THE STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR
The Geographic Framework.
The Strait of Gibraltar is widely recognized as one of the hot spots for bird migration in Europe. Strategically located in the southernmost point of Europe, the Strait is a narrow funnel-shaped canal that separates Africa and west Europe, giving the shortest distance between the two continents of just 15 Km. This geographical situation, together with the effect of intense easterly and westerly winds, make the Strait one of the most important migratory “bottle-necks” of the Mediterranean, channelling through it migrating birds from west and central Europe. Particularly important is the mass migratory movements of soaring birds (raptors and 
storks), that due to their flight behaviour, avoid long sea crossings, producing each year concentrations of hundreds of thousands birds of more than thirty species during passage.
In addition, the Strait of Gibraltar is the only natural marine connection between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, so most of the seabirds moving in or out of the Mediterranean must pass the across the Strait.
Although many small migrants, such as passerines, can cross the Mediterranean on a broad front, there are increasing evidences that high concentrations take the shortest route across the Strait during both passages.
More information on birdwatching in the Strait of Gibraltar:
Strait of Gibraltar
