After a few quiet days on the Sagres peninsula with variable weather and little change in bird activity, I was definitely in the mood for finding something interesting as the day began. When only just light, I was pleased to find another Wryneck and some ten minutes later, a Southern Grey Shrike called hoarsely from a bush top. Most of the morning was spent around Boca do Rio where the wetland is completely full of water again. Grey Herons and Little Egrets are increasing and wildfowl comprised both Mallard and two Teal. A Green Sandpiper was seen along with two Common Sandpipers but there didn't seem to be any Snipe showing at all. Two White Storks flew over the wetland and then moved on. It was later in the afternoon when, sitting in the supermarket carpark at Budens, I realised a flock of vultures was swirling in the sky above me. With a little intuitive forecasting (guesswork!), I took the road up to Raposeira windfarm where I thought the vultures would make for on their way to roost for the night. I arrived at the windfarm simultaneously with the vultures and witnessed an amazing sight. I have mentioned previously, the organisation STRIX, who study the effect of windfarms in relation to raptors and aim to minimise any casualties by controlling the turbines. As far as I could see initially, around 100 Griffons were in the vicinity of the turbines and flying very low. It was almost as if they were attracted to the turbines and I actually saw one Griffon touch its wing against a turbine blade. All the nearby turbines were shut down and the vultures were able to fly around in complete safety. A BLACK VULTURE among the Griffons. Watching all the Griffons, I picked out a single Black Vulture. On my photos, I have been able to make out a yellow ring on the left leg, but no numerical details. Black Vulture behind two Griffons. My second Black Vulture record in the Algarve
.......and more Griffon Vultures. Comments are closed.
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