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Wednesday 30 December 2015, Gaucin, sunny am, cloudy pm, light NW wind, 17C

On Monday, a quick late afternoon trip to the Asalto de Cura to pick up some kindling for the fire produced not only some nice bits of sweet chestnut but also 10+ Hawfinch! On Tuesday the long-forecast rain eventually arrived, with a moderate 12mm falling early morning; the day cleared slowly from a classic Gaucin 'white-out' and the sun was shining again by late afternoon.

This morning's visit to the Rio Genal, where the water level has dropped significantly during December, was memorable for not one, not two, but 3 Booted Eagle their inclination to remain here reflecting just how mild it has been so far this winter. Also seen were 100+ Griffon Vulture, with 80+ of them above Sierra Crestellina, Common Buzzard being mobbed by a Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Common Kestrel, Common Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Firecrest and an interesting mixed flock, feeding on the ground, that contained Meadow Pipit, Black Redstart, Common Chiffchaff, House Sparrow, Greenfinch and Chaffinch. A couple of European Terrapin were enjoying the winter sun.
Blue Rock Thrush in a 'white-out' - still identifiable via the huge bill!

Better weather at the Rio Genal
male Sardinian Warbler in the garden

pale morph Booted Eagle
European Pond Terrapin Emys orbicularis

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