Urdaibai Reserve No.1 - Urdaibai Nature Magazine

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URDAIBAI

Reserve URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER

Digital Magazine

No.1

A Haven for Birds

Gautegiz Arteaga Marshes Cousteau, the Osprey from Urdaibai to Senegal

BirdFlyway, discover Holland 1st Quarter 2017


Summary PRESENTATION 04.The magazine presentation. URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER

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06

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70

82

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06.Presentation | A great living Nature Museum. 12.Conservation | 12.A haven for birds. 24.Tourism | 28.Record visitors| 30.BirdFlyway: Biesbosch. 36.Environmental education| 38.Garden Birds. THE URDAIBAI RESERVE 44.Winter update | 48.The Bittern: the Jewel in the Crown | 52.The Common Starling | 56.The Lapwing. 58. Discover the biodiversity | The garden snail. 64.A special place in Urdaibai | San Pedro Atxarre. 70.The Reserve in pictures. LOOCKING BACK 82. Urdaibai Bird Center. INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS 92. Cousteau: from Urdaibai to Senegal | The winter destination of our intrepid osprey “Cousteau”.

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SUMMARY

3 © Urdaibai Reserve

Urdaibai Bird Center (Aranzadi Society of Sciences)


Summary PRESENTATION 04.The magazine presentation. URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER

04

06

48

70

82

92

06.Presentation | A great living Nature Museum. 12.Conservation | 12.A haven for birds. 24.Tourism | 28.Record visitors| 30.BirdFlyway: Biesbosch. 36.Environmental education| 38.Garden Birds. THE URDAIBAI RESERVE 44.Winter update | 48.The Bittern: the Jewel in the Crown | 52.The Common Starling | 56.The Lapwing. 58. Discover the biodiversity | The garden snail. 64.A special place in Urdaibai | San Pedro Atxarre. 70.The Reserve in pictures. LOOCKING BACK 82. Urdaibai Bird Center. INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS 92. Cousteau: from Urdaibai to Senegal | The winter destination of our intrepid osprey “Cousteau”.

2

SUMMARY

3 © Urdaibai Reserve

Urdaibai Bird Center (Aranzadi Society of Sciences)


Presentation Urdaibai Bird Center is proud to present the first issue of the Digital Magazine URDAIBAI Reserve. This exciting, new project is a window onto the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve and the natural treasures within it. Through beautiful photos of the people, animals, plants and landscapes which make it unique, we hope to transport you to this magical place.

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PRESENTATION

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Presentation Urdaibai Bird Center is proud to present the first issue of the Digital Magazine URDAIBAI Reserve. This exciting, new project is a window onto the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve and the natural treasures within it. Through beautiful photos of the people, animals, plants and landscapes which make it unique, we hope to transport you to this magical place.

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PRESENTATION

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Urdaibai Bird Center Presentation

The glass and timber structure of this innovative building was erected upon the shell of an old cannery.

A great living Nature Museum 6

URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER

Presentation

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Urdaibai Bird Center Presentation

The glass and timber structure of this innovative building was erected upon the shell of an old cannery.

A great living Nature Museum 6

URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER

Presentation

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Integrated into the surroundings, the building is the best example of sustainable regeneration in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.

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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER

Presentation

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Integrated into the surroundings, the building is the best example of sustainable regeneration in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.

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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER

Presentation

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Urdaibai Bird Center is an excellent observatory in itself. From its huge windows overlooking the marsh, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the landscapes and birds.

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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER

Presentation

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Urdaibai Bird Center is an excellent observatory in itself. From its huge windows overlooking the marsh, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the landscapes and birds.

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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER

Presentation

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Conservation

A haven for birds in the heart of Urdaibai

Gautegiz Arteaga Marshes We invite you to discover the Gautegiz Arteaga Marshes. In this beautiful area of water and vegetation you will find incredible biodiversity. The marshes have become the most important refuge for birds in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.

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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER

Conservation: A haven for birds

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Conservation

A haven for birds in the heart of Urdaibai

Gautegiz Arteaga Marshes We invite you to discover the Gautegiz Arteaga Marshes. In this beautiful area of water and vegetation you will find incredible biodiversity. The marshes have become the most important refuge for birds in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.

