After months of no rainfall, 'Storm Barbara' made landfall around Sagres and with it, some much needed rain. A thorough soaking was achieved around here without any flooding or damage, so hopefully the rain will have been beneficial. Coming off the sea, the rain hasn't changed the birding situation, except to prevent any movement of raptors today as the rain moved away through the hills. Between a few remaining showers, our efforts still managed to turn up the occasional Spotted Flycatcher. The headlands around the peninsula revealed the usual Black Redstarts, Choughs and Raven. Showing very well at the moment in various locations are the Blue Rock Thrushes. On one of the favoured wintering grounds for Richard's Pipits has at least three birds present. With few visitors walking the paths this afternoon, the pipits were calling well and flying between feeding places. I was lucky to be able to watch them for some time and note the differences between them and the Tawny Pipits which have only just departed. The first bird I saw, in flight, took up a position unfortunately into the sunlight. The image below shows the white edged wing coverts, found only on a first winter bird. A further Richard's Pipit was found on the ground, in long grass.
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