Recent heavy rain at night has regenerated the normally parched grass around the Cabranosa watchpoint. A green tinge is showing everywhere and looks quite unfamiliar at this time of year. These same rain showers are disturbing the flow of raptors down to the peninsula during the last couple of days. On the ground though, the area is seeing some good numbers of small birds, typically Wheatears and Common Redstarts. Our knowledge is often put to the test with subtle variations among some of the common warblers such as Chiffchaffs, not always looking 'textbook'. Three Ortolon Buntings are frequenting the trees around the pond area. One of possibly two different Wrynecks seen this morning. This one was feeding among decayed logs before flying into the tree. Two days ago we remained at our apartment in Sagres. After all, it was the day of the funeral of our Queen Elizabeth II. From time to time I stepped outside to see a steady flow of raptors during the morning. Close Booted Eagles were followed by a moulting Black Kite, losing feathers rapidly. Much further away, a Montagu's Harrier circled Sagres, told from Pallid Harrier by the black 'fingertips' even though it has a pale collar. Today saw two Hen Harriers over Cabranosa. A distant juvenile Bonelli's Eagle was seen along with Peregrine, two new Egyptian Vultures, two Short-toed Eagles, four Booted Eagles and at least five Sparrowhawks.
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