For over a week now we have seen a most wonderful spectacle - the spring migration of raptors across the Strait of Gibraltar. Many species are now coming through but the star of the show has been the Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus. Many thousands have passed north and today's migration was spectacular. The birds coming through are all adults that are heading for their breeding grounds in Iberia and beyond.
Adults are easy to identify by their heavily barred plumage and dark heads.
Strong westerlies drifted many of these majestic birds towards the Rock of Gibraltar. Flying over the sea in these conditions is hazardous and the birds were visibly exhausted on arrival.
Soon, all the adults will be back in their breeding territories and the short-lived spectacle will be over for another year, but other species will come in instead. Spring raptor migration now continues until June!
