NAKED BREXIT RE-NEGOTIATIONS GET A SOAKING FROM SECOND HAND EUROPEAN PLONK.

I am sick of hearing of any talk on BREXIT. I know that it is essential and it could be that the U.K. will no longer be a member of The European Union soon. (or could it be later?)

We are not and never have been in a divorce situation when the ‘Peoples Referendum’ decreed that we should no longer be that strongly aligned with mainland Europe and thankfully, we never joined the Euro. It has been a one sided affair with the bureaucrats in Brussels taking and maintaining an intransigent stance on any discussion on the separation. It seems the Irish ministers are of the same ilk and with everyone talking about ‘our further working relationship’ it seems pointless to keep on listening. However, it should be affable, in the interests of the masses because we all have to continue to live, eat and be employed.

In this game of brinkmanship who will be the losers and I am sure it will not be those un-elected bureaucrats. They will still be wearing their shiny suits and spending well on their expense accounts, no doubt. What a mess it is and I don't mean just for the Brits.

I voted to REMAIN and I could not see how our membership was not worthwhile to continue. Two years have gone by and Europe has moved on and there have been significant changes. Who can say that we will be better off within a changing and more Federalist political entity? Maybe we could have been?

For me, I think humour, paints the fastest picture into our minds. The Times Cartoonists are brilliant and today the most pointed, pertinent with the one that says it all. YOU CAN PISS OFF.
I love this cartoon even though it is crude and, I ask this question, is a naked bureaucrat ever good to see?

BOOK REVIEW FORCE OF NATURE BY JANE HARPER

JANE HARPER’s, SECOND BOOK ‘FORCE OF NATURE’ FOLLOWS ON FROM ‘THE DRY’.
An additional character for any story, is location. A different place can be a captivating change for the reader. I loved, Jane Harper’s ‘The Dry’ when I read it a year ago. It is set in Australia and when her second book, ‘Force of Nature’, was published it had to be read.

I never give clues away. I like to concentrate on what the book can give to the reader. It is easy for me to say that stories within it are about families. We are blessed or cursed with 24/7’ news that reveals nasty stuff that a writer can pick out and incorporate into a book. Without giving anything away Jane Harper gives her characters anxieties, issues and lets them get into a mess.

The family-run firm of BaileyTennants decides to take their staff into the wilderness. It seemed a good idea and one that the ‘corporates’ do. Girls against the boys is a minor distraction only, with the note on the front cover, ‘Five went out. Four come back….’ giving a strong hint as to what this could be about. Believe me it's not a short stroll out with a short one to get back. The descriptions of the trees, paths, rivers and mountain ranges are characters that show how rough it was out there without the participants making it tougher.

Federal Agent Aaron Falk and his partner, Carmen Cooper, are already investigating BaileyTennants as the main players of the company are tramping through the bush. Then one gets lost! And so, the agents, put on their walking boots to tramp out to assist the rangers and state police. If you were to think that Cooper is playing a subservient roll to Falk then you can forget it. She plays her part.

It would be easy to say that these Fed Agents are the two main characters, but they are not.
They are equally matched by others. The strong writing and equally characters along with the extra dimension of a wilderness make this a terrific read.

I enjoyed it. In reader parlance, it's a ‘page turner’.

There are more details on the back cover. If you don't want to know anymore - don't read it for this will enable you to enjoy the story better, in my opinion.

Brown Necked Raven

Saturday 19th proved to be a very successful morning as I have stated in my write-up for that day.
The photographs that were taken by Bryan Thomas show how good it was and they are all there on his blog - birdingcostablanca.blogspot.com - and when I found the stationary Brown Necked Raven talking to me and the group of Spanish birders it has become my favourite photograph.

At the same time that we are able to watch beautiful birds and wildlife in general there is killing out there. No one can be complacent and the urge to kill and to destroy seems to be everywhere. It appears that the conservationists and the killers are ‘Grouse moor’ miles apart. I will have more to say later.

