The water level is high again meaning waders were few apart from the Lapwing flock, accompanied by a dozen or so Golden Plovers. A few Sanderlings came and went, Black-tailed Godwits were still at the northern end of the lagoons. Wildfowl were predominantly Teal and Pintail, with lesser numbers of Mallard, Gadwall and Shovelers. All the wildfowl were beginning to show off their best plumage, in readiness for the breeding season. A pair of Wigeon were present today, the first there this Winter for me. Nice views were had of a Water Rail as it scurried over the bank, between the two lagoons. Two Kingfishers were seen, one by the viewing screen and the other along the boardwalk. Also at the viewing screen, a male Spanish Sparrow looking splendid. The resident viewing screen Grey Heron. Yesterday, a spare hour in Alvor was spent watching the local Crag Martins. A very under-rated bird in my opinion and one I enjoy photographing very much. What I didn't expect so much, in mid December, was when a House Martin joined in the aerial feeding. This bird was looking very untidy with worn/missing primaries. Was it a new arrival having undergone a long journey or, was there another reason for its appearance? A few minutes later, I heard the chittering of Swallows and couldn't believe five Swallows were here at the same time. Both the House Martin and Swallow does over-winter in the Algarve. This little fellow was watching me while I photographed the martins.
Rob and Anne
18/12/2020 01:01:53 pm
Re the Sp. sparrow, we know that bush! Comments are closed.
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