Friday 11 September 2015

Portugal Day 1

Hello

Today I flew from the UK to Portugal and eventually caught up with a group of bird ringers operating south of Lisbon. This group included members of the Northants Ringing Group and I heard first-hand of some of their exploits during the last week and a half of the operation. Surprise catches included Icterine Warbler and Aquatic Warbler, more typical catch species including Bluethroat, Savi's Warbler and Nightingale.

A nature reserve is managed at Costa Santo Andre around a lagoon/small estuary. An extensive reed-bed hides many migrants, and the muddy edges prove attractive to a broad range of wading birds as well as Spoonbill, herons and Flamingos. The heathland and dry pine woods that surround this area also attract a variety of birds including resident Crested Tit and Short-toed Treecreeper, Iberian Magpie, Woodlark and raptors including Booted Eagle.

Today I only had time to join them in an evening foray for roosting Yellow Wagtails and we ended up catching thirty of them plus a handful of Tree Sparrows. Interesting birds noted included an Osprey, a Curlew Sandpiper, a Black Tern, quite a number of Little Terns and a whole host of waders. Hopefully there will be plenty to see tomorrow!

Regards

Neil M

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