Zitting Cisticola ( aka Fan-tailed Warbler)
Nikon D3s,500vr,1×4,1/320@6.7,iso800
After a challenging pelagic from the previous day I thought I would take a short journey to the Quinta do Lago golfing complex near to Faro. Early morning had me pretty much lost in the huge complex, eventually I found my way to the main lake. Several Greenshank were feeding along the shoreline with a Little Egret standing guard. I was soon geared up and just as I was approaching the birds a local van driver flushed the group of birds and the chances were lost. I decided to walk towards the far side of the lake which would take me along the edge of the lake and towards another lake famed for its Purple Swamp-hen. I was soon able to capture a nice image of Zitting cisticola perched in some vegetation. Bluethroats were seen in good numbers but always skulking or flying very low over the marsh, I cound’t get within 50 metres with the camera . This proved to be the case with all the Bluethroats I encountered although it was nice to see so many with even more spotted later in the week, when there were some higher tides. Moving along the path I came across a very obliging female Wheatear which had me moving backwards with the camera as it feed.
Wheatear
Nikon D3s,500vr,1/1/600@f11,iso800.
Near to the Wheatear several Red-rumped Swallows were feeding above a wasps nest. Also I found several willow Warblers and Chffchaffs feeding in a small patch of wasteland. I tried for some images but just coundn’t get a clear shot so I moved on. Nice to see warblers moving through on their migration southwards and in good numbers. Onward to the lake which held lots of ducks and Purple Swamp-hen. It did’nt take long before I spotted several in amongst the reeds feeding on roots. Cettis warblers foraged in the margins and again no images. The sun was staring to get high, so photography time was nearing an end. I tried to spot Little Bittern but didn’t see any the morning I was there, although they are present. I did find Reed warbler and Common Redstart in the woodland next to the lake and many Firecrest feeding in the canopy.
Purple Swamp-hen
Nikon D3s,500vr,1×4,1/2000@f11,iso800
After a hot morning it was back for some relaxation with a swim and power nap back at Casa Rosa. Afternoon had me moving into the hills above Faro into the Burregin, a large area of wooded hillsides. I drove for a few hours searching the hills . A distant Vulture sp’ and Buzzard were the only birds of prey I spotted, although a pair of Ortolan buntings were a nice addition to the list. The vw polo had to work hard on some of the internal roads, no restrictions and only one other car the whole time I was in the woods and not a parking meter in site! A scarce Swallowtail feeding by the gravel road gave good views but soon disappeared down the hillside. I wouldn’t travel these sorts of roads if any rain had fallen as they proved quite challenging in the dry conditions and is not for the faint hearted. The woods were very silent but I would think in springtime they could be excellent for birding. I visited Fuzeta saltpans again and photographed some more Ziiting cisticola and Cattle Egret in the fading light.
Cattle Egret
Nikon D3s,500vr,1/500@f5.6,iso1000
The cattle Egret was a nice end to a busy day with lots of birding and a few nice images. Next morning had me visiting yet another birding hotspot Lundo Park, which is a large set of saltpans near to Faro. Black shouldered Kite and Booted Eagle soaring behind the lake near to the farm where I had parked gave good views, with a Kingfisher zooming around the lake. Purple Swamp-hen was spotted. Several warbler species gave brief glimpses, Blackcap,Willow Warbler,Chiffchaff,Cettis warbler and a nice view of a female Sub-Alpine warbler. I tried for some Chiffchaffs along the road but everytime I got close a passing car or jogger flushed the bird. Today was turning into a no image day. Good numbers of Flamingo and Spoonbill were present with all the usual waders on the saltpans and a fly through Osprey adding to the raptor list. Spotless Starling were feeding around the farm buildings. I had enough of the constant passing joggers and cars and called it a day. The birding was good but for photography, it proved very poor. Back to Casa Rosa for some r&r.
Lundo Park
Part 3 coming soon…
