LOS MOLINOS RESERVOIR Las Parcelas, Betancuria, Fuerteventura, The Canary Islands, Spain.

Detailed site information below
 

Just west of the scattered village of Las Parcelas, on the FV-221, there is a sharp bend in the road. At this bend, turn left at the goat farm building onto a 2km long driveable track which leads south to the car parking area at Los Molinos reservoir and dam. This track runs parallel to the Barranco de las Molinos (barranco - meaning dry river valley) which is on the right where the endemic Fuerteventura Chat (Saxicola dacotiae) can be found. On the left of the track is an extensive stony semi-arid plain which is home to most of Fuerteventura’s much sought after desert species.  This reservoir, with its permanent stand of fresh water, is a good place to see a variety of water birds, which includes Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea), Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopusand) and Little Egret (Egretta garzetta). Other birds, including some very rare species, are also attracted to the area during the spring/autumn migration period and during the winter months. This is the best location to see Plain Swift (Apus unicolor) and is joined by Pallid Swift (Apus pallidus) from March to October. The reservoir’s western side is inaccessible. On the eastern side, good views of the entire area can be had at the small bird hide (alas never open) which is located about 300m south of the car park. Due to the steep nature of its sides, access to the shore line is best left to the foolhardy.Text © www.rawbirds.com