The sighting of birds are still one of the most favourite activities to be in contact with nature of the islands and know more about the bird life. In this case, we will go to the south of Lanzarote, concretely in the area of Salt flats of Janubio.
It is a place with a very high ornithological interest, where you can spot not only typical species of this area in the migration season, but also unusual animals in these parts.
The salt flats are located surrounded by the last volcanic manifestations of the eruptions of Timanfaya, a natural lake which is essential in the process of the salt production and a attraction for birds as well.
Salt flats of Janubio were declared a International Bird Area, that means it is an Area of International Importance for Birds. It is also considered an Area of Special Protection for Birds (ZEPA) and is part of the Red Natura 2000 and the Ramsar Agreement about wetlands of the world. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) negotiates its inclusion in the Red Book of endangered landscapes.
Getting a little more in depth about the ornithology, spring and autumn are the favourite seasons for birds lovers, going to this area to enjoy a sighting day. It is an ideal place to see wader species, although for that it is essential to use telescope or binoculars. The birds life to see in this area is very varied. The best times of the day to spot birds is in the very early morning or at sunset, because they are more active.
Nesting birds are here very popular like, for example the common stork or the black paw plover, and also other species like the “terrera marismeña”, the “bisbita caminero”, the trumpet bullfinch, the storks, the common “Archibebe”, the “Vuelvepiedras” and the small “Andarríos”. Birds like the “Tarro canelo”, from the Anatidae family are common in Eurasia and the north of Africa, but in this season of the year you can see them here as well.
Every year you can spot unusual species for these areas, because in the migratory trips they stop in these salt flats to regain strength and carry on with the journey. Among these unusual species we could emphasise the flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber), which was spotted for the first time in 2009 and now we could say it is a very popular in this area.
Imperial herons, the european oystercatcher or the common “avoceta” are some examples of birds which have been seen occasionally in this area of the Lanzarote coast.
For all these reasons, the Spanish Company of Ornithology consider the Salt Flats of Janubio one of the most important points of migratory waders in the Canary Islands, as the number of species and its high variety make into this area a singular place with a great biodiversity.
And you? Have you ever gone to spot birds? If so, we are looking forward to discovering your experience and read which species you got identified.
Photos:
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ilanzarote.net
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golanzarote.org
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avesencanarias.blogspot.com
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ecoturismo.lanzarotebiosfera.org
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oestrymnio.blogspot.com/
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Hello. We did one of the walks the other day from the lighthouse at Playa Blanca to Janubio de Salinas. Beautiful but the path is not a path. It is a dirt track and it is often out of sight of the sea do not so good for walkers. In addition many of the walks require a car. Car is king in Lanzarote and that is so sad! We usually have to walk much further than the guidebook said and last evening from Femes to Yaiza we lost the path. Came down through huge ploughed fields, very steep, and a big quarry. I understand the need for stone but no environmental restoration is a shame. Then we waited for the bus which was half an hour late and full. So we had to wait for the next one which was also half an hour late. Please let us know how to lobby on behalf of environmental restoration here and better public transport. Thanks 🙏 Saw a small flock of Ruddy Shellduck I think. Can send poor photos.