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Description
Before this area was drained for use in agriculture, it was a magnificent bird-filled paradise. Although now indeed drained, the birds are still attracted to the area in numbers, and at the right time of year, it's possible to spend all day here, such can be the rewards.
La Janda Lagoon Friends Association are a non-profit organisation with the aim of promoting the restoration of La Janda Lagoon. https://www.lagunalajanda.org/en-gb
April is my favourite time of year when any Western European migrant might be found here. Water levels on the fields can vary greatly and that will have a bearing on bird numbers.
It is recommended to drive slowly and stop regularly, or whenever bird activity is spotted. The points of interest denote keys areas interest, which have been flooded during previous years.
There's no specific parking as such, but birders will pull over to the side of the track to allow famers to pass with incident.
žerjav can be found in good numbers in the winter, whilst Spring migration can bring a wide range of species. Winter has held rare bunting species in recent years, with gozdni strnad, mali strnad and the much rarer pepelastoglavi strnad (2025).
čopasta čaplja are not common but there should be one or two present throughout the year. are seen every Spring, whilst during good raptor migration, and črni škarnik can be seen in good numbers as they head northwards.
lebduh can also be seen throughout the year though in small numbers.
When the flooded areas are at their best, a variety of wader species could be found. Flocks of rjava komatna tekica are regularly present in the spring.
It's also possible to see Otter in the Grand Canal though rare.
Details
Access
From the E-5, the track opposite the A-2227 turn off to Zahara los Athunes is commonly used as a starting point when coming from Tarifa (see the map for the other access points if approaching from Vejer de la Frontera or Benalup).
Once you reach the rise at the canal, the only way is to turn left, following that track all the way to the end, (careful of occassional pot-holes). At the bridge you can either turn right for a 10km+ adventure to Benalup, or turn left back towards the E-5. Both tracks can be rewarding depending on how much time you have, where flooded areas may be and the season.
You can stop anywhere on the tracks of La Janda as long as you pull over as much as possible to allow other vehicles to pass freely. Some areas are devoid of traffic but others may have farm vehicles and staff travelling in them.
At marker 6, it's best to turn left towards benalup if coming from the South (turn right if coming from Benalup), unless you have a decent 4X4 vehicle. That route is far more rewarding in any case as it usually has some amount of flooded fields close to the road.
This is a large area and can take several hours to cross. If you want quick access that you can return along, then I recommend visited Point of Interest 1 or the 10,9, 8 route etc. as this will allow your vehicle an easier ride. A loop from 1 to 3 then back to the main road is also recommended if you have less than an hour to spend here.
Terrain and Habitat
Wetland , AgricultureConditions
Flat , Open landscapeCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Spring , Autumn , Autumn migration , Spring migrationRoute
Unpaved roadDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
CarBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
The roads are relatively rough but that doesn't stop birders from visiting. Care may be required with pot holes.