Description
The Aiguabarreig de Mequinenza offers a striking landscape, where the large wetlands formed by the confluence of major rivers meet the surrounding arid terrain. This unique environment makes it a strategic point for many birds, serving as a wintering, breeding, or migratory stopover site. The sediment accumulation at the tail of the Ribarroja reservoir has created various islands between the confluences of the Segre and Cinca rivers, extending to the Ebro in Mequinenza.
One notable island is l’Illa dels Martinets, an important breeding colony for many heron species, including kravja čaplja, mala bela caplja, čapljica, kvakač, velika bela čaplja, siva čaplja and rjava čaplja. Recently, the čopasta čaplja has also joined, and a few well-camouflaged bobnarica winter here among the reeds.
The extensive and well-preserved riparian forests and reed beds host a diverse and interesting bird population year-round. Species such as rails, woodpeckers, thrushes, tits, finches, and buntings can be seen and heard, adding to the birdwatching experience amidst lush vegetation.
In the steppe environment, you can find emblematic species like mala droplja, črna stepska kokoška, biserna stepska kokoška, zlatovranka and both kratkoprsti škrjanček and mali škrjanček. Transitional areas between habitats feature species like svetlooka penica, osočnikova penica, puščavec and both črni kupcar and kupcar.
Finally, the Ebro Valley cliffs host a rich variety of cliff-dwelling species, particularly raptors, such as beloglavi jastreb, egiptovski jastreb, planinski orel, kragulji orel, mali orel, kačar, kanja, rjavi lunj, črni škarnik, rjavi škarnik, sokol selec and velika uharica.
Details
Access
Aiguabarreig de Mequinenza is located in the northeastern part of Spain, where the Segre, Cinca, and Ebro rivers converge. The area can be accessed by car via the N-211 road, with parking available near the town of Mequinenza. Press a P in the map for directions. While public transport options are limited, the site can be explored by foot, bike, or car, depending on your preference. Allow at least half a day to fully appreciate the diverse habitats and bird species present.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Wetland , Plain , Canyon/cliff , Steppe , Desert , River , Reedbeds , Agriculture , Scattered trees and bushes , Valley , City/village , ParkConditions
Mountainous , Open landscape , High water possibleCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Spring migration , Autumn migration , SpringRoute
Paved road , Wide path , Unpaved roadDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , Car , BoatBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
Don't miss the museums of Mequinenza, the castle, and other cultural attractions in the area. Additionally, it's easy to find hotels, hostels, campgrounds, bars, and restaurants in the town, making your visit convenient and enjoyable (see for more info the link below).
