One of the best places to see harriers in the south east of Spain is in a protected area of Alicante province.
Two types of the bird of prey can be seen in La Mata-Torrevieja natural park, which is based on the salt lakes of La Mata and Torrevieja.
The western marsh harrier is present all year round, while Montagu’s harrier migrates from Africa in the spring to reproduce.
Information boards providing in depth details about these birds, in Spanish and English, can be found on the eastern shore of La Mata lake, on a track which is a stone’s throw from the visitors’ centre (see the walking route under Alicante South & Murcia called Vines and Pines at La Mata).
They tell us that the ‘largest reproductive nucleus’ of Montagu’s harrier in Alicante province is in this area.
Both species nest in the reeds, directly on the ground, which makes them vulnerable to predators.
Dogs that have been let off the lead, which is expressly prohibited in the natural park, present a particular danger to the birds.
The boards explain that while the western marsh harrier feeds on other birds, rodents and rabbits; Montagu’s harrier eats small mammals and insects, making it an ally for farmers in their fight against blights.
They emphasise that the reeds which grow on the shores of both the salt lakes provide a haven for all sorts of birds.
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