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Morning walk at Embalse de Arcos de la Frontera

This morning I set out early to explore a new area, near the beautiful Embalse de Arcos de la Frontera lake. It is necessary to start early as it is already getting very hot in the province of Cadiz, even before noon. This was my first visit to this area, and although I was hoping for some interesting observations, I kept my expectations low.



An early start


The early morning dawned with a beautiful sunrise that painted the sky with soft shades of pink and orange. The temperature was still pleasantly cool, a welcome change from the intense heat that would follow later in the day. I walked to the man-made beach next to the kayak club, curious about what the day would bring.



Embalse de Arcos de la Frontera



The Crested Lark up close


To my surprise I was given the opportunity to take close-up photos of the usually shy Crested Lark. These birds are often difficult to approach, but lying flat on the sand my presence did not seem to bother them. Four individuals came very close, seemingly undisturbed in their search for food. It was a special moment, so intimate and peaceful, almost as if the birds accepted me as part of their environment.




Crested Lark looking for food in the sand
Crested Lark looking for food in the sand


Crested Lark




Busy Blackbirds and morning light


Besides the Crested Larks, there were also a number of Blackbirds busy. These birds were clearly still building their nest and came close to collect material. It is amazing how much material they can hold in their beaks at the same time. The early morning light provided beautiful colours at the lake and the mirrored water created a magical atmosphere. At one point I even saw a hot air balloon hanging above the water, something that added an extra special dimension to the morning.



Blackbird with nesting material in its beak


Blackbird with nesting material in its beak



Hot air balloon over Embalse de Arcos de la Frontera




Rat on the rocks next to the water
This friendly rat provided a warm welcome with flowers



Majestic herons and hidden songbirds


I saw several herons flying over the water of the lake. Among them were Grey Herons, Little Bitterns and Purple Herons. These majestic birds are always an impressive sight with their graceful wing beats and elegant appearance. Along the path along the water I also heard a number of songbirds that were hiding in the reeds. Although they remained invisible most of the time, their song was unmistakable. Among them were Reed Warblers, Blue Tits, Great Tits and Nightingales.



Purple Heron
Purple Heron

Grey Heron
Grey Heron

Typical vegetation in this area

Path along the waterfront



Spectacle of Marsh Harriers


One of the highlights of this morning's walk was seeing a pair of Marsh Harriers. These impressive birds of prey kept me spellbound for a while with their graceful manoeuvres high in the sky and their patrol flights low over the reeds.



Marsh Harrier
Marsh Harrier

Marsh Harrier flying low over the reeds



Marsh Harrier flying over a river between the reeds



Two Marsh Harriers high in the sky
Two Marsh Harriers high in the sky

Glossy Ibis
Glossy Ibis


The relaxing cooing of the European Turtle Dove


The presence of European Turtle Doves is also worth mentioning. I didn’t see these birds, but their call was very clear between the trees. It’s always a special experience to hear the sound of a bird that you can’t see, almost as if they invite you to go deeper into the landscape to discover them.




Iberian Green Woodpecker
Iberian Green Woodpecker


Reflections and future plans


This morning’s visit to the Arcos de la Frontera reservoir was definitely worth it. The area has a tranquility and beauty that invites you to keep exploring. Although I only caught a glimpse of what this natural area has to offer, it has made me curious to return.




Glossy Ibis
One of the numerous Glossy Ibises

Goldfinch hanging on a branch
Goldfinch


Two Griffon Vultures in the sky
Two Griffon Vultures



I am determined to explore this area in more depth in the future. Especially in spring, when the heat is not yet an obstacle to a longer walk, I expect it to be spectacular, for the variety of birds, the serene environment and the possibility to discover even more hidden corners.




Hybrid of Muscovy Duck and Mallard
Hybrid of Muscovy Duck and Mallard

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