Lagunas de Palos y Las Madres

This area of marshland comprises four lakes: La Primera de Palos, La Jara, La Mujer and Las Madres. Their location is vitally important, halfway between the marshes of the Tinto and Odiel Rivers and the Guadalquivir marshes. It is unusual because it is a freshwater system, despite being close to the sea. This wetland has water all year round, and is therefore an important place of residence for birds, and a stopping point for migratory species.

If you follow its botanical trail you can start to discover the autochthonous vegetation of the area, with the help of information panels.

From the hide, endangered species can be seen amidst the vegetation, such as the Squacco heron, which migrates from Africa to spend winter here. At this time of year it gets its mating plumage - bright orange - and its bill turns to an intense shade of blue. Another endangered species is the white-headed duck, characterised by its stocky bill. During the courting season the bill of the males also goes a bluish colour.

These waters are also visited frequently by the masked lady, the osprey. This skilful bird of prey grabs its quarry and to ensure that it is not lost, does not open its claws until it has arrived at its perch.