Derek Gruar, John Day, Steve Berry and David Badger

Itinerary:

The trip was not what was originally planned, with the collapse of the Ultimate Pelagics Company; our 12 day boat trip to Cape Verde via the Canaries was cancelled. We were left with return flights to Faro and just under three weeks to fill in a destination we had not planned to visit. The following report is a good lesson that out of initial disappointment that some great things do happen, we visited some excellent places and found some fantastic species, whilst having a relaxing holiday at the same time. This wasn’t a mad thrash round to see as much as we can, but we seemed to manage to jam into things by luck (and no little fieldcraft), a few wrong turns yielded new species for the trip, the best being a flock of Stone Curlews, for any more info I can be contacted at derekgruar@tiscali.co.uk

4th Oct: Arrived in Faro on Easyjet flight from Luton. Picked up hire car and head east to Tavira, where we stay at the Eurotel situated just outside the town.

5th Oct: Leave Tavira, head into Spain towards Tarifa, via El Rocío in the Coto Doñana national park.

6th Oct: Cetacean watching boat trip from Tarifa harbour. Easterly winds produced a good number of raptors over the town mid morning. Afternoon is spent at the Mirador de Estrecho. This was followed by some leisurely birding along Playa de Los Lances/Tarifa beach.

7th Oct: Day trip to Ronda, travelling up through the mountains on the road that passes via Gaucín. Some birding was done around the edges of the old town and near the bridge within Ronda itself.

8th Oct: Day trip to Tangier, Morocco, a birding free day.

9th Oct: Travel back towards Faro with a couple of stops to investigate La Janda west of Tarifa and Castro Marim, just across the Portuguese border.

10th Oct: Dave is dropped off at Faro airport; we have a quick look near Ilha de Faro before heading towards Ferragudo where we have an apartment booked to explore the Algarve coast, Cape St Vincent, Sagres area.

11th Oct: First full day of birding, we head to Sagres, where we fortuitously meet up with Algarve birder Simon Wates, who passes on some fantastic local gen and we meet up with him at the raptor watchpoint later in the morning.  

12th Oct: A reasonably early start as we wanted to explore the area between Castro Verde and Mértola in the Antelejo region, this is an area of agricultural plains that is the haunt to Bustards and Sandgrouse among other local specialities that we wanted to find.

13th Oct: A quiet morning spent exploring the area around Sagres harbour before taking a boat trip with Mar Ilimitado for a couple of hours to find some cetaceans and seabirds.  We receive a message from Simon to meet up if we want to join in a short ringing session that evening near the raptor watch point. This proves quite productive as a few blackcaps and redstarts are ringed in just over an hour of netting.

14th Oct: Birding closer to our accommodation we decide to explore the Ria de Alvor, an extensive but threatened area of saltpans and estuary habitats. One of my personal favourite areas of the trip as well as being very picturesque it also holds a stunning array of wintering waders.

15th Oct: Possibly the strangest birding site of the trip is at Quinta de Lago. After driving around the strange American-like golfing resort we managed to find the pathway along the estuary that runs parallel with the golf course. At one end of the golf course is a series of small reed-filled ponds that have amazing numbers of wintering wildfowl. A hide here allows excellent photography as birds here are quite confiding. Our afternoon and evening birding was spent at Ludo Farm, which borders the Quinta de Lago resort and spreads east as far as Faro Airport.

16th Oct:  We aimed to get to Parque ambiental de Vilamoura to meet some friends who were spending a week ringing there, but are thwarted by the roads being closed due to the Portuguese masters golf tournament. We decide to head back to Ria de Alvor, and drop in at the A Rocha ringing station, as a colleague of mine was once warden here and said it would be worth a visit. After a look around the salt pans we decide that if we are going to increase our species total we need to head up into some higher ground. We headed northwards towards Monchique and the radar station at Fóia and spend some time birding around there.

17th Oct: Our final visit to Sagres we revisited the same areas as of the 11th Oct, we also spent a few hours near the lighthouse at Cape St Vincent for some sea-watching for both birds and cetaceans.

18th Oct:  We leave Ferragudo and finally met up with some ringer friends from the Midlands at Parque Ambiental de Vilamoura, before having to drop Steve off at Faro Airport. This is the last serious birding of the trip, as we head to Lisboa and plan to meet some friends in the city.

19th -21st Oct: Days were spent sight-seeing around Belem, Lisboa and Sintra. No real birding done these days, though the odd sighting cropped up.

22nd Oct: Head back to Faro, time for a quick look around Ludo Farm and ETAR waterworks before having to take the flight back to Luton.

Birding Sites: (Photos: Steve Berry)

Spain

El Rocío: An area of grazing marsh near the town of El Rocío on the edge of the Coto Doñana national park. This is easily reached by heading south from the main E-01 road from Sevilla to the Algarve. Off-road parking is available near a restaurant on the western side of the marshes, this gives good views of the surrounding areas, there are also tracks along the northern edge. 