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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER

Conservation: A haven for birds

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Every year, thousands of birds from all over the continent pass through this area on their migratory journey. The wetland is very important as it offers birds a quiet place to rest and replenish. In addition to this, it is a good place for many to stay when winter tightens its icy grip in northern and central Europe.

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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER

Conservation: A haven for birds

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Every year, thousands of birds from all over the continent pass through this area on their migratory journey. The wetland is very important as it offers birds a quiet place to rest and replenish. In addition to this, it is a good place for many to stay when winter tightens its icy grip in northern and central Europe.

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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER

Conservation: A haven for birds

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Conserving the haven

We look after the nature in URDAIBAI for you

Today the marsh is under threat from the loss of biodiversity and also from the invasion of exotic species of plant. To maintain a healthy ecosystem, a great deal of effort is required. Urdaibai Bird Center has been working on the management and conservation of the Gautegiz Arteaga Marshes since the regeneration project was carried out. With the attention and care it deserves, the marsh will be here for future generations to enjoy.

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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER

Conservation: A haven for birds

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Conserving the haven

We look after the nature in URDAIBAI for you

Today the marsh is under threat from the loss of biodiversity and also from the invasion of exotic species of plant. To maintain a healthy ecosystem, a great deal of effort is required. Urdaibai Bird Center has been working on the management and conservation of the Gautegiz Arteaga Marshes since the regeneration project was carried out. With the attention and care it deserves, the marsh will be here for future generations to enjoy.

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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER

Conservation: A haven for birds

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Management of the marsh Areas in which birds can feed and rest are provided by creating expanses of open water, eradicating exotic species and positioning perches. Signposting is also important as it raises awareness and helps prevents the birds from being disturbed.

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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER

Conservation: A haven for birds

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Management of the marsh Areas in which birds can feed and rest are provided by creating expanses of open water, eradicating exotic species and positioning perches. Signposting is also important as it raises awareness and helps prevents the birds from being disturbed.

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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER

Conservation: A haven for birds

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Territorial Custody It was important to create a peripheral ring around the marsh in order to provide added protection for the birds. To do so, Urdaibai Bird Center worked with land owners from the area concerned. They are part of the Territorial Custody Programme, which is financed by the Environmental Department of the Basque Government. Through a system of lease contracts the aims have been achieved and the tranquility of the birds is now guaranteed.

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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER

Conservation: A haven for birds

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Territorial Custody It was important to create a peripheral ring around the marsh in order to provide added protection for the birds. To do so, Urdaibai Bird Center worked with land owners from the area concerned. They are part of the Territorial Custody Programme, which is financed by the Environmental Department of the Basque Government. Through a system of lease contracts the aims have been achieved and the tranquility of the birds is now guaranteed.

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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER

Conservation: A haven for birds

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As a result of this careful work, the marsh offers an almost unique opportunity to experience the biodiversity of birds from far and wide.

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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER

Conservation: A haven for birds

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As a result of this careful work, the marsh offers an almost unique opportunity to experience the biodiversity of birds from far and wide.

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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER

Conservation: A haven for birds

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Tourism

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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER

Tourism

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Tourism

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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER

Tourism

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Urdaibai Bird Center has now become a place of pilgrimage for nature lovers from all over Europe. What is wonderful is that they are guaranteed a reward at the end of their travels as birds from Africa or northern Europe can be seen at any time of year.

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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER

Tourism

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Urdaibai Bird Center has now become a place of pilgrimage for nature lovers from all over Europe. What is wonderful is that they are guaranteed a reward at the end of their travels as birds from Africa or northern Europe can be seen at any time of year.

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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER

Tourism

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Record Visitor Numbers

Visits

34.280 28.020 18.795

With a record number of 34 280 visitors in 2016, figures were up by 22.34% on 2015.

5.379

Origin Basque Country + Navarra Spain Other Countries

2013

2014

2015

2016

16% 30%

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54%

URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER

Tourism: Statstics

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Record Visitor Numbers

Visits

34.280 28.020 18.795

With a record number of 34 280 visitors in 2016, figures were up by 22.34% on 2015.

5.379

Origin Basque Country + Navarra Spain Other Countries

2013

2014

2015

2016

16% 30%

28

54%

URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER

Tourism: Statstics

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Saint James´ Way in the World of Birds BirdFlyway is a tourism initiative managed by Urdaibai Bird Center. By taking part in this new type of ecotourism, you will follow the birds on their migratory journey across Europe and visit the network of centers that make up the route. You will get to know the natural spaces, culture and heritage of each place. As you complete each stage, your BirdFlyway Passport will be stamped. Let´s take a look at one of the destinations on the route!

