Gallocanta

The lagoon of Gallocanta is situated on a high continental plain at an altitude of just over 1,000m. It is a purely rain-fed lagoon which is largely dependent on autumn and spring rains if it is to maintain much water into the hot summer months. Apart from being the most important single stopover site for migrating Cranes in Spain, it holds an interesting array of wetland birds when its water level permits, while its shores are visited by steppeland birds and raptors.

Bird Species that can be found in Gallocanta:

  • Black-necked Grebe
  • Red-crested Pochard
  • Greylag Goose (w)
  • Griffon Vulture
  • Golden Eagle
  • Marsh harrier
  • Hen Harrier (w)
  • Montagu's Harrier
  • Peregrine Falcon
  • Merlin (w)
  • Common Crane
  • Black-bellied Sandgrouse
  • Great Bustard
  • Stone Curlew
  • Black-winged Stilt
  • Kentish Plover
  • Gull-billed Tern
  • Whiskered Tern
  • Calandra Lark
  • Thekla Lark
  • Tawny Pipit
  • waders and ducks

Gallocanta birding experience

Just like being in the Gallocanta: listen to the natural sounds of the Gallocanta

Cranes - Birding in Gallocanta

If you are going to Birding in Gallocanta:

It's important to know the best times of year to see large concentrations of Cranes for which Gallocanta is famous for (up to 60,000 birds, although 10-20,000 is more normal) are between late October and late February.

Gallocanta Itineraries:

Gallocanta Lagoon Itinerary Gallocanta Lagoon Itinerary:
An interesting itinerary even if there is little water in the lagoon. In that case look for Kentish Plover, Great Bustard, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, etc.

Vital Info: Situated on a continental plateau at an altitude of 1,000m Gallocanta is an exposed site, where birding can get cold in the winter and hot in the summer.

Nowadays it is rare for the lake to be at or near full capacity.