Well, we've moved house (not far) and after two weeks solid work, I'm having a day out. In the new garden, the feeders have been up for ten days and so far, I've only seen a Collared Dove and a Dunnock - looking a bit grim! Previous homes have always had even a small area of 'untouched' land and trees to the rear, which has always provided an interesting garden list. Now I'm in what I usually describe as a 'sea of bricks and tarmac' and 'spot the tree' - so it will be interesting to see what happens. The plus point of being surrounded by other bungalows is that there is plenty of sky and this afternoon, 5 Common Buzzards and a Sparrowhawk were in the air. Although it's rather early for migrants on the East Coast, a visit to the Spurn area was made in view of an Easterly wind. I found a lovely male Northern Wheatear and I think it's my earliest ever Wheatear in Spring. The wind was cold off the sea and it was a while before Chiffchaffs became noticeable by their song. I counted eight around the area, during the day. Also warming up in the morning sun were two Long-tailed Tits huddled together in a hedgerow. At Kilnsea Wetlands, the Countryfile film crew were at work in the hide so, waiting outside, I scanned the large Brent Goose flock and located the long-staying Black Brant. Six Avocets were nearby. There were plenty of Brents to sift through! A flock of Wigeon contained this individual, which I've found a bit puzzling. The bill has an interesting pattern and I'm not sure if this is a hybrid x wigeon, or a 'still' immature male Wigeon. Great to be out again today.
I'm looking back on some of the wonderful moments I've had on our winter stay in Portugal's Algarve region. At this time of year, the Algarve is quiet, the days can be sunny and warm, and the countryside is filled with orange orchards and almond blossom. Most days the Atlantic has been flat calm and a deep blue, with a pure white surf, rolling up the long expanses of beach. The only addition to my Life List came in the form of an American Herring Gull, found by a Portuguese birder in the fishing port at Portimao. I went down a couple of times to see this bird and it seems to have remained there throughout my stay. Perhaps even more exciting was the arrival of a Sora from N. America as this constituted a 'first' for Portugal. Although by nature, a fairly skulking bird, this Sora had found a habitat bordered by a riverside wall in the town of Silves making it very easy to see with a little patience. This was not the best time of year for raptor watching but I was treated to some exceptional views, on occasions. The juvenile Bonelli's Eagle pursuing Glossy Ibises at Lagoa was spectacular. One of three seen during my stay. The Peregrine which frequents Alvor Marsh was quite approachable. ..... as was the stunning Black-shouldered Kite - possibly my favourite Algarve raptor. An early Short-toed Eagle was found on the way to Monchique, two Golden Eagles being seen in the hills also. Marsh Harriers were frequent, as were Ospreys on the marshes and Booted Eagles were seen occasionally. On the ground, Bluethroats showed really well at times and it was good getting to grips with Iberian Chiffchaff, once they started calling! I recorded 124 species in all. New additions to my Algarve List were the American Herring Gull. Sora and a single Common Gull at Pera Marsh. It was good to meet with old friends and new - Cheryl, Roger and the Alvor gang, Idris and Jacqui, Luis and friends at Silves. Looking forward to seeing you all again in Alvor. Well, it's back to the UK and moving house so......I may be gone some time!!
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