A small rock in the Atlantic

Things that go SKRAWK in the night

At this time of year in La Palma, you might hear rather unnerving Howie-howie-SKRAWK! noises in the night, something between a furious tom cat and a duck. You're particularly likely to hear it near the sea.

The first time I heard it, I wasn't exactly scared, but I was rather glad that I was inside a solid house and the whatever-it-was clearly outside. I'm sure I'd have felt decidedly uncomfortable about it if I'd been camping, especially in the dead of night. In fact, I've heard of people thinking it was the witches or the devil.

There's an audio recording here. See what you think yourself. Now imagine that it's dark and you're half asleep.

Actually it's just Calonectris diomedea borealis a nocturnal seagull called Cory's Shearwater, or in Spanish a Pardela Cenicienta. Or you might have your romantic, sea-side stroll inturupted by a Manx shearwater, (Puffinus puffinus) which sounds like this. Again, it's fine as long as you know what it is, and unsettling if you don't.

Labels: animals, birds, Los Cancajos, Puerto Naos

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Photos of the carnival parade in Los Cancajos

Carnival parade in Los Cancajos, Brena Baja

Here are some photos of tonight's carnival parade in Los Cancajos.

Labels: Breña Baja, Carnival, Los Cancajos

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The Octopus's Funeral, Los Cancajos

The octopus's funeral procession, Los Cancajos, Breña Baja, La Palma

The octopus's funeral procession

Most places in Spain end Carnival with a mock funeral for a sardine. Los Cancajos decided to have a few carnival events this year, ending in an Octopus's funeral (just for a change).

Close up of the octopus, Los Cancajos, Breña Baja, La Palma

Close up of the octopus

But the weather was terrible, and they postponed it for two weeks. And when the new date came around, there weather was terrible again, and they had to postpone it again!

The percussion band for the Octopus's Funeral, Los Cancajos, Breña Baja, La Palma

The percussion band

Third time lucky - the funeral went ahead last night. A percussion band (a batucada) provided the music.

The Master of Ceremonies for the octopus's funeral, Los Cancajos, Breña Baja, La Palma

The Master of Ceremonies

The master of ceremonies, looked rather fine as he led the way, keeping the octopus and band together.

The octopus's cremation, Los Cancajos, Breña Baja, La Palma

The procession went through the village and down to the beach, where they cremated it and let off the fireworks.

Fireworks at the octopus's funeral, Los Cancajos, Breña Baja, La Palma

We left, just as the band was starting up for the public dance. It was great fun, and I'm sure they'll do it again next year.