[Pam_m]

It felt good as we alighted from the plane at Faro Airport to feel the warm air surround us, to us it was warm but judging by the winter clothes worn by the staff at the car hire company you would have thought it was cold! House Sparrows around the airport were the usual first birds seen on arrival, however this time we had spotted three Greater Flamingos on the marshes as we were landing. These three and seven at Quinta do Lago on the lake were the only Flamingos seen during our stay. We were staying in Gale for the duration of the holiday, after a pleasant drive to the hotel and a rest we were off to my favourite place, Lagoa dos Salgados (Pera Marsh)!!
It felt good to be back here, a place I will never tire of. As we drove along the road that leads to the lagoon and Carlos Bar, two Hoopoes suddenly lifted in the field alongside the road, what a great start! It had taken a whole week during our stay in January to see a Hoopoe so I was well pleased with this sighting! Crested Lark were plentiful as were Pied/White Wagtails, in fact P/W Wagtails were to be seen in every place we visited! The water level in the lagoon was well down, it was just about reaching the raised banks but thankfully it was to rise well during our stay. Lapwings and a few Golden Plovers were feeding on the scrub areas beyond the Olive trees as we drove down to the lagoon, both of these species were to greatly increase in numbers over the two weeks. Lovely to see them all in flight, especially when the sun highlighted them! Other highlights at Pera Marsh today were Spoonbills (4), Heron (24), B. W Stilt (the numbers of Stilts also increased as the lagoon filled), White Stork, Purple Gallinule, Cormorant (numerous), Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Meadow Pipit, Stonechat, a Starling flock ( with numbers increasing daily), Chaffinch ( in abundance), B H & L B B Gulls. The star of the show today were the Shovelers in great numbers, if I hadn't felt so tired after an early flight I would have had a stab at counting them!! The numbers of Shovelers also increased greatly at Pera Marsh throughout our stay. On returning to the hotel a flock of Linnets were heard and then seen in a tree close to the hotel, their melodious song ringing out as the sun was setting! A great end to our first day back in the Algarve.

[Pam_m]

The 22nd & 23rd Nov were spent at Pera Marsh and a trip in to Albufeira. It was good to wind down and enjoy the surroundings at Pera Marsh. We called in to Pera Marsh most days if time allowed before dusk and if we had the stamina after a day trip, i will add extra sightings seen here as and when. Kestrel and Marsh Harrier were seen on most visits to Pera. Sanderling, Little Grebe, Avocet (2) and a small flock of Kentish Plover by the new bridge to the boardwalk were added to my species list and I was more than pleased to see my first Southern (Great) Grey Shrike, we were to see this bird many more times during the holiday! An Iberian Hare was comical as it was spotted running through the shallow water in the lagoon to the safety of the footpath, then it shook itself vigorously like a dog! Goodness knows what it was after in the water! We walked around the scrub areas that are either side of the road leading to Carlos Bar, Chaffinches were here, there, and everywhere! Red-legged Partridges, a Starling flock, Blackbirds and European Magpie, which somehow looked out of place in Portugal.lol! We came across 3 Iberian Hares which sped of as they spotted us, we did have great views of one though, quite striking when you have a good look at them. Whilst enjoying a drink at Carlos bar we watched Gannets diving...brill! On the evening of the 22nd we had a Tawny Owl fly across the road just ahead of our car, this was to be the only Tawny Owl seen. At dusk on the 23rd a Peregrine flew low over the lagoon and perched on one of the exposed rocks giving great views and posing very nicely for the camera! In Albufeira Martins were seen feeding feverishly across the beach area by the new beach lift. I wasn't sure if they were Sand or House Martins as the sun was shining brightly which made it difficult to see well this rapid flying little bird.

