Blackbird

One of our resident blackbirds was working himself up into a bit of a state this morning, and later I found one of his offspring hidden in the ivy, so I suppose he was putting up the first line of defence. I hadn't realised that they had already produced a brood which must have been during the recent very cold weather.

Just goes to show that Spring did arrive a while ago!

Rather amazingly, the sun did actually shine properly today and a few hardy flowers took the opportunity, whilst braving the still cold wind, to celebrate what they consider to be the start of spring. These crocus (or should it be crocii) had been standing to attention for some days without daring to expose themselves to public gaze, but it has been well worth the wait.


Another indomitable little plant is the viola which has been struggling with the frosts for some weeks now, looking for all the world early in the morning as though they were done for, but a few minutes of sunshine and they hold their heads up high and soak up the warmth.


Maybe, just maybe, Spring really is here; we shall see. I have to say that the birds seem to have got the same message as there is a great deal of activity around the garden. The still low temperature doesn't seem to have dampened their ardour.

Sunshine?

I do believe I saw the sun for a few seconds earlier this morning, but then again I could be mistaken. It has been so miserable here for the last few weeks that I despair of ever getting out with my camera ever again. I am not into suffering for my art, and nor is my wife either. Although she is pretty tolerant of my picture taking activities, she does rather draw the line when the temperatures are sub-zero and the wind is blowing and I start to try to set up a shot that maybe takes a few attempts.

Hence, lately I have been indulging myself with a revisiting of some pre-digital photos of previous Spanish holidays in the sun. I am not actually a lover of high temperatures either, so any such visits are usually restricted to early or late season trips. But, for photographic purposes, I do prefer the sun to be shining as it does give a lift to the colours.

I was tempted the other day to photograph one or two indoor plants as they seem to be the only splashes of colour to be seen. This Kalanchoe is a new addition to the household and seemed to be a worthy subject.




The next picture is of a sedum (I think) with its reflection in a glass table top.

For anyone interested in a bit more sunshine I have now added a few more pictures to the Spanish collection. Meanwhile, I still live in hope of actually being able to get out with the camera again soon. Think perhaps I should read up in the manual on how to use it.

Sparrowhawk

I haven't been using my camera much just lately. Just haven't felt in any way inspired. Late yesterday evening however I spotted a sparrowhawk sitting in a tree in the garden next to an ivy bush which houses quite a sizeable sparrow roost.

The hawk comes from time to time to try its luck, but I think that on this occassion it went hungry. Usually at that time in the evening there is a tremendous racket from the sparrows as they settle down for the night, but yesterday, not a sound. Can't blame them really as the sparrow hawk is a very efficient killer.

I accept that they have to eat, but I would much rather they chose somewhere else to do it.

Ecija

Ecija is situated more or less midway between Cordoba and Seville in southern Spain. It seems to be best known by its title of "frying pan of Spain" as a result of the extremely high summer temperatures. It was over 40C whilst we were there early one June. Another of its titles is "city of sun and towers", referencing the profusion of the latter, there being some eleven towers and fifteen bell towers which make the approaches to the place most impressive. I'm not sure about the city reference as it is certainly not very large.


The interiors of the mainly baroque churches are magnificent, as you might expect, although it might not have been so as many of them were ruined by an earthquake in 1757 but have been since rebuilt at considerable expense. Much of the present day beauty is a result of the many artists and craftsmen who set up here in the 18th century following their rich patrons who had great villas built here.



The profusion of towers has not gone unnoticed by the local stork population who nest precariously on the tops of many of them.


It's a great place to visit, but do avoid the midday sun!

Cordoba

Travelling roughly southwest from Granada takes you through vast olive groves and by many typical Spanish hilltop towns, of which Baena is a fine example. Like many places in this part of Spain, the Moorish architecture has been commandeered and converted to Christian use, as with the minoret which is now a church tower.















The city of Cordoba is mostly modern now, but that is not what everyone travels to it to see. Much of what is now the old quarter was for a long time the Jewish Quarter and consists of many narrow winding streets. In March they hold the Festival of the Patios in which all the courtyards are bedecked with floral displays, vying for the honour of the top prize.





















One of the most famous of the Jewish inhabitants was the philosopher Maimonides who lived here in the 12th C. At the time there were a many faiths all living happily together. Cordoba had been seen as the capital of the Muslim world in Spain until they were finally expelled in 1236. Most of the Jews suffered a similar fate in 1492. So, not much changes, does it?





















The height of the Islamic influence saw the construction of what was to be the largest mosque in the world. The Mesquita is an absolute must for today's visitors, although it is now the site of the Christian cathedral. The architecture and decoration quite blow the mind away and really have to be seen to be fully appreciated.

















Before the invasion by Islam, the Romans had also been occupiers. There is still plenty of Roman influence to be seen, non more impressive than the bridge which is still in use today.