Here we are at the beginning of 2024 and I wish all my friends, birding and otherwise a very happy and prosperous new year. A short visit to the U.K. over Christmas means that I have been catching up with some incredible bird sightings here in the Algarve, as rarities have appeared one after another during my absence! The old year ended with no less than 4 Rustic Buntings and 1 Little Bunting being found at one of my usual haunts, Quinta da Vala ricefields. In the previous weeks, I had found a pleasing number of raptors there, including a fine male Hen Harrier on one occasion. On each visit the two juvenile Black Storks had been present in the White Stork flock. On my last visit (22nd Dec), I was watching the Tree Sparrow flock at the greenhouses and was alerted to a harsh 'zik' call from a dense olive tree along the track. Despite my efforts, I could not locate the bird and possibly missed a nice Bunting species. It was New Years Eve when I did make contact with a Rustic Bunting, making a great end to the birding year, as this species was a welcome addition to my PT List. New Year's Day has begun well with a visit to the ETAR at Vilamoura, for a lingering 1st winter Lesser Scaup and another species for the PT List! These small reservoirs or 'tanques' as they are called here seem to have an affinity for attracting American species. I have seen both Lesser Yellowlegs and Ring-necked Duck over several years and now a Lesser Scaup (maybe of American origin, as they do occur in other locations) has found its way onto one of the two 'tanques' and appears quite settled. The Lesser Scaup is barely as large as a Tufted Duck. This individual shows the bill pattern nicely and the typical vermiculated pattern (Scaup-like) on the back. A small number of Ferruginous Ducks showed quite well against the far bank and one of the local Booted Eagles had come down to the water side. A short walk into the park revealed another male Hen Harrier hunting over the field. In the afternoon, a walk around the harbour at Quarteira revealed no less than 7 Razorbills weaving among the moored fishing boats. These small auks are wintering along this coast and all looked in good condition as they preened and fed in the harbour. So a great start to 2024 and can I leave a New Year's Day quiz question - 3rd winter Herring Gull or Yellow-legged??
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