What better way to start the Spring migration than the sight of a newly arrived Northern Wheatear. Whilst watching the bird eagerly feeding in a small goat pen, I realised a subtle difference to the Spring birds I usually see in the UK. This male Wheatear had brown wings, signifying it was retaining some Winter plumage whereas, by April when I normally see them on the East coast of England. the wings would be black. An exciting find and according to records sent to me by Luis Gordinho, possibly the third earliest recorded arrival here. Here's a beautiful Cattle Egret showing off its newly acquired breeding plumage. Long orange plumes develop on the crown, back and chest which give a totally new appearance to the usual small white egret. On another of our walks around Alvor estuary, I saw a strange looking bird flying across us from the saltmarsh and quickly realised it was a Stone Curlew. Alvor continues to be a great place to watch Ospreys. If they are not actively feeding over the rivers, a quick check of any nearby trees often reveals where they take their meals or rest.
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