Despite a few trips out, new birds are in short supply at the moment as we go further into Winter. The Lesser Yellowlegs is often on the lagoon at Caminho Maria Pires but can leave for much of the day, spending time on the estuary. Reports suggest there are three Yellowlegs in the Algarve region at present. With regard to Winter visitors, I am seeing/hearing more Redwings than in any previous Winter spent here. Those seen are usually flying over or inadvertently pushed out of a bush when walking. In an attempt to get some Redwing photos, I resorted to 'puddle watching' but soon found the Song Thrush was the nearest I could get! Chiffchaff requesting a portrait. On the marshes at Quinta da Rocha, large wading birds such as herons, spoonbills and egrets are working in flocks to corner shoals of fish. It is fascinating to watch all these birds working together and provides excellent size comparisons between the species. Another Winter visitor, the European Starling has arrived and can be seen moving around in large flocks. They don't necessarily mix with the Spotless Starling but are seen together at times. This Firecrest was a nice find, although watched for quite some time they rarely keep still for a second. Not in Alvor but on the river at Aljezur, I just had to have a picture of this colourful Muscovy Duck!!
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