The rain in Spain ...

You don't really expect lashing rain, fierce winds and seriously cold temperatures in southern Spain in late April, but that's what we got.   Some of the streets in Seville were flooded as we left the city on Saturday morning and the river was a raging. rich muddy colour and seriously full.

Not that we were deterred.  The rain eased as we headed up to Extremadura and the rest of the day was sunshine and showers (more of the latter than the former) but always with a really strong wind.  The Montagu's Harriers were on great form, displaying, prey-passing in mid air and getting their nest sites organised.  They breed in colonies in barley fields and, of course, there's a problem when it comes to the harvest.  That'a s lot of what Fergus's work is about (see previous blog) - mapping the nests and ensuring the farmers avoid them when the time comes.

We had a busy three days, quite a bit of it with the harriers and other members of the AMUS (Action for Wildlife) team but also had time to check out hotels and restaurants for the tour and do a bit of general birding.  I was thrilled - I had seven "lifers" (species I'd never seen in my life before) including Great and Little Bustard and the rare Black-shouldered Kite which was fantastic.   There was a wonderful spot smothered in orchids and, a rare treat, a Nightingale singing but in full view (they usually lurk in the bushes and frustrate the heck out of you if you want to see as well as hear them.

All in all it was an excellent (if chilly) three days - five if you count the travel, but that wasn't excellent, it was just tedious!   I love the place I live, but having to take the extra flights to and from London really does add a lot of time to any journey.   On the other hand, what would I do if there wasn't something to grumble about?