Birding Weekend at
La Janda Wetland & Grazalema
DAY 1: LA JANDA WETLAND DAY 2: SIERRA DE GRAZALEMA NATURAL PARK
The old lake of La Janda used to be one of the most
important and extensive wetlands in the Iberian Pe-
ninsula. However, after being dried out in the 1960s
it was turned into a huge farming area.
Today, La Janda represents a great diversity of
habitats due to its many historical uses. There are
large pastures, an important and unusual wild olive
grove, rain fed crops, rice paddy fields and canals
with marsh vegetation that together welcome mi-
llions of birds through the different seasons.
This unparalleled strategic situation, the last stop
before leaving the continent, makes La Janda a pa-
radise of great ecological interest: here birds must
stop to rest and recover strength before or after
their trip across the Strait of Gibraltar.
The area is a hunting ground; so many kinds of
prey are present. Therefore, during the winter it is
common to see Bonelli’s Eagle, Spotted and Lesser
Spotted Eagle, Hen Harrier, Bluethroat, Short-eared
Owl and the rare Pallid Harrier. In winter a large
number of Common Cranes, Black Storks, Lapwings,
Golden Plovers and even the elusive Bittern, are fre-
quently seen around these fields.
In spring and summer we may find birds like the
Montagu’s Harrier, the Collared Pratincole and the
Common Quail, together with year-round residents
like the Spanish Imperial Eagle, Purple Swamphen,
Black-shouldered Kite and Glossy Ibis (a breeding
colony was established in the area in 2012).
Target Birds: Bonelli’s Eagle, Spanish Impe- The Grazalema Natural Park is a nearly 52.000
Ha paradise for walkers, birdwatchers and photo-
graphers. Here we can find a mountain landscape
formed by limestone and dolomites, dominated by
fantastic views of both Spanish Fir and Mediterra-
nean forests with their abundant Holm oaks and
Cork oaks. The area is renowned for orchids and bu-
tterflies, but raptors will distract us from the ground
cover. From hilltops like Puerto de las Palomas or
Puerto del Boyar, with luck we will spot Bonelli’s
and Golden Eagles, Goshawk, Peregrine Falcon and
Red-billed Chough.
Other species present in this region are Egyptian
Vultures, Blue Rock and Rufous Tailed Rock Thrus-
hes, Black Wheatears, Crag Martins, Red-rumped
Swallows and Rock Buntings, among others.
Grazalema is a wonderful place for nature lovers
and we have designed the best guided tour possible
to get an extensive bird, orchid and butterfly list,
as well we have the possibility to focus on special
species.
Target Birds: Bonelli’s and Golden Eagles, Gos-
hawk, Peregrine Falcon, Griffon Vulture, Red-billed
Chough, Egyptian Vulture, Blue Rock and Rufous Tai-
led Rock Thrushes, Lesser Kestrel, Black Wheatear,
Crag Martin, Pallid Swift, Rock Bunting.
DETAILS OF THE EXCURSION
Includes:
Bilingual expert guide (Spanish and English).
RC and accident insurance.
Round trip transportation from the border.
Included Meals: Day 1: lunch and dinner. Day 2:
breakfast and lunch. One drink included per meal.
Hotel accommodation in El Bosque, Sierra de Graza-
lema (prices are for shared rooms. Ask for price for
individual).
Materials included: binoculars and telescope.
Identification guides.
Recommended time: autumn, winter and spring.
Date: Although the activity is titled bird weekend,
after consultation and confirmation of availability by
the company, this can be done any day of the week.
Schedule: pick up 8:00 a.m. at the border and end the
next day at 6:00 p.m. approx.
Minimum number of people: 2
Price per person: £360 VAT included.
Organized by: OTWO Magazine
Tel. +00350 22500799
[email protected]
Transport available for groups.Check with us for
your requirements. OTWO is a facilitator on these
packages.
All activities are contracted directly between
the respective centre operator and the client.
Prices correct for month of August only, please
consult for other dates.
rial Eagle, Spotted and Lesser Spotted Eagle,
Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Pallid, Marsh,
Hen and Montagu´s Harriers, Purple Swam-
phen, Common Crane, Black-shouldered Kite
and Glossy Ibis and Bluethroat.
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OTWO 03 / OCTOBER 2019
OTWO 03 / OCTOBER 2019
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