Back from France

I've just got back from a trip to France with my partner to visit her folks. They live near Tarbes, in the Hautes Pyrenees département of the South West. Aside from the usual festivities, we got out for some walks; once to some local oak woods, once into the mountains near the Col d'Aspin and again by the side of the river Adour close to Caro's mum's house. Here are some photos.

My partner's sister made "flowers" out of wire and beads for each of the female guests. Christmas lunch featured Kir Royale aperitifs, foie gras starters and lamb with haricots Tarbais (a local speciality, carrying an appellation of origin).

Two views of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre taken from the Col d'Aspin. The trees in the foreground of the lower shot are hollies, browsed into "lollipop" shape by grazing izards.

Plane trees are a common feature of many French towns. This is the one outside the house.

The odd, flaky bark reminds me of military camouflage.

The birdwatching haul from the trip was also quite respectable with notable species including:

• Blackcap
• Willow/Marsh Tit (I'm not sure I can tell the difference)
  
• Little Egret
• Red Kite
• Redstart