Las Turquillas is located in the south of Osuna territory, in the middle of Andalusia and where we can enjoy one of the most natural values in the region, the Endorreic Complex Osuna-Lantejuela, which was declared Natural Reserve by Law 2/1989, 18 july, of inventoty of Natural Protected Sites of Andalusia. The Natural Resources Ordinance Plan of this Reserve, which also includes other Natural Reserve of the province, was approved by Decree 419/2000, 7 november (BOJA nº 9, 23/01/2001). This complex is included among the Sites of Community Importance proposed by Autonomous Region of Andalusia.
In this meadow, of high ecological value, we can find a great biodiversity that will surely satisfy all natural lovers and, specifically, all fans of ornithology. Two different ecosystems shake hands in it, the meadow and the wetlands, unusual union causes that we can find a great variety of birds and an incalculable scenic beauty.
Within its limitations, we can find familiar lagoons as Calderón Grande, La Huerta, La Hoya de la Turquilla, Calderón Chica and la Ballestera.
- The lagoon of Calderón Chica
The high salt concentration that characterizes its waters constitues one of the most stricking values of the endorreic complex since it causes the colonization of highly specialized species, very restrincted distribution, as the aquatic macrophyte Althenia Orientalis. Lagoon with sparse vegetation, made up some isolated feet of “taraje” with some specimens of reeds, salicornia and other species adapted to high salinity conditions.
- The lagoon of la Ballestera
In this lagoon there is also highly degraded perilagunar vegetation, conserving reed zones and isolated feet of taraje. Despite this, this lagoon has an exceptional importance due to the presence of two aquatic plants species, of the Althenia genus, of very limited distribution in Andalusia. Furthermore, it is characterized for being one of the protected areas with the greatest ecological wealth and for its shallow waters.
- The lagoon of Calderón Grande
The Lagoon of Calderón Grande is the most important of all the existing ones. It stands out for its extension, 200 hectares, the constant character of its water thanks to the contributions of the Salado stream, and the interesting perimeter vegetation that supports the most important animal community of the complex.
- The lagoon of Turquilla
The Lagoon of Turquilla covers an area of 43.4 hectares and stands out for its characteristic amount of water that varies every season, following a cycle whereby it fills up with river water. In addition, the lagoon cover is formed by reed vegetation (Phragmites australis).
The fauna importance of this complex consists in the abundance of aquatic birs, as they are usually visited by numerous migrating aquatic birds, highlighting waterfowls that find resting and reproducting site in this area: blue whites, spoon ducks, whistling ducks, jars white, flamingos and, occasionally, geese.
Its century-old holm oaks form the ideal place for the laying of large birds of prey, such as the Red Kite, the Bonelli´s Eagle, the Marsh harrier, the Buzzard or the Ash-grey Eaglet. Birds that, certaninly, will offer us beautiful pictures and will make us fall in love with their spectacular flights.
Among all the actions carried out, we can highlight the restoration of a significant and curious pillar, the building of 3 ornithological observatories, the installation of a picnic area, the reforestation with more than 3,000 plants and the census and study of these lagoons.
Our objective is to promote and disseminate the great wealth of birdlife that the town possesses, to provide an informative tool to ornithological tourim and attract people who are increasingly interested in nature.