URDAIBAI
Reserve URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Digital magazine
N.4
Ducks arrive with the autumn to Urdaibai The recovery project of the osprey
The lovely garden spider The Spoonbill, a transcontinental Traveller 4th quarter 2017
Urdaibai Reserve Digital magazine Gautegiz Arteaga (Bizkaia) N.4, 4th quarter 2017 ISSN: 2530-8793
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EDITING Urdaibai Bird Center, Aranzadi Society of Sciences.
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ADDRESS Orueta 7, 48314 Gautegiz Arteaga (Bizkaia). TELEPHONE NUMBER 94 625 11 57 EMAIL birdcenter@birdcenter.org
WEBPAGE www.birdcenter.org TEXTS Urdaibai Bird Center.
Sponsors:
PHOTOGRAPHS Urdaibai Bird Center.
COVER Urdaibai Bird Center. (Fallen leaves). DESIGN Urdaibai Bird Center.
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Urdaibai Reserve Digital magazine Gautegiz Arteaga (Bizkaia) N.4, 4th quarter 2017 ISSN: 2530-8793
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EDITING Urdaibai Bird Center, Aranzadi Society of Sciences.
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ADDRESS Orueta 7, 48314 Gautegiz Arteaga (Bizkaia). TELEPHONE NUMBER 94 625 11 57 EMAIL birdcenter@birdcenter.org
WEBPAGE www.birdcenter.org TEXTS Urdaibai Bird Center.
Sponsors:
PHOTOGRAPHS Urdaibai Bird Center.
COVER Urdaibai Bird Center. (Fallen leaves). DESIGN Urdaibai Bird Center.
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Summary 06. URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER 08. Conservation | 10. The recovery project of the osprey. 26. Tourism | 26. The Shop of the Urdaibai Bird Center. | 42. BirdFlyway. Doñana: A natural paradise between Europe and Africa. 46. Environmental education | 46. Observing Water Birds – a course for beginners.
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58. THE URDAIBAI RESERVE 60. Autumn update| 62. Ducks arrive with the autumn 76. Discover the biodiversity | 76. The lovely garden spider. 82. Did you know ….? 90. A special place in Urdaibai | 90. The Royal Road. 96. The Reserve in pictures
110. LOOKING BACK 112. Murueta-Busturia. 116. INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS 118. The Spoonbill, a transcontinental Traveller
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SUMMARY
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Summary 06. URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER 08. Conservation | 10. The recovery project of the osprey. 26. Tourism | 26. The Shop of the Urdaibai Bird Center. | 42. BirdFlyway. Doñana: A natural paradise between Europe and Africa. 46. Environmental education | 46. Observing Water Birds – a course for beginners.
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90
96
118
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58. THE URDAIBAI RESERVE 60. Autumn update| 62. Ducks arrive with the autumn 76. Discover the biodiversity | 76. The lovely garden spider. 82. Did you know ….? 90. A special place in Urdaibai | 90. The Royal Road. 96. The Reserve in pictures
110. LOOKING BACK 112. Murueta-Busturia. 116. INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS 118. The Spoonbill, a transcontinental Traveller
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SUMMARY
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Urdaibai Bird Center
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
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Urdaibai Bird Center
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
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Conservation
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Conservation
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Conservation
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Conservation
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The recovery project of the osprey
The osprey is an incredibly beautiful raptor and one the most notable birds in Europe. In 2013 we began a project, not only to recover the osprey as a breeding species in Urdaibai, but also to promote conservation, environmental education and ecotourism in the area.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Conservation
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The recovery project of the osprey
The osprey is an incredibly beautiful raptor and one the most notable birds in Europe. In 2013 we began a project, not only to recover the osprey as a breeding species in Urdaibai, but also to promote conservation, environmental education and ecotourism in the area.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Conservation
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Young ospreys on a feeding platform during the independence phase.
Staff feeding the chicks in the hacking cages. During this process the birds are not able to see the people..
A young osprey taking off from the hacking cages on its first flight.
The first stage of the project lasted five years (2013 - 2017). During this period 60 young ospreys were translocated form Scotland and later released in Urdaibai. This was carried out with the help of the Scottish Government and The Roy Dennis Foundation.
Roy Dennis, the Scottish expert in ospreys. A young osprey, which is in the independence phase, is seen flying in front of the chimney in Murueta.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Radio tracking
Conservation
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Young ospreys on a feeding platform during the independence phase.
Staff feeding the chicks in the hacking cages. During this process the birds are not able to see the people..
A young osprey taking off from the hacking cages on its first flight.
