There are no borders or obstacles to overcome in the sky, just some natural barriers that can stop the flight of migratory birds. It is precisely when they suffer these limitations when we can appreciate the greatness and magnitude of these animals.
Estrecho de Gibraltar
Estrecho de Gibraltar, straddling two continents, is an ideal place for birdwatching. It is one of those places where the migratory movement of land birds (gliders and non-gliders) is stronger. The massification of movements, when they cross from one continent to another or when they pass from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, contributes to the observation of these birds. A true maze of different routes that allow us to enjoy one of nature’s greatest shows: the migrations of countless birds that glide over us twice a year.
The migration
Birds migrate in order to find optimal conditions for their feeding. Migratory landbirds travel from Africa to Europe for the breeding season in the early spring. Then, they travel back and return in autumn to their hibernation areas. Seabirds do the same, except that they always make these trips over the sea. Due to the enormous number of species and routes, there is no way you can miss these birds flying over the region. Anyway, the best moments to practice birdwatching are between the months of February to May, and August to November.
Gliding birds
Raptors and storks are the most awaited birds by observers due to their size, shape of their groups and the difficulty with which they cross. There are more than 20 species of raptors, two different species of storks and the common crane. If you want to observe them you will have to take into account the time of the year and the prevailing wind. There are various public observatories, although you can appreciate the flight of these birds perfectly from anywhere.
A must-see experience!
Some experiences you should not miss regarding birdwatching are:
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- When raptors arrive at the coast in spring, Punta Carnero and Punta Camorro are the best places to see them.
- Cazalla and Puerto de Bolonia are two of the best places to enjoy the exodus of white storks in late July.
- The massive migration of raptors during the month of September, which you will be able to experience from the Cazalla and Algarrobo’s observatories.
- The migration of griffon vulture during October and November, with El Cabrito and Mirador del Estrecho being the two best places to witness this phenomenon.
- The migration of seabirds and finches between October and November, being Punta Marroquí in Isla de las Palomas an ideal place to see it.
- La Janda in winter to see raptors and cranes. The sky of Tarifa belongs to the birds.
(Blog written by Miguel González from Huerta Grande, an ideal place to stay and practice ornithological and active tourism related to nature in Estrecho del Gibraltar).