The clocks went back in the early hours, signalling the beginning of the winter months and what the weather will bring is anybody's guess. This has been by far, the quietest Autumn for bird migration that I have experienced down here on the Sagres Peninsula. Days have been spent with hardly a raptor showing up at Cabranosa which is quite unprecedented when it continues day after day. Our weather has been very changeable and it is also necessary to look at weather conditions further north. Temperatures have been very high, followed by rain, a considerable storm and the general feeling is that the birds may have chosen another route in which to migrate south. I encountered some atrocious weather recently which destroyed my camera gear as I was taken completely by surprise in a deluge of rain. The outcome of that is I have acquired the Canon r7 mirrorless camera and the 100-400 is usm lens to suit. While most of the camera menus are familiar, the actual camera operation is a complete change and will require a lot more practice to get the very best from this equipment. I visited a small wood not far from Vila do Bispo for my first tryout, picking small birds out in the tree canopy. Nuthatch. Long-tailed Tit. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (male). Today we visited Alvor marsh where a pale-bellied Brent Goose (juv) has been seen on several occasions in the last week. Any goose is a rarity in the Algarve and this one is hundreds of miles further south than usual for this species. The Brent Goose with Bar-tailed Godwits. Two feeding Whimbrel. One of the regular Ospreys. The German-ringed Ruff continues its long stay on the marsh.
A little more camera practice in Sagres harbour. This falcon was first seen at high level together with two other raptors. After disappearing from view, it later approached at speed, braking at the last moment to perch in a nearby dead tree. The Eleonora's Falcon is a regular Autumn visitor here, but only two or three sightings most years. This was a nicely marked juvenile Eleonora's and the first seen this Autumn since my arrival at least. Yesterday, we had a rarer sighting of a Golden Eagle, somewhat distant but possible to identify it as a first year bird with large white patches on the underwing and an extensive white tail, tipped with a black band. Golden Eagles are not seen here every year and this was a nice addition to the list of migrating raptors. Perhaps the most numerous raptor this week has been the Short-toed Eagle with twelve seen today and seventeen yesterday. Two Bonelli's Eagles have shown up, often harassing other raptors. Another single Egyptian Vulture flew with two Black Kites before leaving the area.
The first full day back on this 'hallowed ground', the hill at Cabranosa. It was a hot, sunny day spent in the company of our friends and the migration recorders, with only a few birds flying very high in the still conditions. The day finished in spectacular fashion with the arrival of a juvenile Spanish Imperial Eagle. This raptor was picked up distantly and approached from the east, before dropping into the wood just before the hill. It remained there for about half an hour before lifting off again and giving spectacular views, as it flew past our cars as we were leaving. It had been a day when Sparrowhawks and Peregrines showed frequently, four or five in the air at times. Other arrivals included 6 Honey Buzzards, 1 juv Bonelli's Eagle, a Hobby, Booted Eagle and both Black and Red Kite seen flying together at one point. A distant Montagu's/Pallid Harrier failed to come close enough for an accurate identification. Some awakening birds on Atalaia from just after sunrise. Chough, Spotted Flycatcher, Redstart and Whinchat.
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