The first stage of the project lasted five years (2013 - 2017). During this period 60 young ospreys were translocated form Scotland and later released in Urdaibai. This was carried out with the help of the Scottish Government and The Roy Dennis Foundation.
Roy Dennis, the Scottish expert in ospreys. A young osprey, which is in the independence phase, is seen flying in front of the chimney in Murueta.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Radio tracking
Conservation
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The osprey is what is known as an “umbrella species”. In Urdaibai the protection of this beautiful raptor benefits many other animals, a large number of which are in danger.
Spoonbills and small waders can be seen in the Urdaibai marshes taking a break to rest and replenish on their migratory journeys.
Coenagrion mercuriale. This rare dragonfly can be seen in the interior areas of the Urdaibai wetland.
Matricaria marítima. This interesting plant is listed as being in danger of extinction.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Conservation
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The osprey is what is known as an “umbrella species”. In Urdaibai the protection of this beautiful raptor benefits many other animals, a large number of which are in danger.
Spoonbills and small waders can be seen in the Urdaibai marshes taking a break to rest and replenish on their migratory journeys.
Coenagrion mercuriale. This rare dragonfly can be seen in the interior areas of the Urdaibai wetland.
Matricaria marítima. This interesting plant is listed as being in danger of extinction.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Conservation
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The osprey is known as a “flagship species�. The fact that it inhabits attractive areas makes it the perfect subject around which to develop environmental education projects. Financed by the Basque Government, our education programme uses the osprey as a vehicle through which students learn a diverse range of subjects and interact with other schools on both a local and international level.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Conservation
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The osprey is known as a “flagship species�. The fact that it inhabits attractive areas makes it the perfect subject around which to develop environmental education projects. Financed by the Basque Government, our education programme uses the osprey as a vehicle through which students learn a diverse range of subjects and interact with other schools on both a local and international level.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Conservation
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The osprey attracts nature lovers from far and wide and this brings benefits for the local economy. In addition to this, it encourages a positive attitude towards the conservation of the environment.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Conservation
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The osprey attracts nature lovers from far and wide and this brings benefits for the local economy. In addition to this, it encourages a positive attitude towards the conservation of the environment.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Conservation
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The recovery of the osprey has attracted a great deal of attention from both the media and the public in general. For example, the BBC visited Urdaibai in 2014 in order to make two documentaries, which were later shown on The One Show. This extremely popular programme is watched in over five British homes.
The BBC filming a documentary about ospreys in Urdaibai.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Conservation
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The recovery of the osprey has attracted a great deal of attention from both the media and the public in general. For example, the BBC visited Urdaibai in 2014 in order to make two documentaries, which were later shown on The One Show. This extremely popular programme is watched in over five British homes.
The BBC filming a documentary about ospreys in Urdaibai.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Conservation
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This year seven ospreys have returned to Urdaibai and other estuaries on the Cantabrian coast. The long awaited formation of a breeding pair is bound to happen in the near future. We think it could be next Spring.
N3, ♂ from 2013
N4, ♂ from 2013
PF, ♂ from 2014
NT, ♂ from 2015
33, ♂ from 2015
34, ♂ from 2015
Here P1, a male from 2013, can be seen with an unidentified female. The two birds stayed together for a few days but the female finally left. Maybe they will have better luck next time!
The photos of each individual were taken on their return to Urdaibai this year
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Conservation
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This year seven ospreys have returned to Urdaibai and other estuaries on the Cantabrian coast. The long awaited formation of a breeding pair is bound to happen in the near future. We think it could be next Spring.
N3, ♂ from 2013
N4, ♂ from 2013
PF, ♂ from 2014
NT, ♂ from 2015
33, ♂ from 2015
34, ♂ from 2015
Here P1, a male from 2013, can be seen with an unidentified female. The two birds stayed together for a few days but the female finally left. Maybe they will have better luck next time!
The photos of each individual were taken on their return to Urdaibai this year
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Conservation
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The aim of the osprey recovery project in Urdaibai is not only to restore a key figure in the biodiversity of the wetlands of the northern Iberian peninsula, but also to guarantee the conservation of the area through environmental education and promotion.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Conservation
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The aim of the osprey recovery project in Urdaibai is not only to restore a key figure in the biodiversity of the wetlands of the northern Iberian peninsula, but also to guarantee the conservation of the area through environmental education and promotion.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Conservation
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Tourism
A Unique Shop
The shop of the Urdaibai Bird Center 26
URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Tourism
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Tourism
A Unique Shop
The shop of the Urdaibai Bird Center 26
URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Tourism
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Equip your Garden In winter you can attract many beautiful, hungry birds to your garden with these original feeders! We can also supply you with the correct kind of food for your special visitors.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Tourism
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Equip your Garden In winter you can attract many beautiful, hungry birds to your garden with these original feeders! We can also supply you with the correct kind of food for your special visitors.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Tourism
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Equip your Garden These fantastic nest boxes will provide a welcome home for your garden visitors to breed in. The presence of a feathered family will you bring no end of cheer in spring and summer.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Tourism
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Equip your Garden These fantastic nest boxes will provide a welcome home for your garden visitors to breed in. The presence of a feathered family will you bring no end of cheer in spring and summer.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Tourism
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The pleasure of learning
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
These excellent guides and CDs will help you to identify birds and broaden your knowledge of their behaviour.
