Alporchinos is the urbanisation which lies South of Porches and just to the West of the large resort of Armacao de Pera. The rough fields on the outskirts have provided a few interesting birds such as Sub-alpine Warbler, Whitethroat, Pied Flycatcher and up to 4 Wheatears in one place. I was up just before sunrise and amazingly, as I stood on the balcony looking East, the silhouette of a very large owl flew across in front of me. Although it disappeared behind a nearby building, I heard a very distinctive and deep 'huuu', undoubtedly an Eagle Owl. Setting out across the first field, a Jay flew quickly from a nearby tree. The first few bushes had Sardinian Warblers and this Common Redstart. The last few days have proved this area, along Rua das Figueirinhas, to be quite a stronghold for the Fischer's Lovebird. This morning I saw a flock of ten birds, followed shortly by another group of four. They seem to favour the large mounds of earth which have been piled up, pulling at seeds and sparse vegetation. Apparently, this is the type of arid landscape they dwell on in Tanzania, where they occur naturally. Dropping down a track towards the coast, an Osprey overflew me going inland. A Blue Rock Thrush appeared on a coastal cliff where Red-rumped Swallows were numerous. Much higher in the sky, two Alpine Swifts passed quickly through. I hope to find some a little nearer before they depart South. A Rock Dove - in a Rock! Down on the beach, a solitary Sanderling was feeding.
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