We had a whale of a time last night at the bar run by Carlos just up the street, and despite pulsating and loud techno music we enjoyed some convivial conversation.
Ill-at-ease would be the term I would use to describe the birds hereabouts, not making for very good photographic subjects, with even the humble House Sparrow disappearing at great distance. John and Marion had to busy themselves this morning with shopping for and preparing the dinner party for this evening, so I set out alone to discover more about the local area here at Teresa de Cofrentes.
It would seem the best time to encounter the local Spotless Starling population is early morning as they fly from their roost on the church to set off in seach of food. Poor light saw to it that the images were not of the best, but I'll plug away in the hope of producing some better ones.
Both Black Wheatear were in attendance again,
in a compount just behind the house
and a little further on up the hill I was able to get this shot of Teresa de Cofrentes.
A 'Bracket' type fungus on a fruit tree caught my eye,
as did a Short-toed Eagle as it began its upward 'thermaling', again I guess in search of food?
There were 8 additions to the 'trip list' today, one being the Eagle above and a couple of
Crested Lark which were initially seen perched on a house before flying to a nearby Olive Grove where they were displaying and calling.
In the same grove I found this strange looking plant
while these delicate flowers were in abundance along every roadside.
Blue Tit was addition number 3 confirming a suspicion of one yesterday.
Some of the rugged terrain throughout these hills, and at lower elevation arable land which supports
Mistle Thrush,
what I believe to be Cordiline or Aloe Vera,
Meadow Pipit
Stonechat and this species
of Cactus.
Some time after mid-day I called in to see Mine Host Carlos at the local beer bar, for a pint, smoked fish and a plate of locally produced papas (crisps).
There was a warm welcome plus a random snapshot of some of the people in the bar who, it turned out, to be a number of local dignitaries as identified by John & Marion. From left, the town Mayor, unknown, the Blacksmith, the Judge, unknown, the Blacksmith's wife, unknown and the Mayor's wife.
The other additions to the 'list' were Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler (both vocal), Sand Martin, Grey Wagtail and Coal Tit. I was almost sure a Collared Dove flew into the same tree as the Tit, but firstly the field guide states they do not occur here and second there was no follow up confirmation of my brief glipmse. 
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