I was so surprised when Susan pointed it out. I really hadn’t noticed, but was just focused on the puzzle.

I saw that too, and definitely thought of Rachael.

It was delicious! And you’re right, French fries are the standard. This meal was a splurge, at a speedier place than we usually choose.

Interesting that you are getting potatoes that aren't french fries. Even when we ate at the nicer places, they had french fries.

Dinner looks delicious!

Oh, that’s funny. Nice observation!

Twin peaks squared?

That’s true that they go south for the winter, although I think some are starting to overwinter in southern Spain. Four years ago we saw many of them in Zamora on October 5th though, so I thought we might still see some around. https://www.cycleblaze.com/journals/iberia2019/to-zamora-one-way/#18793_cl8b52dmg0swxilqycz3kmxwbhq

It’s the European Robin, which has nothing in common with ours, which is actually a thrush (the European Robin is a chat). As far as I can tell, they’re both called Robin because they both have some red on them.

I'd never have recognized that bird as a robin.

I’m certainly no bird whisperer. I think the essential ingredients are persistence, patience and luck.

google says that storks migrate to sub-Saharan desert in Africa, averaging 20,000 km of distance. I've told Jacinto that seeing storks was a major pleasure for me that I would like to continue in 2024.

Missing bird shots was a constant theme for me in Minnesota. I bet I saw 50 or more flicker rumps disappearing into the trailside trees. I know I missed at least three bald eagles, as well as some smaller raptors that chose to stop circling and sail off just when I stopped to get the camera out.

Hundreds of small birds, maybe finches and sparrows, flitted past and disappeared as I rode.

Makes me all the more impressed by your ability to spot and capture images without spooking them.

Respect!

Sees as if it wouldn't take much more than a good soaking and a stiff breeze to clear that river side of the path of view blockers.

Love these type of 'street scene' shots!

How can I have never heard of Charo, Xavier Cugat’s child bride? Such an interesting life history she has.