I have four or five records for this American duck species and all of those have been males. I have only seen them in Britain so a chance to observe this female, would also be an addition to my Algarve List. The duck was on the nearest reservoir at the ETAR this morning. Finding any bird at this site is very much down to luck as there are two reservoirs, side by side, but only one can be seen! This means you may have a 50% chance at best, although disturbance from within the site will move the birds around at times. Not showing too much of a high crown which is one of the best diagnostics, there is little doubt as to the identification of this female Ring-necked Duck. In both male and female adults, the slate coloured bill with black tip and thin whitish band above, should stand out well. The female has a white eye ring with a short white stripe behind the eye too. Otherwise, the body is fairly similar to a female Tufted Duck. I believe this Ring-necked Duck has become something of a 'long stayer' if not, an over-wintering bird for more than one year. Today on the ETAR, as well as the large number of Shovelers and Little Grebes, I did find a female Tufted Duck among some Pochard. Perhaps the most intriguing event was when a Yellow-browed Warbler began calling from the conifers and pines, alongside the ETAR. I spent a considerable time searching among a multitude of Chiffchaffs and Waxbills in the trees but, even though the Yellow-browed called at regular intervals, I just could not find it in the pines. Yesterday, Chris and Sue joined us on a visit to a couple of sites on the Arade. Beginning at the Praia do Mohle breakwater, we found a Rock Pipit, 2 Purple Sandpipers along with Turnstones, Sanderlings and a single Kentish Plover. After an excellent Prato do Dia in Ferragudo, we moved on to the ricefields where the Great White Egret was still present. Chris added the Scaly-breasted Munia to his list, as we watched many Waxbills whizzing along the bushes. In a wide range of species seen at this site, Marsh Harriers and Booted Eagle made up the raptor count.
It was quiet at Salgados today. The surrounding fields had few birds, no pipits, two or three wagtails and several Stonechats were all that were showing on a walk to the North end. In the field here were six Eurasian Magpies and a Starling flock of around sixty birds. I expected some Skylarks but none here. A lone female Kestrel was sitting in the bushes. Waders seen included 8 Avocet, 12 Lapwing, 3 Common Snipe and 2 Black-tailed Godwit. Surprisingly, two Ruff were feeding in the grass, close to the viewing screen. Winter plumage Ruff. A smaller than usual number of Black-headed and Yellow-legged Gulls were on the lagoon. One juvenile Mediterranean Gull was present as was a single Caspian Tern. The resident Marsh Harriers were active most of the day with this female flying over the larger lagoon and hunting the nearby reedbed. Mid-afternoon at the viewing screen, I was lucky to catch sight of a Short-eared Owl flying along the dunes. The owl was at some distance and appeared to drop into the dunes, being mobbed by a Magpie.
This is my second Short-eared Owl of the Autumn. This breakwater and its 'port' companion at Praia do Rocha, mark the seaward entrance to the River Arade where Portimao stands on the West bank. The views up the river coupled with the feeling of sea all around, makes for a very pleasant walk although just before high tide is probably not the best time, even when the sea is quiet. The unwary can catch a quick soaking from an unpredictable wave. I left Sagres around the time that Purple Sandpipers arrive for the Winter on a few rocky locations. I was unsuccessful on the one search I made at Port do Baleeira and this breakwater is also one location where you may be able to find the sandpiper. Other waders share the roosting habitat offered by the almost inaccessible rocks here. In fact, it is possible to get quite close to the birds who seem unconcerned by human activity, as fisherman are frequently here. A single Kentish Plover and three Turnstone were the first waders seen. A Common Sandpiper climbed up from behind this rock. Sanderlings with a Turnstone. More roosting Sanderlings. Almost at the end of the breakwater, the very last bird I found was thankfully, a Purple Sandpiper. After a short observation and with the waves slapping behind me, I made a quick retreat. First thing this morning, I found a Black-winged Kite in Alvor on my way down to the estuary. Yesterday on the Arade ricefields, there was no sign of the juvenile Night Heron but I was pleased to see a Great White Egret. This egret was feeding alone until the ibis flock took to the air, joining them for a short fly around. More of the Glossy Ibises - a couple of hundred in the fields here. A large number of Waxbills were moving around the reedbeds. Feeding with the Waxbills were a small number of Scaly-breasted Munias. I found this bird for the first time last year and it was good to watch some quite closely on this occasion.
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.
