Bird Observatory Arrocampo
30 minute ride from las Cabañas de la Vera
Saucedilla has a great ornithological paradise to be discovered.
The Reservoir of Arrocampo, is known to European level like zone of attraction for the lovers of the birds in general. The principal characteristic that makes the Reservoir of Arrocampo different from other reservoirs, is the maintenance of a great mass of constant water, which has allowed the creation of a damp zone unique for aquatic Birds.
The lagoons, the big farming irrigated fields and t he vegetation of the reservoir provides an ideal habitat for populations of not abundant birds in other points of Extremadura.
Saucedilla has been declared by the UNESCO “Reservation of the Biosphere” and it is an Area of Socioeconomic Influence for Monfragüe's National Park.. Local authorities have intended a plan for the protection of the area called “ ZEPA” (Zone of Special Protection for the Birds) included in the Nature Network 2000.
The park welcomes visitors from other areas of Spain as well as world wide ornithologists which proves Extremadura the land of natural paradise .
Description of the routes:
Route 1: starting point at the Information Office placed opposite to the municipal swimming pool and the soccer field in Saucedilla.
Watcing-point observatory number 1
Approximately 100 meters away from the Information Office along a dirt rack paralell to the channel
Main species: Acrocephalus sp, Locustella luscinoides, Imperial Heron purple Stone-curlew, Avetorillo (Ixobrychus minutus), Garcilla Cangrejera (Ardeola ralloides), Swallows (rustic Hirundo and H. Daurica), Planes (Common and Sapper), Martínetas (Alcedo atthis), etc …
Watching-point observatory number 2
We follow the route for 1 kilometre up to a crossing way. There we will go ahead, to the right we see an electrical tower with white stork nests.
Main species: Lagoon Eaglet (Circus aeruginosus), Bittern (Botaurus stellaris), Calamones, Coots, Sandpipers, Rascones, Common Snipes, Pechiazules, (platalea leucorodia), Pagazas Piconegras, Imperial Heron, etc
Watching-point observatory number 3
Returning to the crossing way we left behind before reacing observatory number 2, we turn to the right, and after 22 kilometres track, we will come to the third watchin post.
Main species: Coots, Somormujos, Ducks, European FishingCormorants (pandion halieatus), etc
Watching-point observatory number 4
Returning towards Saucedilla we come up with another crossing, from which a local road heads to to the regional road. Once on this road, we turn right and after 500 meters, we will come to the 4th waching post.
Main species: Hammer (Nycticorax nycticorax), Royal and Imperial Heron (Stone-curlew cinerea) (A. purple), Garcilla Cangrejera (ardeota ralloides), Garceta Común (Egretta garcetta), Monochromatic Buscarla (locustella luscinoides), Red Bengali (Amandava amandava), Kind Porzana, Eaglets Laguneros, Droning Bird (Remiz pendulinus), etc …
Route 2: high hill
Watchin-point observatory number 5
From theInformation Office we take the main road, which goes through the village of Saucedilla towards Casatejada. Before leaving Saucedilla, there is a road on the left that leads to the tower of water elevation where we will be able to see the VIEWING-POINT OBSERVATORY after 2,6 kilómetre walk
Principal species: Pechizaul and Marshy Notary, Garceta Grande, Elanio Común (Elanus caeruleus), Common Owl (Athene noctua), Swallow Daúrica, etc …
Bird Observatory Arrocampo video