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Overview
El Hierro (the iron island) is the smallest and most westerly of the Canary Islands, lying to the west of La Gomera and south of La Palma. It is undoubtedly the least visited of the Canary Islands by foreign birdwatchers and contains few of the endemic species for which the archipelago is renowned. However, it is only a 3-4 hour ferry journey from Tenerife and is therefore easily visited using an overnight stay. The island has a distinct character and a fascinating history. The original inhabitants of the island, the Bimbaches, left behind many archaeological remains and many words of Bimbache origin have found their way into the modern language.
Birds
Notable Species
The bird list for El Hierro is understandably not as impressive as the larger Canary Islands like Tenerife and Fuerteventura, although the general lack of birding effort (besides local ornithologists) is perhaps one reason why the list is not too large, and one very good reason to explore the island. Given the island's position, it is hard to believe that transatlantic vagrants do not turn up here regularly and are unfortunately missed.
El Hierro supports both endemic Atlantic pigeons, Bolle's and Laurel, although population estimates are hard to come by. The island also supports distinct endemic subspecies of both Common Chaffinch (ombriosa) and African Blue Tit (ombriosus) Atlantic Canaries are abundant, as elsewhere on the western islands, and Plain Swift is a common species. The dense forests support the endemic subspecies of Goldcrest, Blackbird, Blackcap, Sparrowhawk and Buzzard. Maquis-type scrub holds both Sardinian and Spectacled warbler. The endemic Canary Islands Chiffchaff is ubiquitous, as is the Macaronesian endemic Berthelot's pipit. Hoopoes and Turtle doves are a common sight across the entire island.
The central plateau near to the village of San Andres, comprising small pasture fields and dry stone walls, supports a small population of Rock Sparrow (maderensis) alongside Corn Bunting and Common Quail. Linnet, Goldfinch and Greenfinch are also present.
Eurasian Stone-curlew (distinctus) is relatively common, even inhabiting open pine forest near El Pinar.
Given its location in the North Atlantic, it is not surprising that a number of seabird species breed on the coastal cliffs, stacks and offshore islands. Cory's shearwater is a common breeder and it is likley that small numbers of Manx shearwater breed also, high up in the forests. Yellow-legged gulls (atlantis) are a common sight. Small numbers of Roseate tern may still breed.
A very few Ospreys may still breed on coastal cliffs, whilst Barbary falcon is resident. the local subspecies of Raven is also a relatively regular sight, although it is clear that the population is suffering.
Check-list
Birds you can see here include:
Common Quail, Eurasian Stone-curlew, Bolle's Pigeon; Laurel Pigeon, Plain Swift, Common Chaffinch, African Blue Tit, Atlantic Canary, Rock Sparrow, Corn Bunting
Other Wildlife
The island's most famous resident is probably the Giant Hierro lizard Gallotia simonyi. This large reptile was presumed extinct until relatively recently, when a small population was discovered. Captive breeding programmes, as well as cat eradication measures, have seen this impressive creature become well-established once again.
Site Information
This small island is approximately triangular is shape, with the northern side of the island dominated by the remnants of a vast volcanic crater knows as El Golfo, with huge sweeping slopes reaching down to the ocean at La Frontera. The capital town is Valverde, located a short distance from the main port, La Estaca, in the south-east. The west-central spine of the island comprises a large ridge of volcanic peaks, culminating in Malpaso at about 1500m ASL. The fishing port of La Restinga forms the southern tip of the island and is well-known as a top diving destination. The centre of the island supports a plateau of farmland, used mostly for pasture, close to the village of San Andres.
In common with the other western islands, El Hierro's vegetation is influenced strongly by the Atlantic ocean. The western slopes are dominated by cloud forest, containing Laurels as well as Myrica faya and Erica arborea, the main components of the Fayal-Brezal zone. Above this zone, forests of Canary pine predominate, much of these replanted in the 20th century.
The other typically Canarian vegetational zones are also evident, with large areas of sparsely-vegetated malpais volcanic lava fields containing Euphorbia-dominated flora.
As with the other islands, plant endemism is high.
The main naturally-occuring habitats are pine forest, laurel forest, fayal-brezal, cardonal-tabaibal (Euphorbia scrub) and coastal areas (predominantly rocky shores though some natural beaches are present). Man-made habitats include pasture, arable, reservoirs and parks/gardens.
Areas of Interest
Frontera Reservoir This small reservoir is located close to the town on La Frontera in the north of the island and is the largest body of freshwater present. As such it is well-worth checking for migrant species. Species regularly observed here are Yellow-legged gull, Greenshank, Redshank and Eurasian teal. Other migrant birds have included Black-winged stilt (flock of 9 in 2003) and Ruff.
The area surrounding the reservoir, comprising small livestock pens, small cultivated fields, small water tanks, gardens and banana plantations is worth some effort: Stone curlew breed here and the livestock (mainly goats) will attract migrant passerines.
San Andres area This area of farmed land lies between Valverde and San Andres and is well-worth exploring. The area is grazed by traditional means and it is not uncommon to see large flocks of shepherded sheep. The area is characterised by small-to-medium sized herb-rich fields surrounded by dry stone walls, dripping with lichens. Any rocky outcrops are likely to hold resident Rock sparrows and the dry stone walls are a good place to observe calling Quail. Corn buntings abound and Barbary partridges are relatively common. The area is a good place to observe raptors including migrant Marsh harriers and Booted eagle. Eleanora's falcon has been seen here. White stork was observed here in 2003.
La Restinga This popular dive resort is an excellent spot for seawatching. Any time spent scanning from the rocky shores or breakwaters will turn up large flocks of Cory's shearwaters and maybe something else such as Macaronesian shearwater or Bulwer's petrel. The buoys and boats in the small harbour may support waders, terns and unusual gulls - the Western Palearctic's first Glaucous-winged gull was seen here.
El Pinar This pretty village in the south is surrounded, as its name suggests, by pine forest and there are numerous tracks and paths to follow. Stone curlews are not uncommon here, even within the more open areas of forest itself. Other typical species include Common kestrel, Turtle dove, Hoopoe, Blue tit, Chaffinch and Canary.
Access and Facilities
Contact Details
To do
