On the bird front the highlight was a SHORT-TOED EAGLE carrying a snake in its beak, probably heading to its nest. Other raptors included a nice Hobby which was frequently seen hunting in the air during the afternoon, sometimes along with up to 5 Common Buzzards and a Kestrel. Two juvenile Honey Buzzards were also around and put on good show while perched on some low poles out in a field. Pretty unusual behaviour for a Honey Buzzard. In the open grassland area we also found a Hoopoe's nest, down on the ground among some rocks. There must have been several juveniles in it - we heard them when the parents entered the nest hole to bring food. The adults were otherwise seen frequently flying around with beakfuls of insects. Other birds around also included a singing QUAIL, 1 Cuckoo, Skylark and Woodlark, 1 Stonechat, Hawfinch and the quite abundant Red-backed Shrikes and Corn Buntings.
