Dragonglies in Andalusia trip

Meeting at Málaga Airport at noon. Quick lunch near the airport in the field and move to Río Verde de Istán (surroundings of Marbella).

Visit of exceptional sites with short streams and still waters south of Sierra de Las Nieves National Park. Those permanent streams, well oxygenated and with mild temperatures, are currently among the best sites for dragonflies in Andalusia. Great observations are guaranteed, let us quote in disorder: Boyeria irene, Oxygastra curtisii, several Gomphus and Onychogomphus, etc. The small reservoir will allow for interesting Orthetrum species.

Accomodation will take place at the lovely white village of Benarrabá for five nights.

Whole day dedicated to the Genal River, one of the last two wild rivers in southern Spain and protected by a huge cork oak forest. We will also stop at great view points to enjoy the landscape. All southern European species of running water breed in this river, although in low densities.

The second wild river left in the southern Spain, but very different from the Genal, alternating running waters and natural small reservoirs of deep waters. Los Alcornocales. Once again, all Mediterranean species of running waters are potential. Let’s mention Platycnemis acutipennis, Macromia splendens (hard to observe), with have higher densities than in the Genal.

Day dedicated to Mediterranean species of stagnant waters: Trithemis annulata, Brachytemis leucosticta, etc. We will visit the low section of the Genal river at its juntion with the Guadiaro, close to Casares. If there is still water in this season, then we should move to La Florida temporary pond (good for Lestes virens), or to Buitreras Reservoir at Cañada Real del Tesoro, and the Guadiaro River.

Quick stop at Las Ventillas stream near Ronda. We will then head to Arroyo de Almergen, where Coenagrion mercuriale and Orthetrum nitidinerve were found some years ago… and finish our day in Fuente de Piedra : one of the most famous European lagoon with its colony of flamingoes (edit: in 2023 the colony has not established due to the drough). If there is luck, a few Lestes macrostigma could appear in the small ponds around the visitor centre.

Accomodation will take place at the Ardales for four nights.

Late start to rest from previous intense days. Day dedicated to Las Piedras stream, best place for Orthetrum nitidinerve in Andalusia in recent years and its junction with the Guadalhorce, the largest lowland river in Málaga.

We will then study the little known Arroyo del Colmenar and Arroyo del Granado (dry in 2023) searching for Onychogomphus species.

We will visit various localities along this interesting and scenic stream, flowing from Sierra de Las Nieves, where it is well vegetated, to the largest reservoirs.

We will spend some time in this famous karstic landscape.

We will spend the morning at Guadalhorce River estuary, a must-see birdwatching site, close to the airport… Easy transfer to reach the airport at 15:00. The travel is over and we will be back home as soon as possible.