After collecting us from the hotel, all Bernado would say was that we were going flying and it would take us a couple of hours to get there.

Eventually, the penny dropped  when we parked - a cable car ride up a mountain in the Picos de Europa, much further north than our base. After a wait, we did fly up the mountain until we were at around 6000 feet, stepping out to an  expanse of grass and rocks.

It was not long before one of the local residents appeared - Alpine Chough - distinguishable from the Choughs in the UK  by the bright yellow bill. we spent an hour or so with them

and even a pair apparently being very friendly

but, sadly no flight shots.

Another disappointment. We went looking for Snowfinch and, after a time, Howard decided to rest on a rock while Bernardo and myself carried on searching with no luck. Getting back to Howard, he had had a Snowfinch feeding right in front of him. My comments are unprintable here!!!!

After a while, an Alpine Accentor appeared and performed for us.

So two new species for me in one morning - pity about the Snowfinch!!!

Later on, in the afternoon when it was cooler, we went to a paddock near the hotel. The hide was set up facing under a large tree, perfect in cooler conditions but much too contrasty in bright sunlight. We spent three hours there in the evening - I binned all the photos.

Better luck tomorrow.