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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Pam_m" data-source="post: 1667965" data-attributes="member: 18672">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.</blockquote>

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