BREATHTAKING

Tuesday, 6 March 2018

Two Jays in the Garden

The weather has been atrocious, so no chance of taking photos in this dull gloomy light, and torrential rain, and I haven't put together a post this week either, as I have been slowly catching up with other things, and recuperating, so I'm sharing a post I made last year of two Jays in the garden.

WILD BIRD WEDNESDAY
SATURDAY'S CRITTERS
I'D-RATHER-B-BIRDIN

Tuesday, 27 February 2018

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.

WILD BIRD WEDNESDAY
SATURDAY'S CRITTERS
I'D-RATHER-B-BIRDIN Many thanks to our gracious hosts. Just click on these links to see more birds and other creatures.

Tuesday, 13 February 2018

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.

WILD BIRD WEDNESDAY
SATURDAY'S CRITTERS
I'D-RATHER-B-BIRDIN

Tuesday, 6 February 2018

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.

WILD BIRD WEDNESDAY
SATURDAY'S CRITTERS
I'D-RATHER-B-BIRDIN

Tuesday, 30 January 2018

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.