For the first time in years of visiting the Algarve, we have been held up for days by heavy rain. Desperate to get out with the camera, it was possible today to spend the late afternoon at Salgados or commonly known as Pera Marsh. On our last visit (June), much environmental work was being carried out and there was little bird activity. The separation of areas by banking has made way for a much larger area of shallow water and extensive mud, whilst keeping a substantial area of deeper water for wildfowl at the western end. The result seemed very pleasing. Although winter numbers should be building anyway, the sheer number and species of birds present was very encouraging. Commencing at the parking area, a good start was 2 Northern Wheatears in nearby trees, possibly feeding up for their Atlantic hop! In another nearby tree, a Kestrel was perched and it seems strange seeing them in fig or olive trees! Amongst the larger species were a couple of White Storks, around 40 Spoonbill, 10 Grey Heron and 34 Glossy Ibis. The images below shows an area close to a viewing screen, giving excellent opportunities to see Spoonbill and Ibis. Other birds in range are White Stork, Coots (many), Shoveler, Mallard and a Black-winged Stilt. I mentioned wildfowl numbers earlier and species seen included Mallard, Teal, Shoveler, Gadwall, two Pintail, Pochard AND for me, my first Ferruginous Duck on the Algarve. I was searching through the Pochards when I saw the distinctive white rear of a Ferruginous Duck heading for a reedbed at speed. I have looked for them here before, and at Quinta do Lago and Falesia without success. The bird was as far away as possible and with fading light, the image below is no more than a personal record of the sighting. The other reason apart from the rain for our delayed arrival, was to see the Glossy Ibis roost at dusk. Quite an impressive sight as one small flocks drops onto the wetland, accompanied by several Little Egrets.
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