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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER

Tourism: BirdFlyway

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Saint James´ Way in the World of Birds BirdFlyway is a tourism initiative managed by Urdaibai Bird Center. By taking part in this new type of ecotourism, you will follow the birds on their migratory journey across Europe and visit the network of centers that make up the route. You will get to know the natural spaces, culture and heritage of each place. As you complete each stage, your BirdFlyway Passport will be stamped. Let´s take a look at one of the destinations on the route!

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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER

Tourism: BirdFlyway

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Photos: Biesbosch National Park

Biesbosch National Park A different visit to Holland 32

URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER

Tourism: BirdFlyway

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Photos: Biesbosch National Park

Biesbosch National Park A different visit to Holland 32

URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER

Tourism: BirdFlyway

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Whether on foot or by bicycle, this area offers you the chance to enjoy willow forests and polders covered with wildflower meadows. If you wish, you can even venture into the reed beds on a boat or canoe. If you are doing the BirdFlyway Challenges, you will discover stunning landscapes in this park. Its inhabitants are beautiful birds such as the tundra swan, osprey or spoonbill. As well as this, there is a wealth of culture to discover.

THE NETHERLANDS Biesbosch National Park

BELGIUM

Take part! Discover Biesbosch!

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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER

Tourism: BirdFlyway

Photos: Biesbosch National Park

Formed by the Meuse and Rhine Rivers, Biesbosch is an estuary, where salt and freshwater meet.

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Whether on foot or by bicycle, this area offers you the chance to enjoy willow forests and polders covered with wildflower meadows. If you wish, you can even venture into the reed beds on a boat or canoe. If you are doing the BirdFlyway Challenges, you will discover stunning landscapes in this park. Its inhabitants are beautiful birds such as the tundra swan, osprey or spoonbill. As well as this, there is a wealth of culture to discover.

THE NETHERLANDS Biesbosch National Park

BELGIUM

Take part! Discover Biesbosch!

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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER

Tourism: BirdFlyway

Photos: Biesbosch National Park

Formed by the Meuse and Rhine Rivers, Biesbosch is an estuary, where salt and freshwater meet.

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Environmental education

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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER

Environmental education

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Environmental education

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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER

Environmental education

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Garden Birds Enjoy the world of birds from the comfort of your own home! Urdaibai Bird Center has been running its Garden Birds Project again this winter. Focusing on birds in the local environment, the project involves the public.

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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER

Environmental education: Garden birds

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Garden Birds Enjoy the world of birds from the comfort of your own home! Urdaibai Bird Center has been running its Garden Birds Project again this winter. Focusing on birds in the local environment, the project involves the public.

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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER

Environmental education: Garden birds

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This year there have been over 100 participants in the project. Neighbourhood Associations, schools, families and individuals have been discovering the birds that live around them. Robins siskins, great tits, blue tits, blackcaps and finches are just a few of the beautiful birds which cheer up the environments in which we live. Garden Birds is a very popular project in many countries. In Britain alone 500 000 families participate.

The Garden Birds Project involves positioning some simple feeders to attract the birds to our environment. This gives us the fantastic opportunity to enjoy them and get to know them better.

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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER

Environmental education: Garden birds

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This year there have been over 100 participants in the project. Neighbourhood Associations, schools, families and individuals have been discovering the birds that live around them. Robins siskins, great tits, blue tits, blackcaps and finches are just a few of the beautiful birds which cheer up the environments in which we live. Garden Birds is a very popular project in many countries. In Britain alone 500 000 families participate.

The Garden Birds Project involves positioning some simple feeders to attract the birds to our environment. This gives us the fantastic opportunity to enjoy them and get to know them better.

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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER

Environmental education: Garden birds

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The Urdaibai Reserve

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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE

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The Urdaibai Reserve

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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE

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Winter Update

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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE

Winter Update

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Winter Update

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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE

Winter Update

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Curlew

Spoonbill

Wigeon

Wigeons from Scandinavia, spoonbills from the Wadden Sea, waders from the far north and even the elusive bittern are just a few of the wonders we have been lucky enough to enjoy this winter in the Urdaibai Reserve.

