Woodlife

For the last 8 days I’ve been in the beautiful country of Portugal. Although I wasn’t as mobile as I wished, I did manage to see quite a bit of the countryside by going on a standard day’s jeep and boat tour with a guide.

The guide, Jose (they pronounce the “J’s” in Portugal) was the Portuguese version of Bill Oddy, but much more entertaining. He also had an excellent knowledge of the wild plants and what you could do with them.

The first area we visited was a natural salt marsh where hundreds of migrating birds can be seen at the right time of year. We spotted Great flamingoes feeding in the shallows.

Storks took every opportunity to occupy any available chimney or tall structure. Being protected, it was odd to see unused pylons and chimneys in the middle of nowhere with just a nest perched on top.

More common birds seen were hundreds of Goldfinches, Swallows and Azure-winged Magpies (above) which is endemic to the Iberian peninsula. I had a fleeting glimpse of a Hoopoe but couldn’t get a picture.

As you can imagine the further we got inland, the more plants were evident. Rural produce consisted of the citrus fruits, figs, olives, almonds, grapes and the carob bean. ..

… which are grown and farmed on the hills. The dried seed pods taste like chocolate and are used as a sweetener and chocolate substitute. They actually taste delicious when dried.

At this time of year you’ll find these white rock roses everywhere.

Cork trees can be hundreds of years old and the bark is harvested only every 30 – 40 years.

Don’t you just hate it when people get hold of your camera!

Marsh Frogs (Rana ridibunda) were very vocal at this time of year. You can get them in the UK but only in Kent and Sussex.

The trip finished on a boat travelling south along the River Guadiana, which splits Portugal (on the right) and Spain (on the left).

The Portuguese boat captain allegedly loves to wind up the Spanish by meandering close to the Spanish side. I didn’t see anyone protest.

We scoffed down quite a few of these freshly caught and barbequed sardines.

If you ever come across this wine – don’t drink it! It tastes evil… until the 6th glass!

Hope you’re having a good Easter break.

Pablo.