We've spent much of our time in locations around Sagres where once again, the Autumn migration has produced some great bird sightings in very pleasant weather conditions. With only one day's heavy rain, birds collect at any fresh water source remaining, which may provide some excellent sightings. An adult winter White Wagtail. Birds sit in surrounding bushes, awaiting their turn. Below, a Corn Bunting and a Serin. Occasionally, other vistors come through this area. A really nice surprise was this female Merlin which perched not far away for a minute or two. Flying off, it was joined by a second Merlin. Around the apartment, regular visitors are a Blue Rock Thrush and several Black Redstarts. Here is one of the spectacular male Redstarts. A walk around Martinhal this morning gave me my first sighting of a Purple Sandpiper this year. One or two of these rare winter visitors can be found along the harbour wall at Porto do Baleeira most years. Today there was a moderate wind blowing and a churning sea, off the harbour. I had the impression this Purple Sandpiper, maybe recently arrived, was sheltering behind vegetation along the lagoon at Martinhal and coming out to feed occasionally. This afternoon I set off to the hills, having received news of a Lesser Spotted Eagle moving around. It left in an Easterly direction well before I arrived and we can only try again tomorrow. On my return to Sagres, I noticed a distant 'lump' on the water tower, as I drove towards the town. I had a feeling I knew what it was, as we had watched a lone Griffon Vulture make a short flight yesterday, not far from here. The above image is taken from our apartment where, the young Griffon has endured the Raven, Gulls and Pigeons and has settled down to sleep (6pm). I parked up and watched the Griffon on the shady side of the tower where it was not being well received by a raven. This rude encounter caused the Griffon to fly around and settle on the opposite side of the tower where the view was exceptional. Note: The Griffon carries a metal ring on the right leg but none of my images show the detail.
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