Little Bittern

We went to visit Quinto do Lago as I heard that a Green Heron had been seen there over the past week or so and I was keen to catch up with it. My father got a few seconds view of it and I managed a leg as it faded into the reeds and we never saw it again, but as we searched the reeds this over wintering Little Bittern was a fine substitute

Corn Bunting

While touring round local along the Algarvecoast we came across a field full of Corn Buntings.

Not easy birds to get close to in open field but this little fella gave me a chance of a few photos

Cetti`s Warbler

In the correct habitat the Cettis Warbler can be often heard with its unmistakable loud call, but it is seldom seen as it keeps low down in the vegetation.

I was more than happy to get these pictures for the blog at Salgados lagoon , Algarve

Hoopoe

Early morning around the carpark of St Eualia beach, 3 Hoopoes tend to hang around, as long as I was still and quiet they would tolerate me, but anything they dont like the look of and they are gone out of site

Salgados Lagoon , Algarve, Portugal

A glorious wetlands teaming with birdlife with easy access and a boardwalk along the southern end of the reedbeds.

The 1st hide is a disgrace but the 2nd gives great views from the west end.

Birding highlights seen here during 2 visits

Audouins Gull, Lesser black backed Gulls, Med Gulls, 6 Caspain Tern,  4 Penduline Tits, 2 Bluethroats, Cragg Martins, Marsh Harrier, Purple Swamphen, Flamingo, Avocet, Ruff, Blackwits, Glossy Ibis, White Storks, Black headed Weaver, Fan tailed Warblers, Shoveler,  Pochard, Coot , Cattle Egret, Grey Herons, Cormorants, Common Sandpipers, Chiffchaffs and Hoopoe plus a rare Greenshank.

Glossy Ibis

Black winged Stilt

Caspain Tern

Audouins Gull

Spoonbill

Penduline Tit

Marsh Harrier

Cettis Warbler

Cattle Egret

Black headed Weaver

Fan tailed Warbler

Bluethroat

Purple Swamphen

Great views of Purple Swaphen at the 2nd hide ofVilamoura reedbeds.

Seen pulling up reeds and gnawing on the fresh roots.

We need a few of these back home at shannon airport lagoon to keep the reeds at bay from the encroachment.

Colours contrasts of this bird are awsome,

Booted Eagle

Delighted to find this Booted Eagle perched up in the Vilamoura reedbeds.

These Raptors are often seen on the wing and can be quite common in the right areas, Buzzard size but Eagle through and through