Urban birding
An under-appreciated area of Spain that offers so much for the visiting birder. One for your ‘must visit when things return to normal’ list…
David Lindo heads to Salamanca, a much under-appreciated area of Spain which boasts great birds
Salamanca is the beautiful capital city of the Salamanca Province, itself within the community of Castile y León. It is a city filled with international students and the home to one of the oldest universities in the country. Although not being the first choice in Spain for visiting birders, the region has a wide range of birdlife to offer that is comparable to some of the more recognised and well-visited regions. It is possible to watch classic Iberian birds like Great Bustards and Black-bellied Sandgrouse plus Iberian Magpies and Black Wheatears and a whole lot more.
As with many cities around the world, Salamanca is relatively poorly covered by urban birders. The hotspot seems to be along the Río Tormes that runs through the centre of the city. A good spot to plant yourself along the river is on the Roman Bridge of Salamanca, sited very close to the old city, so it’s a pretty location.
At the base of the bridge, close to the rushing water, look out for foraging Grey Wagtails, as they are a regular sight. Little Egrets also frequent the river along with the familiar Grey Heron, while a fly-by Night Heron is always a slight possibility, especially towards either end of the day.
Glancing skyward during the summer months should produce Bee-eaters, Swifts and House Martins and they themselves can be overshadowed by huge Black and Griffon Vultures.
There is an area of wet woodland on the left, if you are facing the old city, that is a good spot to watch for warblers and other passage migrants.
During winter, Blackcap and Chiffchaffs
are commonplace, with
Cetti’s Warblers also being a staple species. During spring, you might be lucky enough to sight (Western) Bonelli’s or Subalpine Warblers, circuiting the foliage, or a hunting Redstart.
Autumn is a better bet for scoring a decent migrant or two with Melodious Warbler, and Pied and Spotted Flycatchers all reported. At any point in the year, the wood can support Iberian Green and Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers, Wryneck, Tree Sparrow and Hawfinch. In the summer, it could be possible to both see and hear Nightingale and Golden Oriole.
There is a small reedbed that fringes the woodland, plus there is another small stand on the other side of the bridge. The birds encountered here could include Penduline Tit, and Reed and Great Reed Warblers.
A closer look during the autumn may reveal a lurking migrant Sedge Warbler. The more unusual birds reported from the bridge include Dipper – which does not seem such a surprise given the speed at which this river flows.
Merlin, Little Tern, plus
Little, Mediterranean and Common Gulls, Crossbill and even a Nightjar have been found here, so standing on the Roman Bridge could be a good place to while away some time.
Continuing across the bridge into the historic old city will not diminish your urban birding experience. During the summer, Pallid Swifts should be noisily wheeling above your head, entering their breeding sites in the crevices of the older buildings. White Stork is also a common breeder, standing impressively on a spire or rooftop on their sometimes monstrous nests of twigs, that are often interlaced with the bits of rubbish that they find. Classically, their nests will also be cheekily occupied by House Sparrows. Spotless Starlings are also a feature of the city along with nesting Peregrine and Lesser Kestrel.
As with all cities, Salamanca has several parks for attentive urban birders to mooch through. Riverside sites like Elio Antonio de Nebrija Park may be well worth exploring. Many of the birds mentioned can be encountered in these green spaces – there is also the possibility of seeing other Mediterranean specialities, like Serin and Hoopoe.
Thanks to: Vega Barmejo Castelnau:
birdinginspainswildwest.com
Carol Martin: petirednatura.com Guillermo Hernandez aquilanaturaleza. wordpress.com / Vincente Lopez – Iberia Bird Medio Ambiente and a special thank you to Javier García Hidalgo - Diputado de Turismo, Diputación de Salamanca
salamancaemocion.es/