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Laguna de Tarelo & La Algaida Pines

Cadiz Province, Spain  >  Spain

Laguna de la Tarelo is a small lake (c460m x 390m) set at the edge of an extensive pine woodland (c4.5 km in length and between 1km-2km in width).

Added* by John Cantelo
Most recent update 9 April 2020

Description

This is an excellent site for several sought after ducks and is convenient for exploring both the Salinas de Bonanza and the east bank of the Guadalquivir. Arriving from the direction of Sanlucar de Barrameda pull off as you enter the pinewoods to explore the laguna (c200m from the track) on your left. As you walk towards the laguna check for Eurasian Tree Sparrow (a scarce species locally) and passerine migrants in season. A screen here looks towards an island which is home to a small heronry with Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Eurasian Spoonbill. On the laguna itself look for a good variety of ducks (including Red-crested Pochard, White-headed Duck and, during passage, Marbled Teal (although a 'scope is often needed to pick out the latter as they often frequent the back of the laguna) and Black-necked Grebe. Rarities such as Ring-necked Duck have occurred. In the reedy margins check for, Purple Swamphen, Little Bittern , Great Reed Warbler and, in winter, Penduline Tit.

A bumpy, but drivable, track runs the length of the woods with a good side track on the right about 800m after you enter the woods. There are many opportunities along these tracks to pull over and park to explore on foot. These pine woods are the only site in Cadiz province for Iberian Magpie although in recent years they have been very scarce and elusive. The sandy side tracks can be excellent for Eurasian Hoopoe and migrants such as Pied Flycatcher, Common Redstart, etc. The woodland is also home to a good population of Black Kite and Booted Eagle. Check in the evening for Red-necked Nightjar .

In spring and autumn the laguna, open fields and nearby marshes should also be scanned for a variety of aerial feeders such as swifts (Pallid Swift Common Swift , less often Alpine Swift and, rarely, Little Swift), hirundines (inc. Red-rumped Swallow). Look too for more raptors such as Red Kite (scarce in Cadiz province) and Western Marsh Harrier plus hawking Collared Pratincole.

Details

Access

A bus runs from Sanlucar to the edge of the pines where the service terminates. By car go through Bonanza and on through La Algaida to reach the pines. There are many places where you can pull over and explore the woodland on foot.

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , Wetland , Scattered trees and bushes

Conditions

Sandy

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring

Route

Unpaved road

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Car , Bicycle

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

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