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Description
This is an excellent site for several sought after ducks and is convenient for exploring both the Salinas de Bonanza and the east bank of the Guadalquivir. Arriving from the direction of Sanlucar de Barrameda pull off as you enter the pinewoods to explore the laguna (c200m from the track) on your left. As you walk towards the laguna check for Pilfink (a scarce species locally) and passerine migrants in season. A screen here looks towards an island which is home to a small heronry with Silkehegre, Kuhegre, Natthegre, Topphegre and Skjestork. On the laguna itself look for a good variety of ducks (including Rødhodeand, Hvithodeand and, during passage, Marmorand (although a 'scope is often needed to pick out the latter as they often frequent the back of the laguna) and Svarthalsdykker. Rarities such as Ringand have occurred. In the reedy margins check for, Sultanhøne, Dvergrørdrum , Trostesanger and, in winter, Pungmeis.
A bumpy, but drivable, track runs the length of the woods with a good side track on the right about 800m after you enter the woods. There are many opportunities along these tracks to pull over and park to explore on foot. These pine woods are the only site in Cadiz province for Blåskjære although in recent years they have been very scarce and elusive. The sandy side tracks can be excellent for Hærfugl and migrants such as Svarthvit Fluesnapper, Rødstjert, etc. The woodland is also home to a good population of Svartglente and Dvergørn. Check in the evening for Rødhalsnattravn .
In spring and autumn the laguna, open fields and nearby marshes should also be scanned for a variety of aerial feeders such as swifts (Gråseiler Tårnseiler , less often Alpeseiler and, rarely, Småseiler), hirundines (inc. Amursvale). Look too for more raptors such as Glente (scarce in Cadiz province) and Sivhauk plus hawking Brakksvale.
Details
Access
A bus runs from Sanlucar to the edge of the pines where the service terminates. By car go through Bonanza and on through La Algaida to reach the pines. There are many places where you can pull over and explore the woodland on foot.