The beginning of the route follows a path frequently used by locals as it provides access to numerous orchards and farms. The edges of the path are occupied by ruderal vegetation composed of species t... (plus +)

The beginning of the route follows a path frequently used by locals as it provides access to numerous orchards and farms. The edges of the path are occupied by ruderal vegetation composed of species typical of humanized spaces. The present fauna is also adapted to the continuous presence of people, and we can enjoy the singing of sparrows, goldfinches, greenfinches, blackbirds, starlings, turtledoves, and, at dusk, the little owl. Gradually, the cattle track recovers its width and becomes covered with large broom plants, rockroses, and a great variety of herbaceous plants. We pass the Arroyo del Puerto, and on the left-hand side, we find the Fuente del Niño, which served as a washhouse, and then we begin the ascent of the Cuesta Bermeja, named after the reddish color of the soil. At the end of the slope, we reach a viewpoint from where we can contemplate the town, the Cerro del Conjuro, and on the horizon, the Sierra de San Pedro. It is a good place to observe some of the frequent birds of prey in the area, such as the imperial eagle, the booted eagle, the short-toed eagle, the common buzzard, the black vulture, or the black-winged kite. Within the limits of the cattle track, a cork oak grove has been established, accompanied by strawberry trees, rockroses, lavender, and gorses, which provide pleasant shade to the path and constitute a typical example of Mediterranean forest and scrubland, being the habitat of smaller species such as coal tits, blue tits, warblers, treecreepers, thrushes, house sparrows, common shrikes, and the firecrest. We continue in a northwesterly direction, gently descending while the vegetation becomes clearer, giving way to a wide pasture of holm oaks dedicated to cattle farming. We will cross several small streams and find some more crossings, but we will always continue straight ahead. After passing through a gate, we will be near the place called Pozo Ladrián, where there are several ponds and a Shepherds' Shelter that served as a resting place for men and cattle. The present birdlife is typical of this dehesa landscape: long-tailed tits, hoopoes, bee-eaters, shrikes, stonechats, and many more. At night, it is not uncommon to hear the tawny owl or even the Eurasian eagle-owl. As for the vegetation, the presence of the Tablada Holm Oak, the largest in the town, stands out in the vicinity of the Shelter. We continue our path along the Cañada Sancha Brava. Upon reaching a crossroads, we take the right-hand path, without crossing the gate that presents itself in front of us, and we continue parallel to a stone wall that provides a great refuge for many animals. We continue through the pasture until, passing through a new gate, we reach the BA157 road that connects Puebla de Obando with Villar del Rey. With caution, we must cross the road and resume the cattle track on the other side. The dominant landscape continues to be the dehesa, although we will find some treeless spaces where in winter, meadow pipits, skylarks, northern lapwings, and golden plovers roam. Here, the Cañada can be appreciated in all its breadth and width, flanked by solid stone walls. We will cross several temporary streams teeming with amphibian and invertebrate life in spring, and if we look up in the clearings of the dehesa, we have the opportunity to observe the most precious jewel of our birdlife, the Iberian imperial eagle. The route ends upon reaching the Guerrero stream, the municipal boundary, where it is possible to spot the elusive black stork. In the vicinity of the stream, there are several mestos, a curious hybrid between holm oak and cork oak.
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