Bird-watching Paradise in Malaga, Andalucia
Bird-watching in Andalucia
Bird-watching is a rewarding activity in our Farmhouse B&B. This part of Andalucia is on the main "Migration Path" between Europe and Africa, enriching our local bird life twice a year. This has helped make our place a heaven for Bird-watching and a favourite place to stay with the RSPB members, with many coming to this area on regular basis. Those who have already visited us have been enthralled by the bird life around our Farmhouse including Beeaters, Warblers, Shrikes, Red Rumped Swallows, Finches and Buntings. We get frequent overhead passes of birds of prey such as Short toed Eagle, Honey Buzzards and Griffin Vultures.
A short car drive will take you to perfect Birdwatching areas such as Fuente de Piedra, El Torcal, Ardales Lakes, Bobastro, El Chorro, and Teba providing you with opportunities to see even more fantastic birds, particularly the large birds of prey and Nesting Flamingos.
Fuent de Piedra
Protected by international treaty the Lagoon of Fuente de Piedra makes up part of the Llanure de Antequera which is considered to be one of the largest natural lagoons in Spain. The lagoon is an important stopover for the migrating birds before crossing the Mediterranean to spend the winter in warmer climes. Surrounded by a vast, mountainous terrain and provides an ideal breeding spot for the Pink Flamingo.The best time to observe the flamingos is around the end of January which is when they arrive to prepare in time for the all important spring and summer business of breeding.
Towards the end of the summer, during July and August, Manuel Rendón, the Conservation Manager of the reserve and his two-hundred strong team of scientists advance on the lagoon before daylight in order to label the thousands of young flamingos who are still unable to fly. This incredible project has been in effect since 1984 and provides invaluable information as to the movements and habits of these valuable birds. After the disastrous 2006 season due to 5 years of draught, we had over 5000 chicks in 2009, with 10,000 in 2010 & 2011 and a record 14,000 in 2013.