In autumn, the skies above the province of Cadiz are filled with birds migrating on their way to winter in warmer climes. Only rivalled by the Bosphorus, the Straits of Gibraltar is the best place in Europe to watch the migratory birds from Western Europe. Each year, more and more bird watching enthusiasts flock to this region to witness a phenomena that has been repeated since time immemorial, but which is different yet as spectacular each year.

Thanks to the birds migratory route across the Straits, and the huge variety of species that visit the Doñana, the province of Cadiz is one of the most sought-after destinations among bird watchers. Over 390 species of birds, from 70 different families, can be seen in an area as small as the province. Los Alcorncolales Natural Park or the Bahia de Cadiz Natural Park are also home to other large communities of birds in the province.

The migration phenomenon means that numerous species to be observed elsewhere are particular interest here as they can be seen in large quantities and against a unique backdrop.


The same is true of the natural parks. Los Alcornocales is important for the large number of birds of prey that breed there, the large expanse of cork oak trees and the extent of the migration phenomenon.

The province is particularly noted for its great variety of habitats, which makes it easy for bird watchers to spot many different species and can hope to see at least 100 species in a couple of days at this time of year. The province is also ideally located to watch marine birds on their migratory routes (from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic and vice versa) and a good opportunity to spot numerous species close to the coast.

The black stork, the Spanish Imperial Eagle, the Griffon Vulture or the White-rumped Swift are some of the species of particular note to be found in the skies above the province.

Even though there are only a token number of bird watchers in Spain, there are many enthusiasts in Central and Northern European countries, who are willing to travel to establishing bird-watching spots and for whom the province of Cadiz is a true paradise. The best sites for bird watching are the following: the Migration Observatories Network, in the Tarifa and Algeciras municipal districts (Migres project), Tarifa Island, Los Alcornocales Natural Park, El Estrecho Natural Park, Playa de Los Lances Natural Area, Marismas del Río Palmones Natural Area, the Estuario del río Guadiaro Natural Area and the Cuenca del Rio Barbate Wetlands (La Janda).

The veteran Grupo Ornitológico del Estrecho (The Straits Bird Watching Group - G.O.E.S) founded 24 years ago and Gestión Ambiental OrniTour www.ornitour.com the company that was one of the first to develop bird-watching tourism in 1994, are both dedicated to promoting and developing this type of tourism. The immense majority of their clients are foreign, although this activity is becoming steadily more popular in Spain. Thanks to their work, more and more people are discovering the bird-watching opportunities available in the province of Cadiz.