Wednesday, 2 August 2017

Algarve and the Hoopoe

Looking for Hoopoe's in the Algarve is one of our favourite pass times. We can sit for hours in the car just talking, and waiting to see if one appears in their favourite hunting grounds. They are very shy, and one false move on our part can startle them into flight, so we partially cover the car with green camouflaged netting, and play the waiting game, with our sandwiches and drinks and usually plenty of optimism. We had seen several on the wing, but not close enough to get any decent shots. Towards the end of out stay, I was feeling a little despondent, but then one evening as we were making our way home, Americo spotted one by the side of the road in the  far distance, so he slowed down, whilst we pondered what course of action to take. We decided to chance getting as near to them as we dared, .....whilst I positioned myself, camera at the ready with my head and shoulders through the window, believe me it was awkward, but as it turned out, worth all the waiting and discomfort.


THE HOOPOE   UPUPA EPOPS
 

Unexceptional shots I know, but considering the distance we had to keep, and the quickly fading light,  they're  not bad.
 

This is probably the best pose.
 

You might wonder what he was doing on this dusty stone filled road,...
 

Well, he was probing for earth worms and mollusks under the stones , but on the move all the time up the road.
 

We saw the Hoopoe roll some over with his long pointed beak, and although we were too far away to get a good eye view
 

of what he found, there are many snails in this area, which make a hearty meal for a Hoopoe.
 

I was glad he was out on the road, and not hidden by the dense undergrowth on the verge.
 

At one point I thought he was going to disappear into the tall grass, but the stones were more of an attraction.
 

Every so often I shouted STOP, as my over zealous husband got too near, and from past experience I know this would spook it into flight.
 

Keeping our distance, was the only reason he did not move on to his other hunting places,..
 

and we followed him for at least ten minutes,...
 

and then to our delight, he was joined by another Hoopoe!
 

As this post is already rather long, I'll share more shots of them both, on another post.
 
WILD BIRD WEDNESDAY
SATURDAY'S CRITTERS
I'D-RATHER-B-BIRDIN

40 comments:

Prunella Pepperpot said...

What an amazing adventure sitting in a camoouflaged car with your sandwiches. Hope it wasn't too hot. It was certainly worth all of your effort as your images are amazing! What a strangely beautiful bird the Hoopoe is. Thank you for sharing your tips and your stunning images. Gosh I bet you would have hated if someone else had decided to park by you. That always happens to me. My car must have a magnet on board. Have a wonderful Wednesday :)

Gordon said...

I've seen Hoopoes in Minorca but never that close, what super photos, love to have been part of the under cover party, LOL.
Take care, Gordon.

MadSnapper said...

this is one of my most favorite posts. he is amazing. what a beautiful bird. I love the colors and the feathers on the head. I think the photos are AWESOME... and I enjoyed looking in my imagination at the two of you sitting in a car covered to hide and wait for birds. I love that!!!

Mary Howell Cromer said...

I love when people share the images of the Hoopoe! Such a beautiful bird and it would be so interesting to get to observe them in the wild as you have~

eileeninmd said...

Hello, I just love these cool looking birds. I would love to see them myself in the wild some day. Your photos are just awesome, great sighting.

Enjoy your day!

Linda said...

What wonderful photos of these amazing and delightful birds! Thank you so much for sharing, and I hope you are having a great week. :)

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Bravo for your perseverance in getting this wonderful series of images of what Is surely one of the most enigmatic birds in all the world. Congratulations on a truly fine job. I will be in Europe in just two months and one of the things I am looking forward to with great eagerness is renewing my acquaintance with a Hoopoe. If I don't find one in Slovenia or Croatia I will just hop on over to Portugal and Insist that you take me out in your car and drive until we find one! I'll buy lunch!







Gosia said...

hoopoe is common at my place too. Lovely bird

Teresa said...

Las fotografías te quedaron preciosas. Buena tarde.

A Colorful World said...

Great job capturing this wonderful bird! Loved the photos.

