Discover Doñana: the birds of Mediterranean marshes
– Largest wetland in Western Europe
– Hot spot for birds
– Beaches, dunes and forests
Region
Spain / Andalusia
Meeting point
Seville
Specialized service
Small parties
Doñana … the mythical estuary of the Guadalquivir whose abundance of birds has attracted people since antiquity and today is a place of observation for all those curious about nature. World-renowned national park where multiple wetlands and dune terrestrial ecosystems alternate.
The Doñana Natural Area: national park, regional park and nature reserves !
Exploring Doñana’s vast ‘Natural Area’, which stretches between the cities of Seville, Huelva and Sanlúcar de Barrameda, takes time to grasp its ecosystems and biodiversity. We suggest visiting the most important sites to maximize the observations of interest.
It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner … we will learn how to use binoculars, how to adjust a telescope, how to compare the morphology of different bird species, how to observe their behavior, how to explore the main ecosystems and how to look at plants, insects, while taking time to photograph. In short, a real field course of zoology and ecology, combining the emotion of the fleeting natural moments.
For more experienced audiences, we will focus on species that are more difficult to detect or identify. We offer a naturalistic approach to the pleasure of nature and discovery.
Doñana … the mythical estuary of the Guadalquivir whose abundance of birds has attracted people since antiquity and today is a place of observation for all those curious about nature. World-renowned national park where multiple wetlands and dune terrestrial ecosystems alternate.
The Doñana Natural Area: national park, regional park and nature reserves !
Exploring Doñana’s vast ‘Natural Area’, which stretches between the cities of Seville, Huelva and Sanlúcar de Barrameda, takes time to grasp its ecosystems and biodiversity. We suggest visiting the most important sites to maximize the observations of interest.
It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner … we will learn how to use binoculars, how to adjust a telescope, how to compare the morphology of different bird species, how to observe their behavior, how to explore the main ecosystems and how to look at plants, insects, while taking time to photograph. In short, a real field course of zoology and ecology, combining the emotion of the fleeting natural moments.
For more experienced audiences, we will focus on species that are more difficult to detect or identify. We offer a naturalistic approach to the pleasure of nature and discovery.
300 species of birds throughout the year!
Download the poster PDF edited by SEO / Birdlife.
Very common and at least attractive species in Doñana
Red-crested Pochard
Squacco Heron
Spoonbill
Glossy Ibis
Purple Swamp-hen
European Bee-eater
Iconic and often difficult to observe species
Spanish Imperial Eagle
Marbled Duck
White headed Duck
Red-knobbed Coot
Ferruginous Duck
Pin-tailed Sandgrouse
Other animals typical of the dunes at the Guadalquivir estuary
Iberian Lynx
Red deer
Carbonell’s lizard
Green-striped white
Dark spreadwing
Iberian spoonwing
Travel schedule “Discover Doñana: the birds of Mediterranean marshes”
DAY 1 | Airport transfer - the mouth of the Guadalquivir
See you in Seville at noon. We will head to Sanlúcar de Barrameda to discover the meeting of the river and the ocean and enjoy ornithological surprises: the only European place for Little swift (Apus affinis). We will enjoy a beautiful sunset over the sea.
Panoramic views of the marshes – Mouth of the Guadalquivir River – Chipiona
DAY 2 | Southern Doñana
An intense day that 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. The sunset over the marshes is especially spectacular.
Marine birds – Salines de Bonanza – Laguna Tarelo – Pinar La Algaida – Marismas Trebujena.
DAY 3 | Eastern Doñana
We will travel along the banks of the Guadalquivir in its only section accessible to vehicles and finally enter the polder area of the Brazo del Este (a real labyrinth). We will dedicate time to exploring a highly transformed agricultural habitat and the former eastern branch of the Guadalquivir that could not be completely drained … an exceptional wealth of avifauna awaits us. On an adjoining hill, we will visit surprising temporary Mediterranean ponds. In the late afternoon, we will finally cross the Guadalquivir to reach the right bank of the river.
Dirt track along the Guadalquivir – Brazo del Este – Dehesa La Atalaya.
DAY 4 | Northern Doñana round-trip
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.
DAY 5 | El Rocío, heart of Doñana
We will finally arrive at El Rocío, the center of Doñana, the area that travelers often visit first. We will discover with great pleasure the white village and the grassy marshes grazed by the ‘marismeños’ horses. The gallery forest of La Rocina is well worth a visit.
El Rocío – Marisma La Madre – La Rocina – El Acebrón.
DAY 6 | Safari in the National Park
We will visit the restricted area of the National Park in a 4×4 vehicle to explore the largest mobile dune complex in Europe and the vast swamps they protect. The wet meadows of La Vera are home to ungulates and a large heron. The afternoon will be dedicated to visiting the main interpretation center of the park (exhibition, souvenirs) and its lagoons (the last visited during this trip).
El Puntal – El Acebuche – Lagunas del Acebuche
DAY 7 | Western Doñana and goodbye
Last excursion to the fossil dunes of Doñana which culminate at 100 meters and offer an exceptional panoramic view of the pine forest and the ocean. On the way back, the amazing río Tinto will offer a welcome break. Finally, we will leave in the early afternoon in Seville.
Old Pine at Mazagón – El Asperillo cliffs – Cuesta Maneli – Abalario – Río Tinto.
INCLUDE
- A wildlife watching travel lead by local nature guide. Groups 5-8 people.
- Half board (picnics by the participants).
- Double rooms (single room supplement).
- Does not include round-trip flights by plane.
Bonus
Doñana, Doñana and Doñana … We will explore the main sites and ecosystems of the largest protected natural area in Europe.
