A walk in the pines below Cabranosa showed many of the small migrants had cleared out. One each of Pied and Spotted Flycatcher showed after a short time. My attention was drawn to a dark raptor moving through the tree canopy. It looked too large for a Booted Eagle, but I didn't expect to see a young Egyptian Vulture. It landed in a large dead pine tree. Taking to the air, it joined two other juveniles and the three circled the tree tops several times before moving towards Sagres town. At the watchpoint, a Southern Grey Shrike flew close to where we were standing, my third this week around here. Booted Eagles were already in the air, I had 13 in the morning, all light form birds except two. Other counts made were 6 Sparrowhawk, 4 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine, 1 Hen Harrier, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Common Buzzard and this single Black Kite. A single Black Kite was unusual as they usually appear in good numbers. This lonely Black Stork arrived at lunch-time, in company with another Egyptian Vulture, giving a total of four. Juvenile Short-toed Eagles amounted to 15 during the morning, always smart looking raptors and a favourite of mine. More interesting sightings included 5 Ravens together, 1 Goshawk arguing with a Sparrowhawk and finally, this Woodlark was still singing in September even with a crossed mandible!!
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