Another early start to a small hide on the hillside above Cremenes for Red-backed Shrikes - except the only one we briefly saw was a female about 100 metres away. In the meantime, a Common Whitethroat visited on and off, keeping to the bushes

before finally giving up for a decent shot.

With nothing much happening, we returned to La Luna for the rest of morning session. The Griffon Vultures did not appear to dominate the food. A lone Carrion Crow showed for a short time

until a pair of Ravens appeared and they monpolised the food.

A lone Common Buzzard also put in a brief appearance

but the stars of the session, once again, were Black Kites.

finally giving a grandstand view by perching on a post just in front of the hide.

Undoubtedly, the unseasonal heatwave was affecting the wildlife as several expected species just did not appear.

It was getting hotter now so the afternoon session became an evening session, not starting until 6.00pm. We were taken to another hillside hide at La Trebede, most attractive as it overlooked a mountain meadow, untouched and in bloom. A few Griffon Vultures were the first to drop in taking some food with one opening it's wings to get rid of parasites.

The usual Ravens were in attendance

and one or two Black Kites.

with one flying off with it's spoils.

At first, the lack of numbers was a disappointment but this proved to be an advantge. Egyptian Vultures are wary when there is large feeding session in progess as they are smaller in size but one or two cautiously came in and then really put on a show with no competition around.

and even a close flypast.

I ended up with over 1000 photos of the species, finally narrowed down to a representative sample of a bird that I only had passable photos before.

Result of the afternoon - a winner!!!!

The weather was getting noticeably warmer and that meant earlier starts in the morning and later starts in the afternoon. This morning we went to Villayandra, just a short drive from Cremenes - a wooded area with the hides and perches in shade. The problem is that, in such conditions, the shade is much deeper and the sunlight much harsher so this morning was not a productive one for photography due to the hight ISO's required to get any reasonable shutter speed.

First to show was a Robin that entertained us with a song (camera settings f6.5 - 200thsec - ISO12800)

Not surprisingly, not the best quality image that I have ever taken.

A Great Spotted Woodpecker made a few visits.

and much more interesting, a female Black Redstart but no sign of a male.

Surprisingly, as the sunlight appeared on the left side of the glade, a Red Squirrel briefly appeared.

but the star of the show, for me, was an Iberian Green Woodpecker that stubbornly stayed in the heavy shade. A first for me but some heavy editing required.

And that is the sum total of the shots worth keeping from 3 hours in a hide. Two or three species promised did not appear at all so very much a mixed morning.

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.

Collecting us late afternoon from our hotel, Bernado drove is a few miles from Cremenes to a site called La Una where a couple of hides overlooked an outcrop of rocks at the top of the valley so nice open views. Rather cloudy at first but then the sun came out - a glorious place for bird photography.

After spreading the food around the raptors started to arrive with the Griffon Vultures in numbers.

and showing that withering stare.

A lone Buzzard braved the Vulture-fest for a short time

and the rarer Egyptian Vulture flew past to see what the activity was all about

but, being intimidated by the larger 20 or so Griffon Vultures, it did not land.

Of course the usual Ravens were making their mark on the proceedings,

but the stars of the show were Black Kites that kept their distance as long as the Griffon Vultures were present but soon arrived after they departed

with a lighter coloured one {Juvenile?) taking exception to something

before a larger bird (adult) came in and stole the food it was trying to protect.

The action slowed down as the sun began to set but a fascinating three or so hours.