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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE

Winter Update

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Curlew

Spoonbill

Wigeon

Wigeons from Scandinavia, spoonbills from the Wadden Sea, waders from the far north and even the elusive bittern are just a few of the wonders we have been lucky enough to enjoy this winter in the Urdaibai Reserve.

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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE

Winter Update

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The Bittern

The Jewel in the Crown Coming from the cold and distant north, the Bittern is a real gem in the winter marshes of Gautegiz Arteaga.

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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE

Winter Update: The Bittern

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The Bittern

The Jewel in the Crown Coming from the cold and distant north, the Bittern is a real gem in the winter marshes of Gautegiz Arteaga.

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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE

Winter Update: The Bittern

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The master of camouflage : has been back to visit us this winter A master of camouflage, the bittern is almost invisible in its natural surroundings so spotting it is a delightful challenge for many of our visitors. Of the hundreds that have made the pilgrimage to the observatory, it is only a few that can say “I have seen the bittern!”

…It is only a few can say “I have seen the bittern!”

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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE

Winter Update: The Bittern

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The master of camouflage : has been back to visit us this winter A master of camouflage, the bittern is almost invisible in its natural surroundings so spotting it is a delightful challenge for many of our visitors. Of the hundreds that have made the pilgrimage to the observatory, it is only a few that can say “I have seen the bittern!”

…It is only a few can say “I have seen the bittern!”

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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE

Winter Update: The Bittern

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Starlings The reed beds in the Gautegiz Arteaga marsh have been comfortable headquarters for flocks of starlings planning their murmurations. They have been observed in their hundreds flying in wonderful shape-shifting formations. It is a pity that this bird has such an unfortunate reputation as it is not only beautiful, but also capable of stunning aerial acrobatics.

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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE

Winter Update: Starlings

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Starlings The reed beds in the Gautegiz Arteaga marsh have been comfortable headquarters for flocks of starlings planning their murmurations. They have been observed in their hundreds flying in wonderful shape-shifting formations. It is a pity that this bird has such an unfortunate reputation as it is not only beautiful, but also capable of stunning aerial acrobatics.

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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE

Winter Update: Starlings

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…a close-up: The Common Starling THE URDAIBAI RESERVE

Winter Update: Starlings

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…a close-up: The Common Starling THE URDAIBAI RESERVE

Winter Update: Starlings

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Despite the mild temperatures of late, the lapwings have also made it to their winter appointment in Urdaibai. We have been able to enjoy their presence and watch them filling the sky and the marsh with their striking black and white plumage.

The Lapwing

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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE

Winter Update: The Lapwing

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Despite the mild temperatures of late, the lapwings have also made it to their winter appointment in Urdaibai. We have been able to enjoy their presence and watch them filling the sky and the marsh with their striking black and white plumage.

The Lapwing

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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE

Winter Update: The Lapwing

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Discover the biodiversity

The Garden Snail 58

THE URDAIBAI RESERVE

Discover the biodiversity

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Discover the biodiversity

The Garden Snail 58

THE URDAIBAI RESERVE

Discover the biodiversity

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Although this terrestrial mollusc is in fact nocturnal, it can also be seen during the day, especially when it is rainy in spring. It inhabits a variety of environments but is particularly common in the Atlantic Countryside. It can be found hiding in the cracks of old moss and fern covered walls in vegetable gardens and orchards.

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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE

Discover the biodiversity

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Although this terrestrial mollusc is in fact nocturnal, it can also be seen during the day, especially when it is rainy in spring. It inhabits a variety of environments but is particularly common in the Atlantic Countryside. It can be found hiding in the cracks of old moss and fern covered walls in vegetable gardens and orchards.

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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE

Discover the biodiversity

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A well known culinary delight in the Basque Country, the garden snail is collected for dishes which are eaten on special days. Other animals also include the snail in their diets and the thrush is particularly fond of it. This bird has a very characteristic way of eating the snail. First it catches it in its beak. Then it smashes it against a stone to break the shell, thus enabling it to extract the juicy contents.

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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE

Discover the biodiversity

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A well known culinary delight in the Basque Country, the garden snail is collected for dishes which are eaten on special days. Other animals also include the snail in their diets and the thrush is particularly fond of it. This bird has a very characteristic way of eating the snail. First it catches it in its beak. Then it smashes it against a stone to break the shell, thus enabling it to extract the juicy contents.

