The western part of the Costa del Sol has a number of natural areas where you can explore the surprising world of ornithology and the many species of birds that are found here. Below is a list of the best places to spot wild birds in the region:

Paraje Natural Desembocadura del Guadalhorce

The river Guadalhorce flows into the sea close to the location of Malaga airport. The space which is contained within the different branches of the river make up the Guadalhorce Nature Reserve.

The zone has a number of different types of terrain, with dry land, lagoons and sandbanks that run along the shoreline and provide a habitat for many species. The best times for spotting birds are in the winter and when they are migrating through the area.

The many curious species that can be seen here include the white-headed duck, the kentish plover, the bluethroat and the kingfisher.

Punta de Calaburras

There is a small headland in Mijas where a great many sea birds nest. It is a dangerous place to sail in because of the many rocks formations that punctuate the Mediterranean here, but also very beautiful. The area also has a number of interesting submarine archaeological remains, such as the Pecio de las Columnas or the Cañones de Calaburrase.

Some of the most common birds to frequent this area are the balearic shearwater, eurasian oystercatcher and the common turnstone.

Paraje Natural Sierra Crestellina

This is a protected area close to Casares with a particularly difficult orography, with steep ridges and difficult access.

If we follow the route marked out for us, we arrive at a hide from where we can see the nests of the largest vulture colony in the province of Malaga. We can also observe the peregrine falcon and the common kestrel.