WEEKLY ROUND UP

We have some very good sightings this week and two new species for me. Looking back on 4th February, last year, we had Alpine Accentors running around our feet at Ermita de la Virgen de las Peña and the following day we were watching a Marsh Sandpiper. Our trip to Huelva and Donaña also gave us ‘Grass Owl’.

So this year has already been kind as Ring Ouzels showed well in Sierra de Espuña and my favourite memory of one is the one in the rose bush. That's another first.



Song Thrushes have been with me all my life and this one again with those red haws helping to accentuate the markings.

Our second day out this week in Bonete area produced wonderful views of Great Bustards.

Our journey to Cabo de Palos gave me another first as we were told the Brown Necked Raven was there. And so it was. It flew around several times, sat and cawed, and this is a flying shot of it.

All the photographs are courtesy of Bryan Thomas.

SAN PEDRO & CABO DE PALOS

We intended to go inland this morning, but with cool temperatures, some cloud and a possibility of rain it was likely not to be a good decision. In the end the decision was easy as a Brown Necked Raven was reported at Cabo de Palos.

On Saturday 19th the three of us met at San Pedro Del Pinatar. The Salinas have not contained much in previous visits. Today was not exceptional with Turnstones on the beach, the usual Yellow Legged Gulls, but not a wader in sight from the main carpark. Three Linnets perched on a fence and Stonechats were there too. We quickly moved on and the lagoons showed little. We managed one lone Ruff, but in excellent condition. Thirty nine Black Tailed Godwits were in the distance and Avocets were easily seen.

The bridge over the the canal next to the small carpark was where we viewed a close-by Spotted Redshank, with two Redshanks in the distance. A Little Egret showed well in it’s summer plumage. Chiffs were very active feeding, a Grey Wagtail flitted across the canal and a Kingfisher flashed across as well. Yes, we had clear and close sightings, but not a great return from this expanse of water. We did not spend any more time here and travelled straight to Cabo de Palos.

We walked into the area around the lighthouse and then our target bird flew over and around us. We watched it fly over several times before it perched on the rim of a building within meters of the carpark. It stayed for many minutes. We watched it, heard it calling and it was photographed. The call is ‘crow-like’ and not the distinctive cronk of the larger Raven. This one is smaller with non of the obvious throat feathers and a thinner bill. The brown plumage is fairly obvious. We were happy and this was a second tick for me in five days. Out to sea, Gannets flew, and three Shag were on the water. Monk Parakeets were in the palms.

The old Salinas adjacent to Cabo de Palos now contains water and there were birds there. There was a mixture of Gulls, with most being Auduoin’s. It was pleasing to see about hundred Golden Plover. Black Winged Stilts were seen with two more waders with Greenshank and Redshank. Sardinian Warblers flew in and around the bushes.On the way out there were seven Spoonbills sifting through the water. It is always good to end on a good sighting and they rounded off our day very nicely.

Yes, we did the mileage and it was worth it. The African Raven adding to our day. Three very good days out and Trev’s total for trip was a respectable 103.

GREAT BUSTARDS AND MORE

ANOTHER DAY INLAND IN GREAT BUSTARD COUNTRY
Thursday 17th was less favorable to us, compared with last Tuesday, and when we arrived in Corral Rubio the temperature was only 3 degrees with a cold wind. We took a different approach to how we worked this area and making Higueruela our last stop of the day. Our other main points of interest are the areas around Bonete, Corral Rubio and Petrola and this is how we progressed our journey. We know this area well and we have had successful visits many times. Yes, we have seen Little Bustards here before and this species, together with Bramblings, were two of our possible targets.

