around El Rocío
In the western part of Doñana, in the province of Huelva, we can find the sandy white village of El Rocío.
El Rocío and its surroundings are, by far, the most visited area all over Doñana. From the village, it is possible to spot great amount of birds or Red Deer, since it is situated next to the marshlands of the National Park.
This is the area of Doñana with the greatest diversity of habitats (marshes, cork oak forests, pine groves, coastal cliffs, mobile dunes…), and therefore a high diversity birds.
If you like to combine bird watching with hiking, this region is excellent as there are many trails.
This is the best area of Doñana for forest birds, such as the Iberian Chiffchaff and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. The Iberian Magpie is particularly abundant here.
Depending on water levels and time of year, it is also excellent for waterfowl, with occasional presence of Red-knobbed Coot. Some winters, flocks of thousands of geese choose the marshes in front of El Rocío as a roost.
The reedbeds hold good numbers of warblers, (including Savi’s Warbler), Little Bittern and Bluethroat.
A while observing the sea can bring species such as the Balearic Shearwater. In addition, in the nearby vineyards we can find Rufous-tailed Scrub-robin.
Proximity to El Rocío and Matalascañas.
Good representation of most of Doñana’s habitats.
Best place all over Doñana for forest birds.
Cultural interest of El Rocío.
On this route most of the birding will be on foot (short and easy walks) along the network of trails equipped with hides through the marshes and the riparian forest.
We will use the car to reach the most interesting areas, stopping when necessary to enjoy birdwatching en route.
Some of the areas that we will visit in this route are El Rocío marshes, Rocina, Acebrón, Acebuche or Doñana beach, depending on the season and your interests.
It is also possible enter into the restricted area of the National Park (see “More Info”).
NOTICE: During the half-day excursion we only visited the areas closest to El Rocío, mainly on foot, but not the coast.
During this route it is possible to access the restricted zone of the national park by 4WD in a private tour of 4 hours. (not included in the price, ask us if you are interested).
El Rocío is also an excellent starting point for our route through Northern Doñana.
Most wanted birds
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Black Tern
Purple Heron
European Bee-eater
Gull-billed Tern
Great Spotted Cuckoo
European Scops Owl
Pallid Swift
Lesser Kestrel
Woodchat Shrike
Greater Short-toed Lark
Red-rumped Swallow
Western Olivaceous Warbler
Red-crested Pochard
Ferruginous Duck
Eurasian Spoonbill
Eurasian Griffon Vulture
Purple Swamphen
Audouin’s Gull
Eurasian Eagle Owl
Iberian Green Woodpecker
Thekla Lark
Spotless Starling
Spanish Sparrow
MAIN HABITATS
TOP BIRDS
Iberian Chiffchaff, Red-knobbed Coot, Iberian Magpie
LOCATION
DURATION
Full day tour from Seville: ≈ 10 hours.
Full day tour from El Rocío/Matalascañas: ≈ 8 hours.
Half day tour (only from El Rocío/Matalascañas): ≈ 5 hours.
AVAILABILITY
All year round.