While guiding some enthusiastic bird watchers around the Torrox Lagoon, I unexpectedly spotted a bird of prey flying at a moderate altitude. Initially, I mistook it for a Kestrel, considering their prevalence in this area. Upon closer observation, I realized it was actually a Sparrowhawk. While I've encountered these birds previously, witnessing one carrying a recently captured House Sparrow was a new experience for me. I'm glad I was able to capture the moment, but it left me feeling sad: I guess it's just a poignant reminder of the realities within nature.
I was slighty surprised to find out it was a Sparrowhawk, due to this place's proximity to the city. However, it is clear that this lagoon always offers surprises: I have now seen almost a hundred different species around here, making it the birding hotspot where I personally have the longest life list, followed by Costa Ballena in Rota.
These images remind me of a similar encounter I witnessed in the same place, when A Kestrel had grabbed a Barn Swallow.
Apart from this unforgettable moment, today's visit didn't reveal a lot of novelties. I did see 39 different species, but fewer individuals than in other occasions, also because it was already getting dark when I got back to the car after completing the five-kilometres-long track.
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