LATEST IMAGES - SPAIN1
A free few days just before Christmas gave me a chance to visit the Extremadura region in Spain. After getting lost in Madrid, after my SatNav refused to show me the correct route, an easy drive along an almost traffic free dual carriageway led me to my base in Torrejon el Rubio close to Monfrague National Park. I stayed at the Casa Babel Monfrague where Jose, the owner, made me very welcome and gave me a guided tour of the area. The Castillo de Monfrague gave a wonderful view over the Monfrague National Park and was a spectacular, if cold, place to watch the sunrise on a couple of mornings. Even though it was a public holiday I had the spot to myself as the Spanish didn't seem to venture out until mid morning. At the car park at the bottom of the road to the castle I put out some food hopefully to attract some Azure-winged Magpies. Within a few minutes a small flock had found the food, actually stale cake, and I had my first ever images of this lovely and localised bird.
VIEW FROM CASTILLO DE MONFRAGUE OVER RIVER TAJO
SUNRISE AT CASTILLO DE MONFRAGUE
SUNRISE FROM CASTILLO DE MONFRAGUE
AZURE-WINGED MAGPIE
AZURE WINGED MAGPIE JUMPING
AZURE-WINGED MAGPIE TAKING OFF