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.
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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.
