We all remark how quickly time flies and our two month stay in Sagres is coming to an end already. The superb view over Sagres harbour and starting point for some great pelagic trips. Much of our time has been spent at Cabranosa during the raptor migration. There have been plenty of comments on how late the vultures have been this year, only now are they starting to show in reasonable numbers and sometimes in spectacular fashion! We felt some days were really quiet with few birds arriving. Within the species we saw, several Eleonora's Falcons, a Lesser Spotted Eagle and a possible Lanner highlighted the incredible birds that can show up at Cabranosa among the more expected juvenile raptors. I am always indebted to the raptor teams working at Cabranosa for their friendliness and invaluable information, also for their patience in putting up with this year's 'experts' gathered below. On a less happy note, we are all saddened to hear of the passing away of our friend Rob Mills. Despite Rob's disabilities, he amazed us all with his stamina and determination, arriving at Cabranosa each morning and, remaining throughout the day whatever the weather. He was a keen and well respected birder among the community there and will be sadly missed, particularly as he had hoped to join us this year. Rob with the Cabranosa Crew in November 2018. This afternoon and much to our surprise, we were visited by the 'herdsman' who attends the roaming cattle, over the land around Cabranosa. He and his seven dogs steered the cattle around the watchpoint with just the right amount of whistling and the odd shout, giving a marvellous demonstration of these working dogs right before our eyes. What was even more astounding as we watched the herdsman in his traditional fleece coat, was that he spoke remarkably good English and told us all about his dogs and their work. Tomorrow we move on to Alvor, perhaps calling in at the windfarm on the way as we believe more Griffon Vultures are close by.
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