Spain is a popular destination for birdwatchers, as the country boasts a rich diversity of birdlife, with over 600 bird species recorded. Some of the most iconic bird species in Spain include the Spanish imperial eagle, the Eurasian griffon vulture, and the common crane. Other notable bird species found in Spain include the flamingo, the hoopoe, and the bee-eater. Spain’s varied landscapes, which range from mountains and forests to wetlands and coastal areas, provide habitats for a wide range of bird species. Additionally, Spain is located on the migratory path for many bird species traveling between Africa and Europe, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers during migration season. Overall, Spain’s birdlife is a reflection of the country’s rich natural heritage and makes it an exciting destination for birdwatchers from around the world.
Discover the best hide photography opportunities in Spain with our guide to wildlife photography hides. These popular photo hides offer the chance to capture stunning shots of Spain’s most iconic wildlife species, from the comfort of a small, exclusive hide. With capacities for just 2-4 people, reservations are essential to secure your spot. Prices for a day’s photography typically range from €80-€150, with some peak times costing up to €300.
The Campanarios de Azaba Biological Reserve
One of the finest places to visit in Spain, The Campanarios de Azaba Biological Reserve has excellent accommodation and spectacular hides to keep birding photographers and wildlife enthusiasts very happy! Nestled in the picturesque province of Salamanca, close to the border with Portugal, this enchanting haven offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonders of unspoiled Mediterranean forests, lush meadows, and thriving ecosystems. Read more here: https://wildsideholidays.co.uk/campanarios-de-azaba-biological-reserve-salmanca/
Check out the accommodation here
Eco-Lodge en la Reserva Privada Campanarios de Azaba – Proyecto de Conservación Eco-lodge is a traditional Spanish villa set in Espeja, Espeja is a municipality located in the province of Salamanca, (Castile and León)
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain.
Alternative names / spellings: Lammergeier, Lammergeyer, Lammergeir.
Catalan: Trencalòs
The Bearded Vulture – Gypaetus barbatus – Quebrantahuesos is one of the largest raptors in Spain and also the rarest. It has a wingspan of 2.8 m and length of around 1.10 m. The dark, narrow wings taper to a point while the tail is long and wedge shaped. The body, legs and head are a dirty white although they deliberately stain this to a dark orange colour using iron oxides contained in calcareous rock where available. They have dark feathers around the eyes and it is the long bristles draped beside the bill which leads to the English common name of Bearded Vulture.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain.
Technicians from the Fundación para la Conservación del Quebrantahuesos (FCQ) and nature protection agents from the Government of Aragón found the mutilated carcass of the bearded vulture “Masía” beneath the blades of a wind turbine in the Refollas wind complex, located in Castellón.
The body was found in the Teruel municipality of Luco de Bordón, just 15 metres from the border with Castellón and 40 metres from the wind turbine. According to official records, the managers of these installations are the companies RENOMAR and ACCIONA, responsible for the management and maintenance of this wind farm.
After receiving authorisation from the EU LIFE Unit, the FCQ have suspended the re introduction project in Maestrazgo.
Technicians from the Fundación para la Conservación del Quebrantahuesos and nature protection agents from the Government of Aragón have found the mutilated carcass of the female bearded vulture ‘Masía.’
Monitoring and Discovery
The satellite beacon carried by the bird, which was monitored daily by the FCQ, alerted them to an activity anomaly that suggested Masía had suffered an accident. When professionals arrived at the scene, they could only confirm the bearded vulture’s death, which showed clear signs of impact.
A First in Spain
This is the first time in Spain that a bearded vulture has died from being struck by a wind turbine. According to the FCQ, Masía’s death highlights “the lethal impact that poorly designed wind farms have on Spanish biodiversity.” The entity, which directs the European LIFE project, is preparing to report the incident to the Environmental Prosecutor’s Office in Teruel.
According to Gerardo Báguena, director of the reintroduction project, “while companies invest vast amounts of money in large self-promotion campaigns to convince society of the sustainability of wind energy production, the facts show a different reality: the daily death of hundreds of animals in Spain, deaths that occur anonymously and are only revealed when using satellite beacon technology as employed in the monitoring of endangered species.”
The Bearded Vulture’s Endangered Status
The bearded vulture, extinct in much of Europe, is listed as “endangered” in Spain’s National Catalogue of Endangered Species. The FCQ, in collaboration with the autonomous communities and MITERD, through the EU’s LIFE programmes, works on its recovery in the Picos de Europa, the Sierra de Gredos, and the Sierra del Maestrazgo.
Masía was released in Maestrazgo in July 2022 alongside the male Sabino. Just four months later, Sabino died from electrocution on a power line. With Masía’s death, the last bearded vulture flying over the skies of Teruel has disappeared.
Impact of Wind Farms on Conservation Efforts
The current wind farm expansion in Spain in areas of high ecological value, without the necessary technological measures to reduce bird mortality, jeopardises the efforts invested by European and national institutions, research centres, and NGOs in the goal of recovering endangered species. Incidents like the one we are reporting today undo decades of effort, commitment, and monitoring in the recovery and protection of Spanish biodiversity.
Take a trip on the Wildside! Discover the wildlife and nature of Spain, its Natural and National Parks and find the top wildlife, activity and walking holiday companies.
Iberia Nature Forum
Discover the Iberia Nature Forum – Environment, geography, nature, landscape, climate, culture, history, rural tourism and travel.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain.
In the heart of the Iberian Highlands, the resurgence of black vultures in Spain unfolds through dedicated conservation efforts. In Alto Tajo Nature Park and the Sierra de la Demanda, new nests signify a strategic push to reintroduce these majestic raptors. With support from the Regional Government of Castilla-La Mancha, Rewilding Spain, Terra Naturalis, and GREFA, the black vulture’s return becomes a compelling narrative of successful collaboration.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain.
Take a trip on the Wildside! Discover the wildlife and nature of Spain, its Natural and National Parks and find the top wildlife, activity and walking holiday companies in Spain.
