Andújar and Doñana trip

See you in Seville at noon. We will dedicate a few days to explore Doñana (trip ressources). Today is unexpected since the visit brings us to a highly transformed agricultural landscape and to the former eastern branch of the Guadalquivir (Brazo del Este) that could not be completely drained… an exceptional wealth of avifauna awaits us. The best starter for 10 days discovering Andalusia.

Brazo del Este polders and wetlands

An intense day will allow you to explore a remarkable diversity of aquatic habitats and already produce a long list of birds. A permanent lagoon will be ideal for searching for the most endangered avifauna: white-headed duck and if luck smiles on us, marbled teal or Red-knobbed Coot. To add more thrill, we will be able to visit the best panoramic view over the whole Doñana region and enjoy a spectacular sunset over the marshes.

Marine birds – Bonanza salt pan – Tarelo permanent lagoon – Pinar La Algaida – Trebujena marshes

In the morning, we will quickly check a few rewarding sites nearby Brazo del Este for aquatic diversity, exploring the banks of the Guadalquivir, visiting an adjoining hill with species rich temporary Mediterranean ponds (best site I know for large branchiopods) and a former gravel pits with permanent water.

Dirt track along the Guadalquivir – Dehesa La Atalaya – Corta de Los Olivillos

Around 3 pm, we will move to Córdoba (a 2h drive), and search for amphibians and the spectacular morenica subspecies of Fire salamander in the evening (if weather is favorable).

A quick and early walk to famous Cordoba Mosk is recommended before starting serious field work. Another intense day, with the visit in the morning of a nice small stream next to Córdoba, where Sympetrum sinaiticium are seen regularly, and a temporary lagoon good for branchiopods. We will reach Sierra de Andújar (trip ressources) in the afternoon and move directly to classical sites along the Jándula river at Encinarejo reservoir.

Arroyo Pedroches – Encinarejo

The best opportunities for Iberian Lynx observations is definitively entering large private estates. Those were previously dedicated to large game hunting but more recently, some of them prefered to focus their interest to Sierra Morena and lynx ‘safari’. We colaborate with very dedicated local conservationists.

Not only we want to actually see the lynx, but we would like to have nice observations, if possible. This is only possible with luck and much field work. In the Natural Park, Iberian lynxes are totally free and not fed near viewing points… so this is wildlife at its best. Nevertheless, this species is confident and quite active during day time in winter, so chances are as good as they get.

Our last day in Andújar will permit us to explore another best area for wildlife and lynxes, at public observatories in direction to the Jándula reservoir. Of course, we will have good chance to see Imperial eagle, Black vultures and more wildlife.

In the afternoon, we will move to Málaga mountains for more excitment (2 h drive).

Los Escoriales – Jándula

At this point of the trip, we will focus on some of the best area for Sympetrum sinaiticum in Andalusia. We will do a bit of driving near Antequera and Ardales. Sightings are a bit unpredictable… but we must search the species for success. Later in the afternoon, we cannot miss one to the most famous Iberian limestone landscape: the Torcal de Antequera, a maze of cliffs and eroded rocks scattered with small trees. This karst is good for Spanish ibex, Blue Rock-Thrush and Black Wheatear.

This morning program is a little bit open: We can dedicate more time for Sympetrum search ; visit Fuente de Piedra lagoon (if it is not dry!). In direction of Sevilla, we need to check Great bustards at Osuna and maybe other steppe birds if chances accompagnies.

A very intense day awaits us as Doñana Nord offers, once again, exceptional sites for bird watching. Some novelties: Heronry, colonies of Glossy ibis and white storks; huge expanses of rice paddies, natural salt marshes and deep freshwater canal. Note that the surrounding forests are home to several lynx territories.

Isla Mayor – Centro J.A. Valverde – Caño Guadiamar – Dehesa Abajo.

If times allows, we’ll have a final visit in a nice site next to Sevilla.