Dead-juvenile-Griffon-Vulture-7375, originally uploaded by Paradise in Portugal.

We came across this unlucky juvenile a couple of days ago underneath a power-line, the most probable cause of death, and even though it’s a tad morbid to post this piccy on the blog, it struck me immediately just how large this bird was. A wing-span larger than Patricia in the picture, with talons equal to the size of her hand and a beak that was simply massive. Even seeing these birds every other day or so, it’s extremely rare to be able to see one as close as this and to really appreciate just how enormous they are.

5-juvenile-Bee-eaters-7377, originally uploaded by Paradise in Portugal.

Who says European birds are all brown and boring? Even though these five individuals are juveniles and dull and faded by comparison with their breeding plumage, they still knock my socks off with their gorgeous colours.

Subadult-Golden-Eagle-7393, originally uploaded by Paradise in Portugal.

Not the best shot, but also not every day one sees a Golden Eagle this far south. This one was being “shadowed” by a Bonelli’s Eagle which made for a great experience even if they were both quite high …

Short-toed-Eagle-7321, originally uploaded by Paradise in Portugal.

A rather dull, (weather-wise), morning, brightened considerably when we came across this Short-toed Eagle obligingly close enough to get this shot.

Kingfisher-6907, originally uploaded by Paradise in Portugal.

At last - courtesy of Daniela’s hide and an early start - a decent picture of a Kingfisher taken from the pontoon at the bottom of the Quinta’s garden.

Roller-with-Cricket-6079, originally uploaded by Paradise in Portugal.

There seems to have been a big increase in the number of Rollers successfully breeding here over the last few years. I wouldn’t say they’re common yet, but there are certainly more of them and easier to find which is nice as they’re stunningly beautiful. I take my hat off to the LPN for all the hard work they’ve been putting in to make this happen.

Juvenile-Black-eared-Wheatear-5803, originally uploaded by Paradise in Portugal.

A favourite passerine of mine as they’re always so tidy, this is a juvenile only a few days off the nest.

Marsh-Harrier-6177, originally uploaded by Paradise in Portugal.

Another winner courtesy of Daniela’s Hide; the in-take of breath as this Marsh Harrier just flew closer and closer was matched by the machine-gun rattle as two cameras tried to capture its every wing-beat. This shot was at the point when it was so close it spooked at the noise of them …

Bee-eater-with-fly-6104, originally uploaded by Paradise in Portugal.

Just lucky with this one, but love it nevertheless …