To the northwest of the province of Córdoba you will find the region of Alto Guadiato, a territory nestled between the slopes of Sierra Morena and the Valle de los Pedroches, a place that jealously hides a great attraction for lovers and fans of ornithology.
The more than 33,000 hectares distributed between the munipalities and towns of Los Blázquez, Belmez, Fuente Obejuna, Peñarroya-Pueblonuevo, La Granjuela y Valsequillo, are an exceptional refuge for a number of species of steppe birds.
The extraordinary variety of this environment, where oak forests alternate with dry crops, makes it ideal for these birds to nest and find food. In 2008, the Alto Guadiato was declared a Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA in Spanish), as a result of the special interest shown in protecting and conserving the habitat of the birds found here.
A number of unique specimens can be found throughout these hills and plains, as well as others that are threatened or in danger of extinction. The fauna here features the gigantic great bustard, the largest flying bird in Spain. There are also a number of other steppe species, including the little bustard and the stone curlew, as well as populations of cranes, black storks and kestrels.
In spring, the queen of the Valle del Alto Guadiato provides one of the most amazing spectacles of Andalusian fauna. In March and April, the large males display themselves elegantly, ruffling their white plumage like fans to attract the attention of the females. A sophisticated courtship that is called "rueda" and that should be observed with great care, since these birds are known in the world of ornithology for being very elusive.
Opened in 2014, the La Granjuela Visitor Centre provides detailed explanations of the natural wealth to be found in this region. A walk through the place gives visitors the opportunity to learn in detail how these birds live, how they take flight and how they reproduce. In addition to guided tours, the main room in the museum presents models and representations of wildlife.
