Fuente de Piedra Lagoon, Natural reserve lagoon in Malaga, Spain
Fuente de Piedra Lagoon is a natural water body in Malaga province with a vast shallow basin surrounded by flat shores and low vegetation. The water is brackish, with depth varying seasonally based on rainfall and evaporation patterns.
The lagoon was used for salt extraction during Roman times before its ecological value was recognized and it received legal protection starting in the 1980s. This protection established modern management practices and habitat restoration efforts that continue today.
The lagoon serves as a breeding ground for greater flamingos and hosts more than 150 bird species that rely on it for food and shelter. Visitors often see herons, gulls, and other water birds using the shoreline and shallow waters throughout the year.
Access to the lagoon is via marked trails and viewing points managed from a visitor center on the grounds. Bring binoculars and plan to visit in early morning hours when bird watching conditions are optimal.
Water levels fluctuate significantly with the seasons and evaporation, sometimes causing the lagoon to nearly dry out and form salt crusts across the basin. This harsh environment has shaped the specialized adaptations of flamingos and other species that thrive here.
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