Flying they go
The "birdwatchers" have it very clear: the Sierra de Espadán is vital in their visits. What do we need to know to take better advantage of birdwatching tourism in the area?
If there is one activity that combines respect for nature with love for its creatures, it is the sighting of animals in their own habitat. In this sense, birdwatching is gaining more and more followers every day.
The Sierra de Espadán has everything to enchant birdwatchers. Designated a Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA), Site of Community Importance (SCI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC), it is home to nesting populations of 22 species of birds, including Bonelli's Eagle, Golden Eagle, Egyptian Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Stone-curlew, Peregrine Falcon, Dartford Warbler, Kingfisher and Nightjar.
It is impressive to read the "inventory" of its vertebrate fauna - up to 172 species have been recorded, including 110 birds - which explains the predilection of so many birdwatchers for this natural space. In line with these data, the Grupo Au de Ornitología de Castellón carried out an ornithological marathon in 2020, in which it documented up to 115 species of birds in the towns that make up the Mancomunidad Espadán-Mijares and its surroundings.
Always respectful of the environment, the "pajareros" patiently wait for a Bonelli's eagle, in danger of extinction, or a goshawk to fly overhead, and name the smaller species that cross their path, such as the jay, the nuthatch, the robin, the wryneck or the chaffinch, abundant in this Sierra. In turn, the tawny owl, the long-eared owl and the eagle owl are the kings of the night (and, although some are terrified of them, the park also hosts several species of bats, some in danger of extinction).
The best time for birdwatching in the Sierra is spring and summer, and the best time is at dawn, when they come out to forage for food. To practice birdwatching, you only need curiosity, respect, courage and, if possible, a good pair of binoculars.
Depending on the time of year, light or warm clothing, comfortable shoes in either case, sunscreen, a snack, water and the everlasting field guide. Since this is a Natural Park, it must be emphasized that group visits are regulated to ensure the quality of the experience and the conservation of the natural environment.
The act of watching is coming here, by the art of listening and, of course, there is nothing better than starting small to interpret the sounds of nature. Families that watch birds together... stay together!
There are several optimal points for the observation of migratory birds of prey, for example, the Alto del Pinar, in Torralba del Pinar, the top of El Turio, between Fanzara and Espadilla, in the region of Alto Mijares, or elevations such as the castle of Villamalur and other fortresses.
Thanks to its privileged geographical location, between the two main bird migratory routes in Europe -namely, the East Atlantic and the Black Sea and Mediterranean-, the Valencian Community is highly recommended for birdwatching, which benefits all the municipalities of the Mancomunidad de Espadán-Mijares. So don't think twice and fly here to feel the fluttering of nature, you will love it!