Without upsetting my family intentionally, my first opportunity in a week arose today to find this very important 1st record for Portugal at Quinta do Lago. On what was quickly developing into a wet morning, the walk to the lake was miraculously free from high-speed cyclists, joggers in fluorescent pink outfits and all the other irksome individuals, important wetlands could well do without! This meant I could approach the start of the lake with extreme caution and was rewarded with the Green Heron standing clearly in the open. This stunning small heron is undoubtedly here, as an after effect of the recent Hurricane Leslie from America. Its plumage is very variable and is certainly a juvenile with the white streaked breast however, it is already showing a lovely glossy green to the back, as an adult bird would have. The Heron was not deterred by human presence though it did prefer to keep still for a long time. It was eventually moved on by the white flash of a landing Little Egret, seeking the same tiny island. It sought refuge in a clump of thicker reeds where it became more difficult to see and, eventually climbed out of sight completely. I can imagine this bird being as difficult as a Little Bittern at times but so far, it has shown extremely well for visitors and will no doubt be a popular attraction for some time to come as it seems perfectly settled.
Rob and Anne Hunt
26/10/2018 06:36:11 pm
Lucky devil! Make sure it's still there when we arrive in a Comments are closed.
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