Tourism
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The pleasure of learning
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
These excellent guides and CDs will help you to identify birds and broaden your knowledge of their behaviour.
Tourism
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Brighten up!! Our T shirts, sweatshirts, raincoats and caps will keep you smiling on the greyest day. All of them are printed with beautiful designs created by the Urdaibai Bird Center itself.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Tourism
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Brighten up!! Our T shirts, sweatshirts, raincoats and caps will keep you smiling on the greyest day. All of them are printed with beautiful designs created by the Urdaibai Bird Center itself.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Tourism
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No table should be without a bottle of Txakoli! We also have Txakoli elaborated by the vintners Itsasmendi, with whom we collaborate. Adorning the label of each bottle is a drawing of a bird from Urdaibai.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Tourism
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No table should be without a bottle of Txakoli! We also have Txakoli elaborated by the vintners Itsasmendi, with whom we collaborate. Adorning the label of each bottle is a drawing of a bird from Urdaibai.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Tourism
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Souvenirs We also have a wide range of souvenirs to remind you of your wonderful visit to the Center.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Tourism
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Souvenirs We also have a wide range of souvenirs to remind you of your wonderful visit to the Center.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Tourism
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Saint James´ Way in the World of Birds BirdFlyway is run by the Urdaibai Bird Center. It is a new type of ecotourism. By participating 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 areas, 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
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Saint James´ Way in the World of Birds BirdFlyway is run by the Urdaibai Bird Center. It is a new type of ecotourism. By participating 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 areas, 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
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Tourism
Photos: Doñana
Doñana A natural paradise between Europe and Africa
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Tourism
Photos: Doñana
Doñana A natural paradise between Europe and Africa
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Due to its privileged location between the two continents, over 300 species of bird can be seen there every year. In the Dehesa de Abajo Reserve and the surrounding areas, there are paths which can be explored on foot, horseback or by bike. They provide visitors with the opportunity to discover the diversity in the park and to admire its rice fields, water channels, lagoons, birds, plants and animals. There are also observatories next to the lagoon from which to watch the birds.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
PORTUGAL Huelva
Photos: Doñana
Doñana is a protected area in Andalucía. Its enormous expanses of wetland provide wintering quarters for many species of water bird. It is common for there to be in the region of 200 000 individuals.
Sevilla
Doñana Cádiz
Málaga
MOROCCO Join in! Discover one of the most important nature reserves in Europe.
Tourism
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Due to its privileged location between the two continents, over 300 species of bird can be seen there every year. In the Dehesa de Abajo Reserve and the surrounding areas, there are paths which can be explored on foot, horseback or by bike. They provide visitors with the opportunity to discover the diversity in the park and to admire its rice fields, water channels, lagoons, birds, plants and animals. There are also observatories next to the lagoon from which to watch the birds.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
PORTUGAL Huelva
Photos: Doñana
Doñana is a protected area in Andalucía. Its enormous expanses of wetland provide wintering quarters for many species of water bird. It is common for there to be in the region of 200 000 individuals.
Sevilla
Doñana Cádiz
Málaga
MOROCCO Join in! Discover one of the most important nature reserves in Europe.
Tourism
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Environmental Education
Observing Water Birds – a course for beginners 46
URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Environmental Education
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Environmental Education
Observing Water Birds – a course for beginners 46
URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Environmental Education
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In November we ran a course on the observation of water birds. Aimed at beginners over the age of 14, the objective of the course was to give learners the basic skills to enjoy this interesting pastime on their own. When is the best time to observe birds? Where should I go? How do I use a telescope? We answered all these questions and more. Learners also discovered fascinating information about biology and ecology in Urdaibai.
Gaining a better understanding of the environment and its inhabitants.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Environmental Education
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In November we ran a course on the observation of water birds. Aimed at beginners over the age of 14, the objective of the course was to give learners the basic skills to enjoy this interesting pastime on their own. When is the best time to observe birds? Where should I go? How do I use a telescope? We answered all these questions and more. Learners also discovered fascinating information about biology and ecology in Urdaibai.
