Flamingos return to Malaga Province

After recent heavy rains in Malaga, the lake of Fuente de Piedra is once again alive with flamingos.

The heavy rains that have been long awaited transformed this natural preserve, erasing its bleak drought scenes from previous years. It has also restored the reserve’s role as an important habitat for flamingoes. The wetland is one of Andalusia’s most iconic ecosystems. A walk around the area will reveal its full natural splendour.

In the last few months, the water level of the lake has risen significantly, nearly covering the entire basin. The resurgence in water levels has brought back flamingos that began nesting just a few weeks ago. In summer, the depth of the lagoon rarely exceeds 50 centimetres. Water has remained in the springs of 2019 and other exceptional years.

Declared a ‘Natural Reserve’ in 1984 and listed under the Ramsar Convention and Natura 2000 network, Fuente de Piedra is recognised globally for conserving the common flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus). The spring rains revitalized the landscape and allowed thousands of flamingos to establish a colony in the central island. Over the last 41-years, 35 flamingos have nestled here, and more than 2230,000 chicks have been born.

From 10pm to 5pm, the visitors center at Cerro del palo near Fuente de Piedra can be accessed by taking exit 132 on the A92. Malaga is less than an hours drive away. Reservations are taken on 951 70 339.