Tag Archives: Greater flamingo

Returning to Charca de Suarez

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 great network of ponds, shady paths, and streams that is open evenings and more on weekends. The ten or so “hides” attract birders and many serious photographers. It’s a “must visit” spot for us.

Two Greater Flamingos were among the highlights of our visit.
A Purple Swamphen with a Common Moorhen in the background.
A Little Egret
Common Waxbills are pretty but often an introduced pest.
Red-knobbed Coots, being rather rare, are studied and protected here.

So, Charca de Suárez is on the coast, a little over an hour 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 change during the year. We hope to visit before we leave, hoping to see Margarito, the White Stork.