Birdwatching at Arrocampo reservoir
A reedbed reservoir in the Tagus valley where herons, swamphens and bitterns give close views, and otters sometimes appear at dawn.
The reservoir in brief
Arrocampo is a dam on the Arrocampo river in Cáceres province, near where the river meets the Tagus, between the Campo Arañuelo region and Monfragüe National Park. It was built to supply cooling water for the Almaraz nuclear power plant and was completed in 1983. It does not generate power or irrigate fields.
That origin shapes the birding. The water level is held unusually steady and the water runs warmer than normal, which suits large reedbeds and birds that are hard to find elsewhere in the interior of the peninsula. The reservoir and its surroundings are a protected Special Protection Area within the Natura 2000 network. A meadow of holm oaks beside the water adds dehesa species to the wetland list.
What to see
Spring and summer
The Western Swamphen breeds here in fairly large numbers and often gives close views. Purple Heron, Squacco Heron and Little Bittern are regular summer visitors, and the Squacco Heron is one of the breeding birds the regional guide names for Arrocampo. Savi's Warbler and Great Reed Warbler sing from the reeds. Black-winged Kite and European Bee-eater are also on the site list.
Autumn and winter
Great Bittern regularly overwinters, as does Bluethroat. Great White Egret has become fairly common in recent years. Grebes, Great Cormorant, Eurasian Spoonbill and Osprey add variety through the cooler months.
Otters
Otters are commonly seen, especially early in the morning from Hide 2.
Hides and access
There are several bird hides on the reservoir. One birder's guide describes five hides along the shore, with a visitors centre that issues the key and site maps and is closed on Sundays, when the key can be collected from a café by the municipal pool. It adds that the hides sit well back from the water, so much of the birding happens from the ramps leading up to them, and that Hide 2 is probably the best of the five.
Another site describes easy, flat, mostly unpaved paths with a circular trail, ample parking, and access on foot, by bicycle or by wheelchair. It rates the site as good for families. A telescope is useful. Nearby Saucedilla has an ornithology park with information on routes in the area.
These details come from published guides, one of them last updated in 2022. Opening arrangements change, so confirm the key and hours locally before you go.
When to go
Spring, autumn and winter are all recommended, with the spring and autumn migrations the best moments, and the site can be birded all year. Go early for otters. Summer suits swamphens and nesting herons, and winter suits bitterns. See the April, May and December pages for what else is moving.
Combine it with
Arrocampo sits close to Monfragüe, so the two work well together. The spring route ends a day at Arrocampo before returning along the Sierra de Gata.
Questions
Is Arrocampo good for birdwatching in winter?
Yes. Great Bittern and Bluethroat regularly overwinter, and Great White Egret has become fairly common.
Can children or wheelchair users visit?
Birding Places describes flat, wide, mostly unpaved paths, a circular trail and wheelchair access, and calls the site suitable for families. Check current conditions locally.
Do I need a guide?
Not for a first visit, since the paths are easy and the hides are clearly set out. A guide helps with the reedbed species, which are often heard before they are seen.