Algarve Autumn Adventures: Part 1

In mid-September, Gen and Pete M and ourselves returned to the Algarve to see passage birds and residents a bit earlier than we have before. Our ten days were full of interesting birds as we returned to our favourite birding sites to see what they held. Our first stop was the Tavira saltpans where we saw the usual waders and an unusual Egret.

Hybrid Western Reef X Little Egret?

Around the cottage, where we stayed, we were pleased to see Whinchat and Wheatear on the fences and Pied and Spotted Flycatchers feeding on the insects.................

Whinchat in the garden

Hummingbird Hawkmoth

Crimson Speckled Moth

......... and some cheeky Azure-winged Magpies having a wash and brush up next door!

Azure-winged Magpies 

Some of the insects seen included Hummingbird Hawkmoth, Crimson Speckled moth and Swallowtail butterfly. 
We also saw Two-tailed Pasha and Plain Tiger butterflies on our travels.

Two-tailed Pasha

Plain Tiger

 A Praying Mantis was a new sighting for us.

Praying Mantis

We had three trips to the Raptor Watchpoint near Sagres, which wasn't as busy as we've seen in the past but still gave us brilliant views of Honey Buzzards, Booted and Short-toed Eagles and Egyptian Vultures.

Short-toed Eagle

Honey Buzzard

 At Ludo Farm we met up with June & Peter and spent a very pleasant day birding together around the Ria Formosa. We would recommend anyone wanting a day's guided birding to contact them through their website - www.algarvebirders.com, they are very friendly and experienced bird guides with an excellent knowledge of the Algarve and Baixo Alentejo.