Mirador de Estrecho: Situated in the hills above the Straits of Gibraltar east of Tarifa, this is the area where almost all tourists come to take photos of Africa. A short walk down the hill through the scrub, gives a good vantage point to observe any birds migrating across the Straits. Nice convenient café too.

Playa de Los Lances/Tarifa Beach: The beach west of Tarifa town is a great area to find waders and gulls (particularly Audouin’s). Shearwaters are often seen out to sea and there is also the potential chance to see raptors especially during spring and autumn migrations. The hinterland at the back of the beach is also worth investigation with the potential to find passerines.

La Janda: A vast area of farmland, in the location of a former now drained lake. Access is via minor roads and farm tracks between the towns of Facinas in the east and Benalup in the west. Tracks can be impassable after heavy rain. The habitats range from intensive arable fields, rice paddies, small lagoons/ponds, woodland and scrub on the northern edge and grassland. This gives rise to an amazing variety of species during all times of the year.

Portugal

Castro Marim: An area of salt pans and low grassland scrub on the Portuguese/Spanish border. Accessed via tracks (detailed info in “A Birdwatcher’s Guide to Portugal and Madeira”, Moore et al 1997) since this book was been written an impressive visitor centre with excellent views of mudflats has been built. The salt pans and grassland have tracks that are now almost impassable for vehicles.

Little Bustards were found between the towns of Castro Marim and Vila Real de Sao Antonio.

ETAR Waterworks/Faro: Again we followed the directions from A Birdwatcher’s Guide to Portugal and Madeira”, Moore et al 1997. However, now there is some construction work in the area nearest the airport that may restrict access around the saltpans. We were limited to walking along the perimeter fence that borders the pools of the waterworks. This does limit more extensive exploration, though a good number of species can be seen here nevertheless.

Sagres Raptor Watchpoint: This is found by taking the first track on the right hand side of the road upon leaving Sagres and heading towards Cabo São Vincente, this is unpaved and care is required, especially after wet weather. Follow the track with the pines on the left and then bear right towards the edge of the distant pine wood. The slightly raised ground here gives a panorama over the pine woods where raptors are seen daily during migration periods. The woods are also good for migrant passerines too.

A second area that is definitely worth investigation is the second track on the right when leaving Sagres and heading towards Cabo São Vincente, this is a reasonable paved road and passes through areas of low scrub and grazed grassland. Larks and Pipits are common and this is also a reasonable area for Chough and raptors. Following this road leads to a farmhouse, turn left here and it’s possible to explore the arable fields from the slightly poor unpaved track, where a small population of Little Bustards can be found.

Sagres Town/Cliffs: An excellent sea watching location can be found from the cliffs on the eastern edge of the town of Sagres. Access is from the road adjacent to Hotel Navigator, and following the path the borders the cliff tops. An area with rocky scrub here is good for passerines and migrants and the cliff allow close views of passing seabirds and cetaceans.

Castro Verde/Mértola: The vast open expanse of the arable lands in the Antelejo is home to some steppe specialists and is very reminiscent of the plains of Extremadura. This is best explored from the main road between the small towns of Castro Verde and Mértola plus any of the minor roads to the north of south of this road.

Ria de Alvor/A Rocha: This area is reached by heading west on the N125 and take the turning to the left opposite the Mexilhoeira signpost, this is easily overlooked, and the unpaved track seems to be heading into orchards and farmland. After a couple of Km you reach an area of trees and scrub. This is the Christian/Environmentalist retreat of A Rocha, which also functions as a bird ringing station, the track bordering here is worth exploring for migrants and other passerines. Continuing down the unpaved road, a small car park can be reached which gives good views over the estuary. The causeways here allow access to view over the masses of waders and gulls using the saltpans. At the time of writing this area is under threat of development, and the attitude of some of the workers and farmers bordering the saltpans were less than welcoming to anyone with telescopes or cameras.

Quinta de Lago: The freshwater lagoons that border the golf resort of Quinta de Lago is well worth a visit, in autumn this holds good numbers of wildfowl as well as Portuguese rarities such as Purple Swamp-hen and Little Bittern. Access is from the car park at the furthest limit of the resort, a case of following the road straight-on until you reach the car park, detailed directions are found in “ A Birdwatcher’s Guide to Portugal and Madeira”, Moore et al 1997. Once in the car park, head left and keep the golf course on your left, watch out for golf balls, as some golfers showed a lack of courtesy by playing shots when people we wander nearby.

Ludo Farm: Access is best from the road leading to Ilha de Faro, park on the right-hand side of the road and then head along the track westwards away from the airport via the obvious gates. This gives access to saltpans and lagoons

Fóia: The highest point in the Algarve at around 900m is reached by the winding roads north west out of the town of Monchique. Here goats graze the scrub at this high altitude above the tree line. Here we encountered Dartford warblers and Rock Buntings. In the Pine trees on the main road from Portimão to Monchique we stopped near the “El Refugio” restaurant and found Crested Tits and Firecrests.

