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Donana National Park was formed around the delta waters of the Guadalquivir River. At 125,234 acres, it is the largest and most famous of Spain’s national parks.
The Guadalquivir floods in winter and leaves silt deposits and islands in the spring.
The conditions are perfect for geese and ducks, and for the hundreds of flocks of migrating birds that are drawn to the area in the spring.
In the marshes and cork oak forests of the park, it is possible to see gray herons, lanner falcons, ring and turtle doves, partridges, oxpeckers, cattle egret, storks and vultures.
The very lucky may also catch a glimpse of a Spanish imperial eagle, of which there are now only a few breeding pairs in the world.
The landscape of the park is varied, with a dry zone of 19 miles of beaches and dunes on the coast, and a humid zone of salt marshes and forests inland.
The inland cork oak forest is known as the Pajareras, as every spring it is home to flocks of birds.
Plant life in the park is typical Mediterranean thicket, with cistus heather, mastic tree, rosemary, cistus scrub, red lavender, cork oak, and large expanses of stone pine.
Animals in the park come in great variety, though some, like the Iberian lynx, the Egyptian mongoose and the imperial eagle, are in danger of extinction.
Game species like the deer, fallow deer and boar are plentiful. But Donana is best known for its birds, either permanent residents, winter visitors from northern and Central Europe, or summer visitors from Africa, such as numerous geese and colorful flamingos.
December and January are the peak times for bird watching, and entrance to the park is strictly controlled to make sure the birds are not disturbed. Permits must be obtained in Huelva before visiting the park at any time of year.
Donana can be reached from the village of El Rocío. There are two visitors centers in La Rocina and El Acebuche. Organized visits to the park can be arranged in El Acebuche.
Donana has been recognized as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage Site.
Outdoor Activities |
Wild boar are among the mammals found in the park.
Ducks and geese are among the summer visitors to Donana National Park.
The marshes of Donana National Park are ideal habitat for migrating birds.
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