Amazing numbers of Black Kites!

During the spring migration we get large concentrations of Black Kites, the most abundant migratory raptor in Western Europe, in the Strait of Gibraltar.

This short video from early March, shows impressive numbers of these raptors passing by before continuing their journey to their breeding grounds.

During migration, whenever easterly gales blow in the Strait, hundreds of raptors interrupt their journey and seek shelter on the sloping hillsides of Los Alcornocales Natural Park,  gathering in large communal roosts which do not occur elsewhere in Europe. Preserving this forest and securing the tranquility of the roosts is of paramount importance.

Black Kites roosting and regaining strength after crossing the Strait of Gibraltar to resume their northbound migration .This Cork Oak leans sideways due to the effect of locally prevailing easterly winds
Massive number of Black Kites roosting in a Cork Oak

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