Once more this location has produced another great rarity so we arrived early, for some much needed revision on Dusky Warblers! After a considerable time spent in the likely area, the only bird giving anything like a 'teck' call was a nice Bluethroat. We sifted through the many Chiffchaffs, flitting between the reeds and the trees, coming to the conclusion the Dusky Warbler may have moved on. There was some consolation however, as the Red-knobbed Coot which previously has been elusive at times, now favours the very same spot where the Dusky Warbler was seen. A Garganey here was an additional bonus in November, together with two Little Bitterns leaving the reed bed. Some of the lakes more regular birds. Beginning our walk on the Ludo estate, a Water Rail was a nice find while watching a perched Kingfisher. Hundreds of Wigeon were 'whistling' on the next lake where, we began to see flocks of Flamingos, Grey Herons, Spoonbills and many other species in the air. The large Caspian Terns fed constantly over the lakes. Occasional raptors passed through - 3 Ospreys at one time and Marsh Harriers were constantly flying over the saltpans. All the common wader species were seen and only a couple of Little Stints were added to the list. After a great day walking the saltpans, late afternoon saw the Booted Eagles returning to their evening roost in the distant trees. This afternoon I spent an hour or so by the river above Alvor, again watching some nice common waders. Moving around to the pumping station, I encountered a Griffon Vulture flying along the street by the aerodrome - as you do!!! The Griffon had clearly flown enough today and was looking for somewhere to touchdown as soon as possible. I parked the car and checked some of the nearby properties but couldn't locate it. At the pumping station, I found the ground I remember as having bushes was now cleared. Thinking this was just another sign of the times, a local man I spoke with said, the local Council (Camera) are to erect a birdwatching hide here, for people to observe the estuary wildlife - how good is that!!
At this point, the estuary bird life took to the air and the Griffon Vulture lazily flew towards Penina, to roost. Comments are closed.
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