New Years' Eve saw us moving from Alvor to our final destination this winter, in Vilamoura. While waiting to meet our check-in time, we visited an old haunt at Foz do Almargem which is a small wetland bordering the beach. The surrounding woods of Stone Pine, I remember as being excellent for seeing the Short-toed Treecreeper in small numbers and I was not disappointed this time either. At least three birds were moving about in the pines on arrival. As we walked between the wood and the sea, I noticed two Razorbills flying east and later saw another fly in a westerly direction along the sea. It has certainly been a good winter for seeing these unusual visitors. On the wetland here, I counted 14 Red-crested Pochards, a duck which isn't found on all wetlands by any means but the Vilamoura area probably offers the most likely chance of finding them. I wouldn't think this small wetland has many Purple Swamphen but at least it was good to know they can be found here.:- ..... and a rather strange female Pochard too! As a means of identifying particular wildfowl, a 'nasal saddle' is often employed rather than conventional ringing. The unique code is shown on the saddle and this particular Pochard belongs to a Portuguese 'ringing' scheme. I'm not at all fond of this type of i.d, I think there is enough plastic pollution about without birds having to carry it as well! A couple of nice raptors flew over the wetland here, a light form Booted Eagle and a Common Buzzard. So, back in Vilamoura we arrived at our apartment to find the tile walkway at the front of the properties being dug up, with a very noisy hammer chisel. Remedial work to 'seal' the pathway was commencing, having been due to take place for the last four years. The fact that owners were advised of the work was met with some disbelief and hence the property was let out to rent!! The following day as the chisel came ever closer, we learned that on this condominium, any building work needed must take place in the weeks after Christmas for a limited time only. And so it was that the entire place became a building site, with the adjoining neighbour bringing in a jcb and lorries to dig up his drive too - must be infectious!. That evening we contacted the owner via AirBnb and after a very satisfactory discussion, were able to cancel this booking completely. It was then a case of quickly finding a needle in a haystack, yes a dog-friendly apartment at short notice! By good fortune, the following morning we were packing the car once more and were on our way to what is a lovely house in the quietest surroundings you could imagine. Not only do we have a small garden for Ellie to play in, the house also has a roof terrace for 360 degree birdwatching. Anyone who knows this area on the outskirts of Alporchinos will know it is one of the best areas for finding Fischer's Lovebirds flying wild and, we've got them already! Time for a rest I think, in the quiet!!!
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