Here we are, rarity chasing again, this time at the prestigious resort of Vilamoura. To be more accurate, I'm at the waterworks on the edge of the Parque Ambiental, as you won't come across nine species of duck on a sunbed by the marina! Recently, further American visitors have arrived namely, two Ring-necked Ducks. My efforts to locate either of these visitors were unsuccessful in the time I was there, though it is not possible (permissible) to view all the reservoirs. This did not prevent some excellent birding from happening as, one of the first ducks seen was the Greater Scaup (female) which has also recently arrived. This was a welcome addition to my Algarve birding list and not a bird I would have been out looking for. Female Scaup. My search for the Ring-necked Ducks only came as close as three Tufted Ducks, which are still an uncommon duck species in the Algarve. What made my visit a little more special was the sightings of Ferruginous Ducks, which I haven't seen for many years and, only once in Portugal. First, not good views, of Ferruginous Ducks. Male Ferruginous Duck (with white eye), following a Shoveler. Another male and the black nail on the bill can be seen. Pretty sure that's a Herring Gull behind the Ferruginous Duck. Left hand Ferruginous Duck showing its characteristic white rear. Male left, Female right. A quick look in the Parque showed the usual array of water birds including the once rare Purple Swamphen, now numerous but an amazing looking bird! Little Egret (above) and juv Little Grebe (below).
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