It’s June, the summertime begins, which indicates spring is ending. Bird life is growing and this month I bring a few of the typical birds to find in the Algarve.
White Storks
Of course, White Storks are almost all over. However, now is the time to see the nests as the babies are extending their wings to get ready for their very first flights. They are almost the very same size as the grownups, however the free gift is both their legs and beaks are black, whereas, in time, they will alter to the red colour of the grownups. This is a fun time to be seeing these big birds take their very first flight.
Goldfinch
This year, they appear to be all over I go. Often you don’t find these gorgeous little birds, however you’ll definitely hear them. They are extremely chirpy, tuneful and continuously twittering, normally from the branches of trees where they collect in little flocks. They can be seen anywhere from city parks to open countryside. Their brilliant red confront with contrasting black heads and brilliant yellow wing spots makes them apparent.
European Bee-Eaters
This is definitely the Algarve’s summertime treat for any nature fan. The stunning European Bee-Eater. This unique looking and sounding bird can be discovered anywhere. Often big flocks collect in the very same area every dawn and sundown. Once discovered, it is a pleasure to see. They never ever normally take a trip far from water. Red, yellow, blue-green, brown and blue comprises the magic of these fantastic birds.
The unbelievable colours of the European Bee-Eater can in some cases be undetected in the brilliant Algarve sun, however if seen morning or late afternoon, the colours are exceptional. The male varies a little from the female with more chestnut brown wing spots.
Common Kestrel
This is an unusual bird to appear in this list. However, either the very same Kestrels have actually been following me all over I go, or I have actually seen a lot of them. It appears every day I area Common Kestrels hunting. These little birds of victim are frequently spotted hovering, trying to find victim. The male varies from the female with a chestnut back and grey head, whereas the female has different tones of brown. It’s terrific to see them in such numbers as they have actually been decreasing in recent years.
Swifts
Martins, Swallows and Swifts are all extremely typical in the Algarve, however the Swifts are unbelievable. They have loud, scream-like calls, particularly around the time of sundown. They are quickly separated in between Martins and Swallows as their wings are boomerang-shaped and long.
There are 4 types discovered in the Algarve – the Common, Pallid, Alpine and White-rumped. The Alpine being the biggest with a distinct pale underbelly and dark brown chin “strap”. The White-rumped is a rarer sight in the Algarve, however both the Common and Pallid Swifts can frequently be seen together, both comparable, with the Pallid being a somewhat lighter brown. A fantastic reality about Swifts is they are constantly in flight other than when they breed.
By Craig Rogers
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Craig Rogers is a wildlife and nature professional photographer from Wales now residing in the Algarve, providing photography workshops. For more details, photos and his blog site go to www.craigrogers.photography
