Monteagudo Reservoir Bird Observatory

The Monteagudo Reservoir Bird Observatory is an ornithological viewpoint located next to the Monteagudo de las Vicarías reservoir, in the southeast of the province of Soria. It is associated with an artificial inland wetland created for irrigation, in a very dry region, which explains its scenic and biological value as a prominent sheet of water in a dryland environment. The main interest of the place is the observation of aquatic and wading birds, especially in the migratory passages of spring and late summer, when the reservoir acts as a resting and feeding point for different species. Wintering birds of prey and birds of prey have also been reported in the area, so the viewpoint allows visitors to enjoy both the water landscape and the presence of birds at different times of the year. The resource is linked to an area with environmental protection: the reservoir and its surroundings are part of the ZEPA of Monteagudo de las Vicarías and of the Catalog of Wetlands of Special Interest of Castilla y León. This figure of protection reinforces its relevance within nature tourism and the conservation of inland wetlands, which are scarce in the province of Soria. According to the sources consulted, the observatory has adapted access and was conceived to favor the observation of birds without invading the shore, a measure especially recommended during the breeding season.