandpiper Tringa ochropus
Andarríos
grande |
| Wood
Sandpiper Tringa glareola
Andarríos
bastardo |
| Common
Sandpiper Actitis
hypoleucos Andarríos
chico |
| Ruddy
Turnstone Arenaria
interpres Vuelvepiedras |
| Black-headed
Gull Larus
rudibundus Gaviota reidora |
| Slender-billed
Gull Larus
genei Gaviota picofina |
| Lesser
Black-backed Gull Larus
fuscus Gaviota sombría |
| Yellow-legged
Gull Larus
cachinnans Gaviota patiamarilla |
| Gull-billed
Tern Gelochelidon
nilotica Pagaza
piconegra |
| Little
Tern Sterna
albifrons Charrancito
|
| Whiskered
Tern Chlidonias hybridus
Fumarel cariblanco
|
| Black
Tern Chlidonias
niger Fumarel
común |
| Collared
Dove Streptopelia
decaocto Tórtola
turca |
| Bee-eater
Merops
apiaster Abejaruco
|
| Hoopoe
Upupa epops Abubilla
|
| Calandra
Lark Melanocorypha
calandra Calandria
|
| Short-toed
Lark Calandrella brachydactyla
Terrera común
|
| Crested
Lark Galerida cristata
Cogujada
común |
| Red-rumped
Swallow Hirundo daurica
Golondrina
dáurica |
| Tawny
Pipit Anthus campestris
Bisbita campestre
|
| Yelow
Wagtail Motacilla
flava Lavandera
boyera |
| White
Wagtail Motacilla
alba Lavandera
blanca |
| Bluethroat
Luscinia svecica Pechiazul |
| Song
Thrush Turdus
philomelos Zorzal
común |
| Great
Reed Warbler Acrocephalus
arundinaceus Carricero tordal |
| Melodious
Warbler Hippolais
polyglotta Zarcero
común |
| Spectacled
Warbler Sylvia conspicillata
Curruca tomillera
|
| Great
Grey Shrike Lanius
excubitor Alcaudón real norteño |
| Eurasian
Jackdaw Corvus monedula
Grajilla
|
| Carrion
Crow Corvus
corone Corneja
|
| Raven
Corvus corax Cuervo
|
| Linnet
Carduelis cannabina
Pardillo
común |
| Reed
Bunting Emberiza
schoeniclus Escribano
palustre |
|
|
