This protected natural area, dominated by agriculture and livestock farming, is one of the best examples of steppe habitats in Catalonia and home to some very rare plants. Numerous species of steppe birds can be seen here, making it one of the most popular places for ornithologists. Fallow and barren land and fields grazed by sheep, and olive and almond groves are the ideal habitats for these birds.
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Mas de Melons information point
Observatories in the nature reserve (with pre-booking and payment of a fee)
Mas de Melons i Secans de Lleida Nature Reserve
Secans de Melones i Alfés (Natural Areas of Ponent)
There are many travel agencies, companies, organisations and professional guides in the Ebre-Secans-Pirineus corridor who have in-depth knowledge of the region and the bird species that can be observed and photographed
We advise you to take advantage of the services they offer to enjoy truly memorable birding experiences.
In this nature reserve, managed by SEO/BirdLife, work is being done to demonstrate that organic rice farming is compatible with the recovery of natural wetlands. It contains an elevated hide with superb views over a lagoon, as well as a visitor centre built in a traditional hut.
This organisation promotes conservation, research, awareness-raising and responsible tourism. It offers several hides where photographers can observe birds of prey (in Torrebesses), the black wheatear (in Batea, Les Terres de l’Ebre), sparrowhawks (also in Batea) or aquatic birds (in Flix), as well as photography safaris in the Ebro Delta and the Secans de Lleida drylands.
Cesc is a wildlife lover who works as a guide for the Alt Pirineu Natural Park and the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park. He offers tours to observe the large birds of prey of the Boumort massif and introductory courses to learn how to identify mountain birds.
This foundation works to conserve the ecosystems and species of the Ebro Delta and offers a range of activities for birders. These include “BiciBirding”, a hybrid birdwatching experience on wheels, and the large wooden “Photo Hides” on Picampall Island for photographing birds at close range.
This initiative is based in an abandoned village that has now been restored for ecotourism, with photographers’ hides, photography courses and workshops and a rural home offering tourist accommodation (Casa Felip). The hides overlook a feeding station, allowing photographers to capture spectacular images of golden eagles, bearded vultures and other scavengers.
A team of ornithologists with in-depth knowledge of birdlife. They offer half-day and full-day tours in Terres de l’Ebre, to discover the birds that live in natural areas such as the Ebro Delta, the Montsià mountain range and Els Ports. They also organise specialised birdwatching trips along the Ebre-Secans-Pyrenees corridor.
