Wetlands and birds

One of the great areas of the Rías Baixas and the northwest of the peninsula for bird watching is the Umia-O Grove Intertidal Complex, included in the list of Wetlands of International Importance of the Ramsar Convention. This site of extraordinary beauty and enormous biological wealth extends along the entire estuary of the Umia river, from the peninsula of O Grove to Cambados. Here we find the salt marshes from which the region of O Salnés takes its name.

This area is one of the best places in Spain for the observation of wintering waterfowl, both in terms of diversity and quantity, as more than 18,000 spend the cold months in its waters. Waders are also important, as well as different species of ducks, herons, terns, loons and cormorants from northern Europe. This place has the only coastal lagoon in As Rías Baixas, A Bodeira. Also integrated in this complex is the Natural Park of O Carreirón, in A Illa de Arousa.

The Miño estuary is an extensive wetland area of great ecological value on the border with Portugal. Entering the region of O Baixo Miño means enjoying not only the contemplation of birds but also the beauty of the landscape.

During the winter season, these marshes are home to thousands of birds. Up to 200 varieties of birds have been recorded in this formidable environment, including migratory and waders such as curlews, sandpipers and lapwings. You can also see ducks and herons; seabirds such as Negrons; or birds of prey, such as the Hen Harrier or the Osprey.

The River Deza rises in the parish of Zobra (Lalín) and continues its course until it joins the River Ulla in the parish of Gres (Vila de Cruces). The river runs through the interior of the province of Pontevedra until it flows into the Arousa estuary, in the town of Catoira. Along the way it is possible to enjoy beautiful waterfalls, meadows, paths, monuments and several manor houses.

The Ulla-Deza river system is home to many species of birds. The dipper, the kingfisher, the white wagtail and the grey heron are some of them. In the vicinity of the junction of the river Toxa with the Deza, in the area around the spectacular fervenza de O Toxa, there are nests of peregrine falcons.

Located in the heart of the province of Pontevedra, between the regions of Tabeirós-Terra de Montes and Deza, the Brañas de Xestoso are the best Galician representation of acid sphagnum bogs, an extraordinarily unique and fragile habitat. The exceptional nature of this wetland formed by meadows, scrubland and peat bogs, mostly next to the Sacra de Olives lagoon, lies in the existence of various species such as a small population of little bustard, a bird characteristic of steppe habitats.

This nature reserve is also home to species such as the cerulean and rock bunting, skylarks, thrushes, corn buntings and wheatears; birds of prey such as the hen harrier, the Montagu's harrier, the short-toed snake eagle and the European honey buzzard, as well as other migratory birds from the African continent. You can also see the eagle owl and the golden eagle, in danger of extinction.

This spot, also known as Xunqueira do Lérez, as it is located on the banks of this river, is in an urban environment at the end of the Pontevedra estuary, which can be reached on foot from the city. Its wetlands are home to important colonies of aquatic species such as the kingfisher, the black cormorant, the grey heron and the little sandpiper.

This natural enclave near Pontevedra is ideal for birdwatching and hiking. The mouth of the Lérez river in the Pontevedra estuary also creates an interesting intertidal space between Lourido beach and the seaside town of Combarro. This place attracts a great diversity of waders, such as the sandpiper; seabirds, such as the great cormorant; and herons, such as the grey heron.

Located at the bottom of the Vigo estuary, at the mouth of the Verdugo River, is the San Simón inlet, an ideal place for bird watching in winter. There we can find the island of San Simón, which forms part of the archipelago of the same name.

Despite its small surface area, it is an intertidal space of great ecological value. The sand flats that are exposed at low tide reveal a landscape covered with a green blanket of algae. During the cold season thousands of ducks and waders fly over the reserve during their migration.

In the south of As Rías Baixas, between Baiona and Nigrán, the estuaryof the river Miñor is almost completely enclosed by the beach of A Ladeira. Here the marshes of A Foz are formed, where, in addition to the Miñor, the streams of Groba and Belesar converge with the tides, an excellent refuge for a wide variety of birds.

During the winter and during migratory passages, both aquatic and marine birds fly over the area, as well as birds of prey and marshland species that seek refuge on its banks. Waders such as curlews, sandpipers and lapwings; various ducks, herons, grebes; seabirds such as cormorants and gulls, as well as birds of prey such as the marsh harrier and osprey stand out.

The Gándaras de Budiño Natural Area, in O Porriño, has been developed by the seasonal flooding of the river Louro. This natural enclave in the south of the province of Pontevedra is an area of peat bogs, seasonal and permanent lagoons and flooded meadows, as well as one of the best examples of riparian forest in Galicia.

This wetland is home to up to 27 varieties of protected birds, as well as being a stopover point for aquatic species, among which you can see teals, reed ducks, skimmers, grey herons and grebes.