Accommodation Details:

Eurotel, Tavira, Algarve Portugal. A large, slightly faded hotel located in the grounds of an old deserted and fast becoming derelict holiday village on the outskirts of Tavira. Continental breakfast included, but hardly worth it. Had problems with booking, as it was claimed the internet booking hadn’t been paid by the local agent in Faro. As it was Sunday, it took several hours to convince them that we could leave, not before paying for the rooms again..... We won’t be back!

La Estrella de Tarifa, Andalucía, Spain. Possibly the best hostal I’ve stayed in Andalucía, excellent rooms in a tasteful Moorish style, excellent central location and customer service. Free breakfast voucher for three local cafes (Toast, Orange Juice and Coffee). Well worth a visit check www.laestrelladetarifa.com

Hotel Santa Maria, Faro, Algarve Portugal. A good centrally located hotel in Faro, was just used as a one night stop. Rooms were spacious and comfortable. Recommended.

Castaways Apartments, Ferragudo, Algarve Portugal. Large apartment situated in the small town of Ferragudo, an excellent location to explore the Algarve, without being in the high-rise tourist traps. The 150 steps down to the village centre are a bit of an energetic climb on the return visit after a hearty evening meal in the restaurants in the town square.

Hotel San Julião, Carcavelos, Lisboa, Portugal.An almost impossible to find hotel as none of the maps provided were correct, its located in the western Lisboa suburb of Carcavelos. This had the advantage of being closely located to the train station. The hotel however left a lot to be desired, rooms were small and not particularly clean, windows and fittings in need of repair, during the stormy night of the 21st it felt like the whole place was going to fall down, another place well past its best. On the plus side, the breakfast was the one of the best we had in Portugal

Bird List: (Photos: Steve Berry)

1.    Little Grebe: 2 birds at Castro Marim 09/10, 5+ Ria de Alvor (14/10), also 9 at Faro/Montenegro ETAR Waterworks (22/10), with several also at Quinta de Lago (15/10).

2.    Great Crested Grebe: Highest count of 23 at Ludo Farm, seen from the Quinta de Lago end. 

3.    Balearic Shearwater: Commonly seen offshore, especially from Cabo São Vincente, with small groups seen passing the lighthouse.

4.    Cory’s Shearwater: Commonly seen offshore, especially from Cabo São Vincente, where several rafts of 25+ birds were seen from cliffs near the lighthouse.

5.    Storm Petrel: Two birds, one seen from Tarifa boat trip 06/10 the second from the Sagres boat trip 13/10.

6.    Gannet: Very common offshore. Tarifa and Cabo São Vincente being the main sites.

7.    Cormorant: Seen daily, common offshore and at wetland sites particularly ETAR Montenegro Waterworks, Ria de Alvor and Sagres.

8.    Shag: Regularly seen close offshore around Sagres.

9.    Little Bittern: Three birds around the reed pools bordering the golf course at Quinta de Lago (15/10)

10.    Black Crowned Night Heron: Single bird flew calling over Ferragudo (11/10)

11.    Cattle Egret: Very common, abundant in all agricultural areas.

12.    Little Egret: Common in aquatic habitats, particularly at El Rocío, Ria de Alvor and Ludo Farm

13.    Grey Heron: Abundant in any habitat containing freshwater particularly at Castro Marim, Ludo Farm and El Rocío.

14.    White Stork: Many birds seen still holding territory around nest sites throughout the visit, the largest flock was of 100+ birds around Portimão.

15.    Black Stork: Three birds at La Janda (09/10) was the highest count.

16.    Glossy Ibis: Flock of 220+ birds at La Janda (09/10), single bird also recorded at Quinta de Lago (15/10)

17.    Spoonbill: Single bird seen from car near Bahia de Cadiz (05/10). 2 birds at La Janda (09/10). A group of 30+ birds were at Ludo Farm (15/10), 33 birds were at the same site (22/10)

18.    Greater Flamingo: 50+ birds at Marismas de El Rocío in Coto Doñana, Spain (05/10), around 40 birds at Ria de Alvor on 14/10 and 16/10.

19.    Greylag Goose: 2 birds at Marismas de El Rocío in Coto Doñana, Spain (05/10)

20.    Shelduck: 3 birds on the Ria de Alvor salt-pans (14/10)

21.    Mallard: Most widespread duck species, occurring at almost all wetland sites

22.    Gadwall: c20 birds at Faro/Montenegro ETAR Waterworks 10/10 and 22/10, with 100+ giving amazingly confiding views on the reedy ponds of Quinta de Lago (15/10)

23.    Shoveler: c50 birds at Faro/Montenegro ETAR Waterworks 10/10 and 22/10, with 20+ on the reedy ponds of Quinta de Lago (15/10)

