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Birding in a reclaimed wetland near Doñana

  • Jun 10
  • 4 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

Between the towns of Trebujena and Sanlúcar de Barrameda lies a stretch of land that has recently undergone a dramatic transformation. Situated just across from the renowned Veta La Palma estate and bordering the Doñana Natural Park and the Lower Guadalquivir Special Area of Conservation, this area forms part of a formerly degraded wetland complex with great ecological potential. In the not-so-distant past, agricultural desiccation projects failed to tame the terrain, leaving behind a damaged and saline landscape. But thanks to a large-scale restoration project completed in 2024 and funded through the Integrated Territorial Investment program for Cadiz, 260 hectares of marshland have been restructured into a dynamic mosaic of lagoons, islands, and water channels.


Flock of birds flying over a lake with distant mountains. Flamingos wade in the water below.
A multitude of bird species can be seen here the whole year through

Osprey in flight with fish in talons against clear blue sky.
The Osprey is a resident here

Osprey stands on dry, cracked ground in a barren landscape.


Wetland landscape with lush green vegetation and reflective water pools, set against distant, rolling hills under a cloudy sky.



Two birds with wings spread, flying over calm water, with another bird in the background.
In summer, this place is home to many Black-tailed Godwits


Bird in flight with outstretched wings against a pale sky.


Bird in focus flying right, blurred flock in misty greyscale background.


By reintroducing a carefully managed hydrological system—combining rainwater and the saline influx of the Guadalquivir River—the project has revitalized this once-lost habitat. It now supports a diverse set of wetland environments that could, in time, rival some of the best birding spots in southern Spain. Ecological restoration here isn't just about birds—it also tackles flood control, climate change resilience, and local socioeconomic development. For birders, however, it's the reappearance of avian life that makes this site especially fascinating.




A heron stands on a wooden fence in a dry, grassy landscape.
Grey Heron resting on a wooden boardwalk


Flamingos wade in a calm lagoon, surrounded by dry grass and a cloudy sky.
Another resident species: the Greater Flamingo

Wading birds in a wetland, surrounded by green vegetation.
Black-winged Stilts, Black-tailed Godwits and Avocets peacefully looking for food together

A tern with a black cap and red beak soars in a white sky.
Caspian Tern


Two birds, a white stork and a grey heron, wade in shallow water.
A White Stork and a Grey Heron wade through shallow water


Wooden birdwatching hut by a lake, surrounded by shrubs, under a clear blue sky.
There are some hides in the area, but access is restricted

Wooden observation tower on a sandy beach by the water under a clear blue sky.
You’re free to use the observation towers


Bird with speckled brown and white wings in mid-flight against a clear blue sky.
Stone Curlew

A kestrel with spotted brown plumage perches on a stone ledge, set against a blurred blue background.
With patience and luck you can admire the hunting skills of a Kestrel

Bird of prey captures and carries a large insect in its talons against a clear blue sky.
This bird has caught a big insect


Kestrel flying with prey against clear blue sky, wings spread wide.
Another male Kestrel flies with a bird in its claws, right in front of me...

A falcon captures prey mid-air against a clear blue sky.
In full flight, the small raptor tears into its catch


A bird of prey with outstretched wings carries a small animal in its talons against a clear blue sky.
The sky fills with feathers


A kestrel flies in a clear blue sky carrying prey in its talons.
I'm not sure which species the unfortunate little bird was, perhaps a Yellow Wagtail


A brown bird of prey with outstretched wings soars against a clear blue sky.




I’ve returned to this place in different seasons over the past year to see how it evolves and to observe the changes in bird activity. My first visit was in the scorching height of summer, when much of the area was still in a raw, unfinished state. I returned in the cooler part of the year, and most recently, during a warmer season again. Each visit offered new discoveries and seasonal contrasts. It's clear that the birds are gradually discovering the area too.


A flamingo wades through shallow water, its pink and white feathers reflecting the light.
Approach gently, and flamingos may let you near

Two flamingos flying in a clear blue sky, wings spread wide, showcasing pink and black feathers.


Stork standing in a large nest holding twigs in its beak, set against a clear blue sky.
Storks nest near the river Guadalquivir


Two cranes flying in a clear blue sky.
Cranes fly over the area in winter


A black and white bird with outstretched wings lands on calm water.
Avocet landing on the water


I remember seeing Common Cranes resting in one of the surrounding fields years ago, during their migration—at the time a completely parched stretch of land with barely any ecological appeal. Standing there again recently, it was hard to believe this was the same place. Now, the reintroduced water and habitat diversity suggest a promising future. While bird numbers are not yet overwhelming, they are certainly increasing, and a decent list of species can already be compiled.



