Translate

Sunday, 27 March 2011

ILHA DE FARO


Looking towards the Praia de Faro
We arrived at the Praia de Faro looking for the sun and we got it, beautiful blue skies, the first Pallid Swifts screaming over our heads. We cycled off to explore the Salinas near the Quinta do Lago, a wonderful area for birding and for people who just enjoy walking or cycling in nature. The colours of wildflowers set against blue skies and water are just magic.


We were rewarded by seeing some Caspian Terns socialising with mixed Gulls and so many waders. It's strange how, so close to civilisation, nature is happy with pieces of habitat left wild. All the time aeroplanes flew low over our heads, from the nearby airport, bringing people to and from their holidays, little knowing of this oasis of wildlife below.
Below are some of the many ducks we saw and photographed.


Pochard


Male & Female Teal


Female Tufted Duck


Male & Female Gadwall


Male Red Crested Pochard

The birdlife here is so varied that we were spoilt for choice, but could not resist this Glossy Ibis sharing a muddy island, with one of the many Turtles.


And this cheeky Zitting Cisticola


But for us the star must be this female Blackheaded Weaver


So we bid farewell to Portugal with this haunting shot of a Little Egret and head for Spain.


No comments: