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Lagunas de Ruidera Natural park

Castilla la Mancha  >  Spain

Fantastically beautifull area with crystal-clear water. Great for snorkling.

Added* by Mats van Kasteren
Most recent update 13 February 2020
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Description

Apart from being a visually pleasing area to visit, this Natural park also holds some very nice birds. Especially Purple Heron was very easily seen in the area.

Apart from the birds, during my stay here I found it to be a extremely reliable site to see the majestic Ocellated lizard (europe's largest lizard). I found an adult male on the south bank and a pair on the side of the road, just beyond the waterfalls.

Details

Access

The area is very well signposted in the vicinity. When coming from Ruidera just follow the road south, in the direction of the camping Los Batanes.

To get to the other side of the lake (seen from the road), take the car beyond the campsite. Just after the fenced rubbish dump kind off area, there is an unpaved path leading through some meditteranean woodland. I takes you around the campsite untilyou reach the banks of the lagoon. Whilst in the forest, look for Iberian Magpie and several songbirds including Golden Oriole. When you reach the lagoon, follow the trail as far as you like. Along the way I saw ocellated lizard (as mentioned) but also several other lizards and Spannish terrapin is very common in the lagoon. Red deer may also be seen.

Terrain and Habitat

Wetland , Canyon/cliff , Lake , Reedbeds , Scattered trees and bushes

Conditions

No shadow , Rocky , High water possible , Dusty

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

No

Good birding season

Summer , Spring

Best time to visit

Summer

Route

Paved road , Unpaved road

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Extra info

Note that in Summer this area can be very hot, bring enough water!

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

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Comments & Tips

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