The newspapers are buzzing with excitement, following the announcement by the ICNF (Forestry and Nature) towards giving Salgados protected status as a National Nature Reserve. The major wetland of Lagoa dos Salgados (or Pera Marsh as it is known to many) has faced the threat of huge development for years. What is important now, is a 'period of public consultation' beginning on December 7th will appear on a on-line portal shortly. This is the opportunity for the public at large to offer their opinions as to classifying the area as a protected nature reserve. When the 'portal' is made known, I will put the details on a blog. While this is promising news for Salgados, I spend much of my winters around the Alvor estuaries and wonder how long this area will be left undisturbed. The tidal flows in and out of these rivers are so important for the Storks, Herons, Gulls, Terns and numerous wader species which depend on the marine food supply found here. Just outside the town of Alvor this week, the American wader - Lesser Yellowlegs has delighted many for around four days. The large area of water above the dam is home to Flamingos and Spoonbills. Caspian Terns, Osprey and Marsh Harriers fly over regularly. Other smart residents live here too - The long-staying Great Black-backed Gull can usually be found on this estuary. On the other estuary at Quinta da Rocha, repairs were completed to the breached walls and we now wait to see how the lagoons recover, in terms of wildlife. Certainly towards the fish farm, herons, egrets and storks are found in large numbers. Presumably an adequate supply of fish, shrimps and frogs. At least two Great White Egrets have been seen this week. This afternoon at the small lagoon in Alvor, I checked on the Lesser Yellowlegs once more. After a feeding session, a bath followed and a lengthy preening took place. Without warning, the Yellowlegs left the lagoon, flying out of sight. Perhaps the relentless harassment by one Redshank in particular had got too much! A Water Pipit is now regular on this lagoon. A young Black-winged Stilt, one of two young with adult pair.
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