Algarve and the Sandpiper.

We are recovering from an aggressive flu bug, which has left us with a chest infection, and energy depleted. Forgive me if I don't visit, ... although I'll try. Posting just one photo today of the Common Sandpiper, Actitis hypoleucos.

Sandpiper.

 

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The Bluethroat.

At first I thought I had seen a little Wren or perhaps a Robin in the distance, running from one side of the narrow dirt path to the other. I stood perfectly still, and waited with my camera at the ready, hoping it would  reappear, ..and when it did, and started to make it's way back, running very quickly towards the reed beds from where it had first emerged, it was then I saw the flash of blue.

Because whilst making my previous post, I made an error, I was prevented from making any corrections, or adding my thanks to those of you who kindly gave me the ID of the IF bird, but I am really grateful for any information you gave me. Thank you so much. :) I will be linking this post to Wild Bird Wednesday.



The male Bluethroat.   Luscinia  svecica.
The white spotted race ( Cyanecula) can be seen in central and southern Europe ( that's the white spot on the throat.)
 

Because he was running so fast, these indifferent shots were the best of a blurry bunch. Pity I did not do it justice because his electric blue breast is beautiful, however unlike the male, most females lack the blue.
 

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Algarve and the Wetlands

Here are some more shots of birds we see in the Wetlands. A place I often post about, but we seem to be drawn to it's natural beauty, and it's a safe place to walk Mel, away from traffic, and the noise of a busy fishing village.

Sharing how difficult it is at times to spot birds in this kind of landscape.
 

A Stonechat perched on top of the reeds.
 

After a long dry summer, the water level was very low.
 

I'm not sure about the ID of these birds , perhaps young flamingos, but they were surrounded by Grey Herons, which was puzzling!
 

These are all views taken from a long way away.
 

Spoonbill.
 

Egrets
 

 

I wish this shot had been a little nearer. I think it's either a Hawk or a Harrier, but I 'm not sure!
 

Spoonbills and Herons.
 

Cormorants were plentiful.
 

 

 

Flamingos.
 

We saw many Flamingos. All these shots were taken in December 2017.
 

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Wetland Views in Alvor.

On our daily excursions to the Wetlands of Alvor, we pass fields with horses, that seem to thrive in this wild environment. There are some small holdings, and a few houses which are usually well hidden behind tall trees and other vegetation, with only their roofs and chimneys on view. It's a quiet place with only the occasional walker or cyclist traveling these dirt roads, but whenever our paths cross, as fellow lovers of the outdoors, we say a friendly hello.  Sharing a few photos of the things we see as we make our way to the water.

 

 

The Zitting Cisticola
 

Although the Zitting Cisticola is not rare in the Algarve, it is uncommon in the north of Portugal, and absent from most of europe.
 

Do you see the tiny Cattle Egrets!
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Fences Around The World.

Sharing "The Sleeping Stone," my favourite sculpture in our town square,  park fences and railings, also in town, for Fences Around The World.

 

 

When photo is taken one way, it looks dark like this.
 

From the other side, it looks this pale grey colour.
 

Entrance to park.
 

Little Bandstand with railings.
 

Houses in the main street.
 

Detail of railings, and you can also see the pretty blue tiles, that are so traditionally Portuguese,
 

FENCES Around The World

A Whimbrel in Alvor.

After seeing a Whimbrel on the shore one day in Alvor, we went back on the following day, and saw it again further down the coast, and I managed to get some closer shots. It was low tide, and this more remote  part of the coast must have been a favourite place to forage, as we saw the Whimbrel again on three different occasions. 

THE WHIMBREL   NUMENIUS  MINUTUS.
 

This large wader, is very like a Curlew, but smaller, and darker, with a stronger head pattern, but belongs to the Curlew genus.
 

In fact,  at first glance I thought it was a Curlew, but there are several differences.
 

The Wimbrel has a dark cap, with pale central stripe, dark eyestripe, with pale band above eye.
 

The bill is blackish, and downcurved...but..
 

usually more bent, less smooth curved, than the Curlew.
 

It feeds by probing soft earth for small invertebrates, but also eats insects and berries.

 

Here you can clearly see the pale head stripe.
 

All these shots were taken on the second of December.
 

One last shot, and then he got out of range.
 

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