Hopefully today is the last day of blustery Northerlies which has not only suppressed the raptors but has cleared out many of the small migrants on the headland. On yesterday's early visit to wake up the Willow Warblers, I found only half the number of birds compared to the previous day's total. Having said that, I was pleasantly surprised to see a number of new birds in the hedge, including two Wrynecks which were also warming up in the early sunlight. Further species began to emerge including this Common Nightingale, one of two seen in the hedge, or under it mostly! Birds were beginning to move around now, a Turtle Dove was one of the first to leave the bushes. 3 Whinchats and 2 Wheatears were sitting on top of bushes in the open field. Thekla Larks began flying, a Pallid Swift came through and at least 10 Yellow Wagtails flew around the Headland. A smart Subalpine Warbler showed fairly well for a time, .... as did one of three Reed Warblers. Simon Wates arrived and quickly pointed out a Western Bonelli's Warbler high in the furthest bushes to the West end. It was a very active bird and I managed a photo from where we stood, being unable to relocate it closer up. I was very pleased with this sighting, making two records of this species in two days. This morning there were even less birds on the Headland however, two highlights were a female Hen Harrier and a skulking Ortolon Bunting. With no decrease in the wind, we later moved on to Boco do Rio fields where, in the absence of anything, I made do with a few Red-rumped Swallows passing through. The small beach at Boco do Rio is one of my favourites, purely for the setting and views. It is also 'Ellie the Dog's' favourite, not for the beach which can shelve considerably into the sea but for the small lagoon behind the beach. Checking first for any feeding Common Sandpipers, I let her go for a cool off! The area behind the beach and the high cliff had a good number of Northern Wheatears moving around. Between 15 and 20 Wheatears at a rough estimate. The wind is forecast to ease tonight. With luck the Sagres peninsula will see new birds in tomorrow and hopefully, a busy day at our 'office on the hill' with some counting to be done.
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