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Description
Barbate Estuary (Esteros de la Isleta de San Fransico). Although far smaller and with fewer birds than nearby Cadiz Bay, the better access here and it's proximity to the popular birding locations around Tarifa make it a good option for visiting birders. It is a good site for waders such as Θαλασσοσφυριχτής, Καλαμοκανάς, Λασποσκαλίδρα, Δρεπανοσκαλίδρα, Λευκοσκαλίδρα and other migrant waders. (Κοινό) Νεροχελίδονο often hawk over the area in spring and summer. (Ευρωπαϊκό) Φοινικόπτερο are present in good numbers. Careful scanning of the dry islands usually produces a (Ευρωπαϊκή) Πετροτουρλίδα or two. Ασημόγλαρος της Μεσογείου are common and good numbers of Αιγαιόγλαρος are usually present plus a few Μαυροκέφαλος Γλάρος. Καρατζάς is regular and Πορτοκαλόραμφο Γλαρόνι are sometimes seen. During passage the clumps of scrub along the track often hold migrants such as Σταχτομυγοχάφτης , Μαυρομυγοχάφτης , (Κοινός) Φοινίκουρος and Μαυροφτέρι. Check for Ωχροκελάδα, Κιτρινοσουσουράδα and Μικρογαλιάντρα ( Μικρογαλιάντρα της Ερήμου are also sometimes reported). Check from the beach for Σούλα (του Βορά), Χειμωνογλάρονο and shearwaters. The main channel of the estuary is also good for terns and gulls
Details
Access
Parking off the A 2231 Bonanza - Zahara road is straightforward but alternatively take the track to park at the start of the footpath. Alternatively you can drive further along the track for c1 km to check the bushes and scrub. The best option is to take the footpath into the old salinas and then loop round back along the track although you can also take the track running parallel to the main road.
Terrain and Habitat
Mud flats , River , Sea , Scattered trees and bushesConditions
Flat , Open landscapeCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
YesBest time to visit
Spring migration , Autumn migrationRoute
Narrow trail , Unpaved roadDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
FootBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
Be warned that there have been some problems regarding theft from cars at this site so take all the usual precations.
There is also an exciting project for which funding has already bee allocated to develop the grassy fields and marshes just north of Barbate to create a series of pools and hides for birdwatching. Check locally for developments.