Vines and Turbines

I am in the land of vines (Rioja) and wind turbines. The hills are alive with wind and solar stuff, in all directions. Today has been day 1 of attempting to beat last year's total number of birds seen in Spain, taking into account that we're not necessarily always the first to get up and out in the morning. In the same way that boats are all about the back and front, this trip is about veering right (east) as we make our way south, rather than left (west) - as per last year.

The day was spent walking around Laguna de Pitillas in Navarra Province. It is described as being mostly reedy, with little actual water apart from channels. As usual, things have changed and there was plenty of water. 

It didn't take long to find some of my favourite birds - Bittern, Short-toed Eagle, Zitting Cisticola and Hoopoe

Things are going to plan so far, although obviously not all the planned-for birds turned up. My Spanish 'body language' language is still working a treat and the food in this exceptionally friendly hotel, Hospederia De Alesves, is very good. Well it was last night. This is a great time of year to be travelling down through Spain - to the right - as hotels are mostly empty of guests. More fuss made of me - yippee!