There is probably no better time to get out into nature and observe birds than in spring. In early May, most birds are busy breeding or raising their young. Today was a perfect day to visit the Santa Maria de Jesus salt pans in Chiclana. The temperatures show that summer is just around the corner. Under a bright sun, a pleasant breeze provided welcome refreshment.

Near the statue of Melkart, of which there are a few more along other routes in Chiclana, I began my observation. I soon noticed a few Black-winged Stilts among the reeds. They didn't seem disturbed by my presence at all.


A Swamphen was also a notable presence. Unfortunately I only saw adult birds, there was no trace of any young. A little further in the reeds were a few families of mallards, with many cute ducklings cautiously venturing outside the nest.



About a hundred meters further I found a Kentisch Plover on a small island in the water. A number of Little Terns also landed nearby. I witnessed a beautiful spectacle, where the male came to offer the female a fish. Something I would see several more times later in the afternoon. The fish was always gratefully accepted.





Not all birds were as hospitable as the species I had encountered so far. A Lesser Black-backed Gull made it clear to me that I was not very welcome here, with loud screeching and countless dives right above my head. While I was taking pictures of a large group of Ringed Plovers resting on another island in the salt pans, I kept an eye on the gull just to be sure. I would not have been the first to suffer an attack on the head during the breeding season.





I searched in vain for larger wading birds such as the Whimbrel, when I heard another hellish screech just above my head. The gull tried to chase me away again, this time flying low from over land!


At one of the road intersections I saw a bridge leading to Sendero del Carrascón, another interesting area in nearby San Fernando, easily accessible if you like a brisk walk.

From a dilapidated wooden jetty I had a view of another island. I saw two Silver Plovers and a little further a large group of Ringed Plovers, Curlew Sandpipers, Dunlins and even more Little Terns, all peacefully fraternizing.




Every now and then a Little Tern flew by with a fish in its beak. I found myself in a place where I could easily have sat for a few more hours enjoying all the birds surrounding me. The only species I missed were the flamingos. After fifteen minutes, three flew by high in the air, but they did not land.


In the distance, on the other side of a canal, I noticed a fairly large group of Little Terns. And I also saw and heard a number of Avocets on the ground. Something seemed to be going on, because the birds were very nervous.




This spectacle reminded me of a group of Avocets that I had seen chasing away a Black Kite in the Marshes of Cetina. Another innocent quarrel, I thought at first.

Less than a minute later, the Kestrel separated itself, briefly hovered in the air... and then plunged down at high speed, among the Avocets on the ground. Now it became clear to me that the bird of prey had no peaceful intentions and I understood why the Avocets had tried at all costs to chase it away...


A little further on I had the opportunity to photograph a Yellow Wagtail that was looking for food in the mud.


A small colony of House Sparrows also lives near the restaurant, including a number of young birds.

I had already experienced quite a few interesting moments during my walk, but I wanted to make another attempt to catch a glimpse of the young Swamphens and Moorhens that were probably well hidden in the reeds close to where I started. But before I got there, a Kentish Plover caught my eye. A female, accompanied by two tiny chicks!






More young
Finally, would I manage to spot more chicks? After waiting fifteen minutes at a small swampy area, my patience was rewarded.





Conclusion
A relaxing route full of beautiful observations, especially recommended in spring!


Ohhh que de pollitos pudiste fotografiar! Estuvo entretenido el paseo! Los charranes! Y el cernÃcalo ladrón!!! Buen documental!