Nicely settled in Alvor with a view I'm more than happy with, for the next few months. Time for some more birding!! A walk along the coastal cliffs took us through an area known as Prainha. Looking over the cliffs reveals the secluded coves with remarkable eroded rock formations. The walk itself is through mainly pine woodland and some open ground. Some familiar species were around in good numbers - Black Redstarts, Sardinian Warblers, Blackbirds, Chiffchaffs and among them were the odd Chaffinch and Greenfinches. In the first half hour, Siskin flocks were flying West as were Meadow Pipits and a Grey Wagtail was unusual. Many Azure-winged Magpies frequented the pines here. It was on the return walk, as I was still checking the Chiffchaffs, I found one to be a Yellow-browed Warbler. Although seen well at first, it was in a tree which proved very difficult to re-locate the bird. Many leaves and moving branches left me with no option but to keep squeezing the shutter button and hope for the best! Whilst I was fighting with this tree for a considerable time, I was also aware of a peculiar bird call a short distance away. I gave up with the Yellow-browed Warbler (although I did return an hour later) and sought out the odd call I kept hearing. It proved more difficult than I thought, but eventually found the culprit, hiding in a Medronho or Strawberry Tree. Thanks to Google, this bird appears to be a Grey Indian Ring-necked Parakeet. I can't imagine it being an introduced species and more likely, hopped out of its cage. (It is 'ringed'). Coincidentally, in the short time I have been in Alvor, I have seen two green Ring-necked Parakeets which I believe are introduced/escape category birds. After lunch, I wanted to see the breached path/wall at Alvor marsh and spent a few hours down there. It is difficult to assess whether the 'dry' saltmarsh areas which are now covered at high tide has made the area better or worse for wildlife, not only now but in the future. At the moment, the vegetation is laid flat and there seems to be an absence of ground birds such as the Fan-tailed Warblers and Bluethroats, although I noticed the latter had relocated, over the road in the hedgerow. With the tide out during this visit, I noticed some new small pools and in these I found Common Snipe and a Water Pipit. Further away, there were plenty of White Storks, Grey Herons, Spoonbills, Flamingos and Egrets which appeared quite encouraging. It is clear the area will keep changing for some time yet and it will be interesting to see how it develops. That is assuming no restoration work is going to take place. I would like to think that a greater water surface area, may produce some interesting gulls and more wildfowl. At the moment, only a handful of Mallard are found there normally which isn't great. Several raptors in the air here, a pale Booted Eagle passed through going North. Two Common Buzzards and a male Marsh Harrier frequented the marsh. The two Black-winged Kites were in the usual field. A Lapwing was in a field, just off the marsh.
Only a couple of brief outings so far, as it has taken a while to get settled and equipped in our next apartment. Yesterday an Osprey was out hunting and not having a great deal of success, missing on three plunges into the water. It gave up after the third attempt and went to look elsewhere. At the side of Alvor harbour where the boardwalk begins, Spoonbills were busy feeding in the dugout lagoon. Today the Osprey had more success over the same water, snatching a fish and making off into the distance. A Caspian Tern flew through, the first of my visit this winter. A nice small addition to the list was this Water Pipit, a bird I have trouble finding in some locations.
The photograph shows the outer breakwater at Sagres harbour on a much calmer day than was found today. With occasional light showers and a moderate NW wind, there was quite a swell on the sea.
Between showers, I took a walk around the harbour and on to the sea wall, to see if the Purple Sandpiper was present. The tide was too high with few of the natural rocks exposed and the only waders seen were five Turnstones, on the harbour side. There were many gulls resting on the rocks and despite the wind, I worked my way along the wall looking for something - 'a bit different'. I was really pleased when I found a first winter Glaucous Gull among all the Yellow-legged Gulls. This gull has travelled from Icelandic waters, a considerable distance. With a wingspan of just over 1.5 metres, even the juvenile is a large gull. The uniform dark cream colour, large pink bill with black tip ruled out the only other possibility of Iceland Gull, which is considerably smaller. I last saw a Glaucous Gull here, three years ago. The Autumn migration is drawing to a close now and my time in Sagres is almost over. At the weekend, we will move across to Alvor, remaining there until March. Once again, the raptor movements proved a wonderful experience. There were many days offering valuable sightings of lesser known raptors and certainly those I wouldn't see, without visiting places like Cabranosa. To summarise two months raptor sightings here is not practical and is fairly detailed on previous blogs. A range of species encountered can be given and numbers in ( ) denote they are significant for the area. Griffon Vulture (1000+), Ruppell's Vulture (3), Egyptian Vulture, Black Vulture (4), Short-toed Eagle, Booted Eagle, Bonelli's Eagle, Golden Eagle (1), Spanish Imperial Eagle (2), Osprey, Marsh Harrier, Montagu's Harrier, Hen Harrier, Pallid Harrier (1), Red Kite (6+), Black