Gaining a better understanding of the environment and its inhabitants.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Environmental Education
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Salida a la zona intermareal de la marisma de Urdaibai para observar y aprender a identificar pequeĂąas zancudas especialistas en vivir en los siempre interesantes fangos llenos de vida.
Observing and identifying the diverse water birds from the window over the marsh.
Cormorant
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Wigeons
Great heron
Environmental Education
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Salida a la zona intermareal de la marisma de Urdaibai para observar y aprender a identificar pequeĂąas zancudas especialistas en vivir en los siempre interesantes fangos llenos de vida.
Observing and identifying the diverse water birds from the window over the marsh.
Cormorant
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Wigeons
Great heron
Environmental Education
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Excursion to observe small waders in the intertidal area of the marsh. These birds are adapted to live in this muddy environment, which is teeming with life and extremely interesting.
Eurasian Curlews
Common Ringed Plover
Identifying curlews and other birds with the help of a guide.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Environmental Education
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Excursion to observe small waders in the intertidal area of the marsh. These birds are adapted to live in this muddy environment, which is teeming with life and extremely interesting.
Eurasian Curlews
Common Ringed Plover
Identifying curlews and other birds with the help of a guide.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Environmental Education
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Locating water birds that live in the intricate network of tidal channels in the marsh.
Greenshank
Redshank
Comparing the characteristics of greenshanks and redshanks.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Environmental Education
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Locating water birds that live in the intricate network of tidal channels in the marsh.
Greenshank
Redshank
Comparing the characteristics of greenshanks and redshanks.
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URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Environmental Education
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Are you a company? ALLIANCE PROGRAMME URDAIBAI RESERVE Be part of the green view Consult our programme here: www.birdcenter.org
Collaborators: 56
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Are you a company? ALLIANCE PROGRAMME URDAIBAI RESERVE Be part of the green view Consult our programme here: www.birdcenter.org
Collaborators: 56
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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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Autumn Update
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Autumn Update
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Autumn Update
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Autumn Update
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The ducks arrive with the autumn
Flying in from all over Europe, many species of duck make up an interesting community in Urdaibai in autumn. The mild Atlantic climate we enjoy here offers them a pleasant environment in which to spend the winter.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Autumn Update
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The ducks arrive with the autumn
Flying in from all over Europe, many species of duck make up an interesting community in Urdaibai in autumn. The mild Atlantic climate we enjoy here offers them a pleasant environment in which to spend the winter.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Autumn Update
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The Orueta Wetland in Gautegiz Arteaga is an excellent place for ducks to rest and recover their strength.
Diverse species of duck and other water birds rest on the shore after their journeys from the distant north.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Autumn Update
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The Orueta Wetland in Gautegiz Arteaga is an excellent place for ducks to rest and recover their strength.
Diverse species of duck and other water birds rest on the shore after their journeys from the distant north.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Autumn Update
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The Northern Shoveller
The male´s colours are spectacular.
The shoveller owes its name to its marvellous bill. It is designed to filter water and extract the minute organisms which live in it.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
The female, however, is much more discreet. This is common among ducks.
Autumn Update
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The Northern Shoveller
The male´s colours are spectacular.
The shoveller owes its name to its marvellous bill. It is designed to filter water and extract the minute organisms which live in it.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
The female, however, is much more discreet. This is common among ducks.
Autumn Update
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The teal
This duck is excellent at flying and can take off from the surface of the water in an instant. It is the smallest of the ducks which visit the Urdaibai marshes.
A male showing off his green eye mask.
Females resting in the marsh
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Autumn Update
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The teal
This duck is excellent at flying and can take off from the surface of the water in an instant. It is the smallest of the ducks which visit the Urdaibai marshes.
A male showing off his green eye mask.
Females resting in the marsh
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Autumn Update
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The eye catching widgeon is a medium-sized duck, which spends the winter in coastal wetlands. Widgeons can often be seen in flocks made up of hundreds of individuals.
The widgeon
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Autumn Update
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The eye catching widgeon is a medium-sized duck, which spends the winter in coastal wetlands. Widgeons can often be seen in flocks made up of hundreds of individuals.
The widgeon
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Autumn Update
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The Gadwall
Female
Male
The gadwall has much more discreet plumage than the other ducks in the marsh. However, this does not make it less interesting or beautiful. The male and the female are fairly similar in colour.
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Autumn Update
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The Gadwall
Female
Male
The gadwall has much more discreet plumage than the other ducks in the marsh. However, this does not make it less interesting or beautiful. The male and the female are fairly similar in colour.
