Today we have been exploring the salt pans of Fuseta from where we have had some glorious views of the birdlife and the scenery of this part of Portugal. We stopped off at a small café/restaurant on the far side of the pans and extended our stay to include lunch – all of which was incredibly good value.
Salt pans of FusetaSalt pans of FusetaGreater flamingoGreater flamingosGreater flamingos coming in to landGreater flamingo seemingly walking on waterAmazing views of gulls tooBlack-winged stilts and a ruddy turnstoneI can’t work this one out. Yellow legs and (apparently) slim bill. Maybe a common gull? (Over to you Michael).More gulls and the church at Fuseta in the background
The walk back seemed further but we had a good stop as, incredibly, we bumped in to two men on bikes on the long distance cycle track through the Algarve who I used to teach as boys nearly 50 years ago back in Bristol in the UK. I am always amazed that such encounters ever happen.
The long distance cycle track through The Algarve
We were quite happy to encounter a few spoonbills too, but I had to take the photos through a net as they were on private property. Manual focus helped somewhat.
Eurasian spoonbillsEurasian spoonbillMore views of the salt pans and salt mountain – there must be other ingredients too with all those gulls!Pied avocetsCarline thistles, I believe
Back at base we had a relaxing time where I managed a few of the birds I was hoping to see.
Sardinian warbler had escaped me until nowCommon ringed plover in flightThe one bird I was keen to photograph – the common kingfisher (sort of my signature bird – Martin Pêcheur in French)Common kingfisherCommon kingfisherStill in my viewfinderCan you spot it here? I’ll give you a clue – bottom left.Pied avocets settling down for the nightHowever the greater flamingos were still quite frisky
Martin's Bird Blog & Nature Photos 
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