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Description
Laguna de Torrox was completely dry, polluted and lifeless years ago. However, recent restauration of the artificial lakes and the pumping of water have restored the area. The lagoon consists of a big artificial wetland divided in two sectors. Both sectors have an island, where tens of Great Cormorant and Grey Heron rest, along with some domestic Greylag Goose. These islands can also sometimes hold a few terns: Whiskered tern, Caspian Tern and Little Tern have been currently recorded.
The western sector is overall a better area. Check for Common Pochard, Red-crested Pochard and, rarely, Ferruginous Duck and White-headed Duck on the open water. (note that the urban nature of this wetland and the presence of carp usually results in the absence of these birds.) Check shallower areas and reeds for Common Kingfisher, Squacco Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Eurasian Spoonbill, Glossy Ibis, Purple Heron (summer), Purple Swamphen and Little Bittern. This wetland is specially good for the latter two: check the central area where both sectors connect for the former, and keep an eye out in open reedbeds for the latter. Also check the shallower parts of the western sector (near the dog park!) for Red-Knobbed coot, which is becoming increasingly reliable at this location, though it might show up anywhere on the wetland! This area also holds Eurasian Otters. Scan the shore vegetation for Reed Warbler, Common Waxbill, Western Olivaceous Warbler, Cetti's Warbler and Bluethroat (very good location for the latter, check tamarisk bases and rocky shores, as well as the grass surrounding the lake) and the open areas for pipits. During migration, these tamarisks and surrounding trees might be full of different passerines: Sedge Warbler, Pied Flycatcher, Common Redstart, Iberian Chiffchaff, Bonelli's Warbler, Wryneck, Western Subalpine Warbler and many different other passerines are possible. European Turtle-Dove breeds here as well. During summer, when the water level is lower, it's really worth it to check the westernmost part of the lake, as it usually has a muddy bank which can hold some different waders, like Black-Winged Stilt, Common-Ringed Plover or Common Snipe. Water Rail is rare but also possible. Juvenile flamingos are also to be expected in autumn here, if the water is shallow enough. Red-legged Partridge and all kinds of raptors are also possible due to the nearby agricultural fields.
Details
Access
To access the lagoon you first need to enter Jerez de la Frontera. The lagoon is on the southern part of the city. You can park in several streets around the lagoon. Click on a P in the map to get directions to the parking of your choice.
Terrain and Habitat
Wetland , Scattered trees and bushes , City/villageConditions
Flat , Dry , Open landscape , High water possibleCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Spring , Autumn migration , Spring migrationRoute
Wide path , Paved roadDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
Foot , BicycleBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
Due to it's recent restauration and its location, this area is mostly unknown to the foreign and local birding public. I (the writer) am one of the only people to bird on it. If for some reason you're close and decide to go, upload your sightings to some platform and help to make the place a bit more known! [2024 UPDATE]: This area is becoming more and more reliable for good species as its popularity is beggining to show. It has had many different species recorded, being very good for passerine migrants, and as the time of writing this, is without a doubt one of the most reliable spots to get Red-Knobbed Coot in Cádiz province. Check it out!