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Autumn Update
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Greylag Goose
Greylag geese migrating
The Greylag goose, which actually belongs to the duck family, is the largest of the annual visitors to Urdaibai. Around November, large flocks of geese can be seen in the sky and the air fills with their characteristic calls. Coming from Scandinavia and other countries in northern Europe, they are on their way to places like Villafáfila en Zamora or Doñana in Andalucía. There they will spend the winter grazing on expanses of open grassland.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Autumn Update
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Greylag Goose
Greylag geese migrating
The Greylag goose, which actually belongs to the duck family, is the largest of the annual visitors to Urdaibai. Around November, large flocks of geese can be seen in the sky and the air fills with their characteristic calls. Coming from Scandinavia and other countries in northern Europe, they are on their way to places like Villafáfila en Zamora or Doñana in Andalucía. There they will spend the winter grazing on expanses of open grassland.
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Autumn Update
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Discover the biodiversity
The lovely garden spider
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Discover the biodiversity
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Discover the biodiversity
The lovely garden spider
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Discover the biodiversity
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The garden spider, sometimes known as the cross spider, is the most common arachnid in Urdaibai. At night it spins a circular web and waits for flying insects to fall into it. When the poor victim has been trapped, the spider is alerted by a special alarm thread. Having located the insect, the spider injects it with poison. This turns the insect’s innards into liquid, making the meal easier to digest.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Discover the biodiversity
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The garden spider, sometimes known as the cross spider, is the most common arachnid in Urdaibai. At night it spins a circular web and waits for flying insects to fall into it. When the poor victim has been trapped, the spider is alerted by a special alarm thread. Having located the insect, the spider injects it with poison. This turns the insect’s innards into liquid, making the meal easier to digest.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Discover the biodiversity
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A spider on guard in front of a window! No flies will dare to enter this house!
Adult garden spiders can be seen from the end of summer to the beginning of autumn and they do us a great service by eliminating all kinds of insects which are annoying at that time of year. They rid us of flies, mosquitoes, horseflies and more. Of course, they are also part of the food chain and provide a tasty snack for many birds.
The garden spider´s favourite habitat.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Discover the biodiversity
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A spider on guard in front of a window! No flies will dare to enter this house!
Adult garden spiders can be seen from the end of summer to the beginning of autumn and they do us a great service by eliminating all kinds of insects which are annoying at that time of year. They rid us of flies, mosquitoes, horseflies and more. Of course, they are also part of the food chain and provide a tasty snack for many birds.
The garden spider´s favourite habitat.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Discover the biodiversity
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Did you know…?
Hunting dogs threatening one of the very few stilts that tried to breed in Urdaibai in spring this year.
…that in protected natural areas, dogs can be a serious threat to the conservation and survival of the wildlife? They should not be off the lead.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Did you know…?
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Did you know…?
Hunting dogs threatening one of the very few stilts that tried to breed in Urdaibai in spring this year.
…that in protected natural areas, dogs can be a serious threat to the conservation and survival of the wildlife? They should not be off the lead.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Did you know…?
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A dog which is not on a lead disturbs a group of plover. Their feeding and rest is interrupted by the threat and this can have serious consequences. It is vital for the plover to rest and refuel on their long migratory journey to Africa. If they are not sufficiently strong, they will not make it to their destination.
Here a group of spoonbills are alert to the presence of hunting dogs in the Urdaibai wetland. In the end the spoonbills left without having refuelled for their journey. As in the case of the plover, this can have serious consequences.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Did you know‌?
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A dog which is not on a lead disturbs a group of plover. Their feeding and rest is interrupted by the threat and this can have serious consequences. It is vital for the plover to rest and refuel on their long migratory journey to Africa. If they are not sufficiently strong, they will not make it to their destination.
Here a group of spoonbills are alert to the presence of hunting dogs in the Urdaibai wetland. In the end the spoonbills left without having refuelled for their journey. As in the case of the plover, this can have serious consequences.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Did you know‌?
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It is irresponsible of owners not to have their dog on a lead. This behavior can have a very negative effect on the population of water birds. Nests are abandoned due to the stress the birds suffer. The failure to feed and rest sufficiently can lead to death. These are but a few of the serious problems faced by many birds in an area like Urdaibai, which is protected by law.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Did you know‌?
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It is irresponsible of owners not to have their dog on a lead. This behavior can have a very negative effect on the population of water birds. Nests are abandoned due to the stress the birds suffer. The failure to feed and rest sufficiently can lead to death. These are but a few of the serious problems faced by many birds in an area like Urdaibai, which is protected by law.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Did you know‌?
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It is important to remember that it is illegal for dogs to be off the lead except in specific places. Urdaibai is not one of those places as it is a special area for the protection of birds.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Did you know‌?
