Birdlife

The wetlands around Alvor, are excellent for wildlife and for the birds especially. Among the ubiquitous Sparrows and Starlings, we found large flocks of Linnets and Goldfinches, as well as a new 'tick' for my life list, a Bluethroat (Luscinia svecica).

Bluethroats were once classed as members of the thrush family, but have now been moved to the closely related, Old World Flycatchers. But whatever family they belong to, it was a rare treat to see one, especially at this time of year, when most have gone south to Africa for the winter.

Out on the mud and knee-deep in the water, Spoonbills (Platalea leucorodia) were busy feeding.

A few of these distinctive wading birds can be found as far north as the UK, but they are always easier to find in southern Europe.

Flitting about in the dry grasses, several charming little Fan-tailed Warblers or Zitting Cisticolas (Cisticola juncidis) kept us amused. These tiny birds are always tricky to photograph, as they are so small and never still for more than a second or two.

Back out in the water, a Greenshank (Tringa nebularia) was always busy probing the sand for something to eat.

Perhaps the most spectacular find and another new 'tick' for the life list, was a large flock of Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) which we saw on Sunday evening as we were heading back to the airport. Sadly, the camera was packed away and we were in the back of a minibus anyway, so no photos. Better luck next time!