A day of settling in to our apartment in Burgau. Not our usual resort but this time, I wanted to be just that bit nearer to Cape St. Vincent for the Autumn migration of passerines and raptors. The apartment's excellent and this is the view from the front door. Some may prefer a swimming pool and loads of sunbeds, but this is fine for me and in no time, a Willow Warbler appeared over the fence. In the first few hours, 'Garden' birds have included Sardinian Warbler, Wren, R-R Swallows, Spotted Flycatcher, Fan-tailed Warbler, Chiffchaff and Hoopoe. A flock of around 20 Azure-winged Magpies fly from bush to bush regularly and a Southern Grey Shrike was seen briefly. A Tree Pipit called twice in flight and I watched it fall into a nearby tree. After lunch, we made the short drive down to Sagres peninsula and picked a spot to watch from. Over a couple of hours, 4 Booted Eagles (3 dark, 1 light) patrolled the area. These can be resident birds and I didn't regard them as evidence of migration! Kestrel and Sparrowhawk were the only small raptors around at this time. Light Booted Eagle. Dark Booted Eagles. A couple of Ravens passed through and this flock of 22 Choughs over Lidl supermarket took some accepting!! A good first day. I hope the flight shots improve, much heat haze and brisk wind today made it difficult. The light is intense in the perfectly clean Atlantic air!
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