Successful watching got off to an early start at Cabranosa with two juvenile Egyptian Vultures being among the first raptors to arrive over Sagres. Among other 'early birds' were a good number of Sparrowhawks, with three or four often flying together. Pale form Booted Eagles were increasing in numbers steadily. Counting was relatively easy as we progressed up to twelve and then on to twenty. Then we realised Booted Eagles were accumulating in more than one part of the sky and we were soon looking at forty, then sixty easily. A small proportion of the Booted Eagles were dark form individuals. I would imagine the day total would be in the order of a hundred Booted Eagles. I made out around seventy on one occasion. Honey Buzzards passed through in their various juvenile plumages, looking very smart. Eight Honey Buzzards were counted together with three Common Buzzards also, including this low pass. Two Peregrines were the only falcons seen and late in the morning, four Short-toed Eagles mingled with the Booted Eagle flocks. Two female Hen Harriers passed through, this one flying high over Cabranosa. An encouraging build up of raptors today, hopefully being maintained for some time during the coming weeks.
Aside from Cabranosa, I came across my first Richard's Pipit of the Autumn, before the farm at Vale Santo. Comments are closed.
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