Tuesday 08 March 2016, Gaucin, mostly sunny, light-fresh N-NE wind, 15C

After a bitterly cold day yesterday, just 8C and raining at lunchtime, a keen northerly wind once again helped to make it feel cooler than the temperature suggested but it didn't deter a good number of Short-toed Eagle from heading north with 18+ seen moving through between 13:45-15:45hrs, at least 10 in a loose 'flock' at 14:45; also a single Black Kite.

On Sunday at 18:50hrs 2 adult Egyptian Vulture were heading north over the village.

Still no further Swift sightings since the early arrival on 03 March but there are now several Barn Swallow complementing the dozens of House Martin cruising the southern edge of the village. Blackbirds are revving up, too, with at least two in full song around Calle Convento/Calle del Pino. There's still an occasional Black Redstart in the village so we've not yet moved to full 'summer mode'!

There are a few early orchids around, such as Dull Ophrys and Mirror Ophrys:

Dull Ophrys Ophrys fusca

Mirror Ophrys Ophrys ciliata