The Pinhal do Ceramica wood didn't reveal many birds other than the odd Pied and Spotted Flycatcher. Surprisingly, although just after 8-00 a.m. an Osprey passed over head. With not much going on in the wood, I continued the walk along the track and interesting birds began to show. Firstly, a Common Buzzard was resting nearby and allowed me to circle it while trying to get the sun behind me. A little further down the track, I noticed a Blue Rock Thrush perched on a power pole. It's quite noticeable how the Blue Rock Thrush is adapting to more 'concrete' rocks these days and, is often seen on building roofs. A male Blue Rock Thrush. Moving forward, as they say, I was pleased to find the lingering Bee-eaters still about along the track. Two were on a power line but one was disturbed by a passing vehicle. I explored a scrubby area off the track and found Sub-alpine Warblers to be more evident then the occasional Sardinian which was also seen. I'm becoming quite hooked on this warbler, in the remaining time that they are here! Returning to the track, I came across two Jackdaws. They are not a numerous bird in the Algarve but there seems to be a small population around Sagres. The 'Sebe' or Hedge towards Cabranosa was busier with small migrants this morning. As well as the Pied and Spotted Flycatchers, new Willow Warblers were in good numbers. A Chiffchaff was noted and the ground around the trees was shared with Thekla's Larks. At the watchpoint at Cabranosa, raptors are just not appearing. It has been really quiet for a few days now which is disappointing, since the Sagres Bird Festival fell in this quiet period.
A few lucky observers saw a dark phase Eleonora's Falcon and, this afternoon we had to make do with a distant Egyptian Vulture, in company with three Short-toed Eagles. Fortunately for me, this Egyptian Vulture was a sub-adult bird and showing a large amount of white 'adult' plumage above. All the birds I have seen so far are dark, juvenile vultures. A poor image in view of the distance but an interesting record. Comments are closed.
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