Monday 11th June (Bird-watching in Haro: The Spanish Way)


Mr. Kite looked out of The Joint window onto a wet grassy camp-site. The scop's owl had stopped bleeping and the heavens had opened.

Today Mr. Kite had a plan to listen to, locate and identify the birds of Haro. In the still morning air with the sun shining Mr. Kite prepared himself by listening to a serin and finding it in a tree nearby. Slowly the wind speed increased and the leaves on the trees went horizon so Mr. Kite and His Lady headed for the square in Haro to watch the birds.

White storks flew around their nests. The landing required great skill in the strong wind and eddys from the buildings: but turning into the wind. lowering legs and a power flap here and there, the landing manoeuvre was completed with a graceful controlled touch-down.

Sitting in a street cafe drinking Rioja is a Spanish way to watch birds. In the low trees house sparrows chirped and flitted around as they caught small insects and picked up morsels of food left by the cafe customers.

Overhead kestrels, booted eagles and black kites looked for stragglers and birds that were off-guard. So for a few hours Mr. Kite and His Lady watched birds; the Spanish way. A glass of Rioja, a pincho tortilla and a plate of patata bravas enhanced the experience.

After watching Rafa Nadal win the French Open Mr. Kite and His Lady returned to The Joint to watch black kites, booted eagles and England play football.

Mr. Kite enjoyed a tipple of San Miguel. Cheers.