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Birding Spring / Summer at the Costa Esuri

Photographs courtesy of BRIAN WINTER

Isla Canela / Ayamonte / Costa Esuri

1 . Costa Esuri

Southern Grey Shrike and Woodchat Shrike are regularly seen around the apartment. The golf course is a good place to see Bee-eaters.

2. The Marisma (marsh)

Approximately 1 km from the Ayamonte road towards Costa Esuri.
The number of birds and species can vary here, but a single visit can produce 40-50 species.Stone Curlew, Red Crested Pochard, Corn Bunting, Crested Lark, Azure Winged Magpie, Bee-eater and Marsh Harrier are all common, as well as a number of other raptors (we saw Short-toed Eagle here) and a good variety of waders. Flamingoes are also a common site here in moderate numbers.

3. Sea front at Ayamonte

Little and Sandwich Terns, Yellow-legged and Lesser Black-backed Gulls are easy to see along the waterfront and there are good numbers of Pallid Swifts among the Common Swifts above the town.

4. Isla Canela

A trip to Isla de Canela is worth it if only to see the colony of Collared Pratincoles, but other ‘goodies’ such as Great Spotted Cuckoo, Avocet and Short-toed Lark can also be found. Hoopoes are common here. Finding the site could prove a little difficult if following maps – Go to the sea-front at Isla de Canela and then go from apartment complex to apartment complex in the direction of Ayamonte until you can go on.

El Portil - Huelva

1. Fresh water lagoon at El Portil

Species seen here include Little Bittern, Red Crested Pochard, Greenshank and Gadwall. Pied Flycatcher, Dartford Warbler, Nightingale and Woodchat Shrike are found in the surrounding Stone Pine and Cork Oak woods. A walk through these woods around the lagoon is well worth the effort.

2. Odiel Marshes - Central Causeway and El Espigón spit

Purple Sandpiper and other waders and waterfowl can be seen at the visitor centre (Centro de visitantes Anastasia Senra). While we found the nearby Salinas (salt pans) disappointing, they should nevertheless be included in your itinerary. A large number of gulls, terns and waders as well as a colony of Collared Pratincoles were present along El Espigón, with suitable habitat for Warblers, Pipits and Larks. The end of El Espigón can offer good sea watching. Both of these sites are near Huelva and within a 15 drive of eachother

Doñana National Park and the Sierra Pelada

1. Sierra Pelada

This is a key site for raptor watching, with Griffon and Black Vultures virtually guaranteed. Woodlark and Crested Tit are among the passerines in the surrounding woods while the bare terrain along the tops is ideal for Rock Bunting and Blue Rock thrush. Further north the banks of the river de Peñamora are worth investigating for Cetti’s and Sub-alpine Warblers. Crag Martins fly along the river’s course.

Note-many of the roads in this area are dirt tracks but they are in good repair.

2. Doñana National Park

There are organised visits to the park which last for about 4 hours and these tours operate on a strict schedule. An alternative is to visit centres on the periphery of the park. There are several to choose from with many boarded walkways and hides offering good opportunities to see various species.

a) El Acebuche information centre
This area is a very good site for Black Kite and Booted Eagle.

b) La Rocina information centre
A good number and range of birds seen here. Birds seen included the Purple Gallinule, Glossy Ibis, Purple and Squacco Heron, Cuckoo, Savi’s Warbler and good views of Nightingale – Well worth the visit. You may also be lucky enough to see wild boar!

c) El Rocio village
This charming village steeped in history is a must –see for any tourist and is also very rewarding for the birder. The lagoon in front of the village holds large numbers of Greater Flamingo and Black Terns. Red and Black Kites are seen over the village and Great Reed Warblers are abundant in the reeds that fringe the lagoon.

El Rocio sits on the edge of the Donana National Park

Eastern Algarve

a) Natural Reserve at Castro Marim
Take the Villa Real de Saó Antonio exit from the E1/A49 and within a2 minutes' drive you will see signs for a small reserve centred on abandoned salt pans. The usual waders can be seen (terrain is similar to the marisma near Ayamonte/Costa Esuri) with a breeding emphasis on the Avocet. Good habitat for little Owl.

b) Portugese Hills.
Very good for Short-toed Eagle and for many passerines. All roads very scenic and driving pleasant but if you want a definite route a high quality map is essential.

c) Tavira
The salt pans on the edge of town are very good for a number of waders, terns and gulls. Stone Curlew is usually found here.

NOTE:
Many thanks to the team whose happy birding one April enabled them to compile this comprehensive guide to bird watching in this region.
We would be delighted to hear from you, to augment, amend or up-date the list.