Toledo to Salamanca

 On Friday 2nd we left Toledo behind as Storm Alex found us on way to Ávila. We chose to avoid the motorway and the option was the original road before the motor way had been built thus giving us more time to look. On route we had fleeting sightings of Black Kites - Milano Negro, two Common Kestrels - Cernicalo Vulgar and a Common Buzzard - Busardo Ratonero. We had intended to visit the town, but with the storm we decided otherwise and carried on. One quick photo for FB was the only record, but we did see the massive walls.

On the way to Salamanca we passed through stubble fields, wooded areas of Pines, and moorland with Cattle. We could have been in Cornwall and the weather was typical too. Later we passed fields of maize. The university City of Salamanca is something else. It’s spectacular and well worth seeing. It was cold, much colder than we anticipated and tomorrow is another day.

Saturday morning was bright, less wind and chilly. We are alongside Rio Tormes and this river and environs must be a magnet for wildlife. We walked out and immediately heard Black Cap - Carruca Capirotada singing and we eventually saw both male and female from the bridge. Also Chiffs too - Mosquitero Común. The Roman Bridge is worth the walk. Two thousand years old and in fine nick. It's amazing to see so many people running, cycling, walking and talking and paying little heed to what's around them. They appear happy to walk over the souls of the builders, slaves and workmen. I appreciated it all. Looking over the side of it into the riverside habitat a Kingfisher - Martin Pescador flew away. Blackcaps kempt on singing and on the side of the bridge were Tree Sparrows - Gorrión Molinero. They obligingly perched for my best ever views and to be photographed. Excellent.

 Flying fast over the river were two Sand Martins - Avión Zapador and they made it so difficult to get a good view of them as they were so fast. They are in their way to Africa.

We were at the end of the bridge when a flock of doves flew up and with them was a Black Kite - Milano Negro. Sometimes town birding pays off! 

Also tame Wood Pigeons - Paloma Torcaz and our first view of a Collared Dove - Tórtola Turca since leaving home. 

A little later a Robin - Petirrojo and a female Chaffinch - Pinzón Vulgar. A flock of Goldfinches - Jilgueros flew into the trees.

Salamanca by night.