Wednesday 22 February 2017, Gaucin, mostly cloudy, light-fresh SE wind, 14C

Dull and damp for the past few days in a succession of easterly winds. This morning the first 2 Barn Swallow of the year were over Calle Convento and House Martin numbers in the same area are up to 20+. The highlights of a look at the west slope of El Hacho this afternoon were a pair of Peregrine, Southern Grey Shrike and Cirl Bunting; also a Dull Ophrys orchid. There are still a few Song Thrush and Black Redstart around as a reminder that Winter isn't yet over, but Blackcap and Stonechat in full song tell you that Spring is around the corner.