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Large parts of the Barbate estuary are now given over to fish farming but much remains as a haven for wildlife, particularly waders & gulls.
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 Prundăraș de sărătură, Piciorong, Fugaci de țărm, Fugaci roșcat, Nisipar and other migrant waders. Ciovlică ruginie often hawk over the area in spring and summer. Flamingo roz are present in good numbers. Careful scanning of the dry islands usually produces a Pasărea ogorului or two. Pescăruș cu picioare galbene are common and good numbers of Pescăruș mediteranean are usually present plus a few Pescăruș cu cap negru. Pescăriță mare is regular and Chiră bengaleză are sometimes seen. During passage the clumps of scrub along the track often hold migrants such as Muscar sur , Muscar negru , Codroș de pădure and Silvie roșcată estică. Check for Fâsă de câmp, Codobatură galbenă and Ciocârlie de stol ( Ciocârlie mică are also sometimes reported). Check from the beach for Corb de mare, Chiră de mare and shearwaters. The main channel of the estuary is also good for terns and gulls
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.
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.
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