MEET THE LOCALS
AND THOSE JUST VISITING
While many visitors from Northern Europe head to Alicante and the Costa Blanca to soak up the sun and enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle, for some others the attraction is the abundant birdlife and the chance to observe a host of rare and exotic species. Alicante, and the surrounding area, truly is a bird watcher’s paradise. And better still it’s a year round destination!
Coastal marshes and wetlands (Santa Pola Salinas, San Pedro Salinas, Pego, lagunas de la Mata) are home to Little Bittern, Little and Cattle Egret, Woodchat Shrike, Grebe, Flamingo, and Great and Eurasian Reed, Savi’s, Cetti’s and Moustached Warbler and flycatchers. In winter new species arrive, including Pipits and Bluethroat and raptors include Hen and Marsh Harriers, Peregrine, Merlin and Booted Eagle. Osprey also pass through on their migration routes.
In the mountains (Maigmo, Sierra de Columbares, Sierra Espuna, Guadalentin Valley) Golden and Bonelli’s Eagle soar on the thermals, while in the woodland below Crossbill, Firecrest, Rock and Cirl Bunting, Golden Oriole, Subalpine Warbler and Black Wheatear can be found. In the valleys below (Guadelentin) Stone Curlew, Black Bellied Sandgrouse, and Rollers breed.
And on the plains of Petrola and Bonete look out for Little and Great Bustards, Pin Tailed Sand Grouse, Calandra Lark and Red and Black Kites. Cranes also overwinter here.
Bird watching in Alicante and the Costa Blanca is year round and accessible. A number of organisations offer individual or group guided tours. And what better way to unwind after a busy day ‘twitching’ than a refreshing swim and relax by the pool. Villa Castillo Nuevo is the perfect base for your bird watching holiday.
