) to insert bird names in your own language. The birdnames will automatically be translated for other users!
Upload images
Allowed image types are jpeg,png,gif
Max file size is 20MB
Description
The area around the Salinas de San Pedro is divided in two zones: the salt pans themselves and the dunes. The first ones are the most worth visting, as they have the highest amount and variety of birds. These are highly saline shallow pools, surrounded by higher areas of land, with halophile vegetation on them, and some islands where birds like to rest. The most oustanding birds are Greater Flamingo, as well as Common Shelduck and lots of plovers, sandpipers and other shorebirds. In summer, terns such as Little Tern and Common Tern form breeding colonies, as well as Kentish Plover, Avocet and Black-winged Stilt.
The dunes area is closer to the actual beach, and is mainly a pine forest with dune vegetation under the trees, with some open spaces of sand. When it rains, some open areas get flooded and turn into small ponds, where birds like Common Shelduck go to feed. However, the most common birds of this habitat are small ones, with the presence of European Turtle Dove, Crested Lark and Iberian Grey Shrike, which move from the treetops to the ground to feed.
Details
Access
The Salinas de San Pedro are located directly east of the town of San Pedro del Pinatar. To enter the area you can go both by car, by bike or by foot, as there is a road in the middle of the pools with two walkways next to it. You can park at the end of it, as there are some slots, however, there are not many parking places, so they usually get full. On the southern side of the area is a bigger parking. Press a P on the map for directions. The dune area can only be accessed on foot, as there are some wooden platforms built for going to the actual beach. The walk is quite short, it is just 10 minutes from the nearest village.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Wetland , Scattered trees and bushes , Sea , Dunes , Beach , Mud flats , ReedbedsConditions
Flat , Sandy , Wet , Dry , High water possible , Dusty , No shadowCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Autumn migration , Winter , SummerRoute
Unpaved roadDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , Car , WheelchairBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
Apart from the birds, you can appreciate most of the typical fauna and flora from the Mediterranean coast and dunes, including the fartet (Aphanius iberus) and the common chamaeleon (Chamaeleo chamaeleon). Some botanical marvels include the endemic Helianthemum marminorense and Tetraclinis articulata, and the beautiful Pancratium maritimum.
Links
- Official web page of the Regional Park
- Official web page from the San Pedro del Pinatar town hall
- EBirds checklist of the place