Portugal The Algarve at Christmas

Portugal The Algarve at Christmas Naturetrek 22 28 December 2013 Great Bustards Sardinian Warbler Black-winged Stilt Report and images compiled by Simon Tonkin & Mashuq Ahmad Naturetrek Cheriton Mill Cheriton Alresford Hampshire SO24 0NG England T: +44 (0)1962 733051 F: +44 (0)1962 736426 E: info@naturetrek.co.uk W: www.naturetrek.co.uk

Portugal The Algarve at Christmas Tour Leaders: Simon Tonkin Naturetrek Ornithologist Mashuq Ahmad Naturetrek Ornithologist Participants: Pam Cox Sheila Robertson Sandy Robertson Dennis Smith Jenny Smith Jocelyn Robson Paula Lanning Julie Bubb Patrick Bubb Linda Bridges Paul Johnson Roger Newton Dave Corfield Grahame Walshe Day 1 Sunday 22nd December After our flight from our various destinations, we arrived at Faro Airport in the evening. Here we found Simon waiting. He d been in-country for the last three days, recce-ing various sites and was full of optimism, having seen some great birds. We collected the mini-buses and headed off, west, to Sagres and to the hospitality of the Memmo Baleeira Hotel. Here we became acquainted with the remainder of the group and were also treated to a most welcome late evening meal. It was then off to bed. Day 2 Monday 23rd December The day started on a disappointing note. It became clear that the mini-pelagic trip that we had planned for today had been cancelled, owing to the dangerous swell that had built up over the last couple of days. During breakfast, we were treated to the sight of several Chiffchaffs, Black Redstart and Common Sandpiper foraging in the hotel gardens. These were to be our constant breakfast companions throughout the week. Soon we found ourselves heading back east to Quinta do Lago, where our trip was kick-started by a showy Short-toed Treecreeper in trees by the car park. Several Iberian Magpies also flew over, giving us our first views of this Iberian specialty. A Black-necked Grebe showed well amongst a group of Little Grebes on the main lake. Other lake-dwellers included Pochard, Tufted Duck, Shoveler and Teal. A Single Glossy Ibis flew over, notable for being the only one recorded during the trip. In contrast, numerous White Storks were seen as they would continue to be in varying numbers throughout the tour. Sardinian Warblers were frequently calling from the scrub, occasionally affording views. A nice surprise was the half-a-dozen showy (white-spotted) Bluethroats of the race cyanecula which were frequenting the edge of the saltmarsh. At least 20 Common Waxbills were records including a group showing well on a neatly cut lawn, where a Hoopoe put on a good performance. Naturetrek April 14 1

A picnic lunch was prepared by the hide overlooking the saline lagoon and we enjoyed our much needed sustenance whilst watching six Greater Flamingos. The remainder of the day was spent at the Parque Nacional da Ria Formosa. Short-toed Treecreepers abounded in the pine woods, their presence being felt thanks to their Dunnock-like calls. Several Crested Tits also graced us with their presence. On the tidal lagoons, we were kept busy combing through the impressive gatherings of waders. Seventeen species were counted, the largest in number were Dunlins with around 300, also 50+ Kentish Plover and 150+ Ringed Plover were noted. 50 Sanderlings, 20 Knot and 10 Whimbrel were also logged as were two Avocets and a Black-winged Stilt. A single Zitting Cisticola was spied as was a Cetti s Warbler. Five hundred Mediterranean Gulls formed an impressive sight as they flew over. Several Crested Larks were also seen. From the hide, a Purple Swamphen was heard but failed to materialise. Gadwall was much in evidence from the hide, with 30 logged. Day 3 Tuesday 24th December A post-breakfast stroll down to the harbour allowed us to study gulls. Here, around 300 Yellow-legged and 50 Lesser Black-back Gulls were evident, attracted by the fishing activities. Two Sandwich Terns were also noted as was a Kittiwake. Next on the agenda was a mountain visit to Monchique and Foia. En-route, a short stop at Portimao revealed at least 15 White Storks, 30+ Spotless Starlings, Black-winged Stilt and 10 Iberian Magpies. Whilst driving up the winding mountain road to Monchique, the weather had deteriorated, with fog, rain and wind. This inclement weather had effectively dashed our plans to see our target birds such as Rock Buntings and Alpine Accentors. At the summit we sought sanctuary at the gift shop and café before heading back down. We stopped along the forested roadside further down the mountain to have lunch, although there was some improvement in the weather, the birds weren t playing ball. One highlight at our pit stop was a showy Firecrest, enjoyed by all. Back at sea level, we ended the birding day at Costa Vincente. Here, some impromptu seawatching produced four Balearic Shearwaters and Northern Gannets. Land birds present included two Zitting Cisticola, 30 Common Waxbills and 35 Corn Buntings. A male Pied Wagtail looked out of place amongst the White Wagtails present. Back at the hotel, we were treated to an exquisite Christmas Eve meal, special mention must go to Sheila, who presented each of the group with an individually handmade mini cardboard box complete with a chocolate inside. Thanks again Sheila! Day 4 Wednesday 25th December Christmas Day was a relatively relaxed affair; we spent both morning and afternoon just to the west of Sagres in the Cabo Sao Vincent. Birding conditions were sub-optimal owing to strong onshore winds. We did muster 15+ Red-billed Choughs near the farm buildings. An Iberian Shrike was the first we d well so far on the trip. Two Calandra Larks put in a very brief appearance. At least 100 Crested Larks were also noted. Corn Buntings were common with 300 counted. The strong winds gave us the green light to indulge in some seawatching from the lighthouse. Amongst the large numbers of Northern Gannets that were on the move, several Pomarine and Great Skuas were counted as were three Balearic Shearwaters. 2 Naturetrek

