A morning around Faro

Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator) adult male, told by black mantle feathers. First Ind. usually arrive
in early March here, depending on weather conditions. 5 or 6 Ind. where perched on- or next to the
airport-fence. Faro, 10-April-2017.

Some shots I took during a morning just west of Faro airport yesterday. Continuous sunny weather and easterly winds provide excellent conditions to find spring migrants along the coast right now. After travelling with a group last week, I just enjoyed taking some time in my own pace. Sitting quietly at a good spot is often rewarded with surprisingly good observations. Amazing what you can spot here in a single morning without even trying too hard!

Male Whinchat (Saxicola rubetra). Faro, 10-April-2017.

Wryneck (Jynx torquila). Quinta do Lago, 10-April-2017.

Hoppoe (Upupa epops) carrying food. Ludo (Faro) 10-April-2017.

Black-headed Weaver (Ploceus melanocephalus) male. Quinta do Lago, 10-April-2017. An established breeding bird in the Algarve, origin is sub-saharian Africa. Populations here are based on escapes - perhaps from the Zoo in Lagos?

Black-headed Weaver (Ploceus melanocephalus). Quinta do Lago, 10-April-2017. Male displaying at a fresh nest.

Black-headed Weaver (Ploceus melanocephalus) male and female at the nest. Quinta do Lago, 10-April-2017.

Bluethroat (Lusciana svecica) second calender year. A rather late date for this wintering species here. Quinta do Lago, 10-April-2017.

Male Little Crake (Porzana parva) Quinta do Lago, 10-April-2017. A rare but regular passage migrant in the Algarve, during March/ April and September. The status of this secretive species as well as of its relatives here is not fully known.