24.    Teal: 2+ birds at Marismas de El Rocío in Coto Doñana, Spain (05/10)

25.    Wigeon: 200+ birds at Ludo Farm, approached from Quinta de Lago (15/10)

26.    Pochard: 3 birds at Faro/Montenegro ETAR Waterworks 10/10. 20+ were on the reedy ponds of Quinta de Lago (15/10)

27.    Red-crested Pochard: Single female at Faro/Montenegro ETAR Waterworks 10/10, a pair were here (22/10). 3 at the reedy ponds of Quinta de Lago (15/10)

28.    Griffon Vulture: 20+ birds from the Mirador de Estrecho, east of Tarifa (06/10)

29.    Egyptian Vulture: Single bird over Sagres raptor watchpoint 11/10

30.    Black Vulture: Single bird very low over Sagres raptor watchpoint 17/10

31.    Osprey: Single bird seen at ETAR waterworks near Faro on both 10/10 and 22/10

32.    Spanish Imperial Eagle: Pair seen at confidential site in the Antelejo 12/10

33.    Short-toed Eagle: Regularly observed singly or in very small groups at Tarifa (06/10) and Sagres (11 and 17/10) raptor watch-points.

34.    Booted Eagle: More widespread that Short-toed, was the commonest bird in a mixed flock of 80+ raptors that drifted south over Tarifa (06/10). Birds were observed at almost every site listed in this report.

35.    Bonelli’s Eagle: Single bird seen flying over the Castro Verde to Mértola road 12/10.

36.    Red Kite: Single bird seen flying from the Castro Verde to Mértola road 12/10. Three birds seen from A1 in the Antelejo region north of Castro Verde 22/10.

37.    Black Kite: Two birds low over Tarifa port (06/10). 3 birds seen just east of Castro Verde (12/10)

38.    Marsh Harrier: Widely distributed at the majority of sites including La Janda, Castro Marim, and Ludo Farm. With migrants observed at the Tarifa and Sagres raptor watch-points.

39.    Black-shouldered Kite: Three birds on roads between Almeirim and Casével, north of Castro Verde. Six birds seen from A1 in the Antelejo region north of Castro Verde 22/10.

40.    Hen Harrier: Ring-tailed birds from Sagres Raptor watch-point (11/10) and Ria de Alvor salt-pans (16/10).

41.    Montagu’s Harrier: Single bird near Playa de los Lances/Tarifa beach (06/10).

42.    Buzzard: Common and widespread, several birds in the Sagres (11/10 and 17/10) area being noteworthy.

43.    Honey Buzzard: Single birds at Sagres raptor watch-point (11/10), Castro Verde/Mértola area (12/10) and a late bird very low over the Moorish Castle at Sintra (21/10)

44.    Sparrowhawk: Several birds over Mirador de estrecho, near Tarifa (06/10), only seen in Portugal at Sagres raptor watch-point (11/10)

45.    Goshawk: At least 3 birds over Mirador de estrecho near Tarifa (06/10), single also seen at Sagres raptor watch-point (11/10)

46.    Kestrel:  Commonest raptor species, commonest in the area between Sagres and Cabo São Vincente

47.    Hobby: 2 birds seen at Sagres raptor watch-point (11/10)

48.    Peregrine: Single birds at Sagres (11/10), Ria de Alvor (16/10) and Cabo São Vicente lighthouse (17/10)

49.    Red-legged Partridge: Released birds in farmland in the Alentejo region

50.    Quail: Single calling bird at Castro Marim (09/10)

51.    Corncrake: Single bird called several times in grazed field between Sagres and Cabo São Vincente Lighthouse and heard by all three of us (09/10). This is the first live Corncrake record for the Algarve for many years and has been treated with no little scepticism. We all heard the bird independently and are convinced that we are correct

52.    Pheasant: Only recorded from the La Janda area near Tarifa.

53.    Moorhen: Uncommon and secretive, found at Castro Marim (09/10), Faro/Montenegro ETAR Waterworks (22/10), with several at Quinta de Lago (15/10).

54.    Coot: Most numerous at Quinta de Lago (15/10) and the Faro Airport end of Ludo Farm (22/10)

55.    Purple Swamp-hen: One adult and juvenile at Quinta de Lago (15/10)

56.    Water Rail: Calling bird at Ria de Alvor (16/10)

57.    Great Bustard: Several small groups including one of 11 birds seen from Castro Verde to Mértola road (12/10).

58.    Little Bustard: 5-10 birds between Castro Marim and Vila Real de São António (09/10). Others seen near Sagres with 10+ birds on both (11/10 and 17/10).

59.    Black-winged Stilt: Abundant at all wetland areas, particularly at Marismas de El Rocío in Coto Doñana, Spain (05/10) and Castro Marim (09/10)

60.    Avocet: Two birds at Ludo Farm (15/10)

61.    Stone Curlew: 40+ birds from roadside near small town of Santa Bárbara de Padries east of Castro Verde (12/10)

62.    Little Ringed Plover: Single bird calling from banks of Rio Gilão in the centre of Tavira (04/10). Single bird also seen at Ria de Alvor (14/10).

