The Laguna de Padul is a wetland area of great ecological value. It is one of the best areas in the whole of Andalusia for bird watching, where some 158 different species have been identified.
Among its reeds and cattails there are several walking trails and various public facilities, including viewpoints and ‘hide-outs’ that let you enjoy nature- watching without disturbing the birds. You can take guided tours with the Aula de la Naturaleza El Agudareo (Ornithological Resort in Padul), a company that works together with the official Network of Natural Areas in Andalusia.
The birds that you can see here include waterfowl, grebe, heron, bittern, kingfisher, as well as several species of ducks such as mallards and coots.
It is also possible to spot the snipe, large sandpipers and plovers and sometimes even a golden plover.
There are also many birds of prey that live here, such as the marsh harrier, the hen harrier and the common kestrel. During the migration period eagles can also be seen.
Some of the smaller birds here include the warbler, the bluethroat, the European penduline tit, and the common reed bunting.
The wetland covers an area of 60 hectares and is a well-known place for studying the stone and fossil structure of the Mediterranean region. The remains of mammoths and other prehistoric animals are often found here.
