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Parque Princesa Sofía

Cádiz province, Andalucía.  >  Spain

Located at the east side of the Strait of Gibraltar. It's a small urban park with open areas, some of grass and some more "wild", and some bushes and trees.

Added* by David Cuenca
Most recent update 2 February 2021

Description

The Parque Princesa Sofía is an urban park in the town of La Línea de la Concepción. It's located in the Strait of Gibraltar area, one of the best birding places of Spain and Europe, specially during migration periods. This park attracts, surprisingly, lots of passerines or songbirds of many species. One of the advantages is that these birds are much more easy to find, see, and even to photograph, than in other places. Moreover, with westernly winds, you can also see lots of soaring birds.

Until the end of 2019 around 120 species have been seen. The best dates are, of course depending on the species, from mid March to mid May in spring, and september and october in autum. Some of the species you can find in good numbers are: migrant Eurasian Hoopoe, Woodchat Shrike, Western Bonelli's Warbler, Willow Warbler, Western Orphean Warbler, Subalpine Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Pied Flycatcher, Common Redstart, Whinchat, Tree Pipit and Ortolan Bunting. Wintering Common Chiffchaff, Meadow Pipit and Black Redstart. Resident Spotless Starling and Sardinian Warbler. Among the rarities, we have had: Yellow-browed Warbler (anually in october), Rosy Starling, Little Bunting, Olive-backed Pipit, Lesser Whitethroat and Sudan Golden Sparrow.

In Facebook, look for the group "Fauna del Parque Princesa Sofía de La Línea", in "Files" you can download a PDF with the complete list of birds.

Details

Access

This park is in La Línea de la Concepción city and close to the border with Gibraltar so it's very easy to find. Usually there are places to park close to or near the park, either on the street or in carparks. To explore the park is better to go walking.

Terrain and Habitat

City/village , Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland

Conditions

Flat , Open landscape

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring migration , Autumn migration

Route

Wide path

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Wheelchair

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Links

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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