White-headed Duck stronghold
One of the most unknown areas of Doñana is located on the East bank of the Guadalquivir and it is protected as a Natural Park. It extends from the mouth of the river to about 25 km upriver.
We are talking about southern Doñana, in the province of Cádiz, around Sanlúcar de Barrameda. Without any doubt, this is one of the most interesting areas of Doñana for birdwatching, especially during the summer, when other places are completely dry.
This area has a high heterogeneity of landscapes: beach, brackish marshes, pools, fish farms, salt pans, Umbrella Pine forest… Other nearby habitats, such as vineyards, help to further increase the diversity of the region.
This domain is the best to observe two of the most threatened and iconic species of Doñana: Marbled Duck and White-headed Duck.
It is also a prime site for waders (including Collared Pratincole), gulls (Audouin’s, Slender-billed Gull…) and terns (with sometimes rare species like the Lesser Crested Tern).
The seashore offers a chance to seawatch, that might allow us to observe the Balearic Shearwater.
One outstanding sight is the presence of one of the rare European colonies of Little Swift and also the area all over Spain with the highest density of Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin.
Best place all over Doñana for Marbled and White-headed Duck.
Best place all over Doñana for waders, gulls and terns.
Good birding opportunities even during the summer.
To discover the most unknown section of Doñana.
Depending on the time of year and your preferences, we will visit a number of sites, along the way of the Guadalquivir River from Chipiona to Trebujena. Some of the most notable are: Chipiona, Montijo Beach, Bonanza salt pans (Sanlúcar de Barrameda), Algaida pine forest, Trebujena marshlands and Trebujena vineyards.
We will use low traffic roads and dirt tracks, stopping whenever necessary and taking short walks if you wish.
NOTICE: During the half day trip we only visit the area around Sanlúcar de Barrameda, including salt pans, pine forest and wetlands.
Most wanted birds
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Gull-billed Tern
Red-necked Nightjar
Pallid Swift
European Bee-eater
Woodchat Shrike
Greater Short-toed Lark
Red-rumped Swallow
Red-knobbed Coot
Greater Flamingo
Pin-tailed Sandgrouse
Red-crested Pochard
Glossy Ibis
Eurasian Spoonbill
Griffon Vulture
Purple Swamphen
Iberian Green Woodpecker
Lesser Kestrel
Southern Grey Shrike
Calandra Lark
Spotless Starling
Spanish Sparrow
MAIN HABITATS
TOP BIRDS
White-headed Duck, Marbled Duck, Little Swift
LOCATION
DURATION
Full day from Seville: ≈ 10 hours.
Full day from Sanlúcar de Bda: ≈ 8 hours.
Half day (only from Sanlúcar): ≈ 5 hours.
AVAILABILITY
All year round.