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Santa Maria Water Treatment Facility

Sal  >  Cape Verde

A water treatment plant a few kilometers from Santa Maria. A green, freshwater oasis in the arid landscape.

Added* by gert meeus
Most recent update 20 noiembrie 2025

Description

Santa Maria Water Treatment Facility acts like a magnet for winter visitors and wading birds, drawn by the green surroundings and the availability of water. As a result, wading birds are present in winter, and in the surrounding fields, you have a chance of spotting local species such as Spectacled Warbler, Greater Hoopoe-Lark (Cape Verde), Black-crowned Sparrow-Lark. At the same time, there are certainly surprises possible, with reports of wintering Red-throated Pipit and even Yellow-browed Warbler.

Other birds you can encounter include Black-winged Stilt, Wood Sandpiper, Western Cattle-Egret, Western Marsh Harrier, Spanish Sparrow, Eurasian Kestrel (Cape Verde), Eurasian Spoonbill and Whimbrel.

Details

Access

The Santa Maria Water Treatment Facility is located 5 km north of Santa Maria and accessible from the main road from Espargos to Sal. Take the exit east at the roundabout near the solar panel field. The Water Treatment Facility is on the right after a few hundred meters and can be visited on foot. From Santa Maria, you can also rent an electric bike, which you can also use to explore the also very interesting salt pans. Here too, rarities are certainly possible.

Terrain and Habitat

Wetland , Plain , Desert , Scattered trees and bushes , Pond

Conditions

Flat , Dry , Open landscape

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

No

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Winter

Route

Unpaved road

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

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