First visit this year to one of my favourite places in the province of Cádiz on this chilly but sunny darning. Thanks to the rainfall in December the lagoon remains filled with water. I spotted forty different species, among which a few birds of prey, different swifts, swallows, martins and a migrating colony of over 250 Storks.
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| Marsh Harrier |
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| Marsh Harrier |
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| Common Buzzard |
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| A hovering Kestrel |
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| Common Buzzard |
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| Red Kite |
I can't remember seeing a Common Swift as early as February. I was also happily surprised to see some graceful Barn Swallows performing their acrobatics.
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| Red-rumped Swallow |
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| House Martin |
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| Crag Martin |
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| Crag Martin |
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| An impressive flock of Storks heading north |
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| Male Blackcap |
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| Female Blackcap |
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| Female Blackcap |
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| Male Spanish Sparrow |
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| Female Spanish Sparrow |
I also ran into a herd of sheep, about two hundred individuals strong. It was a very therapeutic experience to sit in the grass for a while in the middle of these peaceful mammals, which are only kept for the milk these days, according to the shepherd whom I spoke to. Unfortunately the wool is burnt and not sold anymore.
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| And today's prize for Cuteness goes to … |
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There was even a sheep that had been born few moments before I crossed the herd's path. It still couldn't stand on its legs very well.
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| New-born sheep following its mother |