Kite, Honey Buzzard, Common Buzzard, Goshawk, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Merlin, Hobby, Eleonora's Falcon (3), Peregrine Falcon, Red-footed Falcon (1)** ** Not seen by me. I achieved more sightings of both Black and Ruppell's Vulture here this year, compared with previous years. Black Vulture. By far the most exhilarating and rare sighting at Cabranosa was the juvenile Golden Eagle which passed over us on the 27th October and was seen again briefly on the morning of the 28th. Harriers were not too often seen throughout the migration period. Perhaps the best encounter, on the 21st September, was while watching the Lesser Grey Shrike which was in itself a 'first' for Portugal. Over the same field, a juvenile Pallid Harrier flew through as I was photographing the Shrike. The woodland surrounding the hill at Cabranosa had many interesting small birds, also passing through on their migration. An Olive-backed Pipit, found on the 23rd October was a 'first' for me. Other highlights in the woods were Rock Sparrows, Fieldfare and two Yellow-browed Warblers. Ring Ouzel and Wryneck were also found, Bramblings were heard flying over when Siskin flocks arrived in October. At the end of the raptor movement, another rare sighting at Cabranosa was the appearance of at least two Spanish Imperial Eagles. Only slightly smaller than the Golden Eagle, they made an impressive sight when showing well for the observers. Away from Cabranosa, I won't forget the two pelagic trips I made, out into the Atlantic to find my first Wilson's Storm Petrel. I know I won't forget the smell of that 'chum' going overboard, to attract the Petrels!! Excellent trips with close views of Storm Petrels, Shearwaters and Great Skuas. Some close encounters with dolphins too. Seawatching can be achieved from the cliffs at Cape St. Vincent and it was here I added Arctic Skua, to my Algarve list. Finally, a great thank you to all those I've spent time with out here - friends, visitors and resident birders.
I began this morning with a chance encounter, scanning cliffs for Blue Rock Thrush and Crag Martins. This superb Osprey had taken up a position on the coast, where it could look out to sea and perhaps contemplate its next fishing trip. The Osprey took off after watching it for around half an hour and as expected, headed out to sea. All morning, a blustery wind kept the small birds down and I couldn't see a repeat of yesterday's vulture day either. Even so, the magnetism of Cabranosa was taking a hold. Yesterday had been a great day, starting with sightings of Griffon Vultures on the ground, having spent the night around the nearby hills. By 10-30 a.m. Cabranosa was up and running. Another significant arrival of raptors was underway. While the 'counters' clicked away rapidly, I watched the swirling mass of vultures nearing overhead. Three Black Vultures, the most I've seen in a Griffon flock were found, along with two Black Storks, Booted and Short-toed Eagles. Following the departure of the Griffons, some of the eagles remained over Cabranosa including two Spanish Imperial Eagles. These juvenile Imperial Eagles probably won't migrate, but find a territory in Spain instead. I was correct in that no vultures moved down here today and was very surprised when one of the Spanish Imperial Eagles made a return visit, along with a few Short-toed Eagles. Viewing lasted around twenty seconds as it appeared suddenly in my position, flying straight out North again. The closure of the raptor migration is often signified by the passage of Common Buzzards, being the last species to be seen in numbers of juveniles here. The last few days have produced a few each day, five were flying together this afternoon.
On my return from Faro airport this morning, I noticed around sixty Griffon Vultures. They were flying in an Easterly direction between Lagos and Odiaxere, looking good candidates for a Gibraltar crossing in due course. Further on at Vale de Boi, a smaller flock of thirty Griffons may have roosted there last night. Some were in the air, but the remainder had taken a secure perch on two communications towers. Two of the Griffons in this flock. After a while observing this group, they moved off in the direction of Sagres. I decided to take 'Ellie the dog' to her favourite beach at Boco do Rio and we spent a good hour there, keeping one eye on the sky all the time! I returned to Sagres after midday and found a large flock of vultures, high over the apartment and preparing to move away. A couple of hundred birds in this flock I thought, but concentrated on what the flock consisted of. I began with the smaller birds accompanying the vultures seeing a small falcon which I had no chance of identifying, a pale Booted Eagle and at least three Short-toed Eagles. A very bright white bird which flapped its wings much more than any of the others, stayed on the outside of the general turmoil of circling vultures. Through the bins, I wasn't sure at all so having taken some images, I was amazed to find this was a Spoonbill! Watching the slowly revolving vultures, I found a Ruppell's Vulture showing its typical all dark body with light wing bars. Another swirl of the flock and I discovered a Black Vulture, with its huge broad wings held out straight. (Top of image). The juvenile Black Vulture - cropped!
Around 900 vultures were reported in the area today which was a substantial arrival. Although I saw some leaving this morning, I'm told that some are on the ground tonight and we may have them in the air to enjoy tomorrow. |
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