Rubín marsh

What it is

The Rubín marsh surrounds the village of Abaño, beside the S-214, between the fresh water of the River Escudo and the salt water of the Cantabrian Sea. Together with the Pombo marsh, it forms the San Vicente de la Barquera estuary, those arms of water that reach inland behind the town. It is part of the Oyambre Natural Park, an area of 57 square kilometres according to the town council's website, and of the Natura 2000 network, and the council presents it as one of the places of greatest environmental value in Cantabria.

With the tide, the landscape changes every few hours: at high tide the water fills the channels and covers the mudflats; at low tide the flats where the birds feed are left exposed.

Which birds you can see

Rubín is a stopover for migratory birds travelling between Africa and Europe each year. The council's information sheet mentions curlews, redshanks, sandpipers, ducks, mallards and teals; the tourist office's two-day route adds herons and dunlins across the park as a whole. The best time is autumn and winter, when migrants stop to rest and feed. Bring binoculars, go first thing or at the end of the afternoon, and check the tide table: at low tide there is more mud exposed and more birds feeding.

How to get there

From San Vicente, take the road towards Abaño, the S-214; the village is a few minutes away by car. The council's website does not describe any paths or hides in the marsh: the idea is to stroll calmly along the village lanes and the water's edge, without stepping onto the mud or into enclosed meadows. Respect the birds: if they take off as you pass, you have come too close. The tourist office is on 942 710 797 and at [email protected] if you want advice for the day.

With children

It works well as a short, one-hour walk with children who have the patience to watch. Bring a bird guide or an app to put names to what you see, and warm clothes, because in winter the wind blows hard over the water.

What to combine it with

The Oyambre Natural Park interpretation centre is at the Punta de la Silla lighthouse, past the harbour and La Barra, and explains how the natural area works: it is worth a visit before you go looking for birds. The lighthouse is also the spot the tourist office suggests for watching the sunset in the town. From there, the park continues along the coast through the beaches of Merón and the Yellow Bird trail. Back in San Vicente, cross the Maza bridge, which also has views over the estuary, and climb up through the Old Town.