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A late autumn encounter with birds at the Bay of Cadiz

Today, the Bay of Cadiz turned out to be an unplanned but thoroughly rewarding destination for birdwatching. While I hadn’t set out with a specific itinerary, the visit provided a wealth of interesting sightings that made the trip more than worthwhile. The bay’s tranquil yet dynamic environment, shaped by the interplay of tides and mudflats, created an ideal backdrop for observing a variety of bird species, even if some were challenging to approach closely.



Small birds next to a boat on the shore



Whimbrel on the shore
Whimbrel



Kentish Plovers alongside some Dunlins


One of the main highlights of the visit was encountering a mixed flock of Wigeons and Shovelers. Although I had hoped for a closer view of the Wigeons, they remained at a considerable distance from the shore, drifting together in the shimmering waters of the bay. The sight was still mesmerizing, as the flock—easily numbering several hundred—moved gracefully across the surface. Using my camera, I managed to capture some photos that, while not ideal for display, served well for identification purposes. Observing these birds’ subtle interactions and behaviours, even from afar, felt like a small triumph in itself.




Ducks floating on the water
Mixed flock of ducks floating in the bay





Birds by the water
An Osprey sitting on a pole with ducks in the foreground and Spoonbills in the background



Ringed Plover



When visiting the Bay of Cadiz, timing your trip with the tides is crucial. The area’s vast mudflats often mean that many birds forage or rest at a great distance, but as the tide rises, the birds are gradually pushed closer to the shore. This natural rhythm provides excellent opportunities to observe a wider variety of species up close, especially for those patient enough to wait for the right conditions. It’s a detail that adds a layer of anticipation and strategy to any birdwatching excursion here.



Redshank in flight
Redshank


Another remarkable aspect of the visit was the significant number of Spoonbills and Great Crested Grebes. These elegant birds, too, were positioned farther out than I would have liked, but their distinctive silhouettes and movements were unmistakable. The Spoonbills’ sweeping feeding motions and the Grebes’ sleek dives brought the distant scenery to life, offering a vivid glimpse into their daily routines. While some birders might be discouraged by such distances, the sheer abundance of wildlife in the bay more than compensates for the challenge of proximity.




Nine Mallards flying low over the water
Nine Mallards



Among the other notable species observed were the stately Great Egret and the diminutive but striking Red Knot. The Great Egret, with its pristine white plumage, stood out beautifully against the muted tones of the landscape. The picture below shows the bird against the blue sky, uttering its alarm call.



Great Egret
Great Egret


Red Knot at the top of the picture



The terrain during the walk was undeniably muddy, a reminder of the bay’s ever-changing nature and its role as a vital habitat for numerous species. Yet the late autumn afternoon lent a pleasant atmosphere to the outing. The soft, golden light of the season cast a serene glow over the water and surrounding marshes, making the experience as visually rewarding as it was ornithologically enriching. Sometimes, the most memorable birdwatching moments arise from the unexpected.




Tern flying over the water with a city in the background
Sandwich Tern flying over the bay. Cadiz in the background.


Sandwich Tern
Sandwich Tern



Caspian Tern flying in the air
Caspian Tern




Osprey landing on a pole in the water
Osprey landing on a pole in the water

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