A visit to this reservoir revealed the serious lack of rainwater which remains in the Algarve, despite being well through the Winter months when you might expect more inclement weather. The weather this morning was warm and sunny again, giving lovely views around the countryside from the dam. On the outer wall of the dam, Crag Martins were flying and frequently resting on the concrete structure. Not many birds frequent the water on these reservoirs and three Cormorants flying over, with five Grey Herons seen later accounted for the sightings, with a Kingfisher also heard. I expected some raptor sightings during the late morning but a single Raven was the only large bird in the sky. After lunch we moved down to the lower part of the hills and away from the eucalyptus landscape. The birding was much more productive here, among the cork oak and mixed woodland. A few Rock Buntings were seen on the drive down. The wooded area had several birds in song including Song Thrush, Robin, Chiffchaff and Blackcap. Blue Tit, Great Tit, Crested Tit and a single Long-tailed Tit passed through the trees. I was looking all the time for a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and although one didn't appear on this occasion, Short-toed Treecreepers, Nuthatch and Firecrests made up for it. Siskins were heard together with a quiet 'phu' call which revealed a flyover Bullfinch, a species I rarely see here. I relocated the Bullfinch (a female) some time later, hiding low down in a tree. A female Great Spotted Woodpecker showed nicely, investigating a nest hole. A few days ago, 'Ellie the Dog' had her first encounter with an Egyptian Mongoose which played hide and seek with her! Comments are closed.
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