[Pam_m]

The 24th Nov and a ride to Silves. A walk alongside the river was very productive. Moorhen, Mallard, Common Sandpiper, B W Stilt, Grey Wagtail, L Egret being the first highlights! The river area by the car park was to give us Redshank, Azure-winged Magpie, Blackcap, Pied Wagtail (mostly seen on the car park), Meadow Pipit, Chiffchaff, Fan-tailed Warbler, House Sparrow, Robin, Goldfinch, Cetti's (h) and a twittering flock of Common Waxbill, all feeding in the shrubs and flowers that were bearing masses of seedheads. It was so relaxing and a delightful sight watching all of these lovely birds feeding. A pair of White Storks were rebuilding a nest on the end of a crane that was in situ on the car park! Their loud bill-clattering was heard many times as the adults greeted each other on the nest. Lunch today was at the best restaurant in Silves for Piri Piri, 'Churrasqueira Valdermar' and the meal was delicious!!! As we drove down the sandy track away from Pera after a quick late afternoon visit we spotted a young hedgehog in the centre of the track. Well we couldn't leave it there, so five minutes were spent trying to coax it to the side of the track and on to the scrub! I had to resort to rolling it to safety with a twig I found! Job done! A sweet little hedgehog and so pale in colour compared to our UK hoggies!

The 25th Nov and a ride to Carvoeiro. The town was fairly quiet of people and a lot of the smaller shops were closed. I found a red beetle on a tiled footpath and took a photo. The beetle was identified for me later in the week by Paula at Cruzinha (Alvor), it was a Palm Weevil! The one that is killing the Palm trees across the Algarve! I had read of this happening before I came on holiday, the evidence was clear to see as we saw numerous trees with leaf wilt. The Algarve will not look the same without the Palms, though not native to Portugal they just give that holiday feel to the place. Info here for anyone interested in reading more.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhynchophorus_ferrugineus
We later drove to Carvoeiro lighthouse, the views from here are delightful if not frightening when you look down, I do not get too close to the cliff edges mind! We walked around the areas with the bushes but I always find this so frustrating, you see a bird and then quick as a flash they are in the bushes! Patience is always needed in this area I feel.lol! Collared Dove, Starling, H Sparrow, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Blackcap, Sardinian Warbler, Blackbird Azure Winged Magpie, Jackdaw and Rock Dove were the highlights. I had hoped for Blue Rock Thrush but was unlucky today, never mind one for future visits. After a search for a cafe that was open and a much needed coffee we headed back to Gale.
The weather during the two weeks was mixed. Rain during the night on a couple of occasions and sunny mornings that clouded by the afternoon on several days. Early morning and late afternoon and evening was quite cool especially when the wind blowing so a fleece/warm coat was an essential. Average temperatures were 16-18c but decidedly warmer in a suntrap!

[Pam_m]

The 26th Nov and today it was to be a visit to Alvor Estuary. First stop 'Cruzinha' the observatory and ringing staion. We met some very friendly people as per usual here and enjoyed the coffee and lemon sponge cake after the ringing session. We were told that Rachel had returned to the UK with her family, it seemed strange not seeing her friendly smiling face but the staff at Cruzinha were just as welcoming. A Nature Walk (new to us since our last visit) around the garden with information boards was a pleasant short walk as we waited for the ringing to start. Greenfinch, Chiffchaff, Robin, Blackcap and Sardinian Warbler were the species caught in the garden, with just two being rung and the others being recaptures.
A walk across the Western Marsh was then enjoyed even though the wind was by now blowing quite strong. White Stork, Greenshank, Redshank, Sanderling, Ringed Plover, Godwit (not sure which one, a pic taken for ID), Little Grebe, Cormorant, Whimbrel, Oystercatcher, Turnstone, Black Winged Stilts, Marsh Harrier, Crested Lark, House Sparrow (seemingly hundreds feeding in the grazing field), Sardinian Warbler, Collared Doves, Pied Wagtail and Starling were seen. The highlight today was the Black Redstart that perched on the old barn adjacent to the car park! Whoopee...my first Black Redstart! What a beauty! Surprisingly no Spoonbills or Flamingos seen at Alvor today. We looked good and hard for Little Owl but no luck.
We had a quick stop at Pera Marsh before returning to the hotel. The usual suspects were in and around the water. An adult Iberian Hare and youngster were seen briefly. As we drove away from Pera Marsh I spotted a Marsh Harrier perched on a lamp post! I managed a photo before it flew off! This was the closest sighting I have ever had of a Marsh Harrier, it looked surprisingly small when perched.

A quick update on the ''Luxury development' at Lagoa dos Salgados, plans have been passed. Fortunately the lagoon will remain but the landscape will change beyond recognition in future years I fear. We were told by a restauranter that the first building will be a Casino....one way to finance the luxury developments planned I expect. Hopefully Pera Marsh (lagoon) will get classification as a special protection area sooner rather than later.

