Golden Oriole - oriolis oriolis The Arroyo de Marin is a peaceful and pleasant place for a ramble so Elena and I took another stroll along the river looking for photo opportunities. Golden Orioles were still showing but I couldn´t get close. They are too wary and elusive.
I was surprised to see a pair of Crossbills sitting quietly in a branch overhanging the river. I do not associate them with waterside habitat but this adult and youngster seemed content to just sit and listen to the trickling stream.
I was surprised to see a pair of Crossbills sitting quietly in a branch overhanging the river. I do not associate them with waterside habitat but this adult and youngster seemed content to just sit and listen to the trickling stream.
 Young Crossbill - |  Adult Crossbill - |
Cardinal Fritillary - argynnis pandora It was much warmer today than on Sunday so butterflies and dragons were flying in abundance. This large Cardinal Fritillary caught my eye, it had no characteristic olive green upper wing coloration, but it was definitely a Cardinal.
Knapweed Fritillary - melitaea phoebe Fritillaries are one of the more attractive butterfly groups, this a Knapweed Fritillary, a common species in Spain but worth a look anyway.
Dragonfly species on this small river are generally different to those that we see on the slower waters near the coast. It is nice to see new species such as Western Spectre and White Featherlegs.
Dragonfly species on this small river are generally different to those that we see on the slower waters near the coast. It is nice to see new species such as Western Spectre and White Featherlegs.
 Western Spectre -  Copper Demoiselle - |  White Featherlegs -  Copper Demoiselle - |
Long Tailed Tit - aegithalos caudatus Long Tailed Tits were foraging around in the olive groves that flank the river. They are a delight to watch as they flit through the trees in groups, always on the move, very busy and dainty little birds. It was also good to see young Barn Swallows resting. After all, flying must be hard work for such young wings.
Barn Swallows
