As dusk fell over the River Ebro, a thick cloud of mayflies descended on the bridge. Confused by the dazzling lights, the insects had mistaken it for water, laying their eggs on the dark asphalt. Jose had only minutes to document this phenomenon before the air cleared – a carpet of doomed eggs and wasted bodies left behind.
After emerging from their larval cases, female adult mayflies have just hours to lay their eggs before they die. The bridge lights have likely upset their navigation and while the phenomenon may be a spectacle for tourists, for the mayflies the effect of the artificial light has devastating consequences.
Spain
Jose Manuel has been a wildlife photographer for 25 years and specialises in birds. He’s also worked on several studies on the migration of birds, which have been published in magazines such as Ardeola. Jose’s photos have received several awards, including awards in Wildlife Photographer of the Year and the GDT European Wildlife Photographer of the Year. He’s a member of the Spanish Association of Nature Photographers and the Spanish Ornithological Society.
Help us harness the power of photography to advance scientific knowledge, spread awareness of important issues and nurture a global love for nature.
