Charca de Suárez -Motril, Spain

On our first trip to Spain in 2018, we discovered this gem of a wetland refuge not far from our lodging in Salobreña. Nestled into an area of apartment and industrial buildings, it is a wonderful network of ponds, shady paths, and streams that during the week, is not crowded. The ten or so “hides” attract birders and many serious photographers – you can see a great array of birds, some of which I’ve included below.

Apartment buildings surround the refuge
Picturesque scenery and great birds.
Grey Herons are native to Europe, sub-Saharan Africa, and parts of central and southern Asia.

Here are a few of my favorite birds we’ve seen here:

The folks who bird the refuge have named the White Stork which winters there Margarito (Daisy). This is the bird we saw – one of the most-photographed birds in Spain.
The only Eurasian Hoopoe I’ve seen was on a refuge road.
The Common Kingfisher is small (sparrow-sized) and flies fast so it is a challenge to photograph with the Canon SX-60 but he gave us some nice far-away looks.

Charca de Suárez is on the coast, a little over an hours drive from the Malaga airport and less than that from Granada. This little spot (40 acres), which has plans for expansion, is a perfect place to spend a few hours. Check the opening times, they are often rather late during the week. I hope to make it back to this delightful place.