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Description
In and of itself the Salinas de Santa Maria probably wouldn't merit a visit but being only 15 minutes drive from the well known and visited Laguna de Medina it offers a quick way to bump up your bird list with minimal effort. A track takes you between rough fields, saline esturine marshes and working salinas (not beware heavy lorries using the track). Birds can include those you might see at Laguna de Medina when it's relatively dry with muddy margins - like Greater Flamingo, Collared Pratincole, Black-winged Stilt and other waders - but adds several species you might otherwise miss. Look for Little Tern, Slender-billed Gull and possibly other gulls on the salinas, Greater Short-toed Lark on the track and Lesser Short-toed Lark in the low saline scrub. Explore the track by car to the bridge over the motorway afterwhich it becomes impassable. The nearby rubbish tip sometimes attracts Eagle Owl and Atlas Long-legged Buzzard has wintered along the route from Laguna de Medina.
Details
Access
Follow the CA 3109 towards El Portal past the obvious cement works on the far side of the A 381 near Laguna de Medina, go under the E 5 and then at a crossroads turn left on to the CA 3113 towards Puerto Real. Continue for c2.5 km and then turn left onto a dirt track (signposted Salinas Santa Maria).
Terrain and Habitat
Mud flats , River , Scattered trees and bushesConditions
Flat , Open landscape , No shadow , DustyCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
SpringBest time to visit
SpringRoute
Unpaved roadDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
CarBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
As noted above large heavy trucks use this road often driving at speed and kicking up a lot of dust so take care.