A small bird stands on rocky ground under sunlight, displaying brown and white plumage.
Greater Short-toed Lark


A small bird with orange and black feathers perches on a barbed wire.
Male Stonechat on barbed wire

A white bird with a long bill flies low over blue water.
Spoonbill

Birds with orange beaks gather on sandy beach by the water.
Colony of Caspian Terns


During my visits, I’ve observed a surprisingly broad variety of birds: waders delicately probing the muddy edges of the lagoons, ducks moving through the broader stretches of water, raptors scanning the terrain from above, and bursts of song from the reeds. Some rare species have also made an appearance, hinting at the potential this site holds once it becomes more widely known among migrating and breeding birds.



Two black coots with white beaks swim in rippling blue water.
A pair of Coots in winter

Gulls stand on sandy shore; black and white shorebirds line the water's edge.
Dozens of Avocets reside in the coldest months of the year

Birds in mid-flight over a muddy, tan landscape with small water pools.
Kentish Plovers also find this place a suitable habitat


A glossy ibis flies over a blurred marshland with green trees in the distance.
Glossy Ibis

A black-winged stilt flies against a grey sky, wings spread and beak pointed forward.
One of the noisiest inhabitants, a Black-winged Stilt


Despite the growing avian activity, human visitors are likely to remain a rare species here. The area is, quite frankly, brutal on the casual birder. What remained consistent during all of my visits—regardless of season—was the overwhelming presence of biting insects. Mosquitoes and horseflies come at you in waves, unbothered by generous doses of repellent. I’ve left the place each time with my arms and legs riddled with bites. It’s the kind of place that demands commitment, endurance, and perhaps even a touch of masochism to fully enjoy.



Birds foraging in a serene, shallow wetland.
A small group of foraging Dunlins


Two ducks with distinctive black, white, and brown markings stand in dry grass.
Two Shelducks


Ducks and ducklings swim in a narrow, reflective canal surrounded by tall grass.
A Shelduck family in spring


There are some wooden observation platforms and marked paths to follow, but no shade at all—something that makes long stays challenging, especially in warmer months. But for those willing to face the elements (and insect hordes), the rewards are already notable. And the future could be even brighter. I can't help but compare this place to the Cetina Marshes, which have become a hotspot over the years. This restored section near Trebujena has similar potential. Given time, word will spread among the birds, and numbers will surely rise.



A speckled duck swims on calm brown water, droplets falling from its beak.
One of the two Marbled Ducks that I saw during spring


Small bird perched on dry twig with blurred grassy background.
Another rather uncommon species in Cadiz province: Spectacled Warbler


A small bird perches on green branches against a blurred blue and brown background.
Spectacled Warbler

A small bird perches on a vibrant pink heather bush, set against a blurred green and yellow background.
There were at least four of these wonderful birds during spring


It’s a strange kind of thrill to witness a place in the early stages of its ecological comeback. There’s a rawness to it still—a roughness that hasn’t yet been softened by comfort or convenience. But that's also what makes it exciting. It’s not polished, and it doesn’t try to be. Nature here is being given space to return, and watching that happen, even if it costs you a pint of blood, is more than worth it.



Dirt road stretches through marshlands under cloudy sky.
Also be prepared to walk quite a bit



A bird with a worm in its beak stands on a wet surface, reflecting in the water.
Ringed Plover pulling something edible out of the mud

Two small birds stand on muddy ground by water, with green and brown plants nearby.
Ringed Plovers


A small bird in flight over a blurred green and brown background.
Sand Martin

Duck swimming in a calm lake surrounded by green reeds.
Female Red-crested Pochard


Three black and white birds wade in shallow water near tall grass under a clear sky.
An Avocet approaches two Black-winged Stilts in what looked like a tense standoff—but the moment passed without conflict


A small bird perches on a wire fence in front of a large, blurred ship in the background.
Near Doñana, shipping routes and bird habitats exist side by side. Here, a Zitting Cisticola


If you’re a birder in search of new frontiers, who doesn't mind getting bitten and battered a little, keep your eye on this place. It’s not ready to offer easy birdwatching yet—but it’s already offering some unforgettable moments. And just maybe, in a few years, this restored marshland will stand among the best birding spots in the region.

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