Albufera Natural Park is set between rice paddies and the sea, and closed off by the meeting of the mouths of the Turia and Júcar rivers. It is a haven for migratory birds. The preserve is located south of Valencia, about 11 kilometres from the capital, and is separated from the sea by a thin stretch of sand dunes held in place by Mediterranean pines and shrubs. The Common Terns shown in this photograph are summer visitors (April-October) to this area and winter in Western and Southern Africa. The mix of birds found at this location was striking. It was a warm, sunny afternoon with temperatures in the mid- to high 70's.