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Las Salinas de Fuencaliente

La Palma - Canary Islands  >  Spain

De saltpans of La Palma, located on the southern most part of the island. A very good spot for migrating waders.

Added* by Bas Engels
Most recent update 12 February 2020

Description

Las Salinas de Fuencaliente, also called the Fuencaliente Saltpans, are located on the southern most part of the island of La Palma. The area contains multiple saltpans overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and is a very good spot for migrating waders and other waterbird species.

The first four saltpans, when walking the circular route around the saltpans, are the most interesting for birds. Most common and numerous are waders like Ruddy Turnstone, Common Ringed Plover and Dunlin. Other waders that can be found here are Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint, Whimbrel, Bar-tailed Godwit and many more.

Besides waders, other waterbird species like herons and Eurasian Spoonbill visit the area while migrating fatten up. Sometimes, even Greater Flamingo can be seen!

The surrounding land area contains small scrubs and scattered bushes with rocky patches of solidified lava. Here, species like Sardinian Warbler , Spectacled Warbler and Canary Islands Chiffchaff can be found. The open parts are a good spot for Berthelot's Pipit.

Walking the circular route, you come across some perfect viewing points over the Atlantic Ocean. You can find large flocks of Cory's Shearwater and Yellow-legged Gull.

Details

Access

The area is easy accessable due to the presence of a walking route around the saltpans. You can park your car at the parking lot (see map) and walk towards the saltpans.

Terrain and Habitat

Plain , Mountain , Sea , Agriculture

Conditions

Hilly , Rocky , Open landscape

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring migration , Autumn migration

Route

Unpaved road , Wide path , Paved road

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

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Map

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