I've been an avid birdwatcher for a while now and I'm always on the lookout for interesting places in the province of Cadiz to spot my feathered friends. The place I went to today wasn't new to me, but I was curious to see what the water levels would be in spring, with all the lagoons and lakes of the surrounding areas still dry and desperately waiting for rain. It is part of a nature reserve, but on private land and also considered as a hunting area. I knew that entering without permission was trespassing, but I was determined to see what I could find.
I remembered that sneaking in on a previous visit was fairly easy right next to the main gate, but this time the fence had been reinforced with extra barbed wire, making it clear that visitors were not welcome. After a moment of hesitation, I decided to take my chances and make my way into the hunting area.
I started walking along the main path that leads to the largest lagoon. As I was walking, I heard a sound that I couldn't quite place. It sounded like the panting of a big dog and I was almost certain I was being followed. My heart started to pound in my chest and I was too nervous to look around. I just kept walking, expecting to be bitten at any moment.
After a few seconds, the sound stopped and I let out a sigh of relief. I continued my walk to the lagoon and I was soon rewarded for my efforts: hundreds of White Storks were resting in the shallow water, an incredible sight! I spent a few hours watching these graceful animals' behaviour, getting plenty of opportunities to take interesting photos.
Although the level of the lagoon is much lower than it was in spring, there must still be a lot of fish. I saw several White Storks, Cormorants and Grey Herons surfacing with a big catch. It must have been the first time I was so close to White Storks in the wild. I couldn't get any closer to the birds without being seen, but with the 600mm zoom lens there wasn't really any need for that. I only wish I had been a bit lower to the ground to take photos at eye level, but you can't have everything. Observing 35 different species, I was very impressed by a Bonelli's Eagle that was clearly upsetting all the other animals in the vicinity. The star of the day however was one single black Stork that joined his White fellows in the flock.
I took one photo of the black Stork standing next to a white companion, knowing that the result would probably be under or overexposed due to the huge difference in contrast between both plumages, but the camera (or was it me?) did a great job, even without any exposure compensation.
Storks are extremely elegant birds and have an overall angelic look, but still their bills are deadly tools when it comes to catching fish, as the photos below prove.
Such a saddening sight to see these wonderful creatures mistaking an artificial fishing lure for a squid. Fifteen minutes later another bird tried to swallow it, but fortunately it was an unsuccessful attempt. Plastic is literally everywhere, people.
Unfortunately I also found some appalling things: not only was the area flooded with empty hunting cartridges, I also spotted a White Stork with a plastic bag around its neck. One of those images that you normally see in the news or on social media now in front of my own eyes. One can only hope that the plastic wears of with time.
After spending a few hours in the company of these hundreds of birds, I decided it was time to leave. After all I was in a restricted area and I didn't want to push my luck. I safely made my way out and upon leaving I was treated with some more birds of prey!
I clearly heard the call of a Buzzard, but when I looked up at the sky I saw a Sparrowhawk soaring in circles. Then I heard the miaowing again, no doubt about it. Very high in the sky I then indeed saw a Buzzard! Closely followed by a Griffon Vulture.
And as if that wasn't enough, a pair of Kites graced the sky. A Black and a Red one, peacefully together.
Overall, an extremely interesting visit to a place that will hopefully get plenty of water in the upcoming weeks, just like the rest of the province. However I don't recommend entering this area yourself, there are probably safer places out there.
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