Debbie said...

what a beautiful bird....i love the colors and the feather pattern on the head!!

many thanks for all the well wishes, i'm sorry you had trouble leaving a message. i am feeling better and went out today and it felt great!!

Christine said...

Ohhh this was so exciting and well done as I think these shots of the shy hoopoe are exceptional!!

Anne (cornucopia) said...

Great photos of this striking looking bird.

Lowcarb team member said...

These were so worth waiting for, and I'm pleased that you did.
I thoroughly enjoyed seeing them all.

Thank you.

All the best Jan

Jeevan said...

Wow, what coincide? I too found a hoopoe the way you find on the road side, last year during my travel to a remote mountain village here. Instead of me, my cousin headed outside the window and captured the bird on my behalf. But your photos are too good than mine and I guess you are too close to the bird than us... Interesting to see the Hoopoe forage on stone road but I saw it on roadside grasses

Excellent shots

Phil Slade said...

Hi Sonjia. My experience is just the same. Hoopoes are normally very shy and hard to photograph. For a year or two in Menorca we had a one coming to the hotel gardens, one that would walk under and around the sunbeds while people were stretched out on them. And then I did why you did. Followed them back to where they were nesting and sat in the car and waited.

Nice work with your photos, and excellent field work.

riitta k said...

Don't be too modest, your shots of this amazing bird are stunning! I didn't know Hoopoe before, so it was very exciting to see the results of your adventure. Congratulations!

NatureFootstep said...

what a wonderful experience. This is a bir I only seen from afar. Never upclose like this. :)

sami niilola said...

Hi. What a beauty. Awesome. Greetings.

Rohrerbot said...

Fantastic photos!!! This is one bird I hope to see down the road. Unique and beautiful bird!

Helma said...

Beautiful say !!!!
The Hop is a bird I would love to see and would like to photograph. In the Netherlands, he does not live where I live.
Have a very nice evening.
A hug

Mike Attwood said...

Hi Sonjia, I was 14 years old when I saw my first and last hoopoe. It was the bird that got me into wildlife photography. I've been looking for one ever since. Take care, Mike.

LEN said...

Bolachas! I've seen them when playing golf. They love the fairways, looking for grubs, I suppose.

Ranten said...

This lovely bird have been observd here a few times. Proberly caried in the wrong direction by the vind. Happy weekend!

matti niilola said...

I love that bird. Awesome. Happy weekend.

Ana Mínguez Corella said...

Love Hoopoes.. Nice pictures.. Cheers..

Shiju Sugunan said...

On one of my recent photo walks, I was lucky to capture the unfurling of Hoopoe's crest, which is just spectacular. Here's the link

hmuxo said...

Beautiful birds...I've never seen these before....

Ida said...

I have never ever heard of a Hoopoe before but what an amazing looking bird. Loved all the great photos your captured of this unusual looking bird.

eileeninmd said...

Hello, these are amazing images of the Hoopoe. It is another bird I would love too from you area. I need more money to travel. Wonderful post. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Saturday, enjoy your weekend!

Lea said...

Wonderful!
Hope you are having a great week-end!

DeniseinVA said...

An extraordinary bird and fantastic photos of it. Thank you for sharing the Hoopoe :)

Stewart M said...

Now that is a great way to spend some time! Cars do make rather good hides.

Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

Anni said...

Wow...this is ONE BIRD I'd love to see in the wild. You made me quite jealous and envious of your post today. Beautiful.

You shared some great photos today, and I appreciate you sharing them with us birders at I'd Rather B Birdin' this weekend!! Thanks.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

What a stunning and exotic (to me) bird... I've never even seen a picture of a hoopoe before -- he is wonderful; great pictures too. Thank you for your patience and for sharing this amazing bird !

Rose said...

What an interesting bird!

Nancy Chan said...

I have seen anything like this here before. This is a beautiful bird! Love its head dress and feathers. Have a fantastic new week!

Debbie said...

Even more beautiful the second time!!

Giga said...

It was worth it, because the bird is wonderful, and the pictures are great. Regards.

Jean said...

What an amazing looking bird! I think your photos are wonderful. What an adventure as well.

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