ALGARVE RAPTORS
Raptors are probably my favourite group of birds. The images here are all taken in the last few years, with varying degrees of success!
Some of the images record outstanding moments, when you find a new eagle soaring, a falcon pursuing its prey or a harrier lazily working across a field.
Most of the images are taken at the Cabranosa watchpoint at Sagres, during the Autumn migration time. You will see that the majority of birds are labelled as Juveniles. The reason for this is that many juvenile raptors, on their first migration to Africa, misjudge their departure point of Gibraltar and end up on the Sagres peninsula. From a birding point of view, it is an ideal opportunity to study juvenile plumage where appropriate and, sometimes they will rest on the ground affording excellent views. The young raptors then need to reorientate which they do by returning North and trying again or, flying East into Spain and on to Gibraltar.
GRIFFON VULTURES.
Raptors are probably my favourite group of birds. The images here are all taken in the last few years, with varying degrees of success!
Some of the images record outstanding moments, when you find a new eagle soaring, a falcon pursuing its prey or a harrier lazily working across a field.
Most of the images are taken at the Cabranosa watchpoint at Sagres, during the Autumn migration time. You will see that the majority of birds are labelled as Juveniles. The reason for this is that many juvenile raptors, on their first migration to Africa, misjudge their departure point of Gibraltar and end up on the Sagres peninsula. From a birding point of view, it is an ideal opportunity to study juvenile plumage where appropriate and, sometimes they will rest on the ground affording excellent views. The young raptors then need to reorientate which they do by returning North and trying again or, flying East into Spain and on to Gibraltar.
GRIFFON VULTURES.
On this particular day in October 2016, around 250 Griffon Vultures arrived together with the ensuing chaos of - where do we go now!
Egyptian Vulture.
Here are two Egyptian Vultures I found resting in a field, close to Cabranosa.
Here are two Egyptian Vultures I found resting in a field, close to Cabranosa.
Ruppell's Vulture.
I found this individual in a flock of around 400 Griffons. It was my first encounter with a Ruppell's and a long-awaited feeling of satisfaction ensued as it flew low above me. A 'critically endangered' species, a few of which hang around with Griffon Vulture flocks in Spain and pass through Portugal on migration.
I found this individual in a flock of around 400 Griffons. It was my first encounter with a Ruppell's and a long-awaited feeling of satisfaction ensued as it flew low above me. A 'critically endangered' species, a few of which hang around with Griffon Vulture flocks in Spain and pass through Portugal on migration.
Black Vulture.
EAGLES
The Bonelli's Eagle is a rare eagle still in Portugal. It's plumage changes considerably with age.
The Bonelli's Eagle is a rare eagle still in Portugal. It's plumage changes considerably with age.
Booted Eagle
Booted Eagles appear in two forms - light and dark. They are the most common eagle found here.
Short-toed Eagle
Another beautiful eagle which can be seen in fair numbers at Sagres in Autumn and a Summer visitor to the Algarve. I achieved some really pleasing views of these birds.
Another beautiful eagle which can be seen in fair numbers at Sagres in Autumn and a Summer visitor to the Algarve. I achieved some really pleasing views of these birds.
Steppe Eagle
Here's a strange encounter I had when this bird was seen in company with a Griffon Vulture flock. A Steppe Eagle would have been an amazing find at Sagres but this bird was carrying falconer's jesses on its legs. It was subsequently found to have escaped from Malaga Zoo!
Here's a strange encounter I had when this bird was seen in company with a Griffon Vulture flock. A Steppe Eagle would have been an amazing find at Sagres but this bird was carrying falconer's jesses on its legs. It was subsequently found to have escaped from Malaga Zoo!
Lesser Spotted Eagle.
An excellent record for Sagres in 2017, this bird was at some distance when I was lucky to see it. The diagnostic white wing patches show well on this young eagle.
An excellent record for Sagres in 2017, this bird was at some distance when I was lucky to see it. The diagnostic white wing patches show well on this young eagle.
Peregrine.
A regular sighting along the coastal cliffs, this bird was on the local marshland I visit.
A regular sighting along the coastal cliffs, this bird was on the local marshland I visit.
Goshawk
Migratory Goshawks pass through Sagres and the vertical barring on the undersides of the juveniles is diagnostic in identifying them.
Common Buzzard
Found throughout the Algarve. On migration, individuals can vary in plumage enormously and cause all sorts of problems to the observer!!
Found throughout the Algarve. On migration, individuals can vary in plumage enormously and cause all sorts of problems to the observer!!
Black Kite
I have watched flocks of forty plus Black Kites spiralling in the air over the Sagres peninsula.
I have watched flocks of forty plus Black Kites spiralling in the air over the Sagres peninsula.
Black-shouldered Kite.
These are not young birds but adults, frequenting the coastal areas of the Algarve during the Winter months. They are a superb raptor, about the size of a Hobby but appearing bulkier, they also hover like a Kestrel while searching for prey. At rest, the blue/grey upperparts show well as does the black shoulder streaking. On a white face with black eye mask, the orange/red eyes appear to glow.
These are not young birds but adults, frequenting the coastal areas of the Algarve during the Winter months. They are a superb raptor, about the size of a Hobby but appearing bulkier, they also hover like a Kestrel while searching for prey. At rest, the blue/grey upperparts show well as does the black shoulder streaking. On a white face with black eye mask, the orange/red eyes appear to glow.
Other raptors seen in the Algarve include Osprey, Golden Eagle, Honey Buzzards, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Montagu's Harrier, Merlin, Hobby, Eleonora's Falcon and the very rare Spanish Imperial Eagle.