A trip to Kazbegi five years ago marked my first experience watching birds abroad. Highlights include wallcreeper, Caucasian snowcock, and flocks of migrating kites, buzzards, sparrowhawks, chiffchaffs, and wheatears

A long drought is especially evident by June. Rufous-tailed rock-thrush, tawny pipit, pin-tailed sandgrouse, stone martens, and Lataste’s vipers are some specialties found with friends and family.

Impressive geological formations and a wonderful starry night. Visiting El Torcal de Antequera in summer pays off: western Orphean, Bonelli’s, and Iberian warblers, western black-eared wheatears…