Tarifa beach, on the Costa de la Luz, Andalucia.

Playa de Los Lances, better known as Tarifa Beach, is a vast, wide beach stretching some three kilometres along the Southernmost coast of the Costa de la Luz, Mainland Africa, just across the strait of Gibraltar. Two rivers flow onto the beach, the Rio Jara and de la Vega. They both form shallow lagoons, a mecca for hundreds of kiteboarders. They are essential as a haven for Wintering and migrating birds.

Sadly, the weather was very hazy, and Africa was hardly visible.

Some areas of sand are deeply sculptured by the winds.

Water, birds, sand, kiteboarders and Tarifa town.

Tarifa Beach has beautiful light, making it a great place to search for overwintering and migrating birds.

Caspian Terns are one of the top species to be found here.

A mighty Caspian Tern joins a resting group of the smaller Sandwich Terns. 

Amazing photographing four Casey Terns at rest with the Sandwich Terns.

Although it is late Winter, a juvenile Caspian Tern seems to be asking the adult for food.

Small groups of Sandwich Terns come and go along the water's edge.

This is the shallow water of the Rio Jara.

A small flock of Grey Plovers join a resting Dunlin.

One of the Caspian Terns takes off to hunt fish in the lagoon.

Terns dive to catch their prey; it seems a near-impossible task among all the kites and riggings!

Our bird is thriving, and we can see the fish held in its beak.

Twisting and turning through the kites.

Now, the Sandwich Terns are leaving to hunt.

They hunt over the sea, and the kites are not a problem.

On the lagoon fringe, elegant Audouin's Gulls, some with their continuity rings showing.

A juvenile Audouin shows the plumage of a second winter bird; it will soon be in its full adult plumage.

A third winter Yellow-legged gull.

Sanderlings were busy feeding and resting.

A massive flock of Sanderling pass in front of the Duna De Valdevaqueros at the far end of the beach.

The memorable sight of Tarifa beach!

Birds and kites

Happy Days, indeed!