Great Bustards

true steppe birds

Spain in the wind

just back from 8 days in windy cool Extremadura and the the snowy and wet Gredos --  a few images when time allows

flying Great Bustards

impressive birds on the wing

Great Bustards on the steppe

just like a flock of turkeys -- 39 in the first flock -- very wary birds even flushing when farm vehicles crossed the steppe -- these with 2x converter and some heat haze creeping in

steppe

some nice steppe habitat; alive with singing Calandra Larks, Corn Buntings, Hoopoes foraging Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Little and Great Bustards and Spotless Starlings; the still snow capped Sierra de Gredos in the background