Day 5 Thursday 26th December For most participants, today s excursion, well inland to the fabled Castro Verde Plains was the highlight of the tour. Having arrived on site, it didn t take long to track down one of the area s specialities and we were soon able to savour the majesty of a flock of 30 Great Bustards. Although not particularly close, we could very much appreciate the beauty and stature of these giant denizens of the plains. These birds were just the first of several Great Bustard encounters during our visit. A total of 80 were noted. Raptors also featured heavily with c.15 Red Kites counted, 20 Common Buzzards, 50 Common Kestrels and a Hen Harrier. However, without a shadow of a doubt, the star billing went to the very rare juvenile Spanish Imperial Eagle which was seen very well both in flight and perched on a bush. This rufous brown hunter would have no doubt shown much interest in the Iberian Hare we discovered in the same area just a little while earlier, had it noticed it! An adult Great Spotted Cuckoo also performed to a very appreciative audience in the same fields, despite the rather distant views. Two Black-bellied Sandgrouse were also noted as they rapidly flew over. Other highlights observed in this Wonderland were two Little Owls, two Calandra Larks, several Ravens and Iberian Shrikes. At least 20 Stonechats were tallied as well as flocks of Golden Plovers and Lapwing. Day 6 Friday 27th December Our final full day saw us birding at Pera Marsh. As we were driving onto site, a cracking Black-winged Kite made an appearance and alighted on a post, allowing us some good scope views, black face-mask and all. Continuing the face-mask theme, a stunning male Penduline Tit finally gave itself up to close scrutiny, having originally been picked up by its thin calls. The main pool on the marsh also hosted three Greater Flamingos and five Spoonbills. Several species of the commoner waders were present, including 30+ Black-winged Stilts. Two Marsh Harriers quartered the site and three Purple Swamphens were a most welcome late addition to the trip list for most. Six Northern Pintail and 20 Little Grebes added interest to the day, as did four Zitting Cisticolas and five calling Cetti s Warblers. A lone Kittiwake also showed at very close range on the marsh edge. Offshore, a solitary Great Skua patrolled. Back at the mini buses, another fine picnic lunch was prepared. We then headed back to the hotel for some respite. The remainder of the birding day was spent back at Cabo Sao Vincente. Our last evening in Portugal, included a gastronomic walking tour of Sagres, where we sampled some of the local delicacies at two restaurants. Day 7 Saturday 28th December A leisurely final morning was spent in and around the hotel before we said our farewells and began to make tracks towards Faro Airport. En-route, we had time to return to the location where we started our tour, Quinto Do Lago. A Crested Tit gave splendid views at the car park, finally allowing Roger to obtain the photograph he had desired of this species from day one. Three Crag Martins were over the main lake, where the Black-necked Grebe remained. Three Black-winged Stilts allowed reasonable photographic opportunities. An Iberian Green Woodpecker, our only one of the week, put in a brief cameo appearance as it flew through. Iberian Magpies were a regular feature of the tour but typically, they would frustrate by only giving distant and/or brief views. Naturetrek April 14 3

It was therefore satisfying to get prolonged close views of a flock of ten of this quintessentially Iberian resident as we were walking back to the transport. A fitting finale to end our week-long tour before heading back to Faro and our flights home Receive our e-newsletter Join the Naturetrek e-mailing list and be the first to hear about new tours, additional departures and new dates, tour reports and special offers. Visit www.naturetrek.co.uk to sign up. Naturetrek Facebook We are delighted to launch the Naturetrek Facebook page so that participants of Naturetrek tours can remain in touch after the holiday and share photos, comments and future travel plans. Setting up a personal profile at www.facebook.com is quick, free and easy. The Naturetrek Facebook page is now live; do please pay us a visit! 4 Naturetrek

