A complete change of scene today and the possibility we may come across a bird I haven't seen in the Algarve for some years. Residing in the Western Algarve all winter, my chances of finding a Slender-billed Gull are very remote, unless I travel to the east side of Faro and beyond. The Slender-billed Gull has an amazing distribution, breeding from West Africa and being present throughout the Mediterranean region, through the Balkans and into Asia and India. The nearest breeding populations of any size are probably in Spain and France. Locally, as I've already mentioned, this gull is seen in various places along the Ria Formosa on the Eastern Algarve and around Castro Marim on the border. In terms of numbers here, I don't have any figures but I managed to locate three birds quite easily at the Tavira saltpans today. They invariably associate with the similar sized Black-headed Gulls, so that is always a good starting point and there's no point looking through 'large gull' flocks. Here's an adult winter Slender-billed, the bill is no slimmer than a Black-headed but it is the elongated head which gives the apparent slender effect. The bill is a dark red, turning darker almost blackish in summer and the legs are also red. There is a surprising pink tinge to the white of an adult bird and can be seen easily when close to a Black-headed gull. A nice show of flight feathers. This bird has a much darker bill. Enjoyed watching these small gulls which have some very interesting characteristics. Having not been to Tavira for some years, I was surprised to find some of the old saltpans are much more accessible now with 'permissive' tracks around them. All the anticipated waders were seen, two Little Stints were noted and these three Red Knots were a chance find. A traditional and simple wooden sluice, used to regulate seawater in and out of the 'pans'. A pristine adult Black-winged Stilt in a pool by the road. Our walk around the saltpans eventually led us to the Ria Formosa channel. It wasn't long before an Osprey came along the channel and passed overhead. A few hours on a glorious winter morning had provided some excellent birding and a return visit, now that access has improved, is quite likely soon. A very charming house in Tavira town.
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