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BIRDS OF SOUTHERN PORTUGAL AND SOUTH-WEST SPAIN (198 species, merge/update v2018-04)
This subject was originally split into two galleries. On reflection I have decided to merge the galleries. The photographs were taken in the Algarve and Alentejo Regions of Portugal between 2007 and the present day as well as on two trips (2010 and 2015) to south-west Spain - including the Doñana National Park. I have included some very ordinary (and at times barely recognisable) photographs – these are to be found at the end of the gallery with ‘z’ before the file name. These, like the general content of the gallery, are there purely as records of birds seen on one or more of our trips. Many of the species are covered in more detail in other galleries.
In spotting and photographing many of these birds I am deeply indebted to our regular guide and friend, Georg Schreier of Birdwatching Algarve. Georg has a wide knowledge of birds in the area and has many friends/contacts who provide information on the whereabouts of specific birds and rarities. We have enjoyed many birding trips with Georg whilst on our holidays. Without his help and expertise we would never have seen (or had such a good opportunity to photograph) such species as the Black-winged Kite, Bonelli’s Eagle, Melodious Warbler, Rufous Bush Robin, White-rumped Swift and many more.
The extra info after some of the file names is part of my own photo management system. The info is usually obvious when seen with a thumbnail or larger. For example: [a] = adult, [c] = chick, [f] = female, [j] = juvenile, [m] = male, [b/s/w] = breeding/summer/winter plumage, [F] = in flight, [C] = catching/eating live food, [I] = ill or injured, [N] = nest, [P] = portrait, and [G/L] = group/large group. Finally, I should like to emphasise that this is much more a birding record than a photographic exhibition. Some sort of photograph is included for each species sighted. For as long as we travel to Portugal and Spain I shall endeavour to improve the quality of the photographs and add to the species list.
UPDATE, v2016-11: Four new species namely: Blackcap [f], Golden Plover, Subalpine Warbler [f] and Yellow-browed Warbler. Also Collared Dove in flight [F].
UPDATE, v2018-04: No new species. Additions to Kentish Plover [F], Ringed Plover [F] and Roller [P], all earlier photos. Photos from trips in 2017-10 and 2018-04 will follow later.