The Guadalquivir

The Guadalquivir, which stretches 650 kilometres from its source in Sierra de Cazorla to the Atlantic Ocean in Doñana,  is sometimes described as the backbone of Andalucia. Such was its importance in Roman times, the whole region was called Baetica after the Roman name for it. Today, it plays a vital role in irrigating cropland and its waters support a wide range of fauna. However, accessing the river outside the city of Cordoba can sometimes be difficult. One of the best places to do so is at El Salto reservoir near the town of Pedro Abad, which lies 35 kilometers east of Cordoba. At the hydroelectric dam the water flows slowly and the river is wide and meandering. 

The dam itself is a good place to stop and scan for activity in the reeds and along the banks. Little Egrets, Grey Herons, Moorhens, Coots and Common Waxbills are often seen feeding here and if you are lucky you might catch a glimpse of an otter. South of the dam Common Sandpipers, Cormorants and Grey Wagtails can be observed on the boulders and rocks. It is also a good place to check the skies for raptors. I have seen Marsh Harriers, Buzzards and Black Kites here. 

Black Kite

Following the road in the direction of Adamuz you can stop to enjoy the views of the river and look along the swathes of reedbeds. I have seen Purple Swamphens hiding in the canes, Kingfishers darting from their perches to catch fish and groups of Cranes passing overhead. 

Purple Swamphen

A little further along the road you come to Arroyo Tamujoso. Often this stream is all but dried up, however it is worth stopping here to explore the area on both sides of the bridge. On the northern side I watched Kingfishers fishing in the stream and Robins, Blackcaps, Long-tailed Tits in the white poplars. On one visit I was lucky enough to get a view of a Firecrest as it hopped between branches in search of insects. A Tawny Owl was also heard calling from the trees where I parked the car but unfortunately I wasn't able to see it.

Robin

There is also a large rock outcrop called Peñón del Jituero which is a popular spot for climbers. Black Redstarts have nested in holes in the rock and on one occasion I saw a Great Spotted Woodpecker raiding a nest and causing quite a commotion. 

Black Redstart

Crossing the bridge, there is a small area which can be explored on foot. Song Thrushes and Redwings can be found here in winter and I have also spotted Hawfinches, Chaffinches, Hoopoes as well as large groups of Azure-Winged Magpies. 

The whole area is also one of the best places near Cordoba to see Bonelli's Eagles which must be nesting nearby, as I have seen them on almost every visit. These large raptors are one of the most agile and are also extremely aggressive even towards other large birds of prey. 

Bonelli's Eagle

This is certainly a place which has a good range of resident birds and it is reported to be home to Eagle Owls and the elusive Water Rail, although I haven't seen them here. You are also likely to encounter passage drop-ins, such as Osprey and Spoonbills, meaning you never know what you might find.