In the province of Alicante there are very interesting nature reserves worth to pay a visit.
In this day tour, we will search for top birds species at el Hondo de Elche which is one of the best birdwatching place in East Spain. During the breeding season it holds an important population of Squacco, Night, Purple Heron, and Little Bittern species. Other interesting birds that can be found in this area are: Glossy ibis, Roller, Bee-eater, Short-toed and Lesser Short-toed Lark, Bearded and Penduline tit, Cetti’s, Fan-tailed and Mustached Warbler, Woodchat Shrike, Marbled and White-headed Duck and a large number of Flamingos.
During the migrations periods of the year this area counts with many wader birds such as Green, Little and Wood sandpipers, along with Black Tern and Garganey. In winter this area is very good to observe raptor birds such as Booted Eagle, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Hen Harrier, Marsh Harrier and Spotted Eagle which have become very regular.
In the afternoon we will visit the Salinas de Santa Pola. The area is truly a good place to observe species such as Kentish Plover, Slender-billed, Audouin’s and Mediterranean Gull along with Whiskered and Gull-billed Tern. In the winter months Osprey, Marsh Harrier, Spoonbills and Great White Egrets birds are abundant. In addition, we can not overlook the waders migration which can be impressive.
There is an option of combining one of the two areas with the visit of the Vinalopo River gorge, home of the elusive Trumpet Finch. There, we will also look out for other local species.
Once all of these areas are covered your tour will have ended and you will be dropped off at your accommodation.