Turning from A31 at Bonete we saw over one hundred birds perched on the cables between pylons on the approach to the local cemetery. These were a number of Linnets, Rock Sparrows with some Starlings. Collared Doves flew around too. On the marshy corner of a field were three Swamphens and grazing nearby was a white goose. A little later we were able to watch, close by, several Lapwings and were able to appreciate fully this beautiful bird. Areas of small bushes always yield something and there were Stonechats, Black Redstarts, the odd Southern Grey Strike, a Sardinian Warbler and even a male Dartford Warbler obliged too.

Small birds apart, we were soon viewing nineteen Great Bustards at a reasonable distance. It was easy to distinguish the larger male birds and the not so big females. We always enjoy seeing them and as we traversed the caminos we had other great views too. Later on we saw three strung out groups of 53 Great Bustards and our total for the day was 72. Good clear views too and we even witnessed two ‘fly pasts’ and to put our day into perspective these birds almost equal the total of re-introduced birds in Wiltshire. I am pleased to say another successful and hard won reintroduction.

In past years, wet areas with adequate lagoons, have provided us with waders and ducks. However a Snipe did fly and indicating there are some birds around. We know from our recent visits that previously wet areas do not exist. There has been a lack of rain this winter and it is dry there It is no good banging on about it as that is the way it is. I include a photograph of the ‘causeway’ which has been under water in past winters.

Lagunas de Petrola was almost devoid of wildlife as reported before.

The favourite spot at Higueruela was cold and grey and yielded Mistle Thrush and two Tree Creepers. That's not a good return, but that is what we found.

I always prefer to finish on a positive note and what we saw was wonderful. Those Great Bustards, are just that, great! Raptor wise it was left to several Common Buzzards and over a dozen Marsh Harriers. On a grey and chilly afternoon we headed for home feeling still optimistic about future visits. It's a massive area to drive through and around and there is always something good to see.

I enjoy immensely spending time with like minded friends and seeing beautiful animals and writing about our days is enjoyable too. I also intend to give details of where we have been and what we have seen. Those words are for the benefit of others; for those that go where we have been. To enjoy. You can comment too, if you wish.

SALADARES DE GUADALENTIN AND SIERRA ESPUÑAS

The Birding Buddies (minus one) of Birding Costa Blanca were out early on Tuesday 15th and meeting on the AP7 at Santamera before investigating for one more time the Saladares de Guadalentin. For those that have never transversed this expansive flat area of agriculture/horticulture and ‘resting’ areas of the uncultivated parts it is huge. There were people working here, but the birds don’t seem to mind. Solitary individuals were organizing the flow of water as fields were being irrigated.

It can be a frustrating place for any birder, but today our efforts paid us back as the eagle eyed searched and listened. Spectacled Warblers are resident here and they popped up and disappeared on several occasions. We took our time and on a sunny unkempt corner there was a lot of activity. A few obvious Cattle Egrets fed, but our attention was drawn to the number of small birds flying around and returning to feed. They were checked out and among House Sparrows were two Spanish Sparrows. These birds were not easy to spot amongst the activity, but all three of us got onto them and the camera proved it. It was a ‘tick’ for us in this location. Goldfinches, Chaffinches and Greenfinches in good colour showed well. White Wagtails were everywhere with Meadow Pipits and we saw the occasional Black Redstarts, Chiffs with Crested Larks calling and flying around us. Calandra Larks were heard, but we know where to see them elsewhere. Skylarks were evident, their calls were all round us and we saw them feeding.

Spectacled Warbler

Spanish Sparrow

We were pleased and it proves that it is not good to be negative about any area for it can be an area to re-visit.

By that time we had seen a pale morph Booted Eagle, a Common Buzzard and a distant Marsh Harrier. Both species of Bustard have been seen before, but not today. Then two Sandgrouse were seen to drop into a field and fly up again. We watched and observed six feeding in a small field close to us. It was our best views of Black Bellied Sandgrouse and to see them calmly feeding, showing their plumage well and with clear black bellies evident, it was excellent viewing.

Black Bellied Sandgrouse

Later we came across a tall, newish block construction building and the photograph shows it more economically than words can do. The holes, we presumed, gave access to nest cavities. We have no idea what it is there for. As we drove away a Little Owl flew.



