PARADISE FOR BIRDWATCHING AND WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY ENTHUSIASTS Spain offers an incredible variety of landscapes, and all you need is a little patience to observe its wild natural fauna in its natural habitat. It is one of the best places in Europe to enjoy birdwatching and wildlife photography. It is home to around 400 species of birds, some of which are unique to the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands. There are numerous routes and reserves for birdwatching throughout Spain, as well as a large network of protected natural spaces where you can photograph the most characteristic species in their natural habitats. We suggest a few routes and areas where you can enjoy nature in all its splendour. You can start with the natural spaces in the Pyrenees, like the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park or the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, where you can see species like the lammergeyer in their natural habitat. In the north of Spain, you can also visit the Picos de Europa National Park, the Sierra de la Culebra Reserve and the Somiedo Nature Reserve, which is home to Spains largest brown bear population. The Monfragüe National Park, in Extremadura, is one of Europes most important bird reserves. The summit of Peñafalcon is the ideal place to watch griffon vultures, golden eagles, Egyptian vultures and black storks. There is also an Interpretation Centre for the Iberian Lynx, Europes most endangered big cat. In the south of Spain, in the Sierra Morena, youll find the Sierra de Andújar Nature Reserve, which is home to the largest population of Iberian lynxes in Spain, as well as the Doñana National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europes most important bird reserves. In Doñana, you can take a guided tour in a fourwheeldrive vehicle and watch a wide range of bird species in the marshlands and lakes. In the Canary Islands, the volcanic landscape of the Teide National Park is home to unique species like the blue chaffinch. You can also visit the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, in La Palma, which is a Biosphere Reserve. Here youll find some of the bestpreserved laurisilva forests in the world, home to the laurel pigeon and the Bolle’s pigeon.
Another fascinating destination for birdwatching is the Ebro Delta in Catalonia, one of the most important wetlands in the Mediterranean. Here, over 300 bird species can be observed, including flamingos, herons, and terns. The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn migrations, when the skies fill with flocks of birds traveling between Africa and Europe. The deltas diverse habitats, from rice fields to lagoons and salt marshes, provide ample opportunities for photography and observation. There are several visitor centers and bird hides scattered throughout the area, making it easy to enjoy the spectacle without disturbing the wildlife. Moving to the east, the Albufera Natural Park near Valencia is another excellent spot for birdwatching. This freshwater lagoon, surrounded by rice fields and Mediterranean forest, is home to a variety of species, including the rare purple heron and the whiteheaded duck. The park is also famous for its sunsets, which paint the sky and water in vibrant hues, providing a stunning backdrop for photography. Visitors can take boat trips across the lagoon to get closer to the birds and explore the parks diverse ecosystems. In central Spain, the Tablas de Daimiel National Park in CastillaLa Mancha is a unique wetland that is home to a wide variety of bird species. The park is known for its floating reed beds and extensive lagoons, which provide a habitat for birds like the redcrested pochard and the purple swamphen. The best time to visit is in spring or autumn when the park is teeming with migratory birds. Walking trails and observation points are scattered throughout the park, allowing visitors to enjoy the rich biodiversity without disturbing the wildlife. For those interested in raptors, the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park in Andalusia is a mustvisit. This rugged mountain range is home to Europes largest colony of griffon vultures, as well as other birds of prey like the Bonellis eagle and the peregrine falcon. The parks dramatic cliffs and deep gorges provide the perfect setting for these majestic birds. There are several marked trails and observation points where visitors can watch the vultures soaring overhead, often joined by other species like the alpine swift and the blue rock thrush. Finally, the Cabañeros National Park in CastillaLa Mancha is often referred to as the Spanish Serengeti due to its vast open plains and rich wildlife. The park is home to a variety of species, including the Spanish imperial eagle, the great bustard, and the Iberian lynx. The best way to explore the park is by taking one of the guided 4×4 tours, which allow visitors to access the more remote areas and get closer to the wildlife. The parks diverse habitats, from Mediterranean forest to open grassland, provide a haven for a wide range of species, making it a paradise for both birdwatchers and wildlife photographers.