63.    Ringed Plover: Commonly seen on saltpans and beaches. Most numerous at Ria de Alvor salt-pans (14/10) and Ludo Farm (15/10 and 22/10)

64.    Kentish Plover: 20+ birds on Playa de los lances/Tarifa Beach (06/10), also common at Ria de Alvor (14/10)

65.    Grey Plover: Frequently seen near coastal sites, particularly Tarifa Beach, Castro Marim and was also quite numerous at Faro/Montenegro ETAR Waterworks (22/10)

66.    Golden Plover: Two small flocks of 12 and 20+ birds seen between Sagres and Cabo São Vincente on 11/10 and 17/10 respectively. Single bird at Ria de Alvor (14/10).

67.    Lapwing: Small wintering flocks began to arrive during the month. Flocks of less than 20 birds at Sagres (11/10), Ria de Alvor salt pans (16/10) and c100 birds between Castro Verde and Mértola.

68.    Sanderling: Common and widespread along sandy shores and at salt-pans. Seen every day of the trip at sites such as Tarifa Beach, Ludo Farm, Faro/Montenegro ETAR Waterworks and Ria de Alvor.

 

69.    Turnstone:  Frequent and widespread, particularly at Sagres Harbour (13/10) and Ludo Farm (22/10)

70.    Dunlin: Common and widespread along sandy shores and at salt-pans. Seen every day of the trip at sites such as Tarifa Beach, Ludo Farm, Faro/Montenegro ETAR Waterworks and Ria de Alvor.

71.    Curlew Sandpiper: Single bird from visitor centre at Castro Marim (09/10), 2 birds at Faro/Montenegro ETAR Waterworks (10/10) and 5+ at Ria de Alvor salt pans (14/10)

72.    Knot: At least 5 birds at Ria de Alvor salt pans (14/10)

73.    Temminck’s Stint: Small flock of c12 seen near Castro Marim visitor centre (09/10).

74.    Little Stint: At least 10 birds at Ria de Alvor salt pans (14/10), 3 birds also seen at Ludo Farm (15/10)

75.    Green Sandpiper: Singles at La Janda (09/10) and Ludo Farm (15/10)

76.    Common Sandpiper: Pair seen along Rio Gilão at Tavira (04/10), others seen at Alvor (14/10 and 16/10). 4 birds were seen from cliffs near Sagres (17/10) the highest count.

77.    Redshank: Common and widespread in coastal areas and at salt-pans. Seen every day of the trip at sites such as Castro Marim, Ludo Farm, Faro/Montenegro ETAR Waterworks and Ria de Alvor.

78.    Greenshank: Over 30 birds at Ria de Alvor (14/10), others seen at Castro Marim, Ludo Farm, Faro/Montenegro ETAR Waterworks.

79.    Black-tailed Godwit: 25 birds at Castro Marim (09/10) and 10+ birds including one colour-ringed individual (14/10)

80.    Bar-tailed Godwit: 5 birds on Tarifa Beach (06/10), 4 flying over the Sagres raptor watch-point (11/10) were notable.

81.    Oystercatcher: Flock of 22 birds at Ria de Alvor salt pans (14/10)

82.    Curlew: Uncommon but widespread along coastal areas. Birds seen at Ludo Farm, Faro/Montenegro ETAR Waterworks and Ria de Alvor.

83.    Whimbrel: Uncommon but widespread along coastal areas. 2 were seen from bird from visitor centre at Castro Marim (09/10), 15+ at Ria de Alvor (14/10) and a single bird was found at Sagres Harbour (13/10)

84.    Snipe: Single birds at Marismas de El Rocío in Coto Doñana, Spain (05/10), La Janda (09/10) and Ria de Alvor (16/10)

85.    Ruff: 60+ birds at Marismas de El Rocío in Coto Doñana, Spain (05/10) was the highest count.  A single bird was with the Lapwing flock at Sagres (11/10) and 3 birds were seen at Ria de Alvor salt-pans (14/10)

86.    Great Skua: 4 birds seen on the Mar Ilimitado boat trip out of Sagres (13/10), also seen from cliffs near Sagres and Cabo Sao Vicente (11/10 and 17/10).

87.    Black-headed Gull: Common at all coastal and salt-marsh sites

88.    Mediterranean Gull: Single bird over Eurotel Tavira (05/10), another single bird at Praia de Faro (10/10). The highest count was of 45+ birds at Ria de Alvor salt-pans (14/10)

89.    Yellow-legged Gull: Common at all coastal and salt-marsh sites

90.    Audouin’s Gull: 44 Birds on Playa de Los Lances/Tarifa Beach including several darvic-ringed birds. A single 2nd winter bird at Sagres harbour (13/10) was a good find.

