The cytisus or white broom bushes are looking splendid in the fields surrounding the lagoons at Salgados. The purpose of today's visit was to locate at least one of the Jack Snipe (Lymnocryptes minimus) which have been found by other birders. A much sought after rarity, it is four years ago since I saw my first Jack Snipe for my Algarve records and I was keen to get a further sighting. I had a fair idea where these birds may be located and a first look certainly showed plenty of Common Snipe were about. After a while, we took a break to walk the boardwalk and identify the remaining birds on the site. There was a noticeable increase in House Martins in the air, flying with the Swallows and Crag Martins. Hundreds of gulls were on the lagoons, mostly Mediterranean and Audouin's together with a further flock of Black-headed Gulls towards the bridge end. On several occasions, the gulls were startled by the hunting Marsh Harriers, the entire bird population taking to the air as a dark form Booted Eagle made its presence known, flying low over the lakes. I returned to the 'snipe' area and settled down for another wait. The Wood Sandpiper, seen on my last visit was still here and a little more confiding this time. The hours passed by, I widened my search area slightly still hoping for a glimpse of a Jack Snipe. Re-checking some previously seen Common Snipe, I was lucky to see a Water Rail on the same small island. It may have been roosting in the reeds, as it emerged stretching its wings and legs before strolling around between the Snipe. I had given as much time as I could, walking briskly back to the car past the first area I had waited, there was minutus, in almost full view. The Jack Snipe had probably seen me first, almost crouching it remained 'frozen' to the ground. I took some photos which are partially obscured with reeds, but didn't go any nearer to this super little rarity. The Jack Snipe is around 6cm smaller than the Common Snipe, the bill being clearly shorter. The top of the head has a more pointed appearance and in good light, a green colour shows well along the back.
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