From Ponte Aranga, historically a major crossroads nestling on the bank of the River Mandeo, a number of routes take us upriver, providing a perfect combination of hiking and birdwatching. They are generally easy to follow, although the level of difficulty increase slightly in some sections, they run through well-conserved riverside woods that form part of the European Union’s Natura 2000 Network, as they belong to the Betanzos-Mandeo Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
Bird´s route: Area surrounding Ponte Aranga
Ornithological interest
Exploring this stretch of the River Mandeo, one of the most important watercourses in the Biosphere Reserve, is a magnificent opportunity to observe a large number of bird species. They include Great and Coal Tits, Blue Tits, Treecreepers, European Robins, Eurasian Blackcaps, Firecrests, Great Spotted Woodpeckers, European Green Woodpeckers, Common Chaffinches, Common Chiffchaffs (in winter) and Iberian Chiffchaffs (in summer), and Cirl Buntings. Among the branches and flying across the valley, Common Buzzards, Goshawks, Sparrowhawks, Common Wood Pigeons and Eurasian Jays… and in summer, European Honey Buzzards. Look along the riverbank for the odd Grey Wagtail, especially in springtime. After dark, the Hawk-owl comes out, and in spring and summer, the Grey Nightjar.
Phenology
This route is suitable at any time of year.
What to see
Starting from the Ponte Aranga recreation area, head off downriver along the path with your binoculars. It won’t be long before you spot the first species. We recommend taking the left bank of the River Mandeo for a few kilometres as far as a suspension bridge. As you walk, remember to look out for other species in the nearby farmland.
Getting there, accessibility and recommendations
There are several well signposted routes from Ponte Aranga.
Resources
Details of this route are available on the Wikiloc page of the Mariñas Coruñesas e Terras do Mandeo Biosphere Reserve:
https://es.wikiloc.com/rutas-senderismo/sm-05-ruta-veiga-do-mandeo-9297993
On reaching the suspension bridge, you can opt to complete the full route (9.15 km) or make your way back along the same path.
Nearby sites of ornithological interest
The other routes starting from this point are also of interest to birdwatchers. Details are available on the Aranga Town Hall website: http://www.aranga.es/guia-local?showall=&start=7
Birds of the Mariñas
Other places to visit:
12th century Romanesque Church of Muniferral
Barbudas Wood and the River Cambás Valley.
Useful telephone numbers and addresses:
Emergency services: 112
Aranga Town Hall: 981 793 541