91.    Lesser Black-backed Gull: Common at all coastal and salt-marsh sites

92.    Great Black-backed Gull: Frequent at coastal sites such as Tarifa Beach and Cabo São Vincente

93.    Sandwich Tern: Regularly encountered at all wetland sites in close proximity to the coast

94.    Gull-billed Tern: Single bird at Marismas de El Rocío in Coto Doñana, Spain (05/10),

95.    Common Tern: c10 birds fishing within Sagres Harbour (13/10)

96.    Caspian Tern: Single birds seen at Tavira (04/10), and Faro/Montenegro ETAR Waterworks (10/10). At least 4 birds were at Ria de Alvor salt-pans (14/10)

97.    Black Tern: Up to 10 birds at Marismas de El Rocío in Coto Doñana, Spain (05/10). A single individual was at Ria de Alvor (14/10 and 16/10)

98.    Black-bellied Sandgrouse: Two groups of 25 and 4 birds seen from the Castro Verde to Mértola road (12/10).

99.    Woodpigeon: Infrequently encountered and probably overlooked. Appeared to be more common as the month passed by and in the Cork Oak areas of the Antelejo and in Andalucía

100.     Stock Dove: Single bird seen over Ludo Farm (15/10) and 3 over Sagres raptor watch-point (17/10).

101.     Collard Dove: Abundant in all built-up and residential areas

102.     Turtle Dove: Two single birds: one at Sagres raptor watch-point (11/10), the other between Quinta de Lago and Ludo Farm (15/10).

103.     Little Owl: Two birds calling within the grounds of the Eurotel, Tavira (04/10), other birds also seen or heard at Ferragudo and São Marcos de Ataboeira near Castro Verde.

104.     Nightjar spp: Un-identified Nightjar flew over car between Vila do Bispo and Lagos (11/10).

105.     Swift spp: Single un-identified swift, distant at dusk over Tavira (04/10).

106.     Alpine Swift: An impressive gathering c150 birds circling high over Ronda, Spain at dusk (07/10).

107.     Hoopoe: Commonly seen between Castro Verde and Mértola (12/10), 2 birds seen from apartment in Ferragudo (15/10) also 2 birds close to the A Rocha ringing station near Alvor

108.     Kingfisher:  Seen daily with birds at Tavira, La Janda, Mértola, Ria de Alvor, Vilamoura and two were seen perched on the stern of a small boat in Sagres harbour (13/10).

109.     Green Woodpecker: One heard most days from apartment in Ferragudo (11-17/10) and a single bird at the radar station at Fóia above Monchique (16/10).

110.     Lesser Spotted Woodpecker: A single bird flew over the track and called close to the A Rocha ringing station near Alvor (14/10).

111.     Great Spotted Woodpecker: Uncommon compared to the UK. Single bird in mountains between Gaucín and Ronda (07/10), 2 birds at Ludo Farm (15/10) and one called near Palacio de Pena at Sintra (21/10).

112.     Wryneck: Single bird at Quinta de Lago (15/10), possible second at Ria de Alvor (17/10)

113.     Skylark: Common in arable areas particularly at La Janda and Sagres.

114.     Crested Lark: Very common and widespread in almost all lowland habitats.

115.     Thekla Lark: Three confiding territorial birds near Hotel Navigator in Sagres (11/10), replace Crested Larks in more rocky terrain.

116.     Woodlark: 5-10 singing birds east from Castro Verde towards Mértola (12/10).

117.     Lesser Short-toed Lark: A flock 25+ birds in the grassland area near the visitor centre at Castro Marim (09/10).

118.     Calandra Lark: 2 birds seen along Castro Verde to Mértola road.

119.     Sand Martin: Small numbers mixed in with other hirundines at Tarifa beach (06/10) and Mértola (12/10).

120.     Crag Martin: Several birds in with House Martins at Tavira (04/10), seen daily in most areas in small numbers, a roost of c50 birds near Waza Restaurant between Sagres and Cabo São Vincente was noted on (13/10). Most numerous along the river at the town of Mértola (12/10).

121.     Barn Swallow: Uncommon, most birds having already left for Africa, small flocks were seen heading south out to sea from Tarifa Beach (06/10), a few birds were with the House Martins at Mértola (12/10).

122.     Red-rumped Swallow: Two birds over the Eurotel Tavira (05/10), also seen in small numbers at Tarifa Beach (06/10), La Janda (09/10). Most numerous with the House Martin flock at Mértola (12/10).

123.     House Martin: Seen daily, hundreds of birds passed through Tavira on (04/10), with similar numbers at Mértola (12/10).       

124.     Tawny Pipit: Two birds west of Sagres towards Cabo São Vincente (11/10) a single bird in the same area on (17/10).

125.     Meadow Pipit: Increased in numbers during the month, flocks of c20 birds seen near Castro Verde, at the radar station at Fóia above Monchique (16/10) and Sagres (17/10).

