It's a cooler, breezy November morning, and it's time once again to take a walk down into the river valley below the house and check what's going on in "the backyard". A quick check around the olive grove and orchards before I head off brings all the familiar regulars...House Sparrows chattering loudly as usual, with Blue Tits, Great Tits and flocks of Serin, Goldfinch and Chaffinch adding to the background noise. As always, Sardinian Warblers churred and clicked from cover in the bushes and fruit trees, but perhaps of more interest was the harder "tak...tak" calls of Blackcap. I've never seen so many at one time, they're down here for the winter in huge numbers and I lost count in only a few minutes.

The sweet song of Robins and the alarm calls of suspicious Blackbirds were a reminder of home as I started down towards the river...a nice view of a male Blue Rock Thrush however had a distinctly Mediterranean feel.  Smokey grey Black Redstarts also showed well, with quick flashes of rusty red on their constantly quivering tails...I counted half a dozen in no time at all.

A short descent towards the river through rockier ground brought another pair of Blue Rock Thrush, with Crag Martins swirling overhead. Good to see these hirundines as winter approaches, with the other migratory species having left for African wintering grounds some time ago.

Along the riverbed now...a Grey Wagtail brought a splash of bright summery yellow, and a Cetti's Warbler sang loudly from a reedbed as I sat briefly and watched a Chiffchaff fluttering busily in some foliage nearby. I thought there was chance of a Firecrest in the olive trees along this stretch, but a flock of Long-tailed Tits entertained as I decided to cross the river and walk up onto the ridge beyond.

Our local Kestrel gave fantastic views as I climbed higher, as the habitat changed to windy, rocky hillside. A fantastic surprise here. Great views of Black Wheatear, first one, then another. I've never encountered these beautiful year-long residents so close to the village before. Striking jet black plumage with snow-white tails...and then yet another Blue Rock Thrush. Some day list this!

With the weather turning, the first few drops of rain had me heading for home...but with some free time on my hands I'll be back on the ridge as soon as possible. Terrific birdwatching today, and all within a short walk from our base of Lanjaron. Keep checking the reports to see how the month unfolds....