[Mick Sway]

PORTUGAL 2008 – ANOTHER TWITCH UP THE ALGARVE
TRIP REPORT 04 TO 10 OCT 2008
PART ONE
Itinerary:
1 Sat 4th October Arrive from Machester at Salgados/Pera Marsh 13.30.
2 Sun 5th October - Alvor Estuary
3 Mon 6th October – Quinta do Lago
4 Tues 7th October – Cape St. Vincent to Vila do Bispo
5 Wed 8th October – Luz to Burgua
6 Thurs 9th October – Castro Verde
7 Fri 10th October – Alvor and Quinta do Lago

Prevailing weather:
At this time of year it’s fantastic to grab a late slice of summer in the welcoming Algarve’s climate.
There’s a joy in sighting hirundines and passerines that one hasn’t seen for weeks, especially in our land locked part of the UK, the Staffordshire Moorlands. The sun shone from the moment that we arrived and temperature rose to the mid twenties by lunch time everyday. However at Cape St.Vincent, Castro Verde and on Friday at Alvor, there was a strong wind blowing from the west, making the use of a tripod and scope difficult at times.

Sat 4th October 2008 - Cohela Beach/Val de Parra:
Having unpacked on Sat 4th, our next stop was Cohela (Rabbit) Beach to catch a few rays and a sardine lunch at the seaside cafe. Two common terns flew south east past us as we eat.
A short walk along the sandstone cliffs, eroded by Atlantic waves, gave us good views of yellow and black headed gull, rock dove, kestrel, two pallid swifts, swallow, house martin, sardinian, fan tailed and willow warbler, black cap and stonechat (which were seen practically everywhere during the week).

Pera Marsh and Salgados Golf Course:
Our initial excitement at the views from our apartment at Quinta Terruta, over the Marsh, turned to disappointment when we noted that the reserve was once again drained of any water. The open strip of land between the gardens of our apartment and the golf course had also fallen victim of serious fly tipping.
Nevertheless on the Saturday we arrived, there was a small flock of spoonbill, greater flamingo, white stork, grey heron, egrets, numerous wild fowl and two female marsh harriers patrolling the area. Unforunately the lack of water allowed for only distant views of the birds that were present. Over the week our early morning walks around the fringes of the Marsh and Golf Course, allowed good views of hoopoes and a small flock of red legged partridge which were also regulars in the scrub area. Passerines observed included waxbills, chaffinch, goldfinch, corn bunting, tree (and house) sparrow, robin, stonechat, northern wheatear, pied and spotted flycatcher, blackbird, fan tailed warbler and spotless starling.
There were a number of hidden channels which held waders and water birds including moorhen and common coot, black winged stilt, snipe, redshank, cettis, reed and other common warblers.
The golf course trees, lake and green held common sandpiper, jay, blackbird, lesser black backed and black headed gulls, egrets (little and cattle), coot, little grebe, ducks including muscovy, gadwall, pochard and mallard.
Every evening, two little owls called to each other from the well and other ruins on the open land beyond Quinta Terruta.

For Salgados/Pera Marsh conservation updates visit the Algarve Birder, Colin Key’s blog at:
[b]http://www.algarvebirder.blogspot.com/

to be continued.........

record shots attached

[Mick Sway]

