This breakwater and its 'port' companion at Praia do Rocha, mark the seaward entrance to the River Arade where Portimao stands on the West bank. The views up the river coupled with the feeling of sea all around, makes for a very pleasant walk although just before high tide is probably not the best time, even when the sea is quiet. The unwary can catch a quick soaking from an unpredictable wave. I left Sagres around the time that Purple Sandpipers arrive for the Winter on a few rocky locations. I was unsuccessful on the one search I made at Port do Baleeira and this breakwater is also one location where you may be able to find the sandpiper. Other waders share the roosting habitat offered by the almost inaccessible rocks here. In fact, it is possible to get quite close to the birds who seem unconcerned by human activity, as fisherman are frequently here. A single Kentish Plover and three Turnstone were the first waders seen. A Common Sandpiper climbed up from behind this rock. Sanderlings with a Turnstone. More roosting Sanderlings. Almost at the end of the breakwater, the very last bird I found was thankfully, a Purple Sandpiper. After a short observation and with the waves slapping behind me, I made a quick retreat. First thing this morning, I found a Black-winged Kite in Alvor on my way down to the estuary. Yesterday on the Arade ricefields, there was no sign of the juvenile Night Heron but I was pleased to see a Great White Egret. This egret was feeding alone until the ibis flock took to the air, joining them for a short fly around. More of the Glossy Ibises - a couple of hundred in the fields here. A large number of Waxbills were moving around the reedbeds. Feeding with the Waxbills were a small number of Scaly-breasted Munias. I found this bird for the first time last year and it was good to watch some quite closely on this occasion.
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