From the apartment this morning a Jay was seen, having a standoff with a 'mantis' type of insect which was rearing up in front of the Jay. The insect didn't last long!! After seeing ten Alpine Swifts passing through yesterday, I was surprised to see another near us and managed to get a few images of it this time. The morning was spent around the dam at Alvor which was very quiet and after a lunch in town, we returned to Salgados where it was a nice warm afternoon. On the drive there, I noticed a Short-toed Eagle hovering in the wind, just outside Porches. Many of the wildfowl have moved out as have most of the flamingos which have been resident there for some time. It was quiet altogether, even a passing Peregrine failed to cause a disturbance anywhere. I decided to wait and watch while chatting to Francisco. Soon the Caspian Tern flew over and made several circuits of the water in front of us. I was unable to find the flock of Yellow Wagtails I'd seen yesterday and was about to set off on a walk when I noticed a small 'marsh' tern flying rapidly in from the coast. In no time, I was looking at two Whiskered Terns flying around the North end of the lagoon. These were an absolute delight and totally unexpected when I thought things had gone quiet! Francisco had seen a Yellow Wagtail near the marshy area to our right and I wandered off to have a look. This is a favourite area for Bluethroats and, having not seen any at Alvor, I felt they must be moving on. Here though, I found a female type among the sedge grasses. Behind the Bluethroat, I detected some movement in the water and saw some brown feathers moving. Perhaps a Common Snipe, with luck maybe a Water Rail. What emerged into the open was a superb Spotted Crake.
I have never seen such an obliging Spotted Crake which was unconcerned with my presence and continued to feed in the open. 21/3/2020 02:34:21 pm
Nigel,
Alan Cripps
22/3/2020 04:25:58 pm
Nice to meet you in January and thanks for your very informative blog Nigel. It has helped me find several new species. Comments are closed.
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