PORTUGAL OCT 2008 - PART 2
Alvor Estuary and Quinta da Rocha, Sunday 5th and Friday 10th October 2008.
The salt pans, estuary and Quinta da Rocha at Alvor, can be accessed from the N125, between Portimao and Lagos.When driving west towards Lagos (from Portimou) turn left by the Palm Tree nursery, opposite the sign for Mexilhoeira Grande.
Quinta da Rocha is a conservation organisation. During the tourist season on Thursday mornings, their premises (just off the main Alvor access track) are normally open to the public for a short talk about their work at Alvor and ringing demonstrations.
A visit is best avoided on a Sunday, since at weekends the estuary is a popular cockling destination for locals. The coming and goings of cars on the main access tracks can be frustrating, particularly if you wish to stop to view a bird.
On our journey to Alvor, both on 05/10 and 10/10, at the suspension bridge over the estuary at Portimoa, we noted several hundred migrating white stork. On 05/10, at the same point there was also, (in addition to the good numbers of grey heron, egrets and the gull roost) a large number of spoonbill.
Travelling the 1500 m or so down the lane to the car park, the track is surrounded on the right by orchards and olives and on the left by cultivated fields. Over the past few years’ commercial undertakings have fenced off part of the salt marsh, scrub and salt pans, restricting access to the tracks and unfortunately restricting the view points available to birders.
Nevertheless Alvor is still worth visiting, particularly at peak migration, although we were unable to repeat the excellent views of blue throat that we obtained on last visit two years ago, during the last week of October. On 10th October, all though warm and sunny, a strong wind was blowing over the salt marsh making even standing up straight difficult, and using the scope almost impossible.
Down the access lane to the estuary on both dates there were good numbers of little and cattle egret, jackdaw, feral pigeon and azure winged magpie. A kestrel hovered over the fields and a little owl was on a ruined farm building. Passerines on the cultivated area included northern wheatear, stonechat, whinchat, corn bunting and crested lark.
At Alvor Estuary on both dates (though the tide was in on 10/10) we had good views, from the saltings bank of:
Greater flamingo ( about 60), white stork, little grebe, shag, black winged stilt, greenshank, spotted and common redshank, grey plover, golden plover, lapwing, kentish, ringed and little ringed plover, oyster catcher, whimbrel, black tailed godwit, curlew sandpiper, dunlin, little stint, ruff, sanderling and knot.
Gulls included: yellow legged, lesser black backed, slender billed, black headed and med.
About 6 sandwich and two Caspian terns were present.
In the figs, almonds and scrub on the bank sides and on salt marsh, there were:
White wagtail, meadow pipit, waxbill, serin, goldfinch, greenfinch, chaffinch, linnet, Spanish and house sparrow. A single nightingale and whitethroat were in the fig trees near the car park, along with numerous willow warblers.
On 5/10, on our way back up the track, on a fence, within a few yards of each other, there were male and female stonechat, whinchat, a juvenile woodchat shrike and a chiff chaff, while two red legged partridge were in the field
Despite Alvors increasing popularity for wind and para surfing and shell fishing, it is still relatively unspoiled and offers reasonable close access for viewing the birds.
TO BE CONTINUED..........

[Mick Sway]

More Record Pics Attached:
Portugal Oct 2008 ...to Be Continued.

[wolfbirder]

Keep it coming - very interested in this.

[Emma]

I am thoroughly enjoying reading your report Mick! It is bringing back some super memories of my past holidays birding in the Algarve!! Alvor is a brilliant place to go to....you never know what you are going to find there!!!

Looking forward to the next installment!!

[Mick Sway]

Thanks for the feedback guys, much appreciated!

