The bald ibis is not the prettiest bird in the world but nonetheless highly sought after by birders, having come tantalisingly close to extinction once upon a time and disappearing from Europe 300 years ago – 500 years for Spain. Thanks to successful breeding in zoos, they have been re-established in Morocco, and with the success of that colony Spain decided to launch its own program in Cadiz province. With a similar climate and habitats, this one has been a success with an increasing population, and nowadays there is no need to venture across the straits for this bird.

Located in Barca de Vejer, a small town across the mountains from the much bigger Vejer de la Frontera, the ibises nest roughly five metres off the ground on some cliffs above the car park where the buses stop. This town lies halfway between Tarifa and Cadiz along the main highway. If you arrive by car, you’ll be able to spend as long as you like here. Just drive around, you’ll see the car park near the bridge over the river into the town’s centre. As for getting here by bus, remember to ask for Barca de Vejer and not Vejer de la Frontera.

Once you’re in the car park, you’ll see some sandstone cliffs across the road. The ibis should be across the road from the thatched roof thingy (technical term) but if not, head up the road in the direction away from the buildings. This may technically become jay walking, but since you only need to head up a few metres to round the corner in the cliffs it won’t matter much – plus, there should be space on the side anyway. Do watch yourself though. Round this corner the ibises should be on the middle of the cliff face. You hopefully won’t even need binoculars to get a clear view, though a zoom lens is still needed for taking photos. Sometimes they even fly down to the thatched roof to collect nesting material.

You can also get it ticked off your list without getting off the bus en route from Tarifa to Cadiz. As long as it’s a coach, you’ll get roughly an eye-to-eye view of them as you pass them. Make sure to sit on the left side of the bus. The view will only last for ten seconds, so bear that in mind.