I arrived in the Vale do Telheiro area of the Sagres peninsula this morning and found good numbers of Meadow Pipits and various lark species feeding on the ground. With Kestrels and Ravens also patrolling this patch, the pipits in particular were extremely mobile. During one flush, I noticed three large slim pipits flying apart from the Meadow Pipits and settling on a nearby slope. A 'shreep' call told me straightaway they were Richard's Pipits and I managed to keep two of them in view, as I approached a little closer. Clearly standing much more erect than the other pipits I had been watching, this individual looks like an adult. The Pipit below looks to be a 1st winter, judging by the white edging to the secondary coverts. I was pleased to add this Pipit to my Algarve list, having dipped last year and, to see the differing plumage between the adult and 1st winter age groups. I've previously only seen Richard's Pipits in flight or, a head standing up in long grass at best! It was good to be able to have prolonged views of this winter rarity.
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