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Description
This site is recommended as much for its scenic qualities as its birdlife but still offers the chance of excellent birding with the bonus of being able to park by a pleasant little venta (cafe) and walk up to the dam (Presa de los Hurones) which offers impressive views across the reservoir, the wooded hills and back down to the quaint village below.
It's 7.5 km from the turning off the CA 503 to the foot of the dam but after 5 km you reach a derelict 'recreation area' which can be worth a stop for species like European Serin, European Goldfinch, Melodious Warbler and Common Nightingale. Listen out for the call of Eurasian Green Woodpecker in the woodland here and elsewhere. They're much harder to see than hear but worth making the effort as the distinctive Iberian race (sharpei) is increasing being recognised as a full species. Griffon Vulture often sit on the crags nearby and give exellent views.
The village of Los Hurones is quite unlike any other in the area having been constructed for the workers building the dam at this relatively remote spot. The uniform design of the attractive cottages placed in neat terraces and the matching church tower gives an air of quiet tranquility and just a whiff of dystopian menace! The venta here gives you an opportunity to check the skies above for raptors whilst enjoying a coffee, beer or light snack. Don't ignore the channel below the dam as it has both Grey Wagtail and White Wagtail plus an outside chance of otters (whether you'll see any ferrets, which the village is named after is another matter!).
Although the drive and the village alone is worth a detour don't omit the steep but rewarding climb up to the dam itself. The road across the dam gives you commanding views down the valley, across the reservoir and the surrounding wooded hills. It's another good place to scan for raptors such as Peregrine Falcon, Booted Eagle, Common Buzzard, Griffon Vulture and, with luck, Bonelli's Eagle or Eurasian Goshawk. During passage periods look for European Honey-buzzard, Black Kite, Egyptian Vulture, etc and Black Stork. The dam itself hosts a large colony of House Martin (which ought to make the site attractive to White-rumped Swift as it hijacks their nests to breed). The margins of the reservoir can attract Common Sandpiper.
Details
Access
Take the CA 503 from Algar towards Puerto de Galiz and the Alcornocales and then the narrow but good metalled road on your left after c9 km (or if coming from the Alcornocales on the right c7.5 from the junction with the A 375). The drive is pleasant and the road quiet.
Terrain and Habitat
Lake , Valley , ForestConditions
HillyCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
Spring , Summer , AutumnBest time to visit
SpringRoute
Paved roadDifficulty walking trail
StrenuousAccessible by
Foot , CarBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
Mainly a driving route but the walk up to the presa is very steep.