Esther Vivas: "It is a forgotten treasure and a gift for bird lovers"

The covid restrictions for traveling abroad were the turning point for journalist and sociologist Esther Vivas to start spending more summers in Catalonia: "It was the perfect excuse to rediscover it and realize that the Ebro Delta is one of the areas I like the most." When she was little, she had gone there as a child, and for a few years now, she goes as a mother. She remembers having been there as a teenager on a work camp, at an environmental information point in Deltebre.She acknowledges that while looking for places to be with family in nature, she has fallen in love with the Delta because it has everything: it's a space to enjoy with children, it's perfect for cycling, and also for bird lovers like her. If she had to find a downside, it would be that, as happens in many other places, it's very hot in August. That's why they go at the beginning or end of summer, and they try to go at least once a year.

“Given the possible drawbacks, what I find positive weighs much more, the gastronomy with spectacular paellas, the landscapes, the sunsets, the great variety of birds you can see and the beaches,” he assures. The best thing of all, he says, is that each season offers different landscapes and birds, depending on the migration period. Furthermore, he assures that it is perfect for cycling and having the beach to cool off in.

Vivas considers that the Delta is one of the most forgotten territories in Catalonia. "When people think of special places, they often think of the Costa Brava or the Pyrenees, but this is a forgotten treasure and a gift for ornithology lovers, a landscape and gastronomic marvel,” he assures.Since she became a mother, the way of vacationing has changed. Now she prefers tourism that offers the benefits of connecting with nature, getting to know the flora and fauna, and being in a different way with your surroundings. Ornithology is a hobby she shares with her son. Her grandparents were farmers and her father has also been interested in birds; she became much more fond of it about five years ago. Since then, she has taken some courses and gone on outings. Now her brother and nephew have also become fond of it, and they go together.

“To see birds, all you need is good binoculars and patience,” he assures. There are particularly good spots for birdwatching that he likes, such as the Encanyissada lagoon and the Riet Vell Natural Reserve, where there are owl nests. With cameras, you can see them during breeding season. “What’s beautiful about ornithology is sharing what you know with other birdwatchers, a way to learn and enjoy the hobby,” he says.