Back in the U.K. now and although the first Sand Martins and Wheatears are arriving this week, there are many winter visitors remaining throughout the country. Scarborough has seen two birds lingering for a while and with the sun out for the first time, the harbour was the first point of call. A 'silhouette' of the castle, looking across the North Bay. Scarborough harbour frequently sees visiting Divers during the winter months and this Great Northern spends much of its time fishing for small crabs. A 'staircase of turnstones' huddled in the harbour this morning. After a walk around the harbour, we stopped for coffee at the local Peregrine site on the Marine Drive where it was good to see a few Fulmars returning to the cliffs. With the high tide beginning to recede, it was time to give Ellie a run on the beach. On the outskirts of Scarborough at Burton Riggs, a splendid Red-necked Grebe has been on the small lake for some time. Unusually, this grebe is in full summer plumage already and its presence is attracting many visitors. On my visit, it remained a fair way off and we had also lost the sun by this time, so I wasn't able to capture its remarkable plumage to best effect. Staying with the winter bird theme, last week I visited Tophill NR to catch up with a duck I haven't seen in years - the Smew. Wintering in the Algarve, I'm not likely to see one of these cracking male Smews and it was a real pleasure watching this bird diving and preening, in company with a reservoir full of Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye and Pochard.
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Travelling from Portimao towards Monchique, a colony of breeding White Storks live on either side of the road at Rasmalho. While they don't take to being approached on foot, they can be seen easily from the car (off the road) and are busy displaying at this time of year. Many of these birds visit the landfill site near Silves which accounts for some unusual colours in plumage at times. Very occasionally, an unwanted visitor may arrives at this colony in the form of juvenile Griffon Vultures. This week, one such individual has come to Rasmalho and finds a White Stork nest most suitable to perch on, even if it means despatching the owners for a while. A Griffon is a huge bird but appears dwarfed when standing on the massive structure built by the White Storks. This juvenile hasn't mastered the 'booby trap' sticks left by the owners! The Griffon took flight a number of times, selecting other Stork nests to use as look-out points. The Griffon among several other White Stork nests.
It is exactly four years ago tomorrow (blog entry 22/2/2019) that I and many others enjoyed watching two long staying Griffon Vultures. Also notable here this afternoon was a flock of seven Red Kites. These birds arrived from the direction of the landfill site, flew at considerable height for a while before returning the same way. Perhaps these birds are feeding there also which would be quite typical for kite species. Since the visit Angela and I made to Tavira six weeks ago, had allowed to us to see Slender-billed Gulls among other delights, this part of the Algarve definitely warranted a return visit of longer duration. In consultation with Chris and Sue, we decided on a few nights at a hotel which took me back some twenty years, as it was the exact location for my first ever (and long awaited) Bluethroat! The agreed meeting with our fellow birders took place at the salt pans of Fuseta. A lengthy walk around the pans was possible here and we were soon welcomed by a fishing Osprey. We began to collect several wader species but in the pans the water level was quite high, more suited to the longer legged birds! After a short break back at the cars, we made straight for Tavira where I knew the salt pans there would be far more productive. A walk along one of the first salt pans and we were back in the action with our Slender-billed Gulls. On our previous visit I had been pleased with three individual gulls. On this occasion and happily for us all, there were 39 Slender-billed Gulls and we enjoyed spending considerable time, seeing these delicate small gulls at very close range. The following couple of hours were spent picking out all the various waders, large and small which come to feed in this very important area along