Blog – Craig Rogers

Male Common Linnet Taking A Bath

16th May 202116th May 2021Craig RogersLeave a comment

It was one of those days today, a high risk of failure to get the photos I planned. I was hoping to write my next Algarve Resident article about the Nightingales and they incredibly difficult to photograph as they always keep themselves in thick cover. After sitting and waiting by 4 separate Nightingales, all within a few meters of me, I gave up after 2 hours and headed back. Whilst walking along the river bank I spotted a small flock of Linnets splashing around in the shallow water. All but one male flew for cover and he was happy for me to sit and photograph him whilst he took a long bath a relief for my dissapointment earlier.

(Click to view in Lightbox)

Nightingales Singing At Midnight (Recording)

14th April 202114th April 2021Craig RogersLeave a comment

I posted earlier that I had spotted a Nightingale making a rare appearance out of thick cover (Read more…). Tonight the air was totally still, not even a gentle breeze so I setup my phone camera to record the amazing chorus we have around the Quinta. There was also a Fox calling in the distance, but unfortunately, you can’t really make it out.

Turn your volume up and enjoy!

{Remember to watch in HD if possible}

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Ever Wondered What A Nightingale Looks Like…?

13th April 202113th April 2021Craig RogersLeave a comment

I’m surrounded by Nightingales, all competing to be the loudest, they seem to sing all day and night with no sleep. You would think they would be easy to find and view, but although they are loud with their stunning song, they are great at hiding deep in the foliage of trees and bushes.

After sitting on the riverbank for a while a few days back, one did decide to almost expose itself and I grabbed a quick snap, as you can see, they are quite plain looking birds and their plumage doesn’t match their incredible song.

Scouting Mission To Find The Local Bee-Eater Colony

11th April 202111th April 2021Craig RogersLeave a comment

Friday finally saw my 500mm f/4 Lens go off for it’s tripod mount collar repair and even though I’m going to miss the beginning of the spring/summer season whilst it is on its trip to Barcelona, I am still preparing for its return.

Today, I went on a scouting mission to find where the local European Bee-eaters are starting to nest build and it if you know what you are looking for, it didn’t take too long. Although there was no real evidence of new nest building at this location, I sat under a nearby Oak tree and waited. 20 minutes later a pair arrived. I was sat in full view of them, but they didn’t seem too bothered. I did have my “walkabout” lens (the trusty Nikon 80-400mm) so did manage to shoot a few photos before I left them to their colony building.

My view of their flight wasn’t great as it was into the sun, but did shoot this back-lit shot with the sun’s rays shining through the wings.

Overnight Rain Has Sprung the Esteva & Lavender Into Bloom

10th April 202110th April 2021Craig RogersLeave a comment

Both the Esteva (Gum Rock Rose) and French Lavender locally in the hills has been flowering for sometime, but the overnight rain has seemed to have given it a real kick start. This morning the hills are covered in white and purple carpets. You can imagine what the damp air smells like, it’s amazing!