Sierra Morena trip day 2 - rain stops play!

Obviously wishing for another sunny day on last night's post was just asking for trouble! Today dawned soggy and very misty in the Sierra Morena mountains, so sadly the Spanish Imperial Eagles didn't show at all. At times the mist was so thick that I couldn't even see the pine tree in which they usually like to perch.

However, the day wasn't a complete washout for wildlife. The eagle hide is in a clearing on a high ridge, surrounded by dense woodland - a rich habitat. So although the eagles didn't put in an appearance, there were plenty of woodland birds to keep me occupied. Again, today's shots have only had a quick crop, so I'll be editing properly once I'm back in the UK.

Azure-winged Magpie in the mist

  The stars of the show were the Azur-winged Magpies. These cheeky little bandits suddenly appear as if from nowhere in noisy flocks of 20 or more. They are very entertaining to watch as they carry out their raids on the bait with about as much subtlety as a gang of teenagers loitering outside an off-license!

Azure-winged Magpie - showing why it has it's name!

The mist & drizzle did provide some interesting light effects, so I had fun experimenting with different shots.

Jay with crest raised

As well as the Magpies, 3 or 4 Jays flew through the clearing, and one landed for just long enough for me to rattle off 3 or 4 shots. To me, the Jays here look markedly bigger than the ones I'm used to seeing in the UK, but I could be wrong! A small group of rather bedraggled Spotless Starlings also hung around for a while.

Spotless Starlings

As you'd expect, there were several species of Thrush present, including Blackbirds, Song Thrush and Mistle Thrush. Interestingly, there was also one solitary Redwing - a bit of a rarity for the area, even in winter. 

Mistle Thrush

A very obliging Sardinian Warbler decided to perch right by the hide, which was handy! I also had good views of Black Redstarts. 

Sardinian Warbler

Female Black Redstart

Disappointing not to get the Eagles, but that's wildlife -and the weather at this time of year - for you. keeping everything crossed that the weather might improve again over the weekend...