the Ria Formosa. Greenshank, Redshank, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Dunlin, Sanderling, Turnstone, Whimbrel, Little Egret, Spoonbill, Grey Heron and Flamingo were among the first of many more species to be seen over the few days. Almost reaching the Ria Formosa channel, we came across a muddy area in time to see a wagtail fly in and begin feeding. An initial flash of yellow on the underside led me to think it was a Grey Wagtail which would be quite expected. In fact, we were very surprised to find it was a Yellow Wagtail (Iberiae) and surely a very early arriving migrant. A slow walk back to the cars saw us concluding our first day and we drove the short distance to the hotel where a great evening meal would be waiting for us. The next morning we walked the short distance to the Forte do Rato and on to the Rio Formosa shoreline. Lesser Black-backed Gulls were the predominant species with occasional Audouin's Gulls and Black-headed Gulls. Occasional Sandwich Terns would pass by along the beach. Inside the river mouth leading up to Tavira, more waders were feeding, including this Curlew. At this time we were keeping an eye on the clouds and preparing to dodge a front of rain which was threatening. We decided on a short drive to adjacent Santa Luzia, passing through the rain and thankfully arriving in the now clear weather. An enjoyable walk was had on this traditional fishing waterfront without revealing many birds. There were plenty of small crabs keeping a beady eye on us on the beach below. With several hours of the afternoon remaining, we returned to a different area of Tavira, either side of the Estrada das 4 Aguas. This was leisurely birding from a wide footpath along a long straight road, with salt pans to either side. A resting Redshank, close to passing traffic. Plenty more waders along here with Bar-tailed and Black-tailed Godwits, Black-winged Stilts and Avocets all making the numbers up. Winter plumaged Curlew Sandpipers proved difficult to establish as I only see them in summer juvenile form in the U.K. There were around nine in one area. Another surprise for the day was a Razorbill, well up the river and certainly inside the Ria Formosa. It looked alright though and was frequently diving. The Gilao river from Estrada das 4 Aguas and looking across to our hotel. * * * At the back of my mind, I remembered there had been a rarity recently, not far from Tavira in the resort of Monte Gordo. We began our next day on the beach at Monte Gordo, sifting through the many gulls in search of a long staying Caspian Gull. One interesting feature is the gull carries rings denoting it is of Czech origin. Eventually, a very white headed gull was found sitting down and was almost certainly our Caspian Gull. Here it is again, showing the ring '948:U' and some great features of a young Caspian Gull. A new addition to my Algarve List also. The Caspian wasn't the only 'ringed' gull on the beach. This adult Lesser Black-backed Gull originates from the Netherlands. From Monte Gordo we travelled the short distance on to the Castro Marim Reserve, which borders the Guadiana river with Spain. Once again, great scenery and excellent birding habitat although on this particular visit, not too many species were seen. The wetland pictured above had a good number of Red-crested Pochard among commoner duck species. Along the approach road, this nice Iberian Shrike was hunting along a row of bushes. On the western side of the Reserve we saw large Flamingo flocks, a Caspian Tern flew through and a pair of Great-crested Grebes were on the river. * * * Our last half day in Tavira began exceptionally well, when a Black-winged Kite began to hunt the fields around the hotel. It hovered close by at various times and we had several flypasts too. A walk back along the salt pans followed, for a recap of our first afternoon. Revisiting the Slender-billed Gulls, we found a smaller flock of nineteen birds this morning. We were still seeing new species for the trip including a Bluethroat or two, a Kingfisher strangely didn't appear at all in any of our locations. Beautiful adult Flamingos continued to circle the salt pans all morning. A last check to confirm our Curlew Sandpipers were correct. A small flock of 9 Red Knot concluded this wading bird spectacle with a total species for the trip of around 80.