Quinta do Lago - Mon 6th October & Fri 10th October
The nature reserve at Quinta do Lago is part of the Rio Formosa nature conservation area and lies around 20k west of Faro airport. On either A22 motorway or the N125, follow the signs for Almancil, by pass the town itself following the signs for Vale de Lobo, eventually baring left at the main junction rather than going into de Lobo itself. Go straight over a series of round abouts taking you past a Designer retail park and several high class “golf” based hotels. Eventually the road winds round to a car park only metres from the estuary itself. The car park is shaded and regularly patrolled by high visibility security, though nothing of course is guaranteed. Beware though that there are no public toilet conveniences or means of buying refreshment, other than the sand dune restaurant on the dunes across the pay which we have found very pricey. The park nestles in among the developments of expensive villas, hotels and attractively maintained golf courses. On each of our visits we were asked to rescue a golf ball from the estuary mud by players on the green above, so someone dropped a shot there.
Along with the walks along side the green and through the woods, one can walk a circuit around the salt pans for views of the many wintering birds that shelter there, since whilst birding it can take several hours, make sure that you take a hat and some refreshment with you. Ducks including gadwall, teal, mallard, pochard and crested pochard can easily be viewed from the banks of saltings. Avocet (although surprisingly we dipped on these this time around), great crested and little grebe, coot, moorhen, greater flamingo, egrets, grey heron, stilts and both bar tailed and black tailed godwit forage the tanks. Although we were unable to pick any out, it is said that red knobbed coot are occasional visitors.
On the turn of the tide the estuary is good for all the waders previously mentioned at Alvor and a large gull roost.
Following the path east around the side of the golf course for about 500m, you will eventually come to a fresh water lagoon, which is overlooked by a two story hide, which accommodates four people upstairs.
Unfortunately it is often occupied by golfers in between rounds, take time out to do the woodland walk.
This is the best place in the Algarve to view breeding purple gallinule, this brilliantly coloured bird is easily seen from the hides(there were two adults and a juvenile), along with the water fowl already mentioned above. Apparently in spring and summer it is also good for a number crakes and heron species; however on the two days that we visited we only noted two glossy ibis.
Also present were kingfisher (we saw 4 altogether), cettis, reed, willow warbler and chiff chaff.A few yellow wagtails were present on 06/10, along with waxbill, robin, and blackbird, great and blue tit.
All the passerines seen at Alvor were also at the Quinta in good numbers, on both dates.
Whilst we were at the hide with a nice couple from Bolton, we spotted a black headed yellow bird flitting between the reeds, which we all initially put down as a black headed bunting. However I was concerned about the lack of brown on the mantle and tertials, and the fact that it would have been way off course. Although we were unable to obtain diagnostic views, further research has since led me to believe that it might be a black headed weaver bird. Any opinions on the likelihood of our seeing this African species would be appreciated? Certainly on one occasion in the past we were fortunate enough to see a red billed quilea foraging with house sparrows on the green.
On the 6th Oct as we walked back from the salt pans, a marsh harrier was mobbed off by lesser black backed gulls. A few moments later walking back through the woods Tina spotted a wryneck on the path, which quickly disappeared before I could get off a record shot, incidentally although we didn’t see it, someone reported a green woodpecker on the morning of 10th October.
At the Quinta you also tend to get better views of azure winged magpie, although even then, they appear twitchy and fly off “laughing” at you in parties of several birds.
The salt marsh scrub in the estuary also holds bluethoat in winter, so its worth checking it out from the bridge across to the dunes, although we were unlucky on this occasion, possibly it was still a bit early for their migration.
You can certainly spend a good days birding at Quinta de Lago, so it might be worth taking a packed lunch, although civilisation is never too far way in the Algarve.

[Pam_m]

I am also thoroughly enjoying your report, Mick. I have just returned from the Algarve (25th Sept-9th Oct) and had a wonderful 2 weeks there.

We met Rui Eufrasia (caretaker of Pera Marsh) and I can confirm he is a very pleasant gentleman indeed! He entered the viewing platform whilst we were there and asked if we had seen much! I said the usual were about but that I had yet to see a Bluethroat at Pera this holiday..then lo and behold a Bluethroat flew on to the top of the reeds..that man has magic powers!! He smiled and wished us good birding and a nice day! We also spoke to a very nice couple from Bolton at Pera Marsh, probably the same couple!
Thanks for the link, it is good to read the update of developments at Salgados.
Super pics, especially so the Glossy Ibis

[Mick Sway]

Hi Pam
Thanks for your kind response.
Nice to hear of your visit to Pera, with regard to the bluethroat, I wish that we were so lucky.
Did you get the lowdown on the drainage problems at the Marsh ?
Regards
Mick

[Mick Sway]

