Description
The artificial lake Lago de la Casa de Campo got a glow-up some years ago, making it a great place to watch some waterfowl without moving far from the city. Some species even breed in the reed platforms put during the remodelations, such as kachna divoká and lyska černá. In winter it becomes a usual roosting place for gulls, and some other water-based species may come to spend the cold season; so you never know if any interenting species may be there.
The surrounding area (and the whole Casa de Campo) is a typical Mediterranean forest, with pine trees and holm oaks covering the area, although in a open forest squeme. There are some streams that are followed by riparian forests, so they increase the variety of plant species and with it, the bird ones. Both forest birds, such as žluna zelená, sýkora parukářka and many others live in the trees and bushes; and it is not uncommon to see many raptors soaring above the area, being the orel iberský and sup hnědý some standouts.
Details
Access
There are 2 ways to access the lake. The first one is by car, bus or underground, as there are some stops right next to the area. There is also a free parking, so leaving the car parked is not a problem at all. The second one is from Madrid Río, and involves a bit of walking, so the only way to go this way is by foot or by bike. The proper route is recommended to be done walking or cycling.