Species Lists Birds ( = recorded but not counted) December Common name Scientific name 23 24 25 26 27 28 1 Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa 6 7+ 4+ 2 Gadwall Anas strepera 30+ 20+ 3 Northern Pintail Anas acuta 4 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 15+ 10 10+ 40+ 5 Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata 10+ 6 Eurasian Teal Anas crecca 20+ 1 7 Common Pochard Aythya ferina 5+ 8 Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula 2 9 Balearic Shearwater Puffinus griseus 4 3 10 Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis 8+ 5+ 20+ 11 Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis 1 1 12 Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus 6 3 13 White Stork Ciconia ciconia 40+ 60+ 50+ c. 5 14 Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia 18 5+ 15 Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis 20+ 100+ 5+ 40+ 15+ 16 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea 10+ 7 17 Little Egret Egretta garzetta 50+ 4+ 10+ 5+ 10+ 18 Northern Gannet Morus bassanus 4 19 European Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis 3 2 20 Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo 10+ 10+ 70+ 21 Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus 2 22 Red Kite Milvus milvus 15+ 23 Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus 2 24 Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus 1 1 25 Spanish Imperial Eagle Aquila adalberti 1 26 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo 2+ 3+ 4+ 20+ 5+ 27 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus 3+ 3+ 10+ 50+ 30+ 28 Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus 1 29 Great Bustard Otis tarda 80+ 30 Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio 1 3 31 Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus 4+ 3 32 Eurasian Coot Fulica atra 100+ 100+ 50+ 33 Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus 2+ 1 30+ 3 34 Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta 2+ 35 Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus 60+ 36 Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola 30+ 37 Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria 20+ 150+ 40+ 38 Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula 150+ 1 2+ 39 Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus 50+ 1 8+ 40 Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago 4 41 Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa 10+ 2 42 Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica 70+ 43 Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus 10 2 44 Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata 10+ 1 45 Common Redshank Tringa totanus 50+ 1 2 10+ Naturetrek April 14 5

December Common name Scientific name 23 24 25 26 27 28 46 Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia 5+ 1 4 47 Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus 4 48 Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos 3+ 1 2 1 2 2 49 Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres 50+ 20+ 5 50 Red Knot Calidris canutus 20+ 51 Sanderling Calidris alba 50+ 1 25+ 52 Dunlin Calidris alpina 300+ 5+ 53 Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus 54 Mediterranean Gull Ichthyaetus melanocephalus 500+ 1 20+ 20+ 55 Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus 50+ 56 Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis 57 Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla 1 1 58 Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis 5+ 2 2 2 59 Great Skua Stercorarius skua 3 1 60 Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus 3+ 61 Black-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles orientalis 2 62 Rock Dove / Feral Pigeon Columba livia 63 Common Wood Pigeon Columba palunbus 64 Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto 65 Little Owl Athene noctua 2 2 66 Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius 1 67 Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis 4+ 68 Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops 3+ 1 69 Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major 1 3 70 Iberian Green Woodpecker Picus viridis sharpei 1 71 Iberian Shrike Lanius meridionalis 1 3+ 2 72 Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius 2+ 2 73 Iberian Magpie Cyanopica cooki 50+ 100 40 20+ 10+ 74 Eurasian Magpie Pica pica 2 1 2 1 75 Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax 15+ 20+ 76 Western Jackdaw Coloeus monedula 4 60+ 6 1 77 Carrion Crow Corvus corone 5+ 78 Northern Raven Corvus corax 3+ 79 European Crested Tit Lophophanes cristatus 5+ 2 80 Great Tit Parus major 81 Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus 1 82 Calandra Lark Melanocorypha calandra 2 2 83 Crested Lark Galerida cristata 30+ 5+ 100+ 50+ 84 Eurasian Skylark Alauda arvensis 5+ 70+ 5+ 85 Eurasian Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris 1 2 5 7+ 3 86 Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti 2+ 5+ 87 Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita 88 Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis 1 2 4+ 89 Eurasian Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla 5+ 1 90 Garden Warbler Sylvia borin 1 91 Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala 30+ 5 92 Common Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla 1 93 Short-toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla 20+ 10+ 3+ 94 Spotless Starling Sturnus unicolor 70+ 150+ 100+ 6 Naturetrek

December Common name Scientific name 23 24 25 26 27 28 95 Common Blackbird Turdus merula 20+ 15 20+ 20+ 96 Song Thrush Turdus philomelos 1 97 European Robin Erithacus rubecula 3+ 10+ 98 Bluethroat Luscinia svecica 6+ 99 Black Redstart Phornicurus ochruros 5+ 10+ 5+ 10+ 15+ 100 European Stonechat Saxicola rubicolor 20+ 4 10+ 20+ 30+ 101 Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitaries 1 102 House Sparrow Passer domesticus 103 Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild 20+ 30+ 104 Grey Wagtail Moticilla cinerea 1 2 1 105 White Wagtail Moticilla alba alba 30+ 3 Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba yarrellii 1 106 Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis 20+ 50+ 107 Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs 2 10+ 108 European Serin Serinus serinus 40+ 3+ 10+ 5+ 109 European Greenfinch Carduelis chloris 10+ 2 10+ 20+ 110 European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis 50+ 10+ 5 40+ 10+ 111 Common Linnet Carduelis cannabina 5+ 8+ 80+ 50+ 100+ 112 Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra 35 300+ 50+ Mammals 1 Iberian Hare Lepus granatensis 1 Butterflies 1 Clouded Yellow Colias croceus 2 Painted Lady Vanessa Cardui 3 Green-veined White Pieris napi 4 Small White Pieris rapae Naturetrek April 14 7