Several days ago the high water level on the lagoon overtopped the beach, allowing the water to run out to sea, leaving large expanses of mud and smaller wet areas. The previous week there had been only gulls and a few ducks on this lagoon. Now, there are Glossy Ibis, Egrets, Herons, Spoonbills and White Storks, all looking happy with the changed environment. A breeding plumage Cormorant. A flock of Sanderlings feeding in the shallow stream. A Purple Swamphen quickly makes his way to the reedbed. The Spoonbills are a real feature here at the moment and feed busily. This pair of Spoonbills were 'attending' to each other's plumage. The left hand bird has a colour ring (NAVS) on the right leg, denoting it is of Dutch origin since 2019. This morning as I arrived, a Sedge Warbler was singing in bushes by the viewing screen. Those who keep 'first dates' may know just how early an arrival this is but I was very surprised. Within a few minutes, I also noticed two Common Swifts flying low over the dunes. Out on the lagoon again, no less than sixteen Grey Herons were present, some better behaved than others ! On the upper lagoon, the male Garganey which has been here for some weeks now was showing well and cruising around with Teal or Gadwall. This dark form Booted Eagle flew around the lagoons for a short time this morning. Yesterday morning I found a Wood Sandpiper feeding in the channel in front of the viewing screen. Unfortunately it didn't stay and flew out high in a northerly direction. The Glossy Ibis here have revealed their stunning colours in the bright sunlight to great effect. My winter birding here in Portugal comes to a close once more this week. It has been a wonderful time again with great birds and great friends too. I have seen 243 species in the six months on the Western Algarve and Alentejo.
One of three Caspian Terns today. Comments are closed.
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