From the mountain ranges of Sierra de Alhama, there originates Guadalhorce river. Which flows for about 166 kilometers into the Mediterranean at the west of thy city of Malaga. It is where the Guadalhorce river estuary natural area exists on a naturally formed island.
This island is formed because of the river branches into two sections before joining the Mediterranean. This naturally formed island is one of the most ecologically varied lands in Andalucia. The island has become an important habitat, breeding and migration site of various species of birds in eastern Andalucia.
The natural sanctuary (A paradise for bird watchers):
In the late 1970s, the autonomous government of Andalucia (Junta de Andalucia), decided to build different large scale housing projects. The area along Guadalhorce river estuary natural area was being used as an excavation site. Extraction of huge amounts of gravel and sand created large pits, which were filled with water, and formed artificial ponds and scrubland after subsequent flooding.
These newly created artificial ponds attracted wildlife, particularly bird species. Conservationists were astonished by this high attraction of flora and fauna towards the site. By 1998, the area was granted a status of natural and was offered protection.
At present, the area has become a natural sanctuary with marshlands flooding with life. It is astonishing that besides one of the busiest airports of Europe, lies a paradise. Thousands of travel enthusiasts come to this place to enjoy birdwatching. The miraculous mixing of sweet river water with salty seawater creates a relaxing and unique environment for bird watchers.
As the Guadalhorce River estuary exists at the point which is a natural crossing route of birds migrating to and from Europe and Africa, it’s always a surprise for bird watchers what species of birds they might encounter. Amongst the 350 species of birds, recorded to be living in Andalucia, 260 species have been found at this spot.
Flora
The flora found at estuary is of particular interest. The mixture of salt and sweet water has made a variation of salts in the soil, this variation of salts in a very small space created a habitat for a wide variety of aquatic plants, scrubs, and reedbeds. Some of which only exists at this place and are endemic to Guadalhorce river estuary natural area.
You can see willows, eucalyptus, and poplars along the river banks. Palm trees and tamarisks are also found here.
Bird Species
The estuary provides a stop-off site to hundreds of different migration birds. You can see the different type of birds at different times of the year. During spring, autumn and winters when migration of birds is at peak, it is a pleasure for eyes to visit this spot. Different types of birds seen at different times of the year are:
- Kentish plovers
- Ospreys
- Seahawks
- Baudouin gulls
- Marbled teals
- Bluethroats
- Little bittern
- Booted eagles
- Kingfishers
- Black-tailed godwit
- Northern gannets
- Bck-winged stilts
- Redshanks
- Sacred ibis
- Lesser crested terns
- Moorhens
- Water rails
- Cetti’s warblers
- Crested larks
- Yellow wagtails
- Reed warblers
- Nightingales
- Different types of ducks
- Crested larks
- Flamingos
- Monk parakeets
- Honey buzzards
- White-headed ducks
Visiting the area:
The estuary is easily accessible and has many paths and tracks leading to it. Along with several large lakes and ponds, there are five observation points. It is a popular attraction for mountain bikers and travel enthusiasts. Many visitors come by here to relax from the busy life of the city for a few hours.
The two properly marked routes to the location are Rio Viejo and Laguna Grande. Former is a 1.6 kilometers old river route that will lead you to Laguna de la Casilla while later route takes you to Laguna Grande where you can admire the birds and past some unique flora.
I hope you have used this post to know a little more Malaga, share this article to help other people enjoy a better stay! 🙂
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