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The Serins Are Singing, A Sign Of The Algarve Spring

Yes, it may only be mid-January, however, this is the time everything starts coming to life in the Algarve, particularly here in the hills.

The first sign of spring is the European Serins singing and a large flock (at least 50) have arrived here at the Quinta.

I took a wander around the garden this afternoon to grab some reference shots of both the female and male. They are very similar except the male has much more yellow on his breast and head.

As you may have noticed, there has been a lack of wildlife shots and posts recently as I have been busy with other projects, however, I will be making some time to get out an about in the next week. Firstly, I will be working out a way to get up close and personal with these tiny birds, but for now, here’s two shots showing the difference between the sexes.

Here is the female….

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Morning Dog Walk: The Hills Are Alive With Bird Song

I take a camera along on my Dog Walks to bring you some of the sightings that I see on my morning walks, these photos are rarely going to be great quality as its hard enough keeping an energetic Dog entertained and get close enough to anything. They also help me identify where species are so that I can plan to return.

This morning’s walk with Wally was loud, loud with Spring-time Bird Song. I lost count of the different Warbler song I heard along with Corn Buntings, Chiffchaff (both Common and Iberian), Finches, Hoopoe and all species of Woodpecker.

I pointed the camera at a few as we walked about.

Female Black Cap

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Male Serin

This is a new first for me, I have never photographed a Serin before. I was awake before sunrise this morning and the forecast was a for a great day, so decided to get my camo kit on and hide in the garden near a dead Oak Tree which has frequent visitors. I missed out on an Iberian Green Woodpecker that landed behind a branch and didn’t stay long enough, but soon after this Male Serin landed and started to sing it’s head off.

When it first landed, from behind the camo net I couldn’t work out if it was a Serin or a Siskin. As I’ve never photographed a Serin before, I was really hoping for one. Then I noticed the lack of a black cap that the Male Siskin has and therefore knew it was a Serin.

{Click image(s) to view on Flickr - opens in new tab}

Male European Serin - Masculino Chamariz (Serinus serinus)
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