This morning we covered less area than we normally do and with such good sightings there was no hurry to move on. However, we wanted to be up in Sierra Espuñas for our target bird. This was my third attempt at seeing Ring Ouzels with the two previous efforts being either too late or two early in the season. On the way up we usually see Golden Eagles and we did and then during the afternoon we had five different sightings with at least two different birds.

We parked and headed up to the area of ruins that were used to store ice. There is a water source there and once we were able to see the small enclosure there they were. A first for me and if anyone is going to see these birds this has to be the best way of doing it. In the bushes I counted into double figures as they perched, flew away to return a little later. The white fronts of the males showed well and so did the bronzy/browner plumage of the female and younger birds.

Two males perched in the top of a pine with a Mistle Thrush sat between them. That was the best view for me.

Ring Ouzel

On our arrival here we set the scopes up before the photographer walked down. There was one Cirl Bunting, two Redwings, also a Song Thrush, Goldfinches, a Great Tit - we have seen them before here - and a Robin and a Blackbird too. The Ouzels were flying in and out of the pines and there calls were unmistakeable.

Redwing

Song Thrush

This is a terrific place set up high in the mountains with ranges and peaks around us. Today it was perfect. We were in full sun and only a light breeze. We could feel the chill in the air, but this is January! What a setting! And we had three brief views of Golden Eagles.

At Mirador del Collado Bermejo, on the way back down we stopped at the view point where there is a water source. And to finish off our birding day we had close views of both female and male Crossbills and a Coal Tit obliged too.

Crossbill


What a great day it was and to add to it we saw groups of Mouflon during the ascent and on our way down. Just half a dozen to start with and with over twenty in one group. They are very ‘photographical’ and this species of wild sheep seems to attract attention with their horns and ‘chest beards’. Originally only indigenous to Corsica and Sardinia, the Western European variety were introduced to other countries. Of course, the reason for this would have been for hunting and a food source, but these animals today were not easily spooked although obviously wary.

Mouflon

Their sightings added something special to a great birding day out.

Blackcaps

Blackcaps are lovely warbles to observe and the ones on Rio Montnegre on Tuesday morning were wonderful to watch. For a top quality shot that Bryan always wants would have been possible if the the odd twig of the Pomegranate tree had not got in the way. As they are such great birds here are two photographs of these warblers taken on another time.

DICK CHENEY AND THE FILM ' VICE'

THE FILM VICE - A BIOPIC ABOUT POWER
VICE is one more film that comes marching out of the garbage can of American political history. It is not for me to place Dick Cheney, a once vice-president of the United States of America into a category of any sort - good, bad or something worse - as this film clearly does.

Written and directed by Adam McKay where sometimes the words are in short supply and certain scenes are clipped short. Media announcements are added in together with the unforgettable planes being flown into the twin towers. The question that I ask is this. Is this a film about one man or about the state of the world in which we live? Okay, Dick Cheney is the vehicle on which this film moves on. And I suppose it is which side of politics you inhabit would depend upon whether you loathe this or hate it. What concerns me is where the dividing line between truth and fiction falls. Or maybe it is all true!

There is nothing pleasant about this film, but at times there is humour. In fact it is listed as ‘biographical comedy drama’, but for the most part I took it seriously as it is scary.

Cheney, as shown in the film, was a wild character that became a man seeking power which he obtained by subterfuge. He sees the ‘Vice’s’ job as a nothing job, but changes it when he talks George Bush Jnr. into letting him have the offices that holds the power. He re-writes the law too.
There it is; all that power without being president.

There are domestic scenes that play out well and there is love too. Also there is the dark side of human relations with the in-laws and a clear indication of abuse and an un-investigated death of his wife’s mother. There were scenes where love was apparent particularly when his daughter declared her sexuality and in the death scene. I liked the way a working man was chosen to give us some facts and to talk us through a few sequences. That was a nice touch.