[Pam_m]

The 27th Nov, today Falesia Lagoon and Parque Ambiental were the chosen sites to visit. First stop Falesia Lagoon (that is on the outskirts of Vilamoura) looking lovely in the bright morning sunshine. We parked by the bridge, reed beds on one side and the lagoon on the other. As I walked towards the bridge a Kingfisher flew out of the reeds and away over the reeds. A good start. Cormorants, Coots, Grey Heron, Great Crested Grebe (2, these were the only ones seen during the holiday), Little Grebe, BH & L B B Gulls, A W Magpie, the inevitable Chaffinch and Pied Wagtail, Blackbird and our first sighting of the holiday of a Cetti's Warbler! Two Marsh Harriers were hawking the reed beds on a number of occasions. My aim was for a Purple Heron, sadly not today so another target in the future. We set off for Park Ambiental stopping off at Olhos d'Agua a small fishing village. We parked and walked the short pathway to the beach. A long line of Gulls rested on the sea, forming a line almost as long as the stretch of beach we were viewing from. No doubt waiting for the fisherman to return with their catch. After not seeing anything else of interest we headed for Vilamoura for a coffee and a loo visit before visiting the Parque! Here endeth today's trip at Vilamoura!!!!!!!!!

We returned to our car after a 30 minute break and found it had been broken in to. Two pairs of binoculars, camera, converter, SD cards, batteries...gone!!!! Fortunately we had left the scope still attached to the tripod making it bulky to get through the small window that had been smashed to gain entry to the boot. The *%^&$%£^ either did not have the know how to detach them or they were disturbed! So we still had the scope!

The afternoon was spent at the Police station and exchanging the hire car. I don't think I need to tell you how we felt! I believe we were either followed or just in the wrong place at the wrong time, I am going with the former. Once bitten twice shy, we did not leave a thing in the boot of any worth for the remainder of the holiday. This has not put us off Portugal as it could have happened anywhere but it does make you stop and think when you are out birding to be mindful when packing equipment away at the end of a session.

My photo's taken throughout the week were gone but the memories of such a wonderful week were not stolen from us. We were not harmed personally so that is a lot to be thankful for, possessions can be replaced.

[Pam_m]

The 28th Nov was to be a much happier day! We set off for an early morning drive to Faro airport to meet our daughter Emma who was spending the second week of the holiday with us! Emma arrived with a big smile, her bins, camera etc and two pairs of Compact bins that we use at home for garden birds! These proved to be quite adequate and we still had the scope!!!

If anyone is flying out to the Algarve for Christmas or New Year, I wish you a happy holiday! Fisherman's beach in Albufeira host a wonderful New Years Eve concert and firework display..be there if you can!

I will end my report here as Emma is going to report on the second weeks bird sightings etc with a few super pics.lol!!!

I hope you have enjoyed the read and managed to stay the course, I do go on sometimes.llol

Seasons Greetings to one and all!

[Andrew]

Thanks for the report Pam and sorry to know your car was broken into. Another birder on Surfbirds had his car broken into too so I hope that is not a worrying trend.

[palval147]

You did see a lot of birds & wildlife, Pam. I enjoyed reading your report.
What a horrible thing for you to have all that gear taken from your cars boot, items should have be safe in there. I hope you get compensation & can replace everything you lost. Glad you were safe, though I guess whoever did it would make sure no one was around. As you say, it could happen anywhere & your warning to take everything with you is right. Very sad you lost all your photo's.

[Pam_m]

Originally Posted by Andrew

Thanks for the report Pam and sorry to know your car was broken into. Another birder on Surfbirds had his car broken into too so I hope that is not a worrying trend.

Thanks, Andrew.
I do wonder that at this time of year with a lot less tourists around if we stick out like a sore thumb with bins etc on our person making us more of a target! We spoke to several birders after the event and it is surprising how many know or know of someone who had had a similiar experience.

Originally Posted by palval147

You did see a lot of birds & wildlife, Pam. I enjoyed reading your report.
What a horrible thing for you to have all that gear taken from your cars boot, items should have be safe in there. I hope you get compensation & can replace everything you lost. Glad you were safe, though I guess whoever did it would make sure no one was around. As you say, it could happen anywhere & your warning to take everything with you is right. Very sad you lost all your photo's.