PORTUGAL 2008 – PART 4
Tues 7th October – Cape St. Vincent to Vila do Bispo
Being the furthest western point, Cape Saint Vicent is the Algarve’s equivalent of Lands End and is a noted migrant and raptor watchpoint. Recently it has also become a top Portuguese surfing destination.It is easily accessible via the N125 west from Faro.
By the time we arrived there on the Tuesday 07/10/08, the early morning showers had given way to a bright and breezy day. We first stopped at the cliff car park approx half a mile from the lighthouse.
Sardinian warblers flitted from bush to bush and six chough flew over head, whilst three kestrel (possible lesser) hovered some way off, over the moorland to the north of the road.
As we walked south to the cliff edges, wheatears and stonechat flitted on fennel stalks.
Black redstart hopped onto the cliffs then darted over the edges.
A party of twenty or so crag martin hawked for insects over the cliff tops.
Half an hour of sea watching gleaned nothing but shags, yellow and lesser black backed gull.We then headed off down one of the many network of tracks that criss cross the moorland between
the Cape and Vila do Bispo, to the sandy hill to the south of the pines, which form the raptor watch point.
A note of caution here, the tracks are very rutted in places and in the event of heavy rain, there is a real possibility of getting stuck. Although the main 1256 track is now partially tarmaced and is passable with little difficulty.
A dozen or so birders of different nationalities had already assembled and reported that black shouldered kite, osprey and two magnificent booted eagles circling the pines some distance away as we arrived, had been seen. During the hour that we stayed we were unable to add to the boots, so we headed off towards Vila do Bispo, hoping for better. Along the track 1256, two raven flew on to one of the many telegraph poles, a flock of spotless starling roosted on the wires, moving on each time we got nearer. Wheatears, crested lark, goldfinch, linnet and stonechat were common on roadside vegetation. A little owl was on the ruined farm buildings on the right hand side of the road. Further on we decided to scan the area with the scope, being rewarded with distant views of a black shouldered kite on a telegraph wire. Setting off to get a little nearer, as is our luck it flew off as I was setting up the scope and Tina was parking the car.
We used the opportunity to settle for a sandwich and a drink before heading back down the road to the Cape, only adding the further sighting of a common kestrel and a buzzard resting on the moorland vegetation.
Prior to recent renovation work access to the courtyard at the lighthouse was allowed, giving excellent safe views of the sea and cliffs, unfortunately the gates now remain locked, so it is not possible to visit the lighthouse itself.
Parking up at the Cape’s lighthouse car park, at this point it was around 2pm, and surveying the sea we were excited at the excellent views of a school of (we think, opinions appreciated ?) bottle nosed dolphins which were passing below ignored by the tourists disembarked from the many coaches stopping off for sight seeing tours.
Incidentally there is a small market at the Cape offering the likes of hand knitted ponchos, nuts and local pottery. There are also one or two snack vans offering hot and cold drinks.
Other than further sightings of black redstart we did not add to our tally any further.
Overall we have to say that we were a little disappointed with the birding in the area this time out, on a previous visit we had been rewarded with close up views of Egyptian vulture, hen harrier, and short toed and booted eagle.
Boca do Rio
Just a quick word about this small area of wetland that we passed through on the way back to Pera, just off the N125 (take the turning for Salema, where you can enjoy a very good lunch at one of the beach side cafes).
Many of you will know that this area has been in danger from development over a number of years, although for the moment surrounding areas have been encroached upon, it remains untouched.
Passing through a number of grey heron and both endemic species of egrets were present along with the usual warblers, crag martin and a grey shrike.
Another area certainly worth a visit in the spring.
To be continued...........................

[s.g.]

Hi To You Both,
Also Enjoyed The Report And Looking Forward To Seeing The Photos.
Steve/ Di.

[john-henry]

Hi Mick,
Great report and pics, keep it coming.

Your black-headed yellow bird is certainly a weaver, Masked Weaver I think but not sure.

Regards

John

[Pam_m]

Originally Posted by Mick Sway

Hi Pam
Thanks for your kind response.
Nice to hear of your visit to Pera, with regard to the bluethroat, I wish that we were so lucky.
Did you get the lowdown on the drainage problems at the Marsh ?
Regards
Mick

