Stunning sunrise

Laguna de Dos Reinos in northern Spain is a small artificial wetland which occupies some 30 hectares. It serves as a permanent and wintering habitat for numerous species of birds. It seems I am not alone in being in awe of the spectacle of this particular morning’s beautiful sunrise.

It’s 7.10 am and the Common Crane are the first to leave the roost, flying up into the blazing skies just before the sun comes up over the horizon.

Several other birds roost here, including Lapwing and Teal.

Once the Common Crane have flown away, the Lapwing and Teal take their turn to fly up into the skies as the sun continues to rise.

7.46 am and the birds are beginning to settle down into their daily routine. Now comes the serious business of searching for food and time for the birds to be aware that somewhere up there, the eyes of a hungry male Hen Harrier are looking down at them.