The occupancy of 35 irrigation ponds by the black-winged stilt Himantopus himantopus in southeastern Spain was analysed. The frequency of pond use was noted during 2002–2008 and settlement order and breeding abundance were monitored in 2008. Eight pond attributes were assessed for each pond and related to pond use during the breeding season. Some ponds were used more than others, those that had been most used previously being occupied first and by the greatest numbers in 2008. Pond design was the most explicative variable, alongside size and presence of vegetation.