A most enjoyable visit to Salgados, with clear signs that the lower water levels are increasing the number of visiting birds. Flocks of gulls were seen, extending across both lakes. In one area they were mainly Mediterranean Gulls, some of which were developing their sooty Summer heads. The two shown below retaining Winter plumage. Another part of the lake held a huge flock of Black-headed Gulls among which, a single Common Gull was picked out - an uncommon visitor. Audouin's Gulls were not in any numbers, only one being seen and several Lesser Black-backed Gulls were among the various flocks. The 'white-faced' Crested Lark which has lived here for a few years now, along with its companion, was in its favourite area on the dunes. The wildfowl numbers which must surely be peaking at this time, comprised of Teal, Shoveler and Pintail flocks. Lesser numbers of Mallard and Pochard were counted and surprisingly, no Gadwall were located at all. The presence of visiting raptors occasionally gave flight to all the birds and great views were possible of the duck flocks in flight. A pair of Pintails. Both Marsh Harrier and Osprey circled the wetland during the visit. Here, the Osprey fished for a while before leaving without a catch. Wading birds from the large Flamingo down to the tiny Sanderling and many other species were recorded. The most interesting find today was a Wood Sandpiper which was a little elusive at the side of a reedbed. Following this excellent visit, we returned to the Arade estuary and in particular the fish dock at Portimao.
We were able to see all six Razorbills which have found their way up the river at the moment. One auk in particular provided the most incredible views as it approached the quayside. We watched it dashing about under the water in pursuit of fish. In Britain we don't see Razorbills in their 1st Winter plumage as these birds are showing. They have no sooner fledged than they are jumping off the breeding cliffs and disappearing out to sea. Three birds approached together and two further birds stayed out in the river. Following a fairly unproductive walk on the Arade ricefields (except for a large number of Glossy Ibis) in the morning, we had driven to Ferragudo for lunch at a favourite restaurant. I have watched the gulls and Cormorants eyeing up the fish catches being landed, on numerous occasions. This time, I had barely reached the waterfront when I noticed a Razorbill sitting between the anchored fishing boats. I'm not quite sure what is happening at the moment but, while the Razorbill is regarded as an uncommon winter visitor on the Southern Algarve coast, I have seen one on each of the last four days between Alvor and Portimao. The general plumage and lack of white bill stripe would indicate a 1st Winter auk. This Razorbill dived and to my surprise, another bird was sitting in the harbour too! This is surely a most unusual occurrence, given fair weather in the greater area and, could there be more Razorbills along the coast?? A Cormorant developing breeding plumage.
Birding remains fairly quiet as the month of January draws out. The days are noticeably longer already and each time we go out, Swallows are becoming more frequent. Quinta da Rocha continues to be a popular walk past the feeding Flamingos, resting Spoonbills and large numbers of Grey Herons. The field by the car park always has magnificent herons like this adult bird. Among the regular wader species, I have seen a Ruff on most occasions and now a second bird is there too. My search for a winter Jack Snipe goes on. Common Snipe are feeding in the open on this marsh where I had a possible 'Jack' fly out with other Snipe, not calling and dropping a short distance further into the marsh. Unfortunately, I didn't get a second chance of viewing it. At Abicada, the Lesser Yellowlegs stayed for a couple of days. Distant views of it wandering through vegetation were had, while I looked for a reported Garganey. I mentioned Swallows at the beginning and here, not only Barn Swallows but two Red-rumped Swallows have arrived, along with this House Martin. One day was spent around the Barragem da Bravura and Pincho. I like the Pincho area where typical woodland birds are found such as Crested Tit, Short-toed Treecreeper and Nuthatch. Even better when tiny Firecrests reveal themselves after a long wait. A quick visit to 'year list' a Purple Sandpiper took place one morning, at Praia da Mohle breakwater. A reliable place for them and three were seen on this occasion. We live a matter of metres from the beach in the large Alvor bay, but sea-watching reveals very little reward as a rule. Perhaps once during the Winter, a Razorbill arrives in the bay and remains for less than a full day. I picked this one out yesterday and lost it again within an hour! This morning I checked the bay once more, the sea was 'roughing up' in an East wind. There was no Razorbill to be seen so I spent a while with the handful of Gannets, usually present all Winter.
