David Rayner Photography

Birds of Doñana

Doñana birds [37 species]
The Doñana National Park lies in the Andalucia region of South West Spain and covers more than 200 square miles, with 50 square miles protected. It consists of large areas of wetland reserves, lagoons, sand dunes, scrub and woodland. It is a major site for migrating birds and breeders.
We first went to Doñana for in April 2010, led by Georg, our guide. From that day on I have wanted to return. Unfortunately we have only managed one half day, in June 2015 – while on the way further west and south. I have decided, therefore, I must produce a photographic record (to date only, I hope) of the birds seen on our two visits.
As usual, I have included some pretty poor photos, but they are the best I have - for now. On each occasion our starting point was the lagoon at El Rocio. It is at the North of Doñana and is a wonderful site for painless viewing. In 2010 we moved on into the heartland of Doñana including a trip to one of the Visitor Centres with the nearby breeding area. In 2015, however, so good was the viewing we barely got past El Rocio before we had to move on. Finally, I trust everyone will realise that the 37 different species in this gallery are but a small fraction of the birds that competent ‘birders’ might spot over a year or so in Doñana.