Peter Jones

My latest article is published by Costa Connection Magazine in their August edition circulated today. An article that confirms that, yes, I am still crazy after all these years.

The Egyptian mongoose, which is native to north Africa, is also found in Spain and Portugal. Evidence points to it having been carried here in Spain by human agency. The question is, by whom? Here a curious pose in the blistering heat currently cooking my area.

An attractive member of the region's raptors is the handsome Black-winged Kite and I would think most of us get a thrill at seeing them. I always remember the first one I ever saw and how surprised I was at their small size and just how strikingly beautiful they are.

I don't think there is a more loathsome politician in the UK than Farage, although Tice et al run him a close second. Espouses just everything from the Trump playbook.

And should be at the top of the list to be made public!

Mistle Thrush (Europe's largest thrush) is notoriously shy and so when this opportunity arose at close quarters it was be quick and take advantage. It seemed more interested in what might be overhead than me, the moment was fleeting but frozen in time by this timely snapshot.

Red Fox are common throughout my region and many can appear almost grey. I always enjoy the encounters I have each year and thrilling to watch their antics as they quarter areas in search of food.

We have a wonderful number of butterflies here in our region and as summer progresses so too does our enjoyment of these beautiful insects. Here Wall Brown (Lassiomata megera) enjoy the sweet tastes of the many local plants that flower in the summer heat.

During the hottest of days it can still be worthwhile to catch up with a favourite bird before they start to disperse for their long journey south to Africa. One bird that makes these forays bearable is the stunning Black-eared Wheatear. The most attractive of wheatears.

Red-veined Darter ensuring the future and no doubt enjoying a get together!

Another constant, at least for me, when visiting our neighbour in Morocco is the wonderful Spiny-tailed Lizard.

A regular on my visits to Morocco has been Barbary Ground Squirrel. Fun and cute all at the same time.

My local Bee Eaters are keeping busy around their colonies at the moment and make for a spectacle with their vibrant colours and cheerful chatter.

Known throughout the western palearctic as Shore Lark, not as Cornell would impose as Horned Lark, like disrespectfully calling European species with the name grey as the americanism gray, perhaps we should look at the name Atlas Shore Lark Eremophila alpestris atlas?

Locally fairly common Dave, but suspect it might have shown signs of a recent decline. Can be back with us as early as February.

The diminutive Subalpine Warbler has done its best to avoid me this year, but you can fly but you cannot hide! Such a striking small and skulking warbler and really always a thrill to catch up with...

Any visit to Morocco never seems complete without finding the beautiful Blue-cheeked Bee Eater, so colourful and just a wonderful bird to spend time with.

My monthly article for the regional newspaper SUR appeared in today's issue and reflects on the Common Redstart and finding it breeding in my local area after 21 years. A short read.

Thank you, a respectful distance as it was in the midst of the breeding season.

Nice to catch-up with Rock Thrush (male) during my time in the High Atlas Mountains. A beautiful bird and much prized sighting.

Whether wandering across Morocco or my own patch at this time of year, I am always struck by how juvenile birds have yet to learn of threats to their survival. Here a Juvenile Cream-coloured Courser shows absolutely no fear but it won't be long before it adopts caution as the better part of valour.

Good to find it in a location not normally associated with them. Thanks Mark.

Enjoyed wandering the sand and stone deserts of Morocco and finding a few target birds including this stunning male Crowned Sandgrouse.

Big thing on my agenda whilst visiting Morocco for the first couple of weeks in May was to try and get better photos of a few species including Crimson-winged Finch. I haven't processed all my photos yet but this popped out at me this morning!

Summer homesteaders of my local patch include these wonderful and striking Woodchat Shrike.

Among the wonderful number of larks in Morocco is the magnificent Temminck's Lark with its perfect impression of an invading Viking's helmet. A beautiful songster and great to spend time with.

Amidst work I am desperately trying to organise my photos from a recent tour of Morocco. Probably one of the standout birds for me was the bizarre looking Thick-billed Lark, a strangely beautiful bird and a joy to observe.

Much better after good rainfalls through February and then March with added rains in April. Might help breeding birds have a good season.

Some good news reported by me in my latest article for our regional newspaper SUR. Glossy Ibis buck the trend and have increased in recent years.

Today's beautiful little brown job is a locally common Thekla Lark. Lots of visiting birders have problems separating this bird from Crested Lark (lots of resident birders do too)...