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Black-bellied-Sandgrouse

The two pictures above were taken a few days ago when I grabbed a day off with Daniela and Carolina; and where did we go ….? To the Plains of course!
We saw some wonderful birds but I thought I’d just tickle your fancy with the above two piccies of two of our flagship species around here.
The flock of Sandgrouse we counted at 31, which shows improvement and the Gt Bustards, 47, ditto. Fantastic to see them both increasing in numbers even if they are being squeezed as regards habitat. Hard work by a lot of people; so sad then to hear that the male Spanish Imperial Eagle in the area, who bred successfully last year, was found shot two weeks ago ….

Black-winged-Kite-5

One of the beauties of living here is that wherever one is or whatever one’s doing there’s bound to be something nearby that lifts one’s spirits …. this morning it was this Black winged Kite above which was hunting just beside the petrol station in Santa Clara when i was filling up ….

Glossy-Ibis-(Plegadis-falcinellus)

Yesterday we had to pop up to Lisbon and on the way decided to spend a quick half hour birding ….. the result is the above! We were lucky enough just to be in the right place at the right time, (again!), as a Marsh Harrier put up a huge flock of Black tailed Godwits and then a succession of flocks of these Glossy Ibis, (– or should it be Glossy Ibii or Glossy Ibis’? Suggestions please!), which totalled about 200 individuals. Exhilarating to see them sail past us, as they’re still not common down here, and we were close enough to get a few good shots.