126.     White Wagtail: Widespread without being very common, seen daily.

127.     Grey Wagtail: Seen daily, mainly in built up areas such as Ferragudo.

128.     Yellow Wagtail: Single birds at Sagres (11/10 and 17/10) and Ria de Alvor (16/10), several birds were at the Parque Ambiental de Vilamoura (18/10)

129.     Wren: Single birds at Ronda (07/10), at the radar station at Fóia above Monchique (16/10), outside the hotel in Carcavelos (20-22/10) and near Palacio de Pena at Sintra (21/10)

130.     Robin: Common and widespread as migrants increased during the month.

131.     Redstart: Small numbers were seen at most sites with woodland or scrub habitats. At least 6 birds were present near the Sagres raptor watch-point (13/10).

132.     Black Redstart: 3 birds on cliff-tops near Sagres (11/10), numbers increased at this site with 10+ birds including several adult males here on (17/10). Also seen near Castro Verde and in Ferragudo.

133.     Bluethroat: Single birds at Ria de Alvor (14/10) and Ludo Farm (15/10 and 22/10)

134.     Wheatear: Very common and widespread migrant seen in arable habitats, particularly numerous at Sagres and in the Antelejo near Castro Verde.

 

135.     Black Wheatear: Two birds in the Sierra de Grazelma between Gaucín and Ronda (07/10)

136.     Whinchat: Single birds at Sagres cliff tops (11/10), Sagres raptor watch-point (13/10) and at the Ria de Alvor (14/10).

137.     Stonechat: Very common and widespread in almost all habitats

138.     Blue Rock Thrush: Single birds at Sagres cliff tops (11/10),  near Alcaria Ruiva in Antelejo (12/10) and at Cabo São Vincente lighthouse (17/10)

139.     Song Thrush: Increased in number during the month as migrants began to arrive, the highest count was 8 birds in an olive hedge near Sagres raptor watch-point (17/10)

140.     Mistle Thrush: 4 birds at Sagres raptor watch-point (17/10)

141.     Blackbird: Common and widespread in woodland and scrub habitats

142.     Blackcap: Very common, particularly in areas with fruiting trees. 20+ birds ringed at Parque ambiental de Vilamoura (18/10)

143.     Sardinian Warbler: Very common in all scrubby habitats.

144.     Garden Warbler: Single birds at Ronda (07/10), Quinta de Lago (15/10) and 2 birds near the A Rocha ringing station (14/10)

145.     Dartford Warbler: 2 at Sagres raptor watch-point (11/10) with a further 2 near the Radar station at Fóia above Monchique (16/10)

146.     Zitting Cisticola:  Common in all scrubby and wetland habitats.

147.     Reed Warbler: 3+ birds seen from the hide at Quinta de Lago (15/10) and 2 birds were ringed at Parque ambiental de Vilamoura (18/10)

148.     Cetti’s Warbler: Common in areas of scrub associated with watercourses

149.     Willow Warbler: Single bird in the grounds of Eurotel, Tavira (05/10), several seen in roadside Eucalyptus trees near Castro Verde (12/10) and near Sagres raptor watch-point (11/10)

150.     Chiffchaff: Increased in number during the month as migrants began to arrive, seen almost any site with woodland or scrub habitats.

151.     Firecrest:  Single bird in roadside Pines several km south of Caldas de Monchique (16/10), several birds in the grounds of Palacio de Pena at Sintra (21/10).  Also seen around of Castillo San Jorge, Lisboa (20/10).

152.     Spotted Flycatcher: Widespread but not abundant, 5 birds in the Pines near Sagres raptor watch-point (11/10) the highest count. Also seen at Ronda (07/10), near A Rocha ringing station (14/10 and 16/10) among many places.

153.     Pied Flycatcher: Widespread but not abundant, seen at El Rocío (05/10), from the apartment balcony at Ferragudo (14/10), near the A Rocha ringing station (14/10) and Sagres area (11/10, 13/10 and 17/10).

154.     Crested Tit: 2 birds in roadside Pines several km south of Caldas de Monchique (16/10)

155.     Great Tit: Commonest Tit species, though nowhere near as common as in the UK. Birds usually in ones or twos at Ferragudo (13/10),  near the A Rocha ringing station (14/10), and Ludo Farm (15/10)

156.     Blue Tit: Uncommon. Birds seen near Ronda (07/10),  roadside Pines several km south of Monchique (16/10) and Several birds in the grounds of Castillo San Jorge, Lisboa (20/10)

157.     Coal Tit: Single birds in Carcavelos (18-21/10), common and around Palacio de Pena at Sintra (21/10).

158.     Long Tailed Tit: Small family parties seen at Mértola (12/10), Ludo Farm (15/10) and in roadside Pines several km south of Monchique (16/10).

159.     Penduline Tit: One bird ringed at Parque Ambiental de Vilamoura, at least two other birds at the same location (18/10).

