Marshes of Urdaibai

Bizkaia > Spain

Each time of the year makes a different experience as birds pass by during their migrations, great sourroundings and landscape in a Biosphere reserve.

Added* by Mikel Dalmau
Most recent update 10 June 2022

Description

Birds of the north of Europe fly to the Iberian Peninsula in winter, choosing Orueta lagoon as a wintering place. In winter we can see various species of waterfowl such us Mallard, Common Teal, Northern Shoveler or Northern Pintail. Also a very special bird arrives: Great Bittern. Many lovers of the nature and photography come to the center and observatory trying to see this special bird. Spring is a very special period: it is the prenuptial migration of the birds. They fly from Africa to the north finding their breeding areas. In this period we can see Eurasian Spoonbill, birds of prey such as Osprey, Black Kite, Eurasian Hobby, Western Marsh Harrier or the tireless waders, which stop in the lagoon to feed and rest. We also receive huge amounts of swallows, Common Swift and Sand Martin, always flying around the lagoon in search of insects. But the lagoon is not only a rest area. Some birds, such as the Eurasian Coot or Little Grebe are resident and they use the lagoon to breed in spring and summer. Smaller birds like Great Tit, Eurasian Blue Tit, European Robin, Blackbird, Reed Warbler or Zitting Cisticola also use this area to breed. Swallows seek the nests where they were born, to give rise to a new generation who will return next years. White Stork also like Urdaibai, and they breed in a nest we can see from the center. A beautiful moment where we see chickens for many species of birds with their parents. In summer and autumn, another special event for birds takes place also in Urdaibai Bird Center. The postnuptial migration, the big trip of many birds from Europe to Africa. We can see a lot of birds crossing our latitudes, including birds of prey, passerines and waders, on the way to their wintering areas in the south of Iberian Peninsula and Africa. It is common to see a lot of young birds born that year doing a stop in Orueta lagoon and some adults, which already know well their flyway. Birds of prey, herons, Eurasian Spoonbill, waders, passerines, ducks.

Urdaibai Bird Center give the public the opportunity to see live broadcasts of the Urdaibai marshes. This images are output from Orueta lagoon in front of the Urdaibai Bird Center. It is a real live documentary.

Visitors of the center can enjoy the birds that come to the lake, the main protagonists of the marsh. Any time of the year is good to visit the center because birds are always on the wetland. Furthermore, types of birds you can see change depending on the period of the year, and this point makes each visit a different experience. But even if you can't visit, you can see them now from anywhere with our live broadcasts.

Details

Access

Urdaibai Bird Center is located in the heart of Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve; more precisely, in the municipality of Gautegiz Arteaga. The Center is about 4.5 km away from Gernika-Lumo, and stands on the right bank of the river Oka, at the very edge of the marshes.

If you are driving from Gernika, you must take the road heading towards Lekeitio until you reach the Kortezubi roundabout. After about 700 m, turn left where the road is signposted and you will get to the Center car park.

Terrain and Habitat

River , Sea , Beach , Mud flats

Conditions

Flat , Wet

Circular trail

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round , Winter , Summer , Spring , Autumn

Best time to visit

Winter , Spring migration , Autumn migration , Autumn , Spring , Summer

Route

Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Extra info

Entrance fee 5 euro. Opening Hours: March to June: Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: 11:00 - 19:00. Working days: 11:00 - 16:00 (Monday closed). July and August: Everyday 11:00 - 19:00. September and October: Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: 11:00 - 19:00. Workings days: 11:00 - 16:00 (Monday closed). November to Febraary: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: 11:00 - 17:00. Mondays to Thursdays: closed.

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