An afternoon visit to this extensive area of estuary and marsh, close to the village of Alvor. Looking towards the small town of Mexhiloeira and the Monchique hills beyond. There is more water on the marsh now and after the dried out landscape of autumn, January sees the start of flowers emerging on various tender plants. These narcissi were beginning to carpet a meadow by the roadside. The marsh has up to twenty Grey Herons and a flock of around twelve Spoonbills, together with Cattle and Little Egrets. A Great White Egret was reported today but I didn't see it unfortunately. Juvenile Greater Flamingos have been present in varying numbers, all winter. The Black-shouldered Kites weren't showing today. Other raptors seen were Osprey, 2 Marsh Harriers, Common Buzzard and Kestrel. Waders included Little Stints, Grey Plover, Redshank, Greenshank, Kentish Plover, Whimbrel, Lapwing, Dunlin and Black-winged Stilt. A mixed flock of Linnets, Goldfinches and Greenfinch also included a pair of Spanish Sparrows. Male Spanish Sparrow. I captured one of the Linnets, nearly as colourful as the saltmarsh plants it was perched on! On another part of the marsh, a flock of adult Greater Flamingos has arrived and looking splendid. Those are oranges in the background! Around half the flock of flamingos present. Seems a little strange seeing Northern Shoveler ducks swimming among them. Quite often, Caspian Terns fly along the waters but today just three 1st winter Sandwich Terns were here, note the dark tips to the forked tail. Cormorant taking a rest.
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