Old lake of La Janda used to be one of the most important and extensive wetlands in the Iberian Peninsula. However, after being dried out in the 1960s it was turned into a huge farming area.
Today, La Janda represents a great diversity of habitats due to its many historical uses. There are large pastures, an important and unusual wild olive grove, rain fed crops, rice paddy fields and canals with marsh vegetation that together welcome millions of birds through the different seasons.
Best time of the year: winter, spring, summer and autumn
Tarifa & tarifa (or surroundings) (Google Map)
Old lake of La Janda used to be one of the most important and extensive wetlands in the Iberian Peninsula. However, after being dried out in the 1960s it was turned into a huge farming area.
Today, La Janda represents a great diversity of habitats due to its many historical uses. There are large pastures, an important and unusual wild olive grove, rain fed crops, rice paddy fields and canals with marsh vegetation that together welcome millions of birds through the different seasons.
This unparalleled strategic situation, the last stop before leaving the continent, makes La Janda a paradise of great ecological interest: here birds must stop to rest and recover strength before or after their trip across the Strait of Gibraltar.
The area is a hunting ground, so many kinds of prey are present. Therefore, during the winter it is common to see Bonelli’s Eagle, Spotted and Lesser Spotted Eagle, Hen Harrier, Bluethroat, Short-eared Owl and the rare Pallid Harrier. In winter a large number of Common Cranes, Black Storks, Lapwings, Golden Plovers and even the elusive Bittern, are frequently seen around these fields.
In spring and summer we may find birds like the Montagu’s Harrier, the Collared Pratincole and the Common Quail, together with year-round residents like the Spanish Imperial Eagle, Purple Swamphen, Black-shouldered Kite and Glossy Ibis (a breeding colony was established in the area in 2012).
Target Birds
Bonelli’s Eagle, Spanish Imperial Eagle, Spotted and Lesser Spotted Eagle, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Pallid, Marsh, Hen and Montagu´s Harriers, Purple Swamphen, Collared Pratincole, Common Crane, Black-shouldered Kite and Glossy Ibis and Bluethroat.
Best time of the year: winter, spring, summer and autumn
We had a fantastic trip with Manuel our guide during our stay in morocco. We not only saw all species we wanted to see ( like Maghreb wheatear, egyptian nightjar, Marsh owl or double-spurred francolin) but also where impressed by the vast knowledge of Manuel not only on topics related to nature but also history and culture. The ground knowledge and is 10 year experience travelling morocco where clearly shown by the places visited which where both great for birds and breathtaking. The hotels and the food where both very nice too making the overall experience something we will all ways remember and we will hopefully have the opportunity to repeat.
I spent a day bird watching with Manuel in a small group of three people. He was such a friendly and knowledgeable guide, keen to explain the species and teach me more.
He allowed us plenty of time in each stop, and tailored the places we visited to our particular interests and wishlists for species to see. He lent me a good pair of binoculars as well.
His English is very good and his enthusiasm for his work made the day such a treat.
Booking with him helps local conservation efforts so that is an extra bonus.
Highly recommended!
Manuel Morales is an excellent guide with a wide knowledge not just of the birds; but all of the fauna and flora of the region. His ability to access private tracks and roads allowed us to have fantastic views of Little Bustard, Montagu’s Harrier, Stone Curlew Spanish Imperial Eagle and others. I would highly recommend him as a guide and we would love to use him again on our next trip.