Las Turquillas is located in the southeast of the municipality of Osuna, in the heart of Andalusia, where we can enjoy one of the region's greatest natural treasures, the Osuna-Lantejuela Endorheic Complex, which was declared a Nature Reserve under Law 2/1989 of 18 July on the inventory of Protected Natural Areas in Andalusia. The Natural Resources Management Plan for this Reserve, which also includes other Nature Reserves in the province, was approved by Decree 419/2000, of 7 November (BOJA no. 9, of 23/01/2001). This complex is included among the Sites of Community Importance (SCIs) proposed by the Autonomous Community of Andalusia.
This pastureland, of great ecological value, is home to a wide variety of wildlife that is sure to delight all nature lovers, especially birdwatchers. Two different ecosystems coexist here, pastureland and wetlands, whose unique combination means that we can find a wide variety of birds and enjoy the immeasurable beauty of the landscape.
Within its boundaries, we can find areas known as Calderón Grande, La Huerta, La Hoya de la Turquilla, Calderón Chica, and La Ballestera.
- The Calderón Chica Lagoon
The high salinity that characterises its waters is one of the most striking features of this endorheic complex, as it attracts highly specialised species with a very restricted distribution, such as the aquatic macrophyte Althenia Orientalis. This lagoon has sparse vegetation, consisting of a few isolated tamarisk trees along with some reeds, glasswort and other species adapted to high salinity conditions.
- The Ballestera Lagoon
There is also very degraded vegetation around the lagoon, with areas of reed beds and isolated tamarisk trees remaining. Despite this, the lagoon is exceptionally important due to the presence of two species of aquatic plants of the genus Althenia, which are very limited in distribution in Andalusia. It is also characterised by being one of the most ecologically rich protected areas and for its shallow waters.
- Calderón Grande Lagoon
Calderón Lagoon is the most important of all the existing lagoons. It stands out for its size, covering 200 hectares, the constant nature of its water surface thanks to the contributions of the Salado stream, and the interesting vegetation around its perimeter that supports the most important fauna community in the complex.
- La Turquilla
The Turquilla lagoon covers an area of 43.4 hectares and is notable for its characteristic water surface, which varies seasonally, following a cycle in which it is filled with river water. In addition, the lagoon's surface is covered with reed vegetation (Phragmites australis).
The faunal importance of this complex lies in the abundance of water birds, as it is often visited by numerous migratory water birds, particularly anatidae, which find this area a place to rest and breed: mallards, shovelers, wigeons, white geese, flamingos and, occasionally, geese.
Its centuries-old holm oaks are the ideal place for large birds of prey to nest, such as the red kite, Bonelli's eagle, short-toed eagle, common buzzard and Montagu's harrier. These birds will undoubtedly offer us beautiful sights and enchant us with their spectacular flights.
Among all the actions carried out, we can highlight the restoration of a significant and curious pillar, the construction of three bird observatories, the installation of a picnic area, the reforestation with more than 3,000 plants, and the census and study of these lagoons.
Our aim is to promote and publicise the municipality's rich birdlife, provide information for birdwatching tourists and attract people who are increasingly interested in nature.
