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Posted on Jan 5, 2013 in Blog, Rivers | 0 comments

River: Different Moods

River: Different Moods

We are very much back into the routine of riverside walks in the pursuit of otter activity.  No sightings to report but several fresh spraint and tracks provide some optimism. Over the past few months I’ve kept a little busy looking at different ways the capture the river.  Here are a few below.  I hope you like them. And here comes the rain…. Falling autumn leaves being carried with the current. Leaf underwater trapped between rocks The last hour of light along the Río Piloña. Share...

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Posted on Jan 4, 2013 in Blog, Places | 0 comments

Sunrise & Sunset – Chasing the light in Asturias

Sunrise & Sunset – Chasing the light in Asturias

The southern winds have produced some fantastic skies in Asturias. We’ve spent many mornings and evenings chasing the light.  I’ve enjoyed arriving somewhere in the dark and then waiting for the magic to begin! Here is a selection from various locations in Asturias. Sunrise from Cabo Peñas, Asturias, looking east towards Los Picos de Europa. The same view, 25 minutes later. Still sunrise at Cabo Peñas, an hour after the first picture.  The mountains of Los Picos de Europa is a lot more defined now. The impressive cliffs at Cabo Peñas, the most northerly point of Spain. Sunset at Huexes, Parres, Asturias. Sunset at the coastal village of Candás. The moon rising, looking out to sea from Candás. Still in Candás.  30 minutes later. Share...

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Posted on Dec 16, 2012 in Birds, Blog | 3 comments

Black Woodpecker

Black Woodpecker

12-12-2012 – The day we finally saw a Black Woodpecker. It seems like its been forever. We’ve spent many days walking in forests in search of the Black woodpecker.  We’ve gone armed with maps and directions scribbled on scraps of paper for various ‘hot spots’ from local experts.  We’ve set off on each outing optimistic, informed of the latest sightings, but alas no luck. This week our losing streak finally ended! During our daily walk along the Río Piloña, a few minutes from home, it suddenly appeared, a Black Woodpecker. We watched for 15 minutes as it hammered on a dead tree besides the riverbank, dropping bark and wood into the water as it chiseled away. As it flew off deeper into the woodland, we were given a further treat with the sound of its distinctive screech-like call. Quite a bird and well worth the wait. Hopefully this will be the first of many to come. UPDATE!  20-12-2012 We watched the Black Woodpecker again for 20 minutes on various trees.  A noisy bird...

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Posted on Dec 15, 2012 in Birds, Blog | 3 comments

Cattle Egret

Cattle Egret

On the drive back home we spotted a flock of 12 Cattle Egrets feeding in a field close to the village of Argüerín between Villaviciosa and Gijón. They are normally a very nervous bird but fortunately for us a high stonewall surrounding the field gave them some extra confidence. We managed to watch them for 15 minutes, shooting from the car window. Share...

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Posted on Dec 6, 2012 in Blog, Places | 2 comments

From the Archives – La Tierra de Pinares, Segovia

From the Archives – La Tierra de Pinares, Segovia

In times of winter I occasionally like to look back through pictures of warmer days.   Back in August we headed south to Castilla (whilst many spaniards head north to Asturias!).  Most years we escape a huge local fiesta and visit friends in the region of Segovia. La Tierra de Pinares is an interesting landscape dominated by forests of Maritime & Scots Pine. A roe deer.  We watched a male and female for over an hour. Belinda watching a Little Bustard. We luckily spotted it crossing the road whilst driving but unfortunately I wasn’t quick enough with the camera. Nuthatch Azure-winged Magpie – we don’t find these in Asturias.  They are not shy and incredibly noisy. Share...

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Posted on Nov 10, 2012 in Blog, Places | 3 comments

Autumn continues….

Autumn continues….

This week we revisited the Bosque del Peloño in Ponga for what could be the last time before the leaves completely fall. An Oak leaf, halfway to autumn A view of los Picos de Europa, further along the path from Les Bedules Ruins of a cabaña at Collada Granceno Belinda searching (in vain) for the black woodpecker, along the path from Les Bedules. Share...

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