On my way to the Odelouca valley, I stopped by the Griffons once more. I found both the young Griffons, one above the other, still taking over the Storks' nests at will. The Storks returned to the lower nest at one point but left almost immediately, on discovering the temporary occupant. In the main, the Storks continued with lots of displaying going on and much bill clattering. A stop along the river in the Odelouca valley produced a Kingfisher which caught me out four times, as it shot along the tiny river. Three Cetti's proved hard to see but called constantly while both Great Spotted and Green Woodpecker flew over. I was pleased to find a flock of thirtyish Siskins feeding in alders. Siskins have been very few this Winter and these were the first this year. In my apartment garden this morning a Meadow Pipit was on the lawn, two Hoopoes were calling close by and a Spotless Starling performed its numerous songs on a nearby roof. Azure-winged Magpies were hopping about as usual. Over at Lagoa dos Salgados this morning, some birds were already waiting in the parking area. The Ring-billed Gull which has been here for some time now has found its way to the footbridge at the Eastern end. The resident Coots and a number of Black-headed Gulls are often fed by passing visitors and the Ring-billed Gull has also found this food source. As birders are finding, the gull is very close and much easier to observe. Within this collection of gulls were an adult winter Mediterranean Gull and two juveniles.
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