Hi Mick,

Regarding the drainage at Pera I can tell you that the water level when I went to Pera on the evening of our arrival was higher than I had ever seen it ever before. It was so high that it was impossible to get to the viewing platform as the water was up to about 1-2 feet away from the boardwalk. Obviously the waders were far in the distance on the opposite side of the Marsh! The previous Monday (22nd) they had had heavy rain.I have attached a few pics for you to see the height of the water. Pic 3 shows the pool that had formed beyond the sand bank of the Marsh. To be honest I would have thought warning signs not to touch or paddle in that pool would have been advisable. On the Saturday evening (27th) a storm brewed up that lasted almost 36 hours! The heavens opened as you can well imagine! The thunder and lightning accompanying the rain was incredible at times, especially being woken at 4.00am on the Monday morning by an almighty thunder clap! That evening we visited Pera and were surprised to see it had drained! We were told it had broken through the sand barrier. To be honest after reading the link the cynic in me wonders if it had had a helping hand! The beach was now divided by the water filled chasm it had left. I hope this has enlightened you.
A great continuation you have added to your report, I am looking forward to more.

[john-henry]

Hi Mick,
Hope you'll forgive me for adding this to your report page but I've just come across some good news regarding Pera Marsh that I think we will all be delighted to know.
For further information visit the link below

http://aves.team-forum.net/birds-of-...peal-t1246.htm

Best regards

John

[Mick Sway]

Thanks for the info both.
When we were there the Marsh was baked spaggeti western dry, it seems fantastic that the levels were so high only a week earlier!
There is of course a small lake between the golf course and the Marsh itself, along with a net work of feeder channels, however the best views of wild life are bound to be from the golf course.
Please forgive my slow response to your posts and the up dating of my report, however our internet connection keeps getting cut at the same time that windows installs its up dates.
I lost it completely this afternoon - the connection that is......
Regards and thanks
Mick & Tina Sway

[Mick Sway]

Our apologies for the delay in the updating of this report, we now have the PC back.

PORTUGAL 2008 – PART FIVE
Wed 8th October – Luz to Burgua

Luz lies on the coast, just off the N125, about 10k heading west from the famous Algarvian city of Lagos.
Unfortunately its name has been brought into the limelight over
the past two years through the Madeline McCann abduction.
Starting from the west end of Luz, near the church, follow the road which skirts the edge of the developments, for a lovely coastal walk across the cliff tops, to the small former fishing village of Bergau, allowing one and a half hours each way.
Although we principally do this for the walk, we always take our bins along – just in case!
For us the first leg of the walk ends with a Lunch in Bergau
at the Barracuda restaurant. Their signature dish is a wonderful
Portuguese stew, of monkfish with clams and rice.
Be aware if you decide to try it, that they close on Tuesday.
Then just retrace your footsteps back to Luz along the cliff tops – as long as you follow the path along the cliffs you can’t go wrong.
Undaunted by the Atlantic breakers, a Kingfisher was perched on the seaside rocks as the path wound west across the cliffs, from Luz to towards Bergua.Turnstone and oystercatcher foraged amongst the seaside rock pools.
Blue rock thrush and black redstart flitted on the weather eroded sandstone cliffs.
Sardinian, willow and fantailed warbler, kestrel, chats, northern wheatear, crested lark and great grey shrike were also seen along this walk. Sightings on a previous visit have also included dartford warbler, grey wagtail, woodchat shrike and wax bill
Apart from endemic gulls and a single cormorant, sea watching gleaned only four gannets way out to sea, diving like arrow like into the depths, emerging seconds later, before flying off to repeat the exercise.
Unidentified blues, fritillaries, painted lady, swallow tail and a single monarch butterfly drifted across our path as we walked.


To be continued……..
Part six, the final part will follow shortly

[Andrew]

Enjoying this very much Mick, I have a soft spot for the Algarve. Never seen a Tree Sparrow down there.

Also these links may be of interest.

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=126095

http://www.justgiving.com/josetavares-rspb-salgados

[Pam_m]

Glad you have your PC up and running again, Mick! I enjoyed the read on Luz. A place we have not explored yet, it is now noted for our next visit to the Algarve. Thanks for the directions for the coastal walk.

As Andrew I have yet to see a Tree Sparrow down there...plenty of House though! they have disappeared in my garden so it was good to see so many flourishing. I am currently reporting on my holiday on the Ex-beebs forum.


Thanks for the link to Josés marathon John and Andrew! A good cause indeed!