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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE

Discover the biodiversity

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A special place in Urdaibai

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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE

San Pedro Atxarre

A special place in Urdaibai: San Pedro Atxarre

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A special place in Urdaibai

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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE

San Pedro Atxarre

A special place in Urdaibai: San Pedro Atxarre

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From its location on the mountain Atxarre, overlooking the estuary, San Pedro boasts spectacular views. In addition, to this it offers the opportunity to enjoy the flora and fauna of one of the largest Holm oak forests on the Cantabrian Cornice.

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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE

A special place in Urdaibai: San Pedro Atxarre

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From its location on the mountain Atxarre, overlooking the estuary, San Pedro boasts spectacular views. In addition, to this it offers the opportunity to enjoy the flora and fauna of one of the largest Holm oak forests on the Cantabrian Cornice.

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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE

A special place in Urdaibai: San Pedro Atxarre

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BERMEO

Atxarre

Atxarre GAUTEGIZ ARTEAGA

GERNIKA

It is thought that the chapel, which is dedicated to Saint Peter, was built in the 15th century. Legend has it that covens of witches met here in an area known in Basque as the “Dantzaleku” (dancing place).

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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE

A special place in Urdaibai: San Pedro Atxarre

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BERMEO

Atxarre

Atxarre GAUTEGIZ ARTEAGA

GERNIKA

It is thought that the chapel, which is dedicated to Saint Peter, was built in the 15th century. Legend has it that covens of witches met here in an area known in Basque as the “Dantzaleku” (dancing place).

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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE

A special place in Urdaibai: San Pedro Atxarre

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The Reserve in pictures

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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE

The Reserve in pictures

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The Reserve in pictures

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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE

The Reserve in pictures

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A surfer with a very special group of spectators in Mundaka.

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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE

The Reserve in pictures

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A surfer with a very special group of spectators in Mundaka.

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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE

The Reserve in pictures

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An unusual sight: a snow-clad Urdaibai.

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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE

The Reserve in pictures

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An unusual sight: a snow-clad Urdaibai.

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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE

The Reserve in pictures

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Anemone hepatica or liverwort is a plant whose name derives from the shape of its leaves and their similarity to the organ. It was one thought that it possessed medicinal properties which could cure illnesses of the liver. However, this is now known to be unfounded.

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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE

The Reserve in pictures

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Anemone hepatica or liverwort is a plant whose name derives from the shape of its leaves and their similarity to the organ. It was one thought that it possessed medicinal properties which could cure illnesses of the liver. However, this is now known to be unfounded.

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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE

The Reserve in pictures

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Strange though it may seem, this fox is a wily fisherman. On his winter trips to the lagoon in front of the Bird Center, he takes advantage of the fact that the cormorants surround and trap the mullets which swim there. With no way of escape, they are easy prey for this cunning creature.

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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE

The Reserve in pictures

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Strange though it may seem, this fox is a wily fisherman. On his winter trips to the lagoon in front of the Bird Center, he takes advantage of the fact that the cormorants surround and trap the mullets which swim there. With no way of escape, they are easy prey for this cunning creature.

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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE

The Reserve in pictures

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Dusk falls in Urdaibai.

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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE

The Reserve in pictures

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Dusk falls in Urdaibai.

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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE

The Reserve in pictures

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Looking Back Let´s take a look at Urdaibai of the past. How has the area changed? What was Urdaibai Bird Center like before it became the museum it is today?

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LOOKING BACK

Urdaibai Bird Center

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Looking Back Let´s take a look at Urdaibai of the past. How has the area changed? What was Urdaibai Bird Center like before it became the museum it is today?

