9 Birdwatching tours and Bird Observation

El Hondo is one of the most important wetlands in Spain, CIS SPAB nature reservoire and RAMSAR wetland area. It stands out for its great diversity, being an enclave of unique landscape where important populations of White headed duck and Marble teal, both species included in the Red Book of species threatened of Spain and scarce throughout Europe. This route runs through observatories near the canal de riegos de levante, being able to observe the fauna of the 2 main reserves that make up the wetland: Levante and Poniente. Restriction to the public in this area guarantees a peaceful journey of field and enjoyment with total tranquility and almost exclusivity of the observatories.

The El Hondo Natural Park, located in the province of Alicante, is one of the most outstanding places for bird watching in the Valencian Community. This park boasts a wide variety of habitats and bird species, including some that are very rare and difficult to find in other parts of the region.

Among the birds that can be observed in El Hondo are flamingos, herons, ducks, coots, and ducks. In addition, this park is home to several species of raptors such as the lesser kestrel, the booted eagle, the peregrine falcon, among others. Species of passerines such as the nightingale, the Eurasian chiffchaff, and the black-headed warbler can also be found in the park, among others.

The park has several strategically located observatories and trails that allow for bird watching in their natural habitat. In addition, bird watching activities and guided tours are organized to learn more about the park’s flora and fauna.

If you want to visit the El Hondo Natural Park to watch birds, it is important to respect the park rules and maintain the birds’ natural habitat. It is also recommended to bring binoculars or telescopes for better bird observation.

In summary, the El Hondo Natural Park is a must-visit place for bird watching enthusiasts, thanks to the wide variety of species that can be found and the large number of resources it offers for bird watching in their natural habitat.

If you like going out to the field and you are a neophyte in birds observation, we propose an alternative, introductory route to you, so that you know the environment of the Nature reserve, familiarize yourself with the rich patrimony of the huerta (garden) and the traditional irrigation and could enjoy observing closely and by expert guides hands, some of the most emblematic birds species of our area. And what better way to do this, than a day of field in bike, giving a quiet and pleasant walk that we will start at the Interpretation Center of the Natural Park of the Hondo and conclude in Carrizales, a cultivation area next to the park which has been recently incorporated in the ZEPA the Hondo (a Special Protection Area for Birds). Of course we can’t miss a traditional picnic. In which we will include products of the area to enjoy our magnificent surroundings with the five senses.

A few meters from the north gate of the Hondo we penetrate into a magnificent rural environment that is part of the biggest palm forest in Europe which was declared world heritage by the Unesco According to the season in which we are, we will be able to enjoy the observation of the European roller, bird of colorful plumage, which nest in the cavities of the Palm trees. We also enjoy the presence of Short-toed treecreeper, European Green woodpecker, and perhaps some Collarde pratincole or why not, any other bird that is flying over the wetland in search of food or resting at that time.

The fascinating thing of Birding is that you can visit an area a thousand times and it will always be different. The landscape is made up by the variety of birds that inhabit it and they are in continuous movement. Spring is without doubt one of our favourite season to visit las Salinas de Santa Pola when the rejoicin of common terns, Slender-billet gulls and Little terns….. invades everything. The beach, and the shallow saline waters, join through one of the most well preserved dunar ecosystemes from the levantine coast. From the sea, observing the numerous Wading birds or from the fauna observatories, we enjoy a full day of birding Wether it is winter, autumn, spring or summer, if your hobby is the seabirds or the Wading birds, this is a natural space that you cannot miss!

Along with one of few surviving vineyards to the phylloxera, we find two lagoons of endorheic origin that shape 3.700 ha of Natural Park in one of the most touristics areas and more densely populated of the south of Alicante. The osprey has here one of its areas of winter season, emphasizing also the presence of a big number of Black-necked grebe. The closeness to the sea, and to the rest of wetlands, makes this Natural Park lodges an extraordinary ornithological wealth that, along with the chromatic beauty of the landscape, will turn out to be an unforgettable experience.

Tabarca is the first marine reserve declared in Spain, and the only one of the Valencian Community. Just 4 km from the Cape of Santa Pola, it is a perfect spot for watching seabirds, with a resident population of European shag. The wading birds can be easily watched here and is remarkable how The passeriens use the island in their migation.

The birdwatching in Alicante has a fundamental advantage, and it’s that not many kilometres away of a wetland, the ecosystem can change completely. If you are looking for FORESTALES species (especies forestales) or raptors, an incurtion throughout the steep mountains of Alicante is the solution. We prupose you a visit to the LIC in the Sierra de Crevillente in which we can find where the Bonelli’s Eagle nests. The intinerary wanders throughout a mediterranean mixed forest with abundant aromatic plants and where the singing of the multitud of passerines birds that are present will make our birding journey more entretaining.

Not many kilometers away for the Sierra de Crevillente or Albatera, we can find ideal enviroments for The Trumpeter finch in landscapes almost desertics of an inmense beauty. In a place in which is more patent the absence and seasonal variation of the water. A landscape much more extreme that will takes us to Africa for moments.

Birdwatchers, capable of ecstasies before watching birds in their natural environment, located in Elche authentic and natural areas a privileged enclave. Contemplation of some of the most endangered species in Europe (such as the marbled duck or Malvasia), found here authentic sanctuaries, along with copies of other species (herons, flamingos …) are an incomparable delight. Specialized guides collect the visitor at your accommodation for adentrarle in natural areas (the Hondo, the Salinas or Clot de Galvany) where nest or rest the different species, in a very special environment, where wetlands coexist with agricultural land and palm groves. A unique place in Europe to discover species without much effort, walking with nests and sighting from key points. And finally, nothing better than to enjoy the rich flavors of the traditional cuisine, with a typical meal of Elche field in one of the restaurants located in the same rural setting dishes. After a busy day playing relax in one of the many accommodations, either in the field, the town or the beach. And after a good night ‘s sleep, the next day the three natural areas ilicitanos still keeping many secrets for bird lovers who want to explore further. Opociones consulting experience with stay in Elche.