My morning walk began at the saline lagoon, behind the beach at Martinhal. There is a fair amount of water being retained and some waders are being found here. Three Black-winged Stilts have been here for over a week now and two or three Sanderlings are usually at the beach end. At first sight there appeared to be few other waders and I turned my attention to the White Wagtail and Wheatear in front of me. There are smaller channels leading away from the main pool and this was where I began to find other waders feeding. A single Kentish Plover and two Turnstones emerged from between the samphire plants. Next a Common Redshank with two Dunlin. Finally, a bird I was hearing but as yet had not seen, a beautiful Grey Plover came in to full view. Two Common Sandpipers dropped in,as I watched the Grey Plover. I continued to walk a little way inland where I found small flocks of Spanish Sparrows and a Peregrine flew overhead. Other interesting species found here were a Blue Rock Thrush, a Whinchat, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 4 Spotted Flycatcher and numerous Robins. Back at Tonel Apartments for breakfast, it wasn't long before the first six Booted Eagles appeared overhead. A much cooler morning along with my first floor elevation, improved my images considerably for a nice change. Booted Eagles totalled 15 within the hour, a single Short-toed Eagle made a brief appearance too. The next two birds caught me by surprise - firstly this presumed Black Kite, though there are some white markings to the chest and outer wings, making it look not quite 'standard'. Secondly, I don't know why I only took two images of this bird. Perhaps it disappeared around the apartment wall which is always a risk. Judging by the small white patch midway along the back, I'm fairly certain this would be a juvenile Bonelli's Eagle. A single Black Stork made several trips around Sagres as it tried to find its way. Also seen on our travels, one of a pair of Ravens at their usual farm. From yesterday, we were given a splendid description of a Montpelier snake, found by Marco, on the hill at Cabranosa.
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