A well worth trip, great friends with us and amazing sightings of Slender-billed Gulls, early Yellow Wagtail and the Caspian Gull of course. It felt good to be back on the rugged coastline around Sagres this morning. A short walk on the Atalaia headland gave us our first Richard's Pipits of the year, though no doubt they were the same birds as seen before Christmas. One of our targets for today was to be the Alpine Accentor, the small alpine country breeder which finds its way to the cliffs of Sagres, to spend the winter months. At the Cape, there are but a few slopes covered in alpine-like vegetation before the cliffs plunge vertically down to the sea. A fair amount of time was spent scanning these isolated areas without success, the presence of the cliff edge fisherman made me think the bird(s) had maybe moved further away. Eventually and as if by pure chance, an Alpine Accentor appeared on the cliff top and only metres away from our cars. There were a good number of tourists present with their cars and campervans, together with the fisherman, I would not have expected to see this little beauty hopping around quite unconcerned. Having said that, it's presence was rather short lived before disappearing over the cliff edge and vanishing once more. The day continued on the Cape and surrounding farmland. Black Redstarts and Meadow Pipits were found while looking for the accentor and interestingly, we noted that Gannets were now making a northerly passage at the Cape, returning eventually to their breeding grounds. The Vale Santo farmland was fairly quiet. Two Common Buzzards and two Peregrines were all on the ground and four Common Kestrels in a group passed over us. The afternoon culminated in an incredible find of some twenty or more Stone Curlews. Initially they were put to flight by some nearby machinery, but soon resettled in some thick scrub making their re-finding something of a challenge. What else has happened in the last week? The water in the lagoon at Salgados has been let out to the sea, after being at a high level for a long time. Given the presence of extensive muddy areas, the birds are busy again - 4 Purple Swamphens were seen in one place and even a Water Rail was caught off guard. A Cormorant and Little Egret were among many birds feeding in the channel. These birds were joined by Grey Herons, Spoonbills, Glossy Ibis and White Storks. Hopefully, more waders will come in this week. Black-tailed Godwits, Avocets and this flock of Golden Plovers have been present for some time. At Quinta da Vala, the Tree Sparrow flock remains around the greenhouses. The long-staying Rustic Buntings spend long periods in the field but three birds are still being seen. Female Kestrel at Quinta da Vala
A complete change of scene today and the possibility we may come across a bird I haven't seen in the Algarve for some years. Residing in the Western Algarve all winter, my chances of finding a Slender-billed Gull are very remote, unless I travel to the east side of Faro and beyond. The Slender-billed Gull has an amazing distribution, breeding from West Africa and being present throughout the Mediterranean region, through the Balkans and into Asia and India. The nearest breeding populations of any size are probably in Spain and France. Locally, as I've already mentioned, this gull is seen in various places along the Ria Formosa on the Eastern Algarve and around Castro Marim on the border. In terms of numbers here, I don't have any figures but I managed to locate three birds quite easily at the Tavira saltpans today. They invariably associate with the similar sized Black-headed Gulls, so that is always a good starting point and there's no point looking through 'large gull' flocks. Here's an adult winter Slender-billed, the bill is no slimmer than a Black-headed but it is the elongated head which gives the apparent slender effect. The bill is a dark red, turning darker almost blackish in summer and the legs are also red. There is a surprising pink tinge to the white of an adult bird and can be seen easily when close to a Black-headed gull. A nice show of flight feathers. This bird has a much darker bill. Enjoyed watching these small gulls which have some very interesting characteristics. Having not been to Tavira for some years, I was surprised to find some of the old saltpans are much more accessible now with 'permissive' tracks around them. All the anticipated waders were seen, two Little Stints were noted and these three Red Knots were a chance find. A traditional and simple wooden sluice, used to regulate seawater in and out of the 'pans'. A pristine adult Black-winged Stilt in a pool by the road. Our walk around the saltpans eventually led us to the Ria Formosa channel. It wasn't long before an Osprey came along the channel and passed overhead. A few hours on a glorious winter morning had provided some excellent birding and a return visit, now that access has improved, is quite likely soon. A very charming house in Tavira town.
A return visit to Quinta da Vala was made today to continue viewing the rare Rustic Buntings and perhaps have a sight of the Little Bunting which is accompanying them. On arriving, I found two birders who had travelled some distance, counting at least three Rustics in one scope view. I hurriedly tried to capture the same view. There were indeed three Rustic Buntings in the pomegranate bush. Today, I came prepared with my 1.4x extender attached, which enabled me to pull the birds a bit closer and admire the varied colouring, particularly on one fine male specimen. The birds are continuing to feed in the rice stubble and some patience is required, as they can be there for some time, before returning to the bushes.
