Departure point: La Galera

Duration: full day

Route by car: 19,1 km

Circular: yes

La Galera is the starting and ending point of this circular route which is by car, and where you can observe the birds in this unique area. By taking the TV-3314 road south, you pass through a mosaic of dryland crops with olive and almond trees which are the remains of an ancient steppe plain. This is the best place to observe species such as  Montagu's harrier, the lesser kestrel, the roller, and even the rare and discreet blue kite, a bird with an irregular presence which is difficult to predict. In fact, these are the typical species of what would have been in the past a large flat area with very little vegetation. By visiting the quarries and other extractions we can discover rupicolous species such as the blue rock thrush or the last black wheatears.

The abundance of prey, such as rabbits, makes this a very attractive area for several species of birds of prey such as the booted eagle, Bonelli's eagle or the short-toed eagle. Small landfills or farms are an attractive place for Egyptian vultures and vultures. While driving, be sure to look carefully for the fauna hiding in every corner, on the other hand in open areas it is easy to spot skylarks,  crested larks, common buntings or meadow pipits. This area is to be visited by driving  along the roads and making stops in different areas where there are concentrations of birds. The abundance of olive trees causes hundreds of thrushes, robins, warblers or mistle thrush to gather in winter trying to eat the last olives that have fallen to the ground. The forest tracks here are well preserved and help in exploring the Drylands.

Phenology:

Any time of the year is a good time to visit this area, but the abundance of food generated by the large expanses of olive trees between October and February  makes this the best time to see the greatest number of birds. To enjoy the roller or Montagu's harrier, you will have to visit El Secano at the end of spring or beginning of summer.

Track GPX

We also provide you with the route file in gpx format so that you can use it with your GPS device (see link in the header).