Thanks, Val.
I am in the process of gathering all the info for the insurance claim. No doubt the claim will not be settled very quickly.

[Kits]

Sorry to take so long to reply, Pam. I had just read the first day of your holiday when my hairdresser turned up!

Anyhoo, I am sorry about the break in - how on earth did they know you had things in the boot? I wonder if they had been watching you. What a nasty thing to happen.

I was interested to hear what a lovely selection of birds and wildlife you saw and trust that you still enjoyed your break.

[Keith Dickinson]

Great report Pam, I recognise loads of your locations, commiserations on the break-in, I know how you feel having suffered the same sort of thing here in the UK.
Tonight on the local news was a report saying that easyjet are going to start flying from Robin Hood airport just down the road from me. Faro is going to be just a couple of hours away...you never know I might be able to get myself back to the Algarve for a couple of days birding on the cheap.

[Emma]

Week 2!!

Pera Marsh ~ Everday!!

Pera Marsh has always been one of our favourite places to visit and as it was literally on our doorstep from where we were staying we visited the area everyday! The regulars seen out on the lagoon each day were Black Winged Stilt, Avocet, White Stork, Spoonbill, Little Egret, Purple Gallinulle, Coot, Little Grebe, Grey Heron, Lapwing, Golden Plover, Common Sandpiper, Shoveler, Mallard, Teal, Moorhen, Cormorants, BH Gulls and LBB Gulls, also Marsh Harrier and Kestrel hawking the lagoon and scrub areas and Cattle Egret feeding in the scrub areas and as usual being very flighty. We had sightings of Little Owl on 3 of the 6 days and on the 2nd Dec a radio tagged Peregrine went over the lagoon, also a kind gentleman from Northumbria pointed out a Med Gull on the water to us! We also went to the beach near Carlos bar and had good views of Gannets and Cormorants over the sea! My highlights over my weeks stay are as follows:

1.12.09 An early morning visit was planned in order to see the birds before they all headed off to their feeding areas! On the drive down we had our first sighting of a Little Owl at Pera Marsh, he/she was perched right at the top of an Olive tree enjoying the early morning sunshine! We then had a quick view of a Peregrine before we got down to the lagoon where the normal waterfowl were out and about! On our way our we scanned the bushes just in case there was a shrike about as my Mum and Dad had seen one in the previous week but I have never seen one at all until now! We spotted the Southern Grey Shrike in the far distance and luckily it came a lot closer to the car and I managed a record photograph of it, don’t know how I managed this with shaky hands!!

[Emma]

Pera Marsh continued.

04.12.09 We decided to spend most of the day at Pera Marsh as the weather was looking promising and I needed to come home with at least a bit of a suntan!! On the drive down to the lagoon we spotted an ‘unusual’ bird hovering in the sky, it was the colour of a white dove but was hovering in the air…very unusual! Luckily it landed on one of the telegraph poles and I managed some quick distant photographs, we didn’t have an idea of what it was as the Collins was back at the hotel so we had to wait all day until we could positively ID it…it turns out it was a Black Winged Kite!! We were so pleased with this and it was a cracking bird to see!! The normal waterfowl were out and about but an added bonus today was a Caspian Tern on the water. We decided to walk along the boardwalk, now this isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing boardwalk to look at but it has a bonus in that the birds enjoy perching on the ropes/posts! We managed super views of a Bluethroat and Fan-tailed Warbler on top of one of the bushes and Stonechat were flitting about here, there and everywhere! House Sparrows and Chiffchaf were seen all along the walk and at the ‘open hide’ a flock of 20+ Common Waxbill were seen feeding on the seed heads of the reeds, this was the best views that I had of them but they were far too quick for any decent photographs!! A Black Redstart was also seen perched on one of the ropes on the boardwalk, it looked so bright and fresh with the sand and blue sky behind it!!

