Description
It is a river landscape surrounded by cultivated fields. The Guadiaro river always has plenty of water and, in spring and summer, a small dam is built to use the water, to irrigate upstream. However, the Genal river, which comes from the Ronda mountains, usually has little water in spring and summer. Downstream from the point where both rivers meet, the riverbed is a series of small streams and ponds, pebbles and riverside and shrub vegetation. This set, with many different habitats, also attracts a great variety of birds.
In the river, you can find several species of herons such as Gri balýkçýl, Sığır balıkçılı or, with luck, Alaca Balikçil and Gece Balikçili, and in the surroundings, Sığır balıkçılı. It's a good place to look for Boyunçeviren and Balık kartalı, especially in winter. During the migration periods you can see a great variety of passerines such as warblers, thrushes, pipits and wagtails, and it is not difficult to find İshakkuşu. Among the species that can be seen all year round, or almost all year round, are Yalıçapkını, Küçük halkalı cılıbıt and Dağ kuyruksallayanı, which all breed there, Dere düdükçünü or Yeşil düdükçün. The most interesting migratory species, which breed here, and also can be see in migration, are Batı ak mukalliti, kızıl boyunlu çobanaldatan, Üveyik, Guguk or Sarıasma. In the nearby areas breed Kara Kulaklı Kuyrukkakan and Kızıl Başlı Örümcekkuşu, and it's easy to see birds of prey such as Şahin, Küçük kartal or Yılan Kartalı. Puhu lives very close to here although it is easier to hear than to see. If the wind is adequate, you can see migration of soaring birds, swallows and swifts.
Details
Access
From the A-7 motorway, take exit 133 by the A-2102. You have to arrive to San Martín del Tesorillo, passing before San Enrique de Guadiaro and Secadero. Once in San Martín del Tesorillo, in the town square, take the CA-8200 road that heads north. At 8 km. leave the road and take an unpaved track to the right. A good parking place is about 400 meters on the left.
Terrain and Habitat
Agriculture , Scattered trees and bushes , River , ValleyConditions
Flat , High water possible , No shadow , Open landscapeCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Summer , Spring migration , SpringRoute
Paved road , Wide path , Unpaved roadDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Car , Bicycle , FootBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
In winter, waterproof boots can be useful.