Birds of a feather: Charca de Suarez reinforces its importance

THE Charca de Suarez natural park in Motril continues to reinforce its position as a critical habitat for both resident and migrating birds.

During 2016, 850 individuals of 58 species were ringed at the renovated site, which represents the only coastal wetland between Malaga and Almeria.

According to Deputy Environmental councillor, Antonio Escamez, the swampy area is now “an obligatory stop for many migrating birds, and the results for our 2016 census could not be better.”

The permanent ringing station at the park is in action all year round, except during the breeding season, with the most common last year being the reed warbler (137 individuals), chiffchaff (96), blackcap (55), robin (53) and Cetti’s warbler (48).

Particularly important species inhabiting the reserve include kingfisher, wryneck, purple swamphen and the critically endangered crested coot.