A day around “El Delta del Llobregat”

We never tire of praising the environment that surrounds us. We are in the heart of the Delta del Llobregat. Within this delta, there are still several natural spaces that are sanctuaries for birds. Despite threats such as the growth of the airport and the port, the birds are still wise and choose the Delta. Whether to raise, spend the winter or feed during migration. Today we are going on a natural and personal route through the Delta del Llobregat. MuchaMasia is the rural hostel urbà del Prat, next to the Barcelona Airport and to the center of Barcelona.

Patos Colorados (Netta Rufina) en Cal Tet

The Delta del Llobregat, an ornithological treasure

The territory of the Delta has been changing over the years. The hand of man has modified an ecosystem that is threatened by various infrastructures. As Valentí Vilà said: “By land, sea and air”. And it is like that. In spite of everything, the birds continue visiting this unique space. The Delta del Llobregat is the third wetland in Catalonia and one of the points with the greatest number of different bird species to observe. That’s why the Delta is a treasure for ornithology lovers.

We started the walk

The Delta must be experienced and breathed. Very early, take the bike you have at your disposal in MuchaMasia and head towards the beach. Once past the urban area, start listening to the song of the birds. Jilgueros, verderones, linnets will accompany you to the entrance to the Natural Spaces of the Llobregat River. From there, leave the bike at the entrance and prepare the binoculars.

We start our route by the first road that appears on our right, already within the natural spaces. That road will take us to have a privileged view of the flood plain of Cal Nani. In that space, if it is flooded, you will be able to find a great variety of waders (birds that feed on the mud), herons and ducks. Semi-wild horses roam freely and if you look up, you will see how the marsh harrier is the king of the entire territory. Right in the middle of the road you will find a viewpoint to observe without being seen.

Ánade azulón (Anas Platyrinchos)

If we continue our route, we will arrive at the Hide or Mirador de Cal Tet. There we will rest and prepare ourselves to live nature. Watching without being seen allows us to enjoy unique moments. If you go in spring, you will see the species that they raise. If you go in winter, you can observe species that pass here during the coldest months. Everyone is struggling to see the bittern, which visits us every year. In summer the number of birds is lower and the heat is noticeable. We recommend that you do not forget a good anti-mosquito protector. You are in an area of marshes and it is their ideal habitat.

After strolling through the Pineda, we recommend you reach the mouth of the Llobregat River. The enlarged river ends in the Mediterranean. On one shore, the cranes of the port. On the other, the protected beach of CA l’Arana. You will realize that you are in a natural treasury besieged by infrastructures. Bordering the river path, we return to our bicycle.

Way to the beach

We continue cycling by this natural walk through the Delta del Llobregat. We take the road to the beach. Planes to the right and fields to the left. Better look at the fields. Surely we will skip some pheasant and other species of birds like finches. When we get to the beach, we advise you to pedal until the end of the ride. There the beach is still more virgin. If you behave naturally, you can see, from March to July, the black-and-white plover. Running along the shore, raising the short and fast flight, this bird returns to breed on our beaches. And another show that we recommend is to observe the sea and see how the terns swoop in to catch their prey. They usually do it quite close to the shore and it is another wonder of nature.

If you feel like it, you take a bath. You drink something in a beach bar, and you can go back to MuchaMasia with the feeling of having lived a naturalistic experience next to Barcelona and many times you will think: “It seems incredible that this is here”. Well yes it is. It is the Delta del Llobregat, our natural treasure.

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