The migratory passage of thousands of birds through the Almerian coast, a phenomenon that has occurred for centuries, is undergoing notable changes. Decades of scientific monitoring in wetlands and coastal areas like Punta Entinas-Sabinar and the surroundings of Cabo de Gata, key corridors of the western Mediterranean, have detected a sharp decline in small migratory birds and significant alterations in their travel patterns.

A recent study published in the scientific journal Ardeola, focused on Punta Entinas-Sabinar, compared bird ringing data from 1972-1985 with more recent campaigns (2022-2024). The results show a 'sharp decline' in species such as the common swallow, house martin, spotted flycatcher, warblers, and common chiffchaff, all insectivorous birds that travel thousands of kilometers between the two continents.

These changes in Almería reflect a broader phenomenon observed across the Iberian Peninsula and Europe: many trans-Saharan species are advancing their spring arrivals. The earlier arrival of spring in Europe forces birds to adjust their migratory calendars to synchronize breeding with peak insect abundance, a delicate balance that can be compromised if other environmental factors do not keep pace.

Research in Punta Entinas-Sabinar has also recorded a drastic reduction in bird numbers. Of the 19 species studied, 16 showed significant declines, with drops of up to 70% and 90% over fifty years, particularly in species that winter in sub-Saharan Africa. Scientists attribute these changes to a combination of higher temperatures, habitat loss, shifts in food availability, and environmental alterations in both Europe and Africa.