Documentary: «Aquatic Birds of Menorca» (30 min).

After a brief introduction made in the field, the viewer is presented with the content of this documentary. Then, images from the air are shown of the island and areas of especial interest for aquatic birds in Menorca, currently considered a natural biosphere reserve. The most important geographical, ecological, and climactic characteristics are explained along with images, and finally, the state of the island at the end of summer and the beginning of autumn are shown to demonstrate how greatly the climactic phenomena change and with them, the colours of summer to those of winter. This latter season provides perfect conditions for birds that arrive to the island during this migratory period.

After showing the viewer several different species and demonstrating how comfortable these birds that migrate through the western part of the Mediterranean are here, the documentary changes gears and shows us the other side of nature. We see the dangers these birds face on the island, as flocks of coots resting in the S´Albufera de Es Grau Park Reserve are attacked by yellow-legged gulls.

Over the different wet areas, some birds of prey fly overhead in search of food, like the Egyptian Vulture or the Red Kite, birds which are constantly observed from below by aquatic birds, although the latter of the two is not so worrying as it is known to be more of the carrion variety and probably would not attack a live bird. But the presence of a booted eagle sets off alarms and all precautionary strategies of possible prey, like coots, ducks, mallards, and grebes are implemented as they quickly move to more protected locations in case of attack. These images make it clear to the viewer that something is bound to take place. Meanwhile, the booted eagle has chosen its target, lapwings, but they too have already implemented their defence strategy, thanks to which they will be able to avoid being captured in an imminent attack. The booted eagle´s attack was witnessed by all the other birds in the wet area and kept them paralyzed until they observed how the booted eagle began to distance itself from the area. But just at that moment, some fish jump from the water catching the eye of this majestic osprey, who commences its long and dizzying dive from out of the sky over the fish, and with a thunderous impact on the surface, catches them. This impressively loud collision with the water startles the rest of the winged inhabitants and, tense from the recent attack of the booted eagle, they take flight still disoriented.

The calm returns however, and soon the time comes for a majority of the birds that spend their winters here to abandon Menorca. After seeing how some of these birds prepare for their departure as others are already leaving, the spring arrives and the green fields flourish. Reptiles, mammals, and insects become more active than they had been during the cold season.

Flies and mosquitoes may invade at this time of year, but a few smaller birds take care of them for us, like the pied flycatcher, whose acrobatic in-flight abilities allow it to catch flying insects, a predominant part of its diet. The song of the nightingale announces the beginning of the mating season. From here, the documentary focuses on some of the birds that reproduce in the wet areas of the island and the viewer sees how adult birds hatch their eggs, chicks and family groups from several different species. Once the reproductive and summer seasons end, the annual cycle comes to a close for the aquatic birds of Menorca. With this thought, and images of a beautiful sunset over the lagoon park S´Albufera de Es Grau, the documentary ends.