Places for Bird Watching in Málaga in Spring
An amazing display of nature in spring in Guadalteba and Antequera attracts more and more tourists every year
This province has a great ornithological importance due to its strategic location between Andalusia and the Mediterranean Sea and the influence of the Atlantic Ocean. This privileged position attracts plenty of tourists, especially foreigners and, above all, visitors from the UK.
This is why the County Council of Málaga has decided to gather all the information related to birds and bird watching on the website Birding Málaga and in numerous publications, such as 'Birds along the Great Málaga Path', 'Bird Watching Guide' or the 'Birding Map of the Province of Málaga'.
Bird watching is an ecological leisure activity, which can be rather fascinating. It is given an advantage because it can be performed everywhere throughout the year.
Professional ornithologists have some tricks which make bird watching easier. Even though one needs a lot of time to learn how it is done, it is true that there are some features that are crucial for identifying birds and which are to be followed by both, professionals and amateurs.
If you do not know which bird you are observing, firstly you need to look at the particular details of its body:
1 Shape and size: Is their head round and big like in little owl or small like in a turtledove? What is their wingspan while flying?
2 Colour and marks: There is to know a bird’s appearance in order to recognise patterns of colours and important marks for their identification.
3 Beak and legs: These are crucial for recognising the species. Beak can also tell us a lot about its feeding habits.
4 Feather: Their features depend on the season, breeding and mating period. Their colour patterns and shape also help us to identify a species.
Basic Rules for Birdwatching
Having mastered that the most important thing in birdwatching is species protection and conservation, as well as the enjoyment that birdwatchers get out of it, there is to choose and plan well the route which is to be followed in order to get to the surroundings where the particular species can be found. The more you plan, the better your experience!
Basic equipment:
Every birdwatcher should have binoculars, and/or telescope as these allow you to watch birds form distance and avoid interfering in their natural behaviour. You will also need a birds guide in order to check the information regarding the species you are observing as well as their traits when you want to identify them (it is said that the guide is a bible for birdwatchers).
The best moment in birdwatching is when birds move their beak first thing in the morning and late in the evening.
Birds singing helps find and identify them in vegetation. It is a good idea to have a guide which can help you distinguish singing among different species. You can download it on your mobile phone as well as the Birds Guide of the Spanish Society for Ornithology. Also, follow your senses!
You should always have a notebook with you so you can draw and write down how you recognised a species and create your own guide. So, get your pencil and let's start!
Remember that paths go through public and private properties. Therefore, it is important to respect the surroundings where you walk and look after them. Nature is our home, we need to take care of it!
April
• Llanos de Antequera - Cartaojal - La Sarteneja. Come to see the last remaining habitats of the little bustard, one of the most typical birds in Málaga, in this ever-changing environment.
• The ticket round the River Genil (Cuevas Bajas): This grove and thicket area on the riverbank is where you can hear absolutely extraordinary birds songs, the best in the province.
• Campillos - Sierra de Yeguas: Here you can admire Montagu's harriers' flight above the wheat fields in the area of Guadalteba.
Birds that can be seen in April: Black-Eared Wheatear This is one of the most beautiful birds that come from Africa in April to breed on the Iberian Peninsula. It is one of typical Spanish species, and therefore, its scientific name is O. hispanica.
May
• Mollina Mountains and Ratosa Lake: Rainy days brings life to the wood and the lake, and the mating period for birds starts.
• Marín Ravine: Why don't you come to hear birds chirping in these incredible natural surroundings?
• Torcal: This maze, made of magical rocks, is where some of the most interesting and rather exclusive summery bird species can be found.
Birds that can be seen in May: European bee-eater: The most colourful Iberian species comes back to this area in May with its lovely chirping and straight elegant shape.
June
• Málaga Mountains Nature Park: Have you seen this bird’s sanctuary that is only 15 km away from the city?
• The Genal River Valley: Come to enjoy watching Eurasian golden orioles in the heart on the Serranía de Ronda.
• Fuenfría Way: Our future National Park Sierra de las Nieves is a perfect site for birdwatching.
Birds that can be seen in June: June Short-Toed Snake Eagle. When the weather gets warmer, snakes and lizards leave their shelters, which is exactly what these strong birds of prey are waiting for. They can remain completely still in the air for several minutes.