Just a quick note today to bring everyone up to date with the bird of prey news. As we wait for the first migrants to start returning from their wintering grounds in Africa, it would seem that there's still a place for Buzzards on our local patch. Kiersten took this great shot over the valley above the village...with the skies free of Booted and Short-toed Eagles, this Buzzard has shown well though the colder months.

How much longer this familiar species will have a niche locally remains to be seen. The straits of Gibraltar are starting to fill with migrants returning to European breeding grounds and the hillsides around Lanjaron are prime raptor real estate...it may well be that the Buzzards are edged out by territorial eagles in the coming weeks.

Instantly recognizable to keen UK birdwatchers, it's easy to forget that the Buzzard is an impressive bird in its own right. In terms of body weight and wingspan its a match for the Booted Eagle, and has a grace and control in the air all of its own. Versatile and adaptable, the Buzzard is a breeding resident across the whole of Iberia but as we have commented on before it was some time before we finally got to add it to the year-list for the Alpujarras.

For now, our Buzzard would appear to be enjoying life around the village and continues to give great views as it patrols the local air-space. It will be fascinating to see what happens as the season gets under way. Keep checking the Tour Diaries, and we'll keep all the news coming in...