[Emma]

Vale Do Bispo 29.11.09

This was to be my first visit to VDB, unfortunately the day we chose to go there was fairly overcast and the wind felt like it was at near gale force at the lighthouse!! We first went to the raptor watch point to check if anything would be out and about, the raptors decided to stay down but we did have some super views of Chiffchaff flitting about the Pine trees and a nice flock of Azure Winged Magpies flew through but didn’t decide to stop for a quick piccie! There was also a flock of Thekla Lark feeding on the ground in a sheltered area, as soon as we saw them we knew that they were not Crested Lark due to their colouring and more rounded bill shape, we were chuffed to see these birds as it was a first for us! We then went on to the Lighthouse at Cape St Vincent to see if there were any Blue Rock Thrushes to be seen, alas this wasn’t to be the case due to the windy conditions however the LBB Gulls seemed to be enjoying the blustery conditions! Stonechat, Kestrel, Crag Martins and Meadow Pipit were other notable sightings.

[Emma]

Silves 30.11.09

For any birders going to the Algarve then I would definitely recommend a visit to Silves as there are absolutely masses of birds teeming around the River Arade in the town area! We parked on the new car park next to the new recreational area and there is a super spot there near to the river where the birds are literally ten a penny! The newly planted trees make super perches for the birds and as the trees are relatively young it is easy to see the birds that are in the reeds next to the river, it is a really good ‘open’ area for bird watching! Birds seen in this area included House Sparrow, Blackcap, Stonechat, Chiffchaff, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Mallard, Fan-tailed Warbler, Starling, Kestrel, Jackdaw and Grey Heron.

The weather was changeable and we did have to dash back to the car at one point when the rain started to come down quite heavy, this is one of the blessings of having a good bird watching spot next to a car park! The rain was however to benefit us for our next sighting! I was scanning the trees and spotted something having a good preen following the heavy rain, I noticed that the bird was of a dark colour and then I suddenly had a flash of orange in my binoculars…it was a Black Redstart! This was a first for me and I was soooo pleased! I just about managed to point out to my Mum and Dad where it was in the tree…it would pick one of the biggest trees in the area to go in! We all ended up having super views of it, we then saw it on another 2 occasions when we returned to the same area later in the afternoon. This time it was out in the open and I managed a couple of record shots! Other highlights included a good size flock of Common Waxbill, a Common Sandpiper that was out and about on the public footpath and grassy area (never seen one in this setting before!), a Kingfisher was seen fishing near to the bridge together with a rather grumpy looking Little Egret! We also had some excellent views of the White Storks circling and ‘clacking’ over the town, it was really strange to see them on their nest on top of a building crane!! There was also a large number of Painted Lady butterflies feeding on the Lantana flowers along the river bank, we also spotted a large butterfly flitting around, the ID was to be later confirmed as a Monarch butterfly by Paula at A Rocha, Cruzinha.

[Keith Dickinson]

Well there are 2 birds there that I envy you for Emma.... the shrike and the black -winged kite. Didn't manage to connect with either of those on our trips to the Algarve,
Must say that all these great reports are fuelling my resolve to get myself back there and soon!

[Emma]

Carvoeiro Lighthouse 30.11.09 PM

We decided to call in at Carvoeiro Lighthouse on the way back from Silves. I hadn’t seen the town since they had updated the square and it is such a marked improvement however it is difficult to differentiate which areas are for pedestrians or road users….if you drive through there you will know what I mean! The weather had taken a change for the better and we now had bright sunshine, as soon as we had parked up the first bird to greet us was a Black Redstart! As has already been mentioned by my Mum there are always loads of little birds here however they have a habit of diving for cover in the bushes as soon as they see you! We also managed to see Sardinian Warbler along the path to the cliffs and several Linnets were flitting around the garden within the compounds of the lighthouse! Once we were at the cliffs we were treated to some lovely views of the Algarve coastline, this has to be one of the most picturesque spots along the coast for scenic views, I am surprised that it isn’t on more postcards!! On the cliffs were Yellow Legged and LBB Gulls enjoying the early afternoon sunshine, also on the cliffs were several kamikaze fishermen, it goes right through me to see them teetering on the edge of the cliff tops! I didn’t think they made fishing lines that long!! No Blue Rock Thrush were to be seen at this location, these were to be our bogey birds of the holiday! Other birds seen at this location included Goldfinch, Blackbird, Starling and Rock Dove.

