Close to the Río Mandeo Ethnography Centre in Teixeiro (Curtis), the riverside walk along the banks of the River Carregal takes us through a leafy wood that is home to numerous species of birds that frequent this habitat. In addition to the Alder, Oak and Willow Trees, this is a superb example of the region’s typical countryside, formed by a succession of meadows where livestock graze, hedgerows and small woods.
Bird´s route: Carregal River
Ornithological interest
After visiting the Río Mandeo Ethnography centre, your walk will be accompanied by the constant activity among the branches of Great and Coal Tits, Eurasian Blue Tits, Thrushes, Blackbirds, Treecreepers, Robins, Eurasian Blackcaps, Firecrests, Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Common Chaffinches, Common Buzzards, Common Wood Pigeons and Eurasian Jays. As you walk along the riverbank, keep an eye out for the Grey Wagtail. With luck, you will also be able to spot the Eurasian Nuthatch, Sparrowhawk and Goshawk, and in spring the Eurasian Hobby, Honey Buzzard or Eurasian Hoopoe. The Hawk-owl sings at dusk or after dark, accompanied from early spring by the Cuckoo, a less common sight in the rest of the region, as well as the Dove or Iberian Chiffchaff. In winter, the meadows nestling above the river provide a home for Pipits, and are occasionally visited by Lapwings, Fieldfares and Redwings. In summer you can Spot Swifts and Swallows in flight. If you are visiting in August or September, look among the trees for the European pied Flycatcher or the Willow Warbler.
Phenology
Any time of year is perfect for visiting this area.
What to see
After leaving your car in the Centre’s free car park, the route starts at the information panel indicating the sites of interest. We strongly recommend visiting the Río Mandeo Ethnography Centre, which offers a fascinating insight into the history and lives of the people that live in this area. After walking round the building, which received an award for its superb architecture, a path will lead you down to the banks of the River Carregal. It leads in both directions to the N-634 road (in a south-west direction) and Generoso Núñez Rega Street (towards the north-west), which are both just a short distance away.
Getting there, accessibility and recommendations
The Río Mandeo Ethnography Centre is within easy reach of Teixeiro town centre, where there is a regular bus service from A Coruña.
Resources
Curtis town council website includes further information to help you organise your trip: http://www.curtis.gal/index.php/es/que-ver-es/centro-etnografico-del-mandeo
Nearby sites of ornithological interest
The Río Mandeo Ethnography Centre is within easy reach of Teixeiro town centre, where there is a regular bus service from A Coruña.
Birds of the Mariñas
Other places to visit:
• Church of Nosa Señora dos Remedios (10th century). Next to the temple stands the 'Carballo da Nosa Señora', a huge ancient Oak Tree where Our Lady of Los Remedios is said to have appeared.
Useful telephone numbers and addresses:
For details of bus times, call A Coruña bus station on 981 184 335.
Emergency services: 112
Curtis Town Hall: 981 789 003
Río Mandeo Ethnography Centre: 981 789 589
