One of the species I was hoping to see is the Spanish sparrow, what happens? they turn up in England.

Little B’s must have known I was looking for them.

Who said I am a twitcher?

Yippee

If you want a picture google lesser spotted woodpecker.

They have learnt that insects are killed and get stuck to moving vehicles. They operate from a point that provide cover close to vehicle parking areas .  Some are so good at this that they approach a vehicle as soon as it stops but, do not actually get on board until the engine is switched off. Each bird appears to have its favourite place on a vehicle, the front, under the wheel arches, etc.  Some even get inside of the radiator and air intake grills on larger vehicles.

If, as many of you do,  feed birds, there is one who takes the risk and approaches the food source before others who follow when they feel safe. These are the birds who have pioneered this behaviour and others have learnt from them.  The question is who gets the best feeding spots and how?  Have some birds been killed by approaching to early?

Look and learn.

On a visit early the following morning he came across the carcass of a wood pigeon. The position and condition of the carcass did not suggest any of the usual killers. Also, a magpie was showing some interest but, was alarm calling whilst staying in an adjoining tree.

On a further visit that evening at dusk he came across a man who had set up a moth trap. Keith had seen this man before and knew he was local. They exchanged pleasantries and information. The man said there had been reports of a big cat in the area.

Make up your own mind.

I will not bore you with details, only because I do not want to hear the groans.  The nice thing about birding on the Shetlands is the ability to get close to the birds.  I have watched birds with the naked eye which I would need a telescope to watch on the mainland.

Enough already.

Have a look at the pics, you can see the seeds in their bills.

The azure winged magpie is colourful and are real character’s.  Smaller than the black and white variety that we are familiar with they share many of the same traits, go to a picnic area, camp site, anywhere  that food may appear and they will be there waiting to move in on any food.

The hoopoe, a very handsome bird with a distinctive call, can be shy but not difficult to see.

Have a look at the pictures.

As we have said they are large birds, but, not pretty. However to see several of them soreing  on thermals is a delight.

They have ability to generate a loud noise by clapping together the upper and lower parts of their beaks, Jan says it sounds like a two stroke motor cycle.

I would like to tell all of you the in the UK that summer is on the way, or, at least the swallows and house martins. Keith is seeing them in increasing numbers.

We are based at Alcantarilha on the Algarve, a short distance away is an area by the name of Quinta Da Saudade.  Its main attraction in birdwatching terms is a medium sized lake next to the sand dunes. The area to the east is dominated by a golf course and holiday accomadation.  To the west is an area of old vineyards, almond trees and rough grassland which stretches as far as Armacao de Pero.

Every visit brings something new, at times it is difficult to take it all in.

Highlight so far! a pair of blacked shouldered kites.