Before leaving the site, I once again heard the distinctive metallic 'zik' from the Little Bunting, in the large olive tree in the roadway. This time I was fortunate to see it fly out and into the bushes close to the greenhouse and near the road. It does appear to spend time in this small area. Here we are at the beginning of 2024 and I wish all my friends, birding and otherwise a very happy and prosperous new year. A short visit to the U.K. over Christmas means that I have been catching up with some incredible bird sightings here in the Algarve, as rarities have appeared one after another during my absence! The old year ended with no less than 4 Rustic Buntings and 1 Little Bunting being found at one of my usual haunts, Quinta da Vala ricefields. In the previous weeks, I had found a pleasing number of raptors there, including a fine male Hen Harrier on one occasion. On each visit the two juvenile Black Storks had been present in the White Stork flock. On my last visit (22nd Dec), I was watching the Tree Sparrow flock at the greenhouses and was alerted to a harsh 'zik' call from a dense olive tree along the track. Despite my efforts, I could not locate the bird and possibly missed a nice Bunting species. It was New Years Eve when I did make contact with a Rustic Bunting, making a great end to the birding year, as this species was a welcome addition to my PT List. New Year's Day has begun well with a visit to the ETAR at Vilamoura, for a lingering 1st winter Lesser Scaup and another species for the PT List! These small reservoirs or 'tanques' as they are called here seem to have an affinity for attracting American species. I have seen both Lesser Yellowlegs and Ring-necked Duck over several years and now a Lesser Scaup (maybe of American origin, as they do occur in other locations) has found its way onto one of the two 'tanques' and appears quite settled. The Lesser Scaup is barely as large as a Tufted Duck. This individual shows the bill pattern nicely and the typical vermiculated pattern (Scaup-like) on the back. A small number of Ferruginous Ducks showed quite well against the far bank and one of the local Booted Eagles had come down to the water side. A short walk into the park revealed another male Hen Harrier hunting over the field. In the afternoon, a walk around the harbour at Quarteira revealed no less than 7 Razorbills weaving among the moored fishing boats. These small auks are wintering along this coast and all looked in good condition as they preened and fed in the harbour. So a great start to 2024 and can I leave a New Year's Day quiz question - 3rd winter Herring Gull or Yellow-legged??
With the Autumn migration period over, there's a distinct quiet in my day to day birding and interesting topics have been a little hard to find. Time for a little diversification perhaps, as nature will show itself in many fabulous ways. Before I left Sagres and still testing my new camera on any willing subject, I came across these large jellyfish fairly near the surface in Porto do Baleeira. I was rather pleased with the detail obtained and of course the quality of the water in a busy fishing port was remarkably clear. Away from Sagres and in a coniferous wood, I was unsuccessfully looking for the Lesser spotted Woodpecker I had seen previously. Some fallen conifers with decaying trunks were now providing colourful displays by a variety of fungi. Two days ago, I visited the ricefields to the east of Lagoa. The White Stork flock numbering around 150 birds had two juvenile Black Storks among them. I've come across the odd Black Stork among Whites before, but it is perhaps noteworthy as non-migrants maybe. So, moving across to Alporchinos, we find ourselves in 'the land of parrots' with those noisy little Fischer's Lovebirds flying here, there and everywhere. ....... and sharing my sunbed this morning was a Green Mantis. Sometimes called 'praying mantis' since the front pair of legs can be seen folded in a praying position. Following a report of a possible Slavonian Grebe at Bom Retiro, Portimao, I went to the Etar the next morning. Access to the water tanks is difficult to say the least and distant viewing from a hill top at the west end, revealed only one likely candidate. Relying on my camera for the best magnification available to me, I soon concluded this bird was in fact a Black-necked Grebe. (Centre of images). Apart from a very late sighting of a juvenile Purple Heron this week, Salgados lagoons have been fairly uneventful too. Arriving at the viewing screen, I found four Muscovy Duck relaxing there. I think I've seen these individuals here before and they frequent the lagoons from time to time. I was pleased to see the 'white faced' Crested Lark is still on the dunes with his partner. He is certainly a few years old now and retains the same mate I believe. The ever present wintering Chiffchaffs.