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It is important to remember that it is illegal for dogs to be off the lead except in specific places. Urdaibai is not one of those places as it is a special area for the protection of birds.
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Did you know‌?
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A special place in Urdaibai
The royal road
The royal road is medieval route which connects Bilbao and Bermeo. On its way through Urdaibai it connected Gernika with Bermeo, where the Castillian Kings swore their oaths. The royal road was the main transport artery until the end of the 19th Century.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
A special place in Urdaibai
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A special place in Urdaibai
The royal road
The royal road is medieval route which connects Bilbao and Bermeo. On its way through Urdaibai it connected Gernika with Bermeo, where the Castillian Kings swore their oaths. The royal road was the main transport artery until the end of the 19th Century.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
A special place in Urdaibai
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BERMEO
Busturia GAUTEGIZ ARTEAGA
GERNIKA
In Urdaibai only two stretches of the road remain and both of these are in Busturia. The section which is best conserved, is just behind the old Ramona Restaurant on the border between Sukarrieta and Busturia.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
A special place in Urdaibai
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BERMEO
Busturia GAUTEGIZ ARTEAGA
GERNIKA
In Urdaibai only two stretches of the road remain and both of these are in Busturia. The section which is best conserved, is just behind the old Ramona Restaurant on the border between Sukarrieta and Busturia.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
A special place in Urdaibai
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The lesser spotted woodpecker is a beautiful bird you might see on a walk in this interesting place. Even if you are not lucky enough to see it, you will probably hear it hammering away at the tree trunks.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
A special place in Urdaibai
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The lesser spotted woodpecker is a beautiful bird you might see on a walk in this interesting place. Even if you are not lucky enough to see it, you will probably hear it hammering away at the tree trunks.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
A special place in Urdaibai
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In autumn, spiny chestnut burrs or cupules can be seen scattered among the fallen leaves on the forest floor.
The Reserve in Pictures
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
The Reserve in Pictures
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In autumn, spiny chestnut burrs or cupules can be seen scattered among the fallen leaves on the forest floor.
The Reserve in Pictures
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
The Reserve in Pictures
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The autumn in the path between Gernika and Murueta.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
The Reserve in Pictures
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The autumn in the path between Gernika and Murueta.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
The Reserve in Pictures
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In Mundaka the huge waves of the first sea storms create an incomparable sight.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
The Reserve in Pictures
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In Mundaka the huge waves of the first sea storms create an incomparable sight.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
The Reserve in Pictures
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As we say goodbye to the summer, the reed bed in Forua turns from green to golden brown, the characteristic tone of autumn.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
The Reserve in Pictures
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As we say goodbye to the summer, the reed bed in Forua turns from green to golden brown, the characteristic tone of autumn.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
The Reserve in Pictures
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Beautiful wild saffron flowers are among the few that we can enjoy in the autumn. This plant, which is also known as the false saffron, flowers in this season.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
The Reserve in Pictures
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Beautiful wild saffron flowers are among the few that we can enjoy in the autumn. This plant, which is also known as the false saffron, flowers in this season.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
The Reserve in Pictures
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This incredible solar column was formed at dusk this autumn. The phenomenon occurs when light is reflected off tiny ice crystals which make up cirrus and cirrostratus clouds. These are the highest types of clouds.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
The Reserve in Pictures
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This incredible solar column was formed at dusk this autumn. The phenomenon occurs when light is reflected off tiny ice crystals which make up cirrus and cirrostratus clouds. These are the highest types of clouds.
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THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
The Reserve in Pictures
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Looking Back
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LOOKING BACK
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Looking Back
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LOOKING BACK
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Taken from Murueta, the photo shows a view of Busturia in the 1930s. The fields on either side of the road are full of wheat and corn. In the background stands the Madariaga Tower, which would be witness to the dramatic changes the rural landscape underwent in the following decades. The image also shows how the holm oak forest on Atxapunte has been totally depleted.
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LOOKING BACK
Murueta-Busturia
1930
Murueta-Busturia
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Taken from Murueta, the photo shows a view of Busturia in the 1930s. The fields on either side of the road are full of wheat and corn. In the background stands the Madariaga Tower, which would be witness to the dramatic changes the rural landscape underwent in the following decades. The image also shows how the holm oak forest on Atxapunte has been totally depleted.
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LOOKING BACK
Murueta-Busturia
1930
Murueta-Busturia
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Taken from Murueta, the photo shows a view of Busturia in 2017. The rural landscape has been replaced by houses and roads and the cereal plantations have become grazing land dotted with bushes. The holme oak forest on Atxapunte has recovered and after many decades it is now thriving.
