Big birds of prey

Yesterday and the day before, I have been leading Tours up in the Alentejo-region, well one hour in land from the Algarve coast. Besides both Bustard-species, Black-bellied Sandgrouses, Collared Pratincoles and European Rollers seen on both Tours, yesterday's Tour had been particularly successful regarding the impressive large raptors - of which we got very close and extended views, without disturbing these wonderful birds, as shown in the photos below.

  

Eurasian Black Vulture (Aegypius monachus) 29/04/2014. Guadiana River Natural Park, 

Baixo Alentejo region, south Portugal. Photo: Georg Schreier.

 Eurasian Black Vulture (Aegypius monachus) same Ind. as above. 29/04/2014. 

Guadiana River Natural Park, Baixo Alentejo region, south Portugal. Photo: Georg Schreier.

Eurasian Black Vulture (Aegypius monachus) a different Ind. of at least 7 birds present at the location. 

29/04/2014. Guadiana River Natural Park, Baixo Alentejo region, south Portugal. Photo: Georg Schreier.

Eurasian Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) one of 50+ Ind. at the spot. 29/04/2014: Photo: GS.

Spanish (Iberian) Imperial Eagle (Aquila adalberti) this older immature was one of 4 Ind. present at the location. Earlier we observed a full adult male together with an immature female. 29/04/2014. Photo: GS.

Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) in it's second calender year. 

This migratory species is a rare visitor to the area. 29/04/2014. Photo: GS.

The wonderful meadows full of wild flowers in April are home to Great- and Little Bustards, Calandra Larks and many others.

The top-predator of the "steppes" - the Spanish Imperial Eagle (Aquila adalberti). 

I digiscoped this immature during a Tour with a group of 6 people earlier this month.

Scattered Holm Oaks (Portuguese: "Montado") flowering Gum Cistus and the wide open fields. Imagine the continous songs of Calandra Larks, occasional calls of displaying Little Bustards and a male Montagu's Harrier soaring above the scenery - south Portugal in spring.