[Mick Sway]

PORTUGAL 2008 – PART SIX
Thurs 9th October – Castro Verde
Setting off at 8.00 am, we joined the IP1 toll road just east of Albufeira (off the A22 motorway) heading north to Castro Verde (the cost paid at exit is about 6 Euro). The idea was to take 123 heading east towards Mertola, however the since the exits from the town were not clearly identified, we found ourselves heading out towards Aljustrel and had to double back, though it was along this road that we spotted the first of four red kites.
It’s worth noting that, although surfaced the Mertola road is very rough, with no sign of any improvement in its maintenance since our last visit a few years ago. Obviously used mainly for agricultural traffic, it crosses a vast plain of big skies and dry soil, occasionally broken with a few copses of eucalyptus, the odd oak and almond trees. Along the road a few kilometres out of Castro Verde there is small river gulley, crossed by means of a bridge, which is worthwhile checking out – on the East side there is a dilapidated farm. Although on this occasion there were only grey heron, common sandpiper, corn bunting and little egret, in spring it is bound to be more productive. Further on along the road a great grey shrike was perched in an almond tree. Flying low over the eucalyptus to the North, two red kites patrolled the skies.
Some of the telegraph poles along this road are numbered, at 10.00 am we pulled over at pole number 203 heading East, where on the opposite side of the road, a farm track runs north across the plains. At this point scoping the characterless steppes we eventually located in the distance, a number of great bustards (20+) and some smaller upright birds which may well have been little bustards. Disappointed with the views I set off across the landscape with scope trying get a little nearer, however the sound of gunshot echoed across the plains and the birds flew even further off(apologies for the photo,but this gives some idea of their distance). Whilst walking across the ploughed land a flight of black bellied sand grouse also took off, leaving me disappointed that I did not spot them earlier.
It has to be said that the distant views we obtained of the birds and the characterless nature of the views left us feeling that a visit to Ria Formosa or Quinta, may have been more rewarding.
Thurs 9th October – Silves
As we left Castro Verde, this time via the IC1, another red kite flew by the road side.
As we entered the Algarve we took the N124 to Silves, stopping there for a tasty chicken piri piri lunch at one of the grills
near the river and later took a stroll around this picturesque old castled town.
A quick twitch down the river gave us good views of kingfisher, common sandpiper, black winged stilt, grey heron and little egret.

Acknowledgements:
We would like to pay a small tribute to our friends Teresa and David Minshull who, some years ago now,introduced us to both birding
and walking in the Algarve. Our late friend Dave wrote two excellent reports of their time in the Algarve whilst he was ill.
He would have relished the opportunity of being able to share his experiences through the Birdforum and internet, but was
called before he was able to do so.
The following guides are useful:
A Birdwatchers Guide to Portugal and Madeira – C.C.Moore, G.Elias & H.Costa
(Published by Prion Ltd)
A Birdwatching Guide to the Algarve – Kevin & Christine Carlson (Arlequin Publication)

[pandachris]

Re your dolphins, although for me at least it's quite hard to ID different dolphin species, I can't see anything obvious that says that they're NOT Bottlenosed. We have quite a lot of pics knocking around, but unfortunately our web host has recently changed the way our photos are managed and we are having to reload lots. This was the closest that I could get to yours and I think that the fin structure looks pretty similar. The front end (visible on your pic, not on ours) certainly looks right.

http://avengerpenguins.com/gallery2/...g2_itemId=2604

As regards Tree Sparrows, it's a long time since I was in Portugal but I recall that they were quite numerous along a road that I think runs from the road to Silves, as approached from Portimao, towards a village that might be called Naranja.

[Sandra (Taylor)]

Super report Mick, although we've never been to Portugal. It's on our list of 'Things To Do'.

Sandra

[Pam_m]

A thoroughly enjoyable and informative report! Thanks, Mick!

[Andrew]

Thanks for the final instalment. I missed out on Castro Verde last time due to illness-induced indifference and am keen to return this winter. In contrast, I find the plain's openess quite evocative and thought provoking. I need Little Bustard too as well as Calandra Lark so I hope I score this time round.

