Marsh Harrier (+ Stonechat)

Today we headed first to the east from our base in Custonaci, Sicily, to the Golfo del Cofano--on the way we had this Western Marsh Harrier, which flew much closer than the many others which we have been seeing; it is probably a female. We continued on to the road along the beach, and saw another unusually close bird: the male European Stonechat in the extra. After a vain attempt to get into a popular nature reserve (Sunday parking was utterly daunting), we drove high up Monte Sparagia (Mount Asparagus :) for a picnic lunch under wonderful trees and multiple rocks for seating. An hour's walk and then we were back early at the hotel.