Birdwatching Trips

Birdwatching trips in Spain are an excellent way to experience the country’s incredible biodiversity and natural beauty while supporting sustainable tourism. By participating in bird watching tours, visitors can witness the diversity of bird species that inhabit Spain’s varied ecosystems, including wetlands, forests, mountains, and coastlines. With over 600 species of birds recorded in Spain, bird watchers can observe rare and endemic species such as the Iberian lynx, the Spanish imperial eagle, and the bearded vulture.

In addition to providing a unique tourism experience, bird watching trips in Spain also contribute to the conservation of birds and their habitats. Many bird watching tours are led by expert guides who educate visitors on the importance of protecting bird species and their habitats. By supporting local bird conservation initiatives, visitors can contribute to the preservation of Spain’s natural heritage and help protect important bird species from threats such as habitat loss and climate change.

Furthermore, bird watching trips can have significant benefits for individual well-being. Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and improve mental health, and bird watching is a great way to connect with nature and experience its restorative benefits. Moreover, bird watching tours provide an opportunity for social interaction and community building, as bird watchers can share their passion for nature and wildlife with others.

Overall, bird watching trips in Spain offer a unique and enriching experience that combines nature, conservation, and cultural tourism. By promoting sustainable tourism and supporting local conservation efforts, bird watching tours can contribute to the long-term preservation of Spain’s biodiversity and natural heritage while providing visitors with an unforgettable experience.

Doñana National and Natural Parks

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The Doñana National and Natural Parks occupy the northern area of the Guadalquivir river where it meets the Atlantic Ocean
  • Region: Andalucia
  • Provinces: Sevilla, Huelva, Cadiz
  • Declared a Natural Park: 1969 reclassified in 1978
  • In1963 WWF and the Council of Scientific Research bought land (6,794ha) and set up a research station
  • In 1994 it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site  
  • Natural Park surface area: 54,200
  • National Park surface area: 50,720 hectares – Total area: 77,260ha:
  • World Heritage and Special Bird Protection Areas: 50,720ha.
  • National Park and Ramsar site; buffer zone 26,540ha.
Towns and Villages
  • Huelva: Almonte, Hinojos, Bollullos Par del Condado, Rociana del Condado, Bonanes y Lucena del Puerto, Palos de la Frontera, Moguer, La Puebla del Río and the Isla Mayor
  • Sevilla: Aznalcázar, Pilas y Villamanrique de la Condesa.
  • Cádiz: Sanlúcar de Barrameda
Points of interest

The Doñana National and Natural Parks occupy the northern area of the Guadalquivir river where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. Six thousand years ago it would have been a wide estuary, but this has mostly been closed off by a long, natural sand bar. This in turn created a large saline lake which gradually collected silt leaving a huge wetland area with lagoons, marshlands and semi-permanent sand dunes.

Latest news and Iberia Nature Forum discussions here.

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Santoña Victoria y Joyel Natural Park

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The Santoña, Victoria and Joyel Natural Park is an estuary in Cantabria, protected as a natural park. It is one of the wetlands of most ecological value in the north of Spain
  • Region: Cantabria.
  • Province: Cantabria.
  • Declared a Natural Park:
  • Park surface area: 6,500 hectares.
  • Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance.
  • ZEPA (Special Area for Bird Protection).

Points of interest

The Santoña Victoria y Joyel Natural Park is an estuary in Cantabria, protected as a natural park. It is one of the wetlands of most ecological value in the north of Spain. It is used as a winter refuge and migratory passage by many species of birds.

The marshes are formed by the Asón River and the park occupies over 6,500 hectares distributed among the municipalities of Argoños, Bárcena de Cicero, Colindres, Escalante, Laredo, Limpias, Noja, Santoña and Voto.

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The Laguna de Gallocanta

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Gallocanta laguna in Aragon, Spain

Without a doubt, one of the most distinctive living elements of the Laguna de Gallocanta are the birds, especially the striking flocks of common cranes that rest and feed here during the course of their migratory trips.

The vast majority of the European crane population moving on the western migratory route use Gallocanta as a feeding and resting area. Over 100,000 cranes have been counted in a single day (02/24/2011) and its normal for 40,000 to 60,000 individuals to be present during an average migratory season.

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Exploring the Diverse Beauty of Spain: A Journey Through Its Wildlife, Geography, and Protected Areas

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Los Barruecos (Malpartida de Cáceres, Caceres)

Spain, a land of rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty, beckons travelers from around the world. While many are familiar with its vibrant cities and historical landmarks, Spain’s wild side often remains hidden. In this article, we embark on a journey through the wilderness of Spain, exploring its diverse wildlife, captivating geography, and the importance of its protected areas.

The Breathtaking Geography of Spain

Spain’s geography is a testament to nature’s grandeur. From the snow-capped peaks of the Pyrenees in the north to the sun-soaked beaches of the Costa del Sol in the south, Spain offers a striking variety of landscapes.

The village of Riglos, a hidden gem in the Hoya de Huesca
The village of Riglos, a hidden gem in the Hoya de Huesca

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