Ciénaga Grande & Isla Salamanca

Introduction

The Ciénaga Grande and Isla Salamanca National Parks lie along the Caribbean coast between Santa Marta and Baranquilla. Birding is best done along the main coast road, stopping at intervals to scan the pools, etc. Within Isla Salamanca there are two main areas, Cangarú; and Los Cocos. Los Cocos is the best area to visit the Mangroves and there is a walk way taking you through them.

Getting there

Any local buses running between Santa Marta and Baranquilla will drop you off along this road. However, not all are so obliging when you need to be picked up. Therefore, to get the most out of the visit, your own transport or guide is the best idea.

Birding to look for

At the east end of Isla Salamanca NP (10° 58' 09N 074° 26' 20W) look for Chestnut-winged Chachalaca. For this species it is important that you are here for dawn while they are sat on the tops of Cactus. At Los Cocos look for American Pygmy Kingfisher, Bronze-brown Cowbird (endemic), Red-rumped Woodpecker, Northern Scrub Flycatcher, Wood Stork and Sapphire-throated Hummingbird. Along the Ciénaga in the various pools look for White-cheeked Pintail and Large-billed Tern, and during the migration and winter period a selection of waders such as Stilt Sandpiper and Short-billed Dowitcher.

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