From a birding point of view, the purpose of our stay was to observe the autumn migration of raptors on the South-West tip of Portugal - the Sagres Peninsula. The raptors reaching Sagres are nearly all juvenile birds who are basically, lost. Instead of following the main migration route off Gibraltar to Africa, they reach Sagres and feel something is not quite right! They do not attempt the lengthy sea crossing here but instead, return North to try again, or head East towards Spain. Some birds leave the area quite quickly, whereas some may be seen again on subsequent days. I recorded twenty-one species of raptor, not including the magnificent Steppe Eagle on my last day, which was unfortunately an escape - but is at least enjoying a life of freedom now! Griffon Vulture Bonelli's Eagle Montagu's Harrier Goshawk Peregrine Egyptian Vulture Osprey Marsh Harrier Sparrowhawk Spanish Imperial Eagle Common Buzzard Red Kite Kestrel Short-toed Eagle Honey Buzzard Black Kite Hobby Booted Eagle Hen Harrier Black-shouldered Kite Eleonora's Falcon My own efforts were helped enormously by some wonderful people I met at the Cabranosa watchpoint and would mention in particular Martin Hodges, who puts in an enormous amount of time recording there for the Portuguese organisations. Also Danny, Simon Waite and Georg Schreer who are resident birders, Steve & Alyson Strutt among other visitors like myself. In terms of new birds, it had to be the Egyptian Vultures which made frequent appearances and wonderful photos. My UK bogey bird, the Ortolon Bunting of which two were close to the apartment on only one day Also, Rock Sparrow, pointed out to me by Steve Strutt, as it sat in a tree briefly at Cabranosa. A total of 140 species were seen on the trip and many of the sightings will be memorable. .......and Egyptian Mongoose!!
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