Setting out from home this morning, the sound of parakeets was still ringing in the air. As well as the grey I found yesterday, there were now Rose-ringed Parakeets as well. A good walk around Alvor estuary revealed no less than 14 Bluethroats. Incredible, as this was once my most sought after species and which proved so elusive, until I finally tuned in to their various calls and recognised their likely habitats. Most of these birds were first winter types, with the occasional adult male showing well. Waders on the estuary included Greenshank, Kentish Plovers, Grey Plovers, Redshank, Curlew and Common Sandpipers. On the far side of the estuary, a pale-looking wader which I couldn't be sure of with the bins was photographed, and proved to be a Spotted Redshank in winter plumage. Not a common find around Alvor, I'm told. On the saltmarsh, apart from the Bluethroats, there were few birds - only Meadow Pipits and Linnets. Where there were pools of water, the occasional Common Snipe was found. A Water Pipit was seen briefly but flew out of the pool. Kingfishers are quite frequently seen on all parts of the estuary. The mild winters must help maintain good populations. Over near Estombar today, I had a great find with this juvenile Night Heron. Haven't seen one in at least four years in the Algarve.
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