Area Recreativa El Picacho
The wooden viewing platform at "Area Recreative El Picacho" (E2.2 a in my guide) is now finished. Whilst it improves the view over towards the vulture feeding station (c1 km distant slightly to the left of the structure), it does not permit views of the station itself. Even so it's a good spot to stop and scan for vultures, other raptors and Ravens (50+ possible)
The wooden viewing platform at "Area Recreative El Picacho" (E2.2 a in my guide) is now finished. Whilst it improves the view over towards the vulture feeding station (c1 km distant slightly to the left of the structure), it does not permit views of the station itself. Even so it's a good spot to stop and scan for vultures, other raptors and Ravens (50+ possible)
Centro de Interpretación Montes Propios
Note that the gate off the CA 503 to this site (E 2.2 f) was closed on my visit in February - possibly also due to increased fire risk noted above. Check locally before driving up to the centre.
Note that the gate off the CA 503 to this site (E 2.2 f) was closed on my visit in February - possibly also due to increased fire risk noted above. Check locally before driving up to the centre.
Charco de los Hurones
Note that the road from the CA 503 up to the Charco de los Hurones (E 2.2 h) is currently (March 2024) closed. It's blocked off and a sign reads "Carretera de acceso al poblado cortada por riesgo de incendios y obras" (Access road to the town closed due to risk of fires and works). I'm told that the "works" are to repair the route after a serious landslip. Presumably, as access to the dam is of sufficient importance for it to be repaired in the relative near future although when the fire risk will be at an acceptable level is difficult to say. However, an extended closure may put the venta here at risk of closure. Fortunately, it's not a major site for birds although it is an attractive one.
Note that the road from the CA 503 up to the Charco de los Hurones (E 2.2 h) is currently (March 2024) closed. It's blocked off and a sign reads "Carretera de acceso al poblado cortada por riesgo de incendios y obras" (Access road to the town closed due to risk of fires and works). I'm told that the "works" are to repair the route after a serious landslip. Presumably, as access to the dam is of sufficient importance for it to be repaired in the relative near future although when the fire risk will be at an acceptable level is difficult to say. However, an extended closure may put the venta here at risk of closure. Fortunately, it's not a major site for birds although it is an attractive one.
Laguna de Torrox
I spent a couple of hours walking around this laguna (NW 12 g/h) one morning and managed to find my 'target bird' - a Red-knobbed Coot. I also had an early Sedge Warbler, an abundance of Chiffchaffs, Serins, Red-crested Pochards, Great-crested Grebes, Crag and House Martins and plenty of Swallows, etc. The western arm of this 'figure-of-eight' laguna had the largest area of reeds so is presumably the best place to look for Purple Swamphen and Little Bittern (I only saw the first here but both occur). Fortunately, the reeds here are less well screened by tamarisk than much of the laguna. The eastern end was a little more open and less enclosed by buildings. Both have small islands on which herons, gulls, ducks and Cormorants rested. Although not a major birding destination this site is an excellent option if staying in Jerez without a car (buses run from the centre to here) or when doing a shopping run.
I spent a couple of hours walking around this laguna (NW 12 g/h) one morning and managed to find my 'target bird' - a Red-knobbed Coot. I also had an early Sedge Warbler, an abundance of Chiffchaffs, Serins, Red-crested Pochards, Great-crested Grebes, Crag and House Martins and plenty of Swallows, etc. The western arm of this 'figure-of-eight' laguna had the largest area of reeds so is presumably the best place to look for Purple Swamphen and Little Bittern (I only saw the first here but both occur). Fortunately, the reeds here are less well screened by tamarisk than much of the laguna. The eastern end was a little more open and less enclosed by buildings. Both have small islands on which herons, gulls, ducks and Cormorants rested. Although not a major birding destination this site is an excellent option if staying in Jerez without a car (buses run from the centre to here) or when doing a shopping run.
The far eastern end of the laguna has less cover.
Incidentally, the "Red-knobbed Coot" I saw last year at the Costa Ballena (see below) has now been confirmed as a Common Coot x Red-knobbed Coot hybrid. The clues were there but like most other observers I missed them being seduced by the bluish bill and incipient red knobs!
Laguna de los Tercios
Given the state of Laguna de Medina (see below), I was surprised that the Laguna de los Tercios (NW 12 f) had any water at all. Mine was a very short investigation but it had a couple of Green Sandpipers, a small flock of Shovelers, Black-winged Stilt and a couple of Flamingo. I had an even quicker look at nearby Laguna Juncosa which proved to be entirely birdless although it did hold some water.
Given the state of Laguna de Medina (see below), I was surprised that the Laguna de los Tercios (NW 12 f) had any water at all. Mine was a very short investigation but it had a couple of Green Sandpipers, a small flock of Shovelers, Black-winged Stilt and a couple of Flamingo. I had an even quicker look at nearby Laguna Juncosa which proved to be entirely birdless although it did hold some water.
Laguna de Medina
Laguna de Medina (NW 9) should be full of water (and birds) in late winter but it presented a sorry spectacle this February. What little water remained was very shallow and crowded with gulls (mainly Yellow-legged and Lesser Black -backed Gulls) with a small flock of Shoveler. It was such a sad scene that I didn't linger so their may have been more birds of a greater variety but not the masses of Coots, grebes and ducks there should have been. The blue line in the upper photo indicates the usual waterline. Only a period of heavy sustained rain will rescue the laguna this spring. As it dries out less often than the other lagunas lagunas, its state bodes ill for other laguna complexes (i.e. Lagunas de Puerto Real, de Chiclana, de Espera and del Puerto Santa Maria).
Laguna de Medina (NW 9) should be full of water (and birds) in late winter but it presented a sorry spectacle this February. What little water remained was very shallow and crowded with gulls (mainly Yellow-legged and Lesser Black -backed Gulls) with a small flock of Shoveler. It was such a sad scene that I didn't linger so their may have been more birds of a greater variety but not the masses of Coots, grebes and ducks there should have been. The blue line in the upper photo indicates the usual waterline. Only a period of heavy sustained rain will rescue the laguna this spring. As it dries out less often than the other lagunas lagunas, its state bodes ill for other laguna complexes (i.e. Lagunas de Puerto Real, de Chiclana, de Espera and del Puerto Santa Maria).
Laguna de Jeli (Lagunas de Chiclana)
As expected, Laguna de Jeli (NW 13) proved to be bone dry with only a small bare muddy blemish to show where water had been with the rest of the 'laguna' being grazed by cows.
As expected, Laguna de Jeli (NW 13) proved to be bone dry with only a small bare muddy blemish to show where water had been with the rest of the 'laguna' being grazed by cows.
Some better news to follow in the second part of this review ...
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