160.     Nuthatch: Birds calling above towns of Gaucín near Ronda (07/10), Single bird calling from roadside Pines several km south of Caldas de Monchique (16/10)

161.     Short-toed Treecreeper:  2 birds in the grounds of Castillo San Jorge, Lisboa (20/10)

162.     Southern-Grey Shrike: Widespread in open habitats, particularly in the Castro Verde area.

163.     Azure-winged Magpie: Flocks of 30+ birds encountered in most areas in the Algarve and Antalejo, particularly at Castro Marim (09/10), near the A Rocha ringing station (14/10), Quinta de Lago and Ludo Farm (15/10).

164.     Black-billed Magpie: Couple of birds seen between Tavira and the Spanish border (05/10)

165.     Jay: Mostly seen in woodland areas with some Oak trees. Birds seen near Ronda (07/10), Mértola (12/10) and Ludo Farm (15/10) amongst other areas.

166.     Jackdaw: Locally distributed, small flocks were seen between Facinas and Zahara (09/10), Ria de Alvor (14/10) and between Sagres and Cabo Sao Vicente (11/10 and 17/10)

167.     Chough: c40 birds came in to roost under the bridge at Ronda (07/10), c20 birds between Sagres and Cabo Sao Vicente (11/10 and 17/10).

168.     Carrion Crow: Only encountered in the Cork Oak woodland in the Antelejo, around Castro Verde.

169.     Raven: Pairs of birds near Ronda (07/10) and from the road between Castro Verde and Mértola (12/10)

170.     Spotless Starling: Common and widespread in all areas, particularly in towns and cities.

171.     House Sparrow: Very common in all areas, sometimes some distance from human habitation.

172.     Spanish Sparrow: Excellent views of a small flock from the visitor centre at Castro Marim (09/10), birds also seen at Faro/Montenegro ETAR Waterworks (10/10) and Ria de Alvor (14/10).

173.     Rock Sparrow: A flock of c75 birds came into roost on the cliffs below the town of Ronda (07/10).

174.     Chaffinch: Uncommon, seen occasionally in wooded areas.

175.     Linnet: Common and widespread in open and arable habitats. Flocks of 50+ were seen at Mirador de Estrecho (06/10),  La Janda (09/10) and from the road between Castro Verde and Mértola (12/10).

176.     Goldfinch: Very common and widespread in almost all habitats

177.     Greenfinch: Infrequently seen, most numerous seen foraging on herbs at Faro/Montenegro ETAR Waterworks (10/10 and 22/10).

178.     Serin: Widespread and more common in Spain than in Portugal. Seen daily in almost all habitats.

179.     Crossbill: 2 birds called whilst flying over Ronda (07/10).

180.     Ortolan Bunting: Single bird seen near Sagres raptor watch-point (13/10).

181.     Rock Bunting: 3 birds with Meadow Pipits near the Radar station at Fóia above Monchique (16/10).

182.     Cirl Bunting: Single bird in riverside trees at Mértola (12/10).

183.     Corn Bunting: Very common and abundant in open and agricultural habitats.

184.     Common Waxbill: Introduced species, seen in almost all scrub habitats which have close proximity to water, particularly at Parque Ambiental de Vilamoura (18/10).

185.     Village Weaver: Introduced species, small number of birds at Quinta de Lago (15/10) and Parque Ambiental de Vilamoura (18/10).

Cetacean List: (Photos Derek Gruar)

Two boat trips were made during our trip, the first was from Tarifa, Spain using Swiss run FIRMM organisation which runs boats from several locations in the Straits of Gibraltar, before the two hour boat trip one of the volunteers gave an introductory talk about what cetacean species were likely to be seen and why these animals use the Straits. This was very useful for both experienced cetacean watchers and those on the boat who are less experienced. Details of trips and reports can be found on the website www.firmm.org

Our second trip was from Sagres Harbour, using the Mar Ilimitado company, which is run by two marine biologists. Again, information on likelihood of sightings and other information of the marine life of the western Algarve were provided. Check the website www.marilimitado.com for further information.

Both organisations, stressed that cetacean watching needs some ethics and that encounters with any animals found would be for a limited period of time due to their wish not to cause any extra stress to the animals. For this they must be commended.

Harbour Porpoise: Small pod of 5 animals on Sagres boat trip (13/10), at least 3 seen from cliffs near Cabo São Vincente (17/10)

Bottle-nosed Dolphin: A pod of 50 animals seen on Sagres boat trip (13/10). 10+ seen from cliffs near Cabo São Vincente (17/10)

Risso’s Dolphin: A pod of 10-20 animals seen on Sagres boat trip (13/10), including 2 very close individuals.

Striped Dolphin: A pod of 100+ seen from the Tarifa Boat trip (06/10)

Common Dolphin: Several pods seen from cliffs near Cabo São Vincente (17/10) containing up to 100 animals

Long-finned Pilot Whale: Three animals seen from the Tarifa Boat trip (06/10)

Other notable species:

Monarch Butterfly: Several around the Alvor region

Two-tailed Pacha Butterfly: One flew past at the Ria de Alvor

Stoat: Single at Ria de Alvor

Otter: One seen by John at close quarters at Ludo Farm

Brown Hare: Several in the Antelejo region.