The Olles Lagoon (Bassa de les Olles) occupies 54 hectares and is the smallest lagoon in the Ebro Delta Natural Park and also the one that welcomes this so privileged natural setting. These lagoons form a fundamental part of the ecosystems of the Ebro Delta, especially if we consider that it is the largest wetland in Catalonia and the second largest in the Iberian Peninsula.
These coast rafts connect directly with the sea and are surrounded by rice fields, creating a mosaic of incomparable natural textures. In fact, it is the productive cycle of rice that is responsible for marking the tempos of the landscape and nature, as it conditions the oscillations in the level of salinity of the earth, directly affecting the great diversity of flora and fauna that he coexists in the territory.
A unique ecosystem
It seems that The Olles Lagoon is the result of one of the oldest openings of the Ebro. Between rice fields and dunes, and connected directly with the Bay of Fangar, this lagoon is one of the areas with the highest natural wealth and variety of atmospheres of the Ebro Delta.
This scene is the refuge of a significant population of aquatic birds, like the Flamingo, Mallard, Great Egret, Common Kingfisher and Black-Winged Stilt.
Activities in nature
Several natural itineraries that surround The Olles Lagoon, allow you to observe the richness of fauna and flora of this privileged place. One of the natural paths with which you can visit the lagoon is The birds and the rice route, which is part of the Mediterranean Pathway (Camins de la Mediterrània) Whether on foot or bike, with this itinerary you will be able to contemplate one of the most valuable scenes of the Ebro Delta and observe a large number of migratory birds.
The different itineraries give you the option to enjoy the Delta in family or with friends with different activities in nature, such as cycling, kayaking, bird watching… and more activities that you can check on the official web page of The Olles Lagoon and on Delta Turístic & Rent.
Bird sightings
Regarding the ornithological richness of this area, 263 taxa have been cited, the strong point being the different species of Ardeidae and different species of Passeriformes, small birds with the shape of a sparrow that feed, rest, sleep and / or reproduce in the middle of the reeds.
Here you will find species reproductives, such as the grey heron, and birds associated with the reed bed, such as the great reed warbler. In the sheet of water, you can see different species, such as ducks and flamingos. During winter, the western marsh harrier pass to detect sick animals for food. If you coincide with the migratory steps, pay attention if you want to see the osprey.
For the most bird watching experts in, will be a challenge to observe the Eurasian bittern, spotted crake or shy moustached warbler, since they are among Purple gallinule, Common moorthen and, the always fun and fast, Common kingfisher.
Discover all bird watching routes in l’Ampolla.
Ethical Code of birder from the Ebro Delta Natural Park.
Species to observer
- Purple heron (Ardea purpurea)
- Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)
- Squacco heron (Ardeola ralloides)
- Little egret (Egretta garzetta)
- Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus)
- Great reed warbler (Bubulcus ibis)
- Eurasian Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus)
- Savi’s warbler (Locustella luscinioide)
- Ducks (Anatidae)
- Eurasian coot (Fulica atra)
- Great crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus)
- Flamingos (Phoenicopterus)
- Western marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus)
- Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
- Eurasian bittern (Bootaurus stellaris)
- Spotted crake (Porzana porzana)
- Shy Moustached warbler (Acrocephalus melanopogon)
- Western swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio)
- Purple Swamphen (Gallinula Chloropus)
- Common kingfisher (Alcedo Atthis)
Download the checklist – birds list in l’Ampolla and add it to your personal list.
