Fuente de Piedra Lagoon in Málaga is having one of its most impressive years on record: more than 30,000 pairs of flamingos nested after an exceptionally wet season. Rainfall reached 663 liters per square meter, the fourth-highest total in half a century. It transformed the wetland’s environment and boosted the number and diversity of waterbirds. The lagoon, Andalusia’s largest saline wetland of its kind, now hosts 23 breeding bird species, 20% more than average. Rare marbled teal also nested within its boundaries for the first time.
The lagoon is a protected, shallow seasonal wetland covering almost 1,500 hectares. Its water supply depends primarily on rainfall, and shifts in water depth and salinity shape the microorganisms that sustain feeding grounds. Water levels also determine which nesting islands are available to birds. The broad basin measures nearly seven kilometers at its widest point and about 2.5 kilometers at its narrowest. During breeding season, flamingos concentrate around La Colonia, or the breeding island.
This change follows years of drought, when the lagoon was nearly dry and flamingos and other birds abandoned traditional nesting grounds. In 2026, but, spring water levels reached up to 101 centimeters, double the usual depth, creating new habitats and food sources. The influx of fresh water reduced salinity, encouraging a wider range of microorganisms and algae, which support more birdlife. The white-headed duck and northern shoveler have benefited from these changes, as has the typically scarce marbled teal. April water levels reached a ten-year high before seasonal evaporation began to shrink the lagoon’s open water.
Conservation staff led by biologist África Lupión have observed impressive shifts in bird behavior and nesting patterns. Areas once favored for nesting, including the old saltworks, are now submerged. Thousands of flamingos, among them the only pair of lesser flamingos recorded this year, have established colonies on newly formed islands and sandy zones. The basic flamingo colony is expected to match last year’s record of nearly 34,000 pairs. An October 2026 report by Viajar / El Periódico put this year’s colony at more than 35,000 pairs. Tens of thousands of chicks are forming dense crèches as adults travel to other Andalusian wetlands in search of food.
The marbled teal, Europe’s most threatened duck and critically endangered in Spain, has drawn particular attention. Small numbers bred in surrounding freshwater channels in previous years, but this season marks the first time two pairs have nested within the lagoon itself. The key stage follows years of conservation work, including the release of more than 3,700 captive-bred individuals across Andalusia and Levante since 2021. The Ministry for Ecological Transition recorded only 172 breeding pairs nationwide in 2025, making the lagoon’s success especially impressive for the species’ survival.
Other waterbirds have also responded to the wet conditions. Common coots, rarely seen breeding in saline environments, have established nests. Black-winged stilts and avocets, meanwhile, have struggled as high water levels submerged their usual feeding grounds. The black-headed gull colony, known for its distinctive laughter-like calls, has produced hundreds of chicks. The whiskered tern population is thriving, too. The abundance of water has shifted conditions for many species, benefiting some while limiting opportunities for others.
These developments at Fuente de Piedra come as Spain faces ongoing challenges related to climate variability and water management. The lagoon’s recovery shows how rainfall patterns affect biodiversity and the balance needed to sustain threatened species. Similar concerns have emerged in other parts of Spain, including after the recent Los Gallardos wildfire in Almería, where extreme weather has also shaped local ecosystems and conservation priorities.
The spring abundance gave way to a sharp late-season reversal. Derek Ethington, a field observer writing for Boatbirder, described arriving shortly before sunrise in October to find the lagoons “almost completely dry,” despite seeing water levels reach a ten-year high in April. He recorded flamingos on the basic lagoon, along with black-winged stilts and avocets. A smaller area that holds water year-round supported marbled teal and white-headed duck; pochard were present as well. Northern shoveler and gadwall were also recorded there. The seasonal pattern reflects the lagoon’s dependence on rainfall and the rapid loss of shallow water through evaporation.
Fuente de Piedra’s resurgence is expected to last until late August or September, when the water is likely to evaporate. The lagoon’s future remains closely tied to rainfall and ongoing conservation work. Authorities and scientists are monitoring the opportunities and risks created by these dramatic environmental shifts. This season offers a rare window of abundance for one of Spain’s most impressive bird habitats.
Fuente de Piedra Lagoon is a protected natural reserve spanning 6.5 kilometers in length and 2.5 kilometers in width, with a catchment area covering four municipalities. Its role as a basic breeding site for flamingos and other waterbirds makes it a focus for conservation in southern Spain. The lagoon’s changing fortunes show why adaptive management and sustained efforts matter when protecting vulnerable species in a changing climate.