A beautiful day walking around this great wetland area near Alvor. Since work was completed in repairing the breached walls, the quality of birdlife is, in my opinion improving all the time. The morning began with the arrival of two Ospreys. Today is the third day in succession these Ospreys have been around Alvor. They are both juveniles, by the incomplete dark wing band and lack of dark tail band. Neither bird is the 'resident' Osprey frequently seen at the fish farm and surrounding area. One of them had little experience in fishing, missing at every plunge in the water. This young Osprey is carrying a metal ring only, on the left leg (most usually carry a plastic identifier also). Setting off from the parking area we soon came across a large feeding party of Spoonbills, Cormorants and Little Egrets. Supplies of fish seem plentiful in the channels from the estuary. The number of Grey Herons and Egrets is quite staggering. Waders were showing all along the walk. Ringed Plover, Grey and Golden Plover were seen, as were three Lapwing. Four Whimbrel were picked out in the thicker vegetation. Small waders on the exposed mud included Turnstones, Sanderling and Dunlin. One Common Sandpiper and one Green Sandpiper were also found. A small party of Sanderlings below. I kept checking the small waders, I was determined to find a Little Stint which would be my first in the Alvor area. This morning I was lucky, seeing a single bird among the Dunlins and Sanderlings. By pure fluke, this image shows nicely the comparison in sizes of the three species. The Little Stint in the foreground. We continued our walk, noting small birds such as a Water Pipit, Bluethroat, Chiffchaffs and Fan-tailed Warbler along the embankment. Sandwich Terns passed by us and various gull species were seen along the estuary. Several unexpected birds cropped up such as a Sand Martin flying with five Swallows near the fish farm, a very early arrival! A brief view of a Sparrowhawk as it flew away from us and the return of a Black-winged Kite to its favoured field added to a really excellent day. A Great White Egret was well away from its usual feeding area, this time near the parking area. Spring is on its Way !!
There have been quite a few posts on Facebook this week, from visitors enjoying the Flamingos which are close to the town on the estuary this week. Here are a few of my own shots, taken over the last couple of weeks together with the White Storks which are always present. A pair of Caspian Terns are usually on the upper estuary. This 3rd winter Lesser Black-backed Gull frequents the lagoon above the dam. Across the estuary at Quinta da Rocha, the Lesser Yellowlegs was found by Lars on the old salt pans and we also came across it yesterday. Coincidentally, I have received a message and photo today of a Lesser Yellowlegs at Paul da Lagos - the same bird, I don't know? Ellie continues to make new friends here! While looking for the Yellowlegs, the resident Osprey was resting on the mudflats. I'm finding plenty of Bluethroats but for some reason, they are nearly all females at the moment. It's very quiet on the sea off Alvor at the moment. One or two passing Gannets and Great Skuas are completely absent in the bay.
Wishing you all the happiest of New Year's and wonderful birding days in the year to come. After a brief trip to the U.K. for Christmas, we are back in Alvor and looking forward to another couple of months here in the Algarve. On most New Year's Days, I would be attempting to get my Year List off to a good start but not so this morning. There was a real treat in store for me, as our friends Chris and Sue have recently found a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker preparing a nest hole - in their garden! This is a great bird to have in any garden and the prospect of a breeding pair is excellent news, particularly in this part of the Algarve. All the work is being carried out by a female bird with only occasional visits from the male, although he can be heard 'drumming' not far away. This female 'Lesser' is preparing the nest hole for anything up to four hours at a time, continually chipping away, with only the shortest of rests in a nearby tree. There is a little wear on the woodpecker's back feathers as it reaches further into the newly formed hole. The female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker lacks the red crown of the male and is entirely black and white. From a different angle, the woodpecker pauses to assess the construction so far! A real delight, watching this small woodpecker at work.
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