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LOOKING BACK

Urdaibai Bird Center

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Urdaibai Bird Center

2004

Urdaibai Bird Center

2017 84

LOOKING BACK

Urdaibai Bird Center

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Urdaibai Bird Center

2004

Urdaibai Bird Center

2017 84

LOOKING BACK

Urdaibai Bird Center

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Urdaibai Bird Center

2004 Urdaibai Bird Center

2017 86

LOOKING BACK

Urdaibai Bird Center

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Urdaibai Bird Center

2004 Urdaibai Bird Center

2017 86

LOOKING BACK

Urdaibai Bird Center

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Map and Exhibition

2004

Map and Exhibition 88

2017

LOOKING BACK

Urdaibai Bird Center

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Map and Exhibition

2004

Map and Exhibition 88

2017

LOOKING BACK

Urdaibai Bird Center

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Viewing Gallery

2004

Viewing Gallery

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2017 LOOKING BACK

Urdaibai Bird Center

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Viewing Gallery

2004

Viewing Gallery

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2017 LOOKING BACK

Urdaibai Bird Center

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Incredible Journeys Cousteau: From Urdaibai to Senegal

The winter destination of the intrepid osprey “Cousteau” 92

INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS

Cousteau: from Urdaibai to Senegal

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Incredible Journeys Cousteau: From Urdaibai to Senegal

The winter destination of the intrepid osprey “Cousteau” 92

INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS

Cousteau: from Urdaibai to Senegal

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URDAIBAI

SAHARA DESERT The hero on this incredible journey is Cousteau. This brave osprey is carrying a satellite transmitter, which enables us to follow him on his trips across Africa.

SENEGAL

Having left Urdaibai in early September, he flew over the Gulf of Cadiz then crossed the Sahara to settle in his wintering quarters in the south of Senegal.

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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS

Cousteau: from Urdaibai to Senegal

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URDAIBAI

SAHARA DESERT The hero on this incredible journey is Cousteau. This brave osprey is carrying a satellite transmitter, which enables us to follow him on his trips across Africa.

SENEGAL

Having left Urdaibai in early September, he flew over the Gulf of Cadiz then crossed the Sahara to settle in his wintering quarters in the south of Senegal.

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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS

Cousteau: from Urdaibai to Senegal

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We are on the northern bank of the Casamance River in south-east Senegal between Gambia and Guinea Bissau. It is just a few kilometers from Ziguinchor, the capital of the region.

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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS

Cousteau: from Urdaibai to Senegal

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We are on the northern bank of the Casamance River in south-east Senegal between Gambia and Guinea Bissau. It is just a few kilometers from Ziguinchor, the capital of the region.

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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS

Cousteau: from Urdaibai to Senegal

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The region, which is characterized by its sub-tropical climate, is a patchwork of rice paddies, canals and mangrove swamps, home to an incredible variety of fauna.

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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS

Cousteau: from Urdaibai to Senegal

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The region, which is characterized by its sub-tropical climate, is a patchwork of rice paddies, canals and mangrove swamps, home to an incredible variety of fauna.

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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS

Cousteau: from Urdaibai to Senegal

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Yellow-billed stork

Northern red boshop

Pied kingfisher

Osprey

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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS

Cousteau: from Urdaibai to Senegal

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Yellow-billed stork

Northern red boshop

Pied kingfisher

Osprey

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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS

Cousteau: from Urdaibai to Senegal

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In an area where fishing abounds, Cousteau shares his food source with the local population. The nets which are used to catch fish can be a lethal trap for ospreys.

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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS

Cousteau: from Urdaibai to Senegal

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In an area where fishing abounds, Cousteau shares his food source with the local population. The nets which are used to catch fish can be a lethal trap for ospreys.

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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS

Cousteau: from Urdaibai to Senegal

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You have to be very skilful to use the traditional nets.

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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS

Cousteau: from Urdaibai to Senegal

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You have to be very skilful to use the traditional nets.

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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS

Cousteau: from Urdaibai to Senegal

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As night falls in Casamance, Cousteau settles into his huge baobob tree. Perhaps as he sleeps, he will dream of his return to Urdaibai.

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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS

Cousteau: from Urdaibai to Senegal

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As night falls in Casamance, Cousteau settles into his huge baobob tree. Perhaps as he sleeps, he will dream of his return to Urdaibai.

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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS

Cousteau: from Urdaibai to Senegal

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Enjoy the views of Urdaibai from home

www.birdcenter.org

Webcam 108

URDAIBAI LIVE

Webcam: Gautegiz Arteaga marshes

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Enjoy the views of Urdaibai from home

www.birdcenter.org

Webcam 108

URDAIBAI LIVE

Webcam: Gautegiz Arteaga marshes

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Urdaibai Bird Center A special shop

Give Nature as a gift

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SHOP

Help the conservation of birds!

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Urdaibai Bird Center A special shop

Give Nature as a gift

110

SHOP

Help the conservation of birds!

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