Eyes UP but wear a hat.

No sign of it yet but I'm sure very soon we'll all be able to gaze skywood over Sitio and see 2 or more Booted Eagles which seem to nest and hunt along the course of the river. One would think with all the spare cats around Sitio they might soon be hunting a little closer.
Regarded as a summer visitor it can be seen from February though to November with small but increasing numbers staying on in southern Spain during winter months. The smallest of the European Eagle and is roughly the size of a Common Buzzard. The more common form has a dirty white breast, belly and forewing with dark flight feathers showing also a dark trailing edge. Views to the front show clear white spots at the joint of wing and body, known as “landing-lights”.

At least 3 sightings by various people so far of our local booted Eagles- nice to see them back ! If you want a closer look at this type of bird I suggest a trip up the cable-car at Benalmedina where there's a great 'Bird of Prey' centre which has several as well as Golden Eagles and Many others. They do daily flying displays there as well.
I understand the Swallows and housemartins are back too but will need to build up some strength before the lovely little buggers start building those great nests they come back to each year (and we knock down after they've gone) For those who are blessed with a nest - please bear with them - while they may not always be able to keep the area around their nests clean - they are really harmless and great to watch when the chicks hatch. They are rarely frightened during their nesting time and we have seen them sleeping hanging on the door frame at night - not even moving while the door was opened.
I think their trips to South Africa each winter and then to come back to see US in sping is worth a little patience - and dont forget - every FLY the eat doesnt come into out apartments and land on our food !

As I sit here on the computer i can hear the swallows chatting just out side my door, they have started to build again for the third year, last year they had two broods, one of four and one of five, ha ha i hope i dint get all 11 back to build on my door step, ha ha great i love them,it makes you feel like they are friends that have come back to stay with you for the summer,



these are two years ago, bless them.