Birdwatching in Doñana
Birdwatching is all about enjoying the pleasure of watching wild birds, hearing their song and seeing how they take flight and feed their chicks, all so simple, but at the same time so beautiful. This is a hobby that has now become a tourist activity with millions of followers around the world, especially in the United Kingdom, Central Europe and North America, and it is slowly making its way into Andalusia.
And what better place could there be than Doñana for birdwatching? The extraordinary location, so close to Africa and the Strait, and the incredible diversity of habitats, mean that here over 300 species can be observed over the year. A luxury for lovers of ornithology.
There are so many flagship species, that it is impossible to choose just one: Spanish imperial eagle, in danger of extinction, black stork, white-headed duck, swamp hen, flamingo, marbled teal and crested coot are just a few of the many that appear in the Doñana National Park. There are so many that they surprise even the most expert ornithologist.
This iconic natural area encompasses a number of different ecosystems, so you will have to decide which of them you choose for a day of birdwatching, or spread your activity over several days. There is certainly no doubt that the saying "the early bird catches the worm" applies here, because those who make an early start certainly get to see a lot of birds. You could start with a visit to the wetlands of the Laguna del Tarelo, a breeding ground for species such as the white-headed duck.
But if there is an area that really has to be visited, this must be the Doñana marshland, one of the most important wetlands in Europe and a place of transit, breeding and wintering for thousands of African and European birds. An ecosystem with extremely high ecological value that could well become a place of annual pilgrimage for lovers of birdwatching.
If you are still up to a little more "birdwatching", you can end the day with a visit to "La Vera". This is an area where different landscapes converge, a place where you will find ancient cork oaks, with branches rising up like masts and booms, providing shelter for colonies of herons, spoonbills, egrets and herons. These are the renowned Aviaries of Doñana.
Birdwatching is a pleasure for all the senses. It involves contact with nature, search for silence, leisurely observation, the satisfaction of recognising and analysing species at home in their own habitat. It is suitable for experts and also for all those starting out in the noble art of learning to recognise the difference between them and even, at an advanced level, to distinguish them in flight. Give flight to your imagination!