[Emma]

Quinta do Lago 01.12.09

We have always done quite well bird wise (and weather wise!) whenever we have visited Quinta Do Lago and today wasn’t going to be any different!! We first headed towards the small lake (take the right path at the board walk!) along the path, we managed to see Chiffchaff, Sardinian Warbler, House Sparrow, Azure Winged Magpie, Hoopoe and Stonechat! The tide was coming in so it was fairly quiet wader wise, we did manage to see Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Turnstone, Dunlin, Redshank, Little Egret and Curlew, the B H and LBB Gulls took to the air when their islands became flooded and headed off to more dry ground! The small lake was very productive with Shoveler, Black Winged Stilt, Redshank, Greater Flamingo and Coot being seen, the highlight however was first hearing and then seeing a Serin quite happily singing away in one of the trees alongside the lake! This was a first for all of us!

After a nice lunch sat near the boardwalk in the sunshine we then headed off to the lagoon via the path to the left of the boardwalk, the tide had come in by now so we had to walk along the edge of the golf course, luckily there weren’t too many golfers out and about today so we were quite safe! There were very few waders about due to the high tide and at the first hide there was just a Little Egret to be seen together with B H Gulls. The walk to the lagoon was really pleasant, this was the first time that I had been to this part of Quinta Do Lago and was quite surprised with all the sightings that we managed! The Purple Gallinule were quite happy to stay out in the open mooching around the fallen reeds for food, I had never had such good views of them before! Also on the lagoon were Shoveler, Teal, Gadwall, Mallard, Wigeon, Little Grebe, Pochard, Common Snipe, Cormorant, Grey Wagtail, and a nice surprise was a Glossy Ibis that was perched high up on a mound of reeds in the lagoon, this was a lifer for me!! Once in the hide we also managed good views of a Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail, the Glossy Ibis also flew in closer to the hide for even better views! From the hide it is easy to see why this is a really productive lagoon bird wise, there are so many small channels cut in to the reed beds over such a large area!

When we left the hide we had a slow walk back along the lagoon and a Cetti’s Warbler was first heard and then seen singing away in the reeds! My Dad then spotted a ‘new’ bird perched on the cut down reeds in the lagoon….it was a Squacco Heron!! We managed to get to within 15 feet of it and it didn’t budge, it even posed quite happily for the numerous photographs I took of it….I think it was more interested in catching a fish than me!! This was a lifer for all of us and we couldn’t believe how confiding it was to be out in the open with the Purple Gallinule and Mallards, after about 20 minutes it decided that the area was devoid of fish so flew off to the other side of the lagoon…..I think this was one of those ‘right time, right place’ moments for us!! This topped off a super day of birding at Quinta Do Lago!!

[Emma]

Alvor 03.12.09

We first headed to A Rocha to see the bird ringing, the weather had been damp overnight so we didn’t know if they were going to do the ringing or not! We arrived early and had a walk around the new trail that they have put up around the garden, the information boards give good background information to the area etc! It was fairly quite on the ringing front, we saw a Great Tit and then missed a Chaffinch and Greenfinch being ringed as we were being given a very informative talk about Moths by Paula in the visitor centre, we also a flyover by a Booted Eagle!!! It was really interesting to see their collection and it would be nice to think that they could publish their own book on the moths in Portugal! Paula then kindly ID’d my Silves butterfly for me after a nice drink and super piece of lemon cake!

We then headed down towards the estuary for a spot of lunch and a walk. We had super views of a Male and Female Stonechat less than 10 feet away from the car and a Black Redstart was also seen on the derelict farm building! We also had super views of a Caspian Tern fishing over the estuary, I had never seen one ‘up in the air’ before and it really showed up how big its bill was!! The wind had picked up a fair bit and was keeping most of the birds down around the estuary, we did manage to see Redshank, Oystercatcher, Sanderling, Little Tern, LBB Gulls and Greenshank on the estuary and good numbers of House Sparrows, Linnets and Crested Lark were seen in the fields alongside the estuary. On the drive out we spotted a ‘grey’ bird fly across the field and land on a fence post, our first thoughts were that it was an Azure Winged Magpie however once we had got the bins out we realised that it was a Southern Grey Shrike!! It then flew closer to us and at one point it was quite happy to share the roof of the derelict farm building with the Black Redstart……it couldn’t have got any better than this!!!

[Mick Sway]

Nice report Pam & Emma
Thanks for sharing.
Mick




October Alagarve : go to:
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=154269

[Peewit]

Hi Pam and Emma

Thank you for your super report, superb pictures, and I really enjoyed sharing your trip with you and your family.

