The area around Lisbon takes in two large river estuaries. We expected to see lots of waders but didn't see very many at all. Those we did see were a long way off as much of the coastline is inaccessible to the public.
Curlew
Grey Plover
Sandpiper
Sanderlings
Turnstones
Raptors were also few and far between compared to southern Portugal. A few Buzzards and Red Kites but little else.
I think this Kite had a lizard of some sort.
A brief glimpse of what I think is a Marsh Harrier
A lifetime tick for me. A Black-shouldered Kite. We were driving down a country lane when I saw what appeared to be a white Kestrel hovering. We slammed the brakes on and backed up but it already flown to some nearby power lines. We waited for ages for it to quarter the field again but it disappeared into the distance.
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These sets are just beautiful Galatas, such a wide variety of species and I love the Sanderlings and of course the Harrier and Kite, as you say, the Kite seems to have a sort of Gecko in it's claws.
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Regards, Hazel
Joa Jara is the guide for Portugal, Located in Lisbon
Did you bump into him ? Great photos
Regards
John
We only met one other birder all week , a guy from London.
Nice selection of waders nevertheless. Is that a Greenshank after the Curlew pics?
The Black-shouldered Kite is a stunning bird. Only seen it a couple of times myself.
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Tony
My Flickr Photostream
Unknown said:Is that a Greenshank after the Curlew pics?
Yes , I think I missed putting a title to it.
Wow beautiful photos! Other half is talking about going to Lisbon when we go back to Portugal in January, I'm not really a city person but you're photos have made me think maybe it won't be so bad afterall!
Millie & Fly the Border Collies
We only spent one afternoon in the city itself so I can't really give an opinion on it as a place to stay. It seemed much like Barcelona and other similar cities.
A few pics from around the city.
We'd only be going for a day maybe staying overnight, we stay in a cottage in Silves in the Algarve which is much more peaceful (especially in January! LOL)
More gorgeous photos Galatas! Well done with the kite!
Although it's frustrating not having access to the coast, it's good that it's protected like it!
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
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Brilliant pictures! You have a talent. The first curlew, and possibly the others if my phone would open them appears to be a whimbrel, and the kite eating something looks to be a black :)