Western Doñana Birding Day trip

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.

Blog: Top 10 birds of Doñana

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.

northern doñana - copy

Most wanted birds

RESIDENTS
greater flamingo andalusian birds
Greater Flamingo
red-knobbed coot andalusian birds
Red-knobbed Coot
spanish imperial eagle andalusian birds
Spanish Imperial Eagle
iberian magpie andalusian birds
Iberian Magpie
lesser spotted woodpecker andalusian birds
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker
southern grey shrike andalusian birds
Southern Grey Shrike

+

SUMMER
Squacco Heron
Squacco Heron
Savi's Warbler
Savi's Warbler
collared pratincole andalusian birds
Collared Pratincole
red-necked nightjar andalusian birds
Red-necked Nightjar
Rufous-tailed Scrub-Robin
Rufous-tailed Scrub-Robin
iberian chiffchaff andalusian birds
Iberian Chiffchaff

+

WINTER
osprey andalusian birds
Iberian Chiffchaff
black-shouldered kite andalusian birds
Black-winged Kite
black stork andalusian birds
Black Stork
common crane andalusian birds
Common Crane
Marbled Duck
Marbled Duck
Eurasian Bullfinch
Eurasian Bullfinch
MIGRATION
garganey andalusian birds
Garganey
european roller andalusian birds
European Roller
Subalpine Warbler
Subalpine Warbler
western orphean warbler andalusian birds
Western Orphean Warbler
bonelli's warbler andalusian birds
Bonelli's Warbler
Black-eared Wheatear
Black-eared Wheatear

+

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

Wetlands   Sea   Forests

 

   TOP BIRDS

Iberian Chiffchaff, Red-knobbed Coot, Iberian Magpie

 

   LOCATION

Huelva province. 80 km from Seville (1 hour) 

 

   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.

   Pick up service in Seville or close to destination point (El Rocío-Matalascañas area), free of charge. For long distance pick up a supplement fee will be applied.

   Local guide fluent in English.

   Paper checklists of the birds to observe.

   Free access to identification guides and quality optical materials.

   All taxes.

   Doñana Wings is included in the Tourism Registry of the Andalusian Government as an Active Tourism company (AT/SE/00129) and holds a Liability Insurance (82168675) and Accidents Insurance (82164529) with AXA SEGUROS Company.

    Meals and drinks.

    Accomodation.

If you have to cancel the tour due to reasons related to COVID-19 (impediments to travel, infection…) you will be reimbursed 100% of your booking, no matter when you cancel. In other cases:

– Cancellations at least 7 days before the tour: 100% of the amount will be refunded.

– Cancellation due meteorological conditions: 100% of the amount will be refunded.

– Cancellations from 7 days before the tour until 2 days before the tour: 50% of the amount will be refunded.

– Cancellations less than 48 hours before the tour or “No show”: 0% of the amount will be refunded.

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