I arrived on Atalaia headland minutes before sunrise and parked up next to the row of bushes which can hold small migrants. This morning was no exception with the sun rising behind me, birds could be seen sitting out on the bushes everywhere. In fact, the number and variety of birds beginning to appear was quite staggering. The very first bush had what I thought was a large warbler, skulking in the dense, lower branches. In time, the bird started to appear and I was delighted to identify it as a Nightingale. I was not at all prepared for finding such a bird, first thing in the morning. A superb find, with its white eye ring, the rufous tail cocking frequently as it hopped through the bushes. Spotted Flycatchers were sitting on the bushes, as if warming up in the sun. Common Redstarts were moving more quickly around the headland. I counted several Sardinian Warblers, Chiffchaffs and a single Willow Warbler. A Sub-alpine Warbler was the next migrant to show itself, as I slowly walked the fifty yards or so of mixed bushes. What appeared to be a family of Whitethroats were feeding in a myrtle bush - two adults and two juveniles were seen. I turned around when I heard two Choughs calling and noticed a flock of 13 Grey Heron, passing over in a Westerly direction. Some of the Grey Heron flock. Towards the end of the row of bushes, a juvenile Woodchat Shrike was perched with striking plumage. The shrike remained here for a considerable time, probably waiting for the larger insects to appear. Northern Wheatears were numerous all over the headland. This one rested on a myrtle bush with another on the ground below. Thekla's Lark can be found on this headland and much of the Sagres peninsula. A few hours were spent at Cabranosa watch-point this afternoon. All the raptors seen were flying very high today and I only made an effort to record this Sparrowhawk, annoying a much larger Goshawk. ......while a Honey Buzzards flies over - that's Cabranosa.
While I was there, I saw the following - 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Goshawk, 2 Honey Buzzard, 3 Bonelli's Eagle, 5 Short-toed Eagle, 1 Montagu's Harrier and a Black Stork also flew at height. Perhaps my best find was, after hearing a slightly familiar call, the sight of a Crossbill flying across the watchpoint. There is a small influx of Crossbills at the moment from the North, which accounted for the presence of this bird. A further addition to my Algarve list and a great day altogether.
Tiago
18/9/2019 07:39:55 pm
Nice photos Nigel! Atalaia its a great spot for the passerines. Really enjoy to read the description of the day! See you Comments are closed.
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