For two years, Roberto photographed these spectacular flocks of cattle egrets as they descended on the Bay of Santander. After visiting this spot countless times, he eventually found his perfect composition amid the industrial shipyard activity. That morning, in the magical pre-dawn hour, his photograph finally came together.
Since the 1980s, cattle egrets have spread across the north of Spain and Cantabria is now home to flocks of about 4,000. In the industrial area of the Bay of Santander, the birds descend every evening to find refuge in the tranquil reed beds. The next morning, they will take to the air in their hundreds.
Spain
Roberto works as an environmentalist for BirdLife International's partnership in Spain. He has spent the last 10 years photographing and studying wildlife in Cantabria, northern Spain, where he lives. He is currently focusing on building awareness of the beauty of the wilderness of the Cantabrian territory.
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