The anticipation I felt approaching Medina Lagoon today was high. With the recent extreme rainfall, which ravaged Campiña de Jerez and marked the worst natural disaster Spain has ever faced, I was eager to see the effects of all that water. The lagoon, dry for months, had transformed almost overnight into a rich aquatic habitat. Today’s warm weather felt more like spring than autumn, adding to the atmosphere and hinting that conditions were ideal for birding.
On arrival, however, the first surprise hit: no flamingos. Despite the conditions, which seemed perfect for them, they were nowhere to be seen. Flamingos are a common sight during wetter periods, so their absence was puzzling. Yet nature often defies expectations, and even without flamingos, the lagoon was bursting with life. One species that was present in high numbers was the Black-headed Gull. Their nervous calls echoed across the water, filling the lagoon with a lively energy.
I began my observations at a familiar spot: a wooden platform on the lagoon’s eastern side, which offers a good vantage point over the water. No sooner had I arrived than I spotted a bird of prey taking off. Its powerful flight revealed it to be a Marsh Harrier. I quickly raised my camera, but it had already turned away, giving me only a rear view. Capturing birds can be a game of chance, especially with raptors that tend to take off with impressive speed. Still, just seeing the Marsh Harrier in action was a thrilling reminder of the dynamic nature of this place.
A Red Kite appeared shortly after, swooping gracefully overhead. There were also four Cormorants passing by in formation, their dark shapes striking against the bright sky. But perhaps the most intriguing sighting of the day was a Hawfinch. It’s a bird I’d never encountered around the Medina Lagoon before, so this was an unexpected treat. I could hear its distinctive call clearly, a sound that stood out even amidst the other bird songs, but it was elusive. It took off from a tree before I could observe it in detail. The brief glimpse, however, was enough to confirm its identity, and its presence hinted at the diversity that recent rains had brought to this area.
The bushes around the lagoon seemed filled with Robins today as well. From the moment I arrived, they were everywhere, flitting between branches or perching proudly as if to welcome me. One Robin even posed cooperatively just ten meters away, allowing a close-up view. The high numbers of Robins made me wonder if the recent conditions had triggered a sort of local gathering.
While the water level was high enough to create a vast habitat, it wasn't quite as full as I had anticipated, given the intensity of the recent rainfall. However, it seemed sufficient to sustain the lagoon well into next summer. Another noticeable change was the dense vegetation around the lagoon’s edges. New growth had sprung up vigorously, creating a vibrant border that I hadn’t seen here before. This lush vegetation added to the richness of the landscape and would likely provide additional shelter and food sources for various bird species over the coming months.
Comparing today’s visit to my November 2021 birding trip to the Medina Lagoon highlighted just how impactful this season’s rainfall had been. Back then, in the same early November week, I observed only 19 species. Today, I counted an impressive 37! This variety and abundance seemed directly tied to the water levels, as the presence of water opens up resources and habitats that attract a broader range of birds. The scene had shifted dramatically, and every call, splash, and flutter of wings testified to the lagoon's renewed vitality.
As I was observing from the wooden hide, the Marsh Harrier that I had seen before appeared again and came flying straight towards me, giving me enough time to focus. There was panic amongst the birds on the water, but the agile raptor wasn't interested in them. It was as if it was saying sorry for disappearing so fast an hour before. I gladly accepted its apologies and took some spectacular shots that show the bird in all its grace.
All in all, today’s outing was a vivid reminder of the ebb and flow of nature, especially in a place as dynamic as the Medina Lagoon. Water, so often taken for granted, is the lifeblood of this ecosystem, dictating the rhythm of life here. And while I didn’t see every species I’d hoped for, each unexpected encounter added something special. From the Marsh Harrier’s impressive flight to the fleeting glimpse of the Hawfinch, today’s visit was a celebration of the Medina Lagoon’s resilience and the timeless wonder of birdwatching.
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