Murueta-Busturia
2017
View of Sukarrieta from the brigde of Txatxarramendi.
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LOOKING BACK
Murueta-Busturia
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Taken from Murueta, the photo shows a view of Busturia in 2017. The rural landscape has been replaced by houses and roads and the cereal plantations have become grazing land dotted with bushes. The holme oak forest on Atxapunte has recovered and after many decades it is now thriving.
Murueta-Busturia
2017
View of Sukarrieta from the brigde of Txatxarramendi.
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LOOKING BACK
Murueta-Busturia
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Incredible Journeys
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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS
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Incredible Journeys
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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS
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The Spoonbill, a Transcontinental Traveller
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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS
The Spoonbill, a Transcontinental Traveller
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The Spoonbill, a Transcontinental Traveller
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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS
The Spoonbill, a Transcontinental Traveller
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The spoonbill is one of the great natural treasures in the Urdaibai Reserve. It is also one of the most seasoned travellers of all the birds that stop off here to rest and replenish.
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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS
The Spoonbill, a Transcontinental Traveller
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The spoonbill is one of the great natural treasures in the Urdaibai Reserve. It is also one of the most seasoned travellers of all the birds that stop off here to rest and replenish.
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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS
The Spoonbill, a Transcontinental Traveller
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After breeding, European spoonbills migrate to areas in Senegal and Mauritania where they spend the winter. On their 4000km journey many of them stop off in Urdaibai to rest and refuel.
HOLLAND
URDAIBAI
SAHARA DESERT SENEGAL
Urdaibai is one such area and its conservation is of fundamental importance to the European spoonbill.
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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS
The Spoonbill, a Transcontinental Traveller
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After breeding, European spoonbills migrate to areas in Senegal and Mauritania where they spend the winter. On their 4000km journey many of them stop off in Urdaibai to rest and refuel.
HOLLAND
URDAIBAI
SAHARA DESERT SENEGAL
Urdaibai is one such area and its conservation is of fundamental importance to the European spoonbill.
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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS
The Spoonbill, a Transcontinental Traveller
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Every year, ornithologists ring spoonbill chicks in their breeding colonies. A coded band is placed around the bird´s leg and the information acts as an ID card. Using colours, letters and numbers, the system enables observers to identify the bird wherever it is in the world.
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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS
The Spoonbill, a Transcontinental Traveller
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Every year, ornithologists ring spoonbill chicks in their breeding colonies. A coded band is placed around the bird´s leg and the information acts as an ID card. Using colours, letters and numbers, the system enables observers to identify the bird wherever it is in the world.
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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS
The Spoonbill, a Transcontinental Traveller
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Gathered over many years, ringing data has revealed vital information about the migratory route of the spoonbill. A key point is the importance of the natural areas in which they rest and replenish on migration.
Dutch wetlands in the Waddenzee.
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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS
The Spoonbill, a Transcontinental Traveller
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Gathered over many years, ringing data has revealed vital information about the migratory route of the spoonbill. A key point is the importance of the natural areas in which they rest and replenish on migration.
Dutch wetlands in the Waddenzee.
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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS
The Spoonbill, a Transcontinental Traveller
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Urdaibai Bird Center, the great observatory
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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS
The Urdaibai Bird Center is one of the best place to observe Spoonbills in their migration.
The Spoonbill, a Transcontinental Traveller
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Urdaibai Bird Center, the great observatory
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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS
The Urdaibai Bird Center is one of the best place to observe Spoonbills in their migration.
The Spoonbill, a Transcontinental Traveller
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September 17th, 2011 is a very memorable day for bird lovers in Urdaibai. Weather conditions were bad, as is to be expected at this time of year. The strong northeasterly wind and the cold front bearing down on the coast were too much for a huge flock of spoonbills that were heading south on their autumn migration. They were forced to take a break in their journey and Urdaibai provided a welcome haven for them. Resting and feeding in their hundreds, they were a spectacular sight, indeed. They remained with us for two days.
The spoonbill “K-S� More than 150 00km on the wing
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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS
The Spoonbill, a Transcontinental Traveller
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September 17th, 2011 is a very memorable day for bird lovers in Urdaibai. Weather conditions were bad, as is to be expected at this time of year. The strong northeasterly wind and the cold front bearing down on the coast were too much for a huge flock of spoonbills that were heading south on their autumn migration. They were forced to take a break in their journey and Urdaibai provided a welcome haven for them. Resting and feeding in their hundreds, they were a spectacular sight, indeed. They remained with us for two days.