[Mick Sway]

Thanks to everyone who took the time out to respond and for the additional information that they have provided.
Re Tree Sparrows
The birds that we saw had accommodated themselves in the branches of a rotten cork tree
on the waste land between the apartment and the golf course, can't say that we saw them anywhere else though.
Re Black Headed Weaver
I have attached below a copy of a photo that I recently found posted on the Birdforum gallery by :
Fa�sca Sparky
SPECIES LIST PORTUGAL 2008
Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis
Northern Gannet Morus bassanus
(Great) Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo
(European) Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
White Stork Ciconia ciconia
Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus
(Eurasian) Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia
(Greater) Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber
Gadwall Anas strepera
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
Garganey Anas querquedula
(Northern) Shoveler Anas clypeata
Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina
(Common) Pochard Aythya ferina
Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus
Red Kite Milvus milvus
Marsh-Harrier Circus aeruginosus
Common Buzzard Buteo buteo
Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus
(Common) Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa
Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio
(Common) Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
(Eurasian) Coot Fulica atra
Great Bustard Otis tarda
(Eurasian) Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus
(Northern) Lapwing Vanellus vanellus
(European) Golden-Plover Pluvialis apricaria
Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola
(Common) Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula
Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius
Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus
Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa
Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
(Eurasian) Curlew Numenius arquata
Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus
(Common) Redshank Tringa totanus
(Common) Greenshank Tringa nebularia
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
(Ruddy) Turnstone Arenaria interpres
(Common) Snipe Gallinago gallinago
(Red) Knot Calidris canutus
Sanderling Calidris alba
Little Stint Calidris minuta
Dunlin Calidris alpina
Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea
Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis
Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus (ssp. graellsii)
Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus
Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus
Slender-billed Gull Larus genei
Caspian Tern Sterna caspia
Common Tern Sterna hirundo
Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis
Black-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles orientalis
Rock Dove Columba livia
Feral Pigeon Columba livia feral
(Eurasian) Collared-Dove Streptopelia decaocto
Little Owl Athene noctua
Pallid Swift Apus unicolor
(Eurasian) Hoopoe Upupa epops
(Common) Kingfisher Alcedo atthis
(Eurasian) Wryneck Jynx torquilla
Crested Lark Galerida cristata
(Eurasian) Crag-Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris
(Barn) Swallow Hirundo rustica
(Common) House-Martin Delichon urbica
White Wagtail Motacilla alba (Pied Wagtail M.a. yarrellii)
(Common) Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos
(European) Robin Erithacus rubecula
Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros (ssp. aterrimus)
(Common) Stonechat Saxicola torquata
Whinchat Saxicola rubetra
(Northern) Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe
Blue Rock-Thrush Monticola solitarius
(Common) Blackbird Turdus merula
Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti
(European) Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus
Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis
Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus
Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita
Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla
(Common) Whitethroat Sylvia communis
Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala
(European) Pied-Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca
Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata
Blue Tit Parus caeruleus
Great Tit Parus major
Coal Tit Parus ater
Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor
Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator
(Eurasian) Jay Garrulus glandarius
Azure-winged Magpie Cyanopica cyanus
(Red-billed) Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax
(Western) Jackdaw Corvus monedula
(Common) Raven Corvus corax
Spotless Starling Sturnus unicolor
Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs
(European) Serin Serinus serinus
(European) Greenfinch Carduelis chloris
(European) Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis
(Common) Linnet Carduelis cannabina
Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild (introduced)
House Sparrow Passer domesticus
Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis
(Eurasian) Tree-Sparrow Passer montanus
Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra
Black Headed Weaver Bird

[Mick Sway]

In case anyone missed the excellent BBC2 Natural World program on
the Preservation of Portugal's Alentejo Region Cork Forests and wildlife
it can be accessed on the BBC I player at :

http://www.bbc.co.uk/emp/pop.html

Merry Christmas everyone.
Mick

[QBE]

Hi,
If any of you following this thread are looking to visit the area and stay somewhere bird-friendly with good food, good wine and guide available have a look at www.paradiseinportugal.com or www.birdinginportugal.com
There's a lot of action now going on re. Salgados - José Tavares in the RSPB is the man co-ordinating everything in the UK regarding this.
Ciao,
Frank