Desembocadura del Guadalhorce, Nature reserve at Guadalhorce River mouth in Churriana district, Malaga, Spain.
Desembocadura del Guadalhorce is a nature reserve at the river mouth in Churriana district where five permanent lakes are surrounded by Mediterranean plants. Laguna Grande forms the largest of these water bodies and anchors the entire landscape.
The land was originally agricultural fields and gravel extraction sites before receiving official protection in 1989. This shift allowed a wetland ecosystem to develop and recover.
The wetland draws birdwatchers seeking flamingos, spoonbills, and black storks that pause here during their journeys along the Mediterranean coast. Local guides help visitors understand how this landscape supports these traveling populations and shapes the rhythm of seasons.
The reserve has designated pathways and observation points positioned for watching birds without disturbing them. Visitors should move slowly and quietly to maximize their chances of spotting wildlife.
The site is a critical resting point for glossy ibises and Audouin's gulls traveling along the Mediterranean coast. Many visitors overlook these particular species or do not realize they appear only during specific seasons.
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