How awful that people would steal your equipment from your car like that, and cause all those problems for you - how mean minded is that!
It makes us think about what we leave in our cars in any car park!

Your list of birds reminded me of a lot of what I saw in Spain this year. The Shrikes are something else are they not.
Great to see a Cetti's Warbler and the other Warblers that you where lucky to find where a bonus.

Black Winged Stilts are just one of the most graceful birds to watch - the legs are some length in comparison with the body. The White Kite what a stunner to see.

Could go on here, you have given me thoughts of Spain now. Now I really look forward to going to Spain next year now.

Loved sharing your holiday with you, and it is good to see you back here.

Regards
Kathy
x

[cheersm8]

That was a fantastic read Pam & Emma!! What a busy holiday, and so many super sights!
Shame about the sour edge caused by the break in, but I'm glad that it didn't spoil the rest of the trip.
Thanks for posting, I loved it!
Joe

[palval147]

I enjoyed your report, Emma. Super photo's too, it certainly is a lovely place to visit with lots of excellent birds sighted.

[Pam_m]

Originally Posted by Kits

Sorry to take so long to reply, Pam. I had just read the first day of your holiday when my hairdresser turned up!
Anyhoo, I am sorry about the break in - how on earth did they know you had things in the boot? I wonder if they had been watching you. What a nasty thing to happen.

I was interested to hear what a lovely selection of birds and wildlife you saw and trust that you still enjoyed your break.

My gut feeling is that we were watched, Kits. We still enjoyed an excellent holiday, best not to let the &*^%^&&* get you down! Thanks for your kind words.
Hope you were pleased with your hair-do!

Originally Posted by Keith Dickinson

Great report Pam, I recognise loads of your locations, commiserations on the break-in, I know how you feel having suffered the same sort of thing here in the UK.
Tonight on the local news was a report saying that easyjet are going to start flying from Robin Hood airport just down the road from me. Faro is going to be just a couple of hours away...you never know I might be able to get myself back to the Algarve for a couple of days birding on the cheap.

Sorry to hear you had the same happen in the UK, Keith! Put's you on your guard in the future doesn't it.
That is going to be a handy airport, Keith! Go on, treat Sheila to a New Years break! Best wishes to Sheila, I hope and trust that she is keeeping well!

Originally Posted by Mick Sway

Nice report Pam & Emma
Thanks for sharing.
Mick




October Alagarve : go to:
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=154269

Our pleasure to share! Thank you, Mick!

Originally Posted by Peewit

Hi Pam and Emma
Thank you for your super report, superb pictures, and I really enjoyed sharing your trip with you and your family.
How awful that people would steal your equipment from your car like that, and cause all those problems for you - how mean minded is that!
It makes us think about what we leave in our cars in any car park!
Your list of birds reminded me of a lot of what I saw in Spain this year. The Shrikes are something else are they not.
Great to see a Cetti's Warbler and the other Warblers that you where lucky to find where a bonus.
Black Winged Stilts are just one of the most graceful birds to watch - the legs are some length in comparison with the body. The White Kite what a stunner to see.
Could go on here, you have given me thoughts of Spain now. Now I really look forward to going to Spain next year now.
Loved sharing your holiday with you, and it is good to see you back here.

Regards
Kathy
x

Thank you for your kind words, Kathy! The S G Shrike was a beauty to see and the Black Winged Kite was an awesome sight to see as it hovered over the scrub!

Originally Posted by cheersm8

That was a fantastic read Pam & Emma!! What a busy holiday, and so many super sights!
Shame about the sour edge caused by the break in, but I'm glad that it didn't spoil the rest of the trip.
Thanks for posting, I loved it!
Joe

Glad you loved it, Joe! Thanks! It was busy...and fun!!!!

[BazR]

What a great report Pam and Emma. The narratives excellent and the pics superb. My commiserations on the stolen equipment. The fingers of the thieves should rot off one-by-one and painfully.
I do hope it didn't put too much of a damper on your holiday, even though it might have left a nasty taste in your mouth. There's always a chance that the thieves might trip over the step going into the 'fences' shop, and break a leg.
Thanks for sharing your holiday with us.

Baz.