Puebla de Alcocer, is surrounded by a true ornithological paradise. The pasture, represents a crucial role in species diversity. Puebla has been included in the inventory of Important Bird Areas of Spain (SEO/BirdLife, 1995), ZEPA – Especial Protección para las Aves (SPA – Special Protection Area), a list of Wetlands of International Importance established by the Ramsar Convention and Red Natura 2000 (European ecological network of conservation areas of biodiversity). In addition the village is surrounded by two of the most important reservoirs in Spain, that of La Serena and Orellana, a fact that generates movement from a high quantity of birds in their migratory movements.
Birding Routes
From birdingextremadura 20 routes are recommended in order to continue to practice this wonderful hobby. Puebla de Alcocer is in two important routes of the «Embalsa de (Reservoirs of) Orellana and Puerto Peña« and «La Serena and Sierra Sierra de Tiros«.
The two proposed routes are within the ZEPA (SPA) area. It is advisable to make stops in places with good visibility and try to locate the birds with a telescope.
The first route proposal includes the Observatory in Puerto Peña, one of the most spectacular settings. It is the only place where up to 4 pairs of black storks nest in the same very rocky area. The best time to visit these barren areas and rocky crags is spring.
On the second route, the Zújar river is present in most of the terrain. The region of la Serena is one of the most valuable barren areas of the Peninsula. The majority of birds that can be seen on this route, too, are barren. The Thekla Lark is one of the most common species and will be present throughout the tour. You cannot fail to miss a single moment, when bustards could surprise you at any time of the route taken by car or bicycle. This route is visible at all times of the year, but it should be noted that spring and winter will allow you to observe a greater number of birds.
In addition, we propose a route along the road that leads to the area of Cogolludo in winter can be seen quite easily, even without getting off the car, a large concentration of common crane, birds have their roosts and feeding areas in the pastures adjacent to the banks of Bayou Orellana. Puebla de Alcocer is within one of the areas of the most important wintering crane Extremadura, with a population reaching 35,000 cranes