The events depicted show how easy it was to go to war and the brief scenes of prisoner brutality are both excused as it was to combat terror. I wish that I had the heart to say that the world is in a better place for it.

WILL DEAN with RED SNOW AND MORE FOREST MURDERS

Will Dean writing from and setting his stories in Sweden, in Utgard Forest, amongst the pines, the Elk and the marsh has his second book out today, Red Snow. That's a setting that could spell much danger to a ‘townie’. It is a follow up from Dark Pines that I read and reviewed last August. Tuva Moodyson working in the small town of Gavrik for the local newspaper, again seeks to find the truth in an area far from her city roots. Who would give her a chance when she is young, obviously female and also deaf, but she is relentless in her efforts. I will not spoil your excitement and anticipation and therefore you will have to read it to find out.

Chapter one of Red Snow is freely given in the back of Dark Pines and both books contain serious action in their opening chapters. That was enough to draw me in and to keep me there and so for now I have to wait for the delivery van to bring the other chapters of Red Snow to me.

Will Dean does give a hint when he writes “…..the case that's going to make her wish she’d left Arctic Gavrik long ago”. It looks as though she could be in trouble and I will find out when I make this my first crime novel of 2019.

MAIGMÓ & MONTNEGRE

We were last in these two mountain areas last September and on a cold January morning we made a return trip. On 8th January, 2019 I left San Miguel in darkness, a temperature of only 8 degrees and a light wind. We set off from Gran Alicant with clear skies, in good light and within 20 minutes we were close to the foot of the mountains. If you are there for the views then you will see strange rock formations, in both colour and shape, steep slopes and deep gullies and overall, I will say that it can be described, as an odd landscape.



On the way up to Maigmó there are open areas with untilled fields, sparse almond trees in places, but on the higher slopes it is covered in pines. Woodland birds are hard to spot and not easy to see and this was certainly the case this morning. We travelled up at an easy pace and listening as we went. Chaffinches and Serin were easy to spot and in good numbers. Calling were Long Tailed Tits, Great Tits and both Crested and Cole Tits were seen. A Woodlark called in the distance and remained unseen and Crossbills were all around us. At first they were not easy to locate, but we had great perched views of them of both sexes on two separate occasions and in full sun. Six of them flew away on one occasion.

At the top and from the viewing area Red Squirrels are often there and one posed for us. In one of the pines we saw two nests of the Pine Processionary Moth, but unusually the nests were blue and not in a white ‘net’. An explanation would be welcome, but it could be that the nests have been sprayed to prevent the release of the caterpillars



Other birds seen were both Mistle and Song Thrush, Robins, Sardinian Warblers, and Wood Pigeons called from way off. Although we had full sun the temperature went as low as 3 degrees.

We took the road to Montnegre, but stopped at the river before the town. Here there was plenty of movement as birds flew around and over the running water. White Wagtails were numerous and we had a clear view of a Grey Wagtail. Robins, a lone Starling, House Sparrows were all spotted. An Iberian Green Woodpecker called. Then feeding on the fruit of Pomegranate trees were a male and a female Blackcap. They are not always easy to see, but these two were in full sun and gave us an uninterrupted view.

We drove up and stopped at the sharp turn signed Montnegre. High above the ridge were over twenty Griffon Vultures. Bryan checked them out one by one and in the mix was a Bonelli’s Eagle. Okay the views were high ones but when the photo shots examined it would appear that there were two separate birds. They had to be birds of the day and they have been seen here before. At this location we shared our sightings with an affable birder. It's good to talk!

Carrying on down we were not that lucky, but a Black Wheatear perched and flew. Dartford Warblers generally oblige along this road and were seen too. Black Redstarts are common in winter time and both sexes were easily seen. There were some notable absentees, but they will be there for next time.

In sunny, sheltered nooks, there was some Almond blossom and on one blossoming tree there were bees.