UPDATED from original post. See picture at the end ……..

We are always pleased to hear from people here in Almerimar (or who visit Almerimar) especially if they have an interest or an opinion that they want to share with us. John, who is married to Cynthia and lives locally, has offered us a number of articles about bird watching in the area.

Here is the first in the series of articles.

Local tourist literature does not appear to be very effective in promoting bird watching in some of the most important bird sites of Europe right here on our doorstep. I frequently visit the Puntas Entinas nature reserve (the 16km coastal strip between Almerimar and Roquetas) and have yet to meet any serious birders in pursuit of their hobby.

This is particularly surprising when one considers that the reserve is such an important stopping off point for the millions of migrating birds en route between Europe and Africa. Probably as many as 100 varieties pass by Almerimar twice a year and almost all of them will spend a short time feeding or roosting at this 2000 hectares site. Many of the swallows, swifts, starlings, cuckoos and flycatchers may well have nested in your garden back home before following you to the Mediterranean, but they will probably continue their journey for several thousand miles more.

If you add to this transient number a further resident group of over 200 documented varieties in the area, then we ornithologists (posh name) are fortunate to over-winter in a climate that is much more agreeable for birding than a British winter.

From the impressive Bonelli’s Eagles which roost in the cliff and soar majestically over the golf course and the flocks of Greater Flamingos feeding in the lakes to the miniscule Goldcrests and Serins which dart only fleetingly into view, the challenge is to spot them all. So many of them are so similar that they can only be identified through their call notes (bird-song) or flight patterns.

So, if you are getting bored on your non-golfing days and still yearn for an outdoor activity, arm yourself with a pair of binoculars and an illustrated bird identification pocket book, cover yourselves well with lightweight dark coloured clothing and apply a good layer of anti-mosquito cream and head into bird paradise.

PS. Before you complain too much about the mosquitos remind yourselves that they are the reason so many birds are here. Mossies are near the bottom of the food chain but, frustratingly, they seem to forget their place in the pecking order and attack we humans.

In my next note I’ll tell you which birds you just can’t miss seeing and which others take some searching for.

About Almerimar

Almerimar is located in the region of Andalucia, Spain. The nearest airport is 30km away in Almeria. Other airports that are within 3 hours include Malaga, Murcia, Granada, and Alicanti. Other holiday resorts in the region include Mojacar , Aguadulce and Roquetas de Mar

Almerimar is also one of the largest marinas in Spain with over 2,000 births and excellent boatyard facilities.

This is a picture that Sands refers to in her comment