The spoonbill “K-S� More than 150 00km on the wing
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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS
The Spoonbill, a Transcontinental Traveller
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Of the 700 spoonbills that visited us in Gautegiz Arteaga that memorable day, about 150 were identifiable from their rings. It is estimated that 10% of the European population of spoonbills stop off in the Urdaibai marshes. We also know that these birds can live for more than 20 years.
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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS
The Spoonbill, a Transcontinental Traveller
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Of the 700 spoonbills that visited us in Gautegiz Arteaga that memorable day, about 150 were identifiable from their rings. It is estimated that 10% of the European population of spoonbills stop off in the Urdaibai marshes. We also know that these birds can live for more than 20 years.
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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS
The Spoonbill, a Transcontinental Traveller
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The case of one of the spoonbills was particularly interesting. Astonishingly, “K-S” had first been ringed in Holland in June 1989. His records showed that over a 20 year period, he had clocked up a grand total of more than 150.000 km on his migratory journeys from Holland to Africa.
DATE
SIGHTING PLACE
COUNTRY
1989 1989 1989 1992 1993 1993 1994 1994 1994 1995 1995 1998 1999 2000 2000 2001 2002 2002 2003 2003 2006 2007 2011
Bomenland, Vlieland 2e Kroonspolder, Vlieland Mar del Odiel, Huelva La Liebre, Huelva Marais d’Olonne, Vendee Balgrand de Hon, Ameland Le Teich, Gironde Bahia Santander, Cantabria Mar del Odiel, Huelva Platier d’Oye, Pas de Calais Ezumakeeg, Lauwersmeer Entremuros, Huelva Ile Nair, Bamc d Arguin Le Teich, Gironde de Hon, Ameland Marais d’Olonne, Vendee de Hon, Ameland Bomenland, Vlieland Kooiwaard, Piaam Bomenland, Vlieland Lange Pall, Vlieland Urdaibai, Bizkaia
Holland Holland Spain Spain France Holland Holland France Spain Spain France Holland Spain Mauritania France Holland France Holland Holland Holland Holland Holland Basque Country
Over the years, “K-S” has been observed in many different places. In the breeding season, he was sighted in Holland. Other records show him in the French estuaries of La Gironde and Vendee. He has also visited the wetlands of Santander, Huelva and Urdaibai. “K-S” is without doubt a very seasoned traveller.
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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS
The Spoonbill, a Transcontinental Traveller
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The case of one of the spoonbills was particularly interesting. Astonishingly, “K-S” had first been ringed in Holland in June 1989. His records showed that over a 20 year period, he had clocked up a grand total of more than 150.000 km on his migratory journeys from Holland to Africa.
DATE
SIGHTING PLACE
COUNTRY
1989 1989 1989 1992 1993 1993 1994 1994 1994 1995 1995 1998 1999 2000 2000 2001 2002 2002 2003 2003 2006 2007 2011
Bomenland, Vlieland 2e Kroonspolder, Vlieland Mar del Odiel, Huelva La Liebre, Huelva Marais d’Olonne, Vendee Balgrand de Hon, Ameland Le Teich, Gironde Bahia Santander, Cantabria Mar del Odiel, Huelva Platier d’Oye, Pas de Calais Ezumakeeg, Lauwersmeer Entremuros, Huelva Ile Nair, Bamc d Arguin Le Teich, Gironde de Hon, Ameland Marais d’Olonne, Vendee de Hon, Ameland Bomenland, Vlieland Kooiwaard, Piaam Bomenland, Vlieland Lange Pall, Vlieland Urdaibai, Bizkaia
Holland Holland Spain Spain France Holland Holland France Spain Spain France Holland Spain Mauritania France Holland France Holland Holland Holland Holland Holland Basque Country
Over the years, “K-S” has been observed in many different places. In the breeding season, he was sighted in Holland. Other records show him in the French estuaries of La Gironde and Vendee. He has also visited the wetlands of Santander, Huelva and Urdaibai. “K-S” is without doubt a very seasoned traveller.
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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS
The Spoonbill, a Transcontinental Traveller
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final destination‌Africa Escaping the colder climes, he usually winters in Banc de Argin on the warm coast of Mauritania.
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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS
The Spoonbill, a Transcontinental Traveller
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final destination‌Africa Escaping the colder climes, he usually winters in Banc de Argin on the warm coast of Mauritania.
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INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS
The Spoonbill, a Transcontinental Traveller
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Enjoy the views of Urdaibai from home
Live Webcam
www.birdcenter.org 138
LIVE URDAIBAI
Webcam: Marshes of Gautegiz Arteaga
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Enjoy the views of Urdaibai from home
Live Webcam
www.birdcenter.org 138
LIVE URDAIBAI
Webcam: Marshes of Gautegiz Arteaga
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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
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SHOP
Help the conservation of birds!
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