From mountains to lagoons……
A typical day for visiting the Lagunas de Campillos and Fuente de Piedra begins with our journey from our base near to Ronda. The contrast in scenery and wildlife is very spectacular, travelling over mountains and eventually arriving to the rolling hills and flat basin that surrounds Fuente de Piedra. The lake is huge, measuring some 6 kilometres long and 3 kilometres wide, it is considered one of the largest natural lagoons in Spain. Due to the salinity of the water here, Greater Flamingo choose to breed in massive numbers, at their peak numbers can exceed 30,000 and so making this the largest breeding colony in Europe. There are other lagoons in the area and depending on water levels, these can hold such sought after species as White-headed Duck and Marbled Teal, as well as the beautiful Red-crested Pochard.
Migrating birds are also a feature here and virtually anything can turn-up, including large concentrations of raptors and also wading birds. The area in summer is very good for some specialist steppe birds including Montagu’s Harrier, Calandra and Short-toed Lark, Little Bustard and the elusive Roller. Along with the ever present Greater Flamingo, Black-necked Grebe is common and occasionally Red-knobbed Coot is seen. Gull-billed Tern are common breeding birds and Whiskered Tern are also in the area, with Black Tern common migrants. Rarities include Lesser Flamingo and White-winged Black Tern, although the list is endless as the area annually attracts so many rarities!
So for a change of route and an entirely different experience, why not accompany Peter to this most rewarding and spectacular area?
Journey time from Ronda to Fuente de Piedra is approximately 45 minutes, so allow time for an earluer collection from your accommodation. Of course our journey might take longer should we see anything of particular interest along our route, such as Bonelli's Eagle!
Price details Day – Tour: Lagunas de Campillos and Fuente de Piedra
Tour dates:
Every day, 7 days a week, all year round subject to availability
Tour times:
From 09.30 am to 16.00 pm. Longer hours by arrangement.
Price 2015/16:
Standard Day Tour: 185 Euro minimum charge for up to 3 persons, 45 Euro per each extra person (maximum 4 persons)
Private tours: Exclusive private tours minimum price of 195 Euro per day by arrangement (price based on up to 3 persons).
Important note: In addition to the above a fuel surcharge applies to this route of 25 Euro total
Includes:
Free collection from your accommodation in the Ronda area (15km radius), transport, use of telescope
Excluded:
Costs for lunch and drinks. Meal time stop over at a "local" Restaurant.
Tour party:
Minimum 3 or 185 Euro, maximum 4 fellow travellers. Larger groups by prior arrangement
Private and exclusive tours by special arrangement only (see prices above)
Note: Photography tours can be accommodated by special arrangement.
Keep up to date on our activities here in Spain. To catch-up on the news here and with our tours take a look at Peter's Blog. Peter gives his personal account on our activities as well as writing some insights to both the area and himself. Trip reports, articles, personal stories and lots of photographs, always worth a read and lots of interesting updates for all our many friends here at Spanish Nature!
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