Some raptors from Lleida, Spain

I was in Spain working from 23 April until 2 May, based at Lleida.  The drylands around the city are great for birds and the city rubbish dump can be really good for raptors.  Here are some pics taken on 28 April close to the city (mainly at the landfill site).

 Many Griffon Vultures were present at the landfill site (I estimated a couple of hundred on the dump and passing overhead during the course of an afternoon visit).

 Many Black Kites were present on the dump.

And one or two Short-toed Eagles passing over

Some birds from Egypt

A family holiday took me to Sharm el Sheik, Egypt. These are a few pics taken on the trip, 14-22 April 2014.    

 White-eyed was the common gull species

 Slender-billed Gulls were also abundant

 My personal gull highlight was this fine Heuglin's

 Sooty Gulls were dotted around amongst the White-eyed Gulls

 Red-throated Pipit was common but very nice to see (and hear).

Caspian Gulls in Istanbul

I spent the period 28 Dec 2013 to 8 Jan 2014 in Istanbul. I spent most time in the city, looking at gulls around the fish markets and taking ferries across the Bosphorus. Yellow-legged was the most abundant gull, but there were also many Caspians. Here are some images of Caspian Gulls from the trip. Many many thanks to Dilek Sahin for her help and hospitality during my stay, and to the other Turkish birders I met during my time there. Istanbul is really a great place to watch gulls!

Many gulls follow the ferries and so provide great photo opportunities.

Some flight shots

And finally, a view of one of the boats crossing the Bosphorus.  Fortunately feeding bread to the gulls is very popular, so they follow the boats as they cross back and forth...