Tomorrow sees the start of the final week, to what has been a very different Autumn migration this year, in Sagres. I will happily admit to being wrong, regarding my last 'post' on the slowdown of raptors. Griffon vultures have continued to make an appearance and Black Vultures have arrived in two's!! Other raptors showing this week have included at least two different Egyptian Vultures, both Hen and Marsh Harrier, Red Kites, Black Kite, a Merlin and a Black Stork accompanying the vulture flock. At the apartment, two Red-rumped Swallows were quite unseasonal. One of these birds had a very young appearance around the bill, perhaps demonstrating how late breeding may have been this year. Around Cabranosa for some time now, the abundance of insects in many forms has maintained a huge presence of Crag Martins, more than I have seen here in previous years. Thousands of red dragonfly types (of which I have not yet acquired all the i.d. skills) are still plentiful. Various butterfly species are in good numbers, mostly Red Admiral at the moment but some nice Clouded Yellows and Small Coppers have shown up this week. As a change from Cabranosa today, a search of cork oak woodlands in the hills failed to produce the Bullfinch I like to see. I did however, locate this lovely little Firecrest after a short search. I finished the afternoon walking one of the headlands at Sagres where I found the Richard's Pipits to be in their usual winter habitats.
After the surge of Griffon Vultures and some following days with substantial eagle numbers, I have a feeling the raptor movement is coming to a close for another season. The last week has revealed a single Black Vulture which remained distant over Sagres one afternoon. Two juvenile Egyptian Vultures having been looking very forlorn as they continue to patrol the landscape and make little attempt to leave. I found one individual flying around Atalaia headland this morning and both birds settled at Cabranosa late this afternoon. More of a surprise was an almost adult Goshawk which flew in two days ago, much to the annoyance of the many Crag Martins which are making the most of the insect life at Cabranosa. This juvenile Short-toed Eagle had very little 'barring' on the underwing and an almost white head. There can be extensive 'variations' in juvenile birds but this made for a very white eagle! Away from Cabranosa, the young Common Tern shows at times on the black mooring buoys in Sagres harbour. It shares the buoys with up to four Sandwich Terns. The Polish ringed Tern hasn't been seen since and I still have no information back from the ringing team concerned. The first returning Purple Sandpipers have arrived on the harbour breakwater, two were seen yesterday. Also here were four Turnstones, two Common Sandpipers, a Whimbrel and a Kingfisher. This flock of Rock Doves were put to flight by the Osprey which frequents the bay and harbour around Sagres. Showing their diagnostic white rump patches clearly, these birds live almost entirely on the islands here and are probably as 'pure' as they come in respect to Rock Dove species. A new arrival on the lagoon at Martinhal (adjacent to Sagres) was this smart Little Stint. Dwarfed in comparison by four Dunlin, it fed happily with the Dunlin all afternoon. A new record for me at this site. Having swatted up on the weather forecast last night, I met the cold North wind on Cape St. Vincent for a couple of hours this morning. The result was an intriguing number of Razorbill flocks of between four and thirty three birds during that time. As always, these auks are well out to sea but thanks to my new camera, we can now ascertain that Puffins fly within these flocks quite regularly. The image below shows the three leading birds to be Puffins ( a feature seen quite often where Puffins led the auks along). The Puffins were identified by their extensive 'greyish' face (no breeding bill colour now), a black collar virtually circling the neck, a greyish underwing when seen and short, blunter wing length. Above, a flock of five Puffins with two Razorbills on lower right of group.
Gannets passed constantly, but not in the large numbers seen a while ago. One Great Skua and six Balearic Shearwaters flew South as did small numbers of Audouin's Gulls. I picked out four Grey Phalaropes with my binoculars, all flying together in a southerly direction. Back at Cabranosa this afternoon and some of you have kindly asked how I am finding my new camera/lens equipment. In short, it gives an improved means of studying detail - as could be seen with the 'white' short-toed eagle mentioned earlier. That in turn, makes you more aware of potential differences and how attention to detail will aid more accurate identification. Do I understand half the functions and technicalities? - No. Do I really need to? - I doubt it. It does what I expect it to do, it produces pictures such as this Crested Tit, swaying in that north wind with no post-editing carried out whatsoever. Just brilliant!! |
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