Video

2 Days Ago The River Was Dry…. (Video)

19th December 201919th December 2019Craig RogersLeave a comment

….and now? Well take a look for yourself! (Video down below)

We also have another period of heavy rain coming in the next 24 hours too!
This first photo is looking across the bridge/ford which is very deep underwater.

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Wooooohoooo! The River Is Running!!!!!! (Video)

17th December 201918th December 2019Craig Rogers2 Comments

If you live in the Algarve, you will know that the region was starting to get desperate for rain, also you will know just how much rain we’ve had in the last 2 days, particularly here in the northern hills where it has been heavy and persistent. I had a bet with myself yesterday that the river would get a kick-start and be running this morning. However, it was still dry and we even walked the dogs along our usual route along the river bed.

Imagine my surprise this afternoon when I stood outside the Quinta and could hear gushing water. I headed down to the river (its just over 400 metres away) and it is now in full flow, even over the top of the bridge/ford (Video below).

How I Use The Merlin Bird ID App In The Field (Video)

27th October 201927th October 2019Craig Rogers3 Comments

I have been wanting to create this video for a while. I get often get asked to recommend an ID book for bird life of Portugal and I always ask, “Do you have a smartphone?”. Of course, often the answer is yes and my reply is to download the amazing Merlin Bird ID app by The Cornell Lab.

This app is totally free and very powerful, its Photo ID feature really sets it apart from other Bird ID apps. There are other apps I use, particularly the locally developed FollowBirds App which I will hopefully be reviewing soon.

This video is a bit long but worth the watch if you are interested in identifying bird species using its fantastic Photo ID Feature.

The app is available for both Android and IOS and can be downloaded from the links below;

Android

Apple

In case you are wondering, no, I am not being paid by The Cornell Lab or anyone else for this video, I just wanted to share how great it is.

{Remember to watch in HD if possible}

Spiny Toad Catching A Late Night Snack (Video)

6th September 20199th October 2019Craig RogersLeave a comment

The Spiny Toad (Bufo spinosus) is a separation species from the European Common Toad (Bufo bufo) and they can grow to huge sizes. Tonight, I was enjoying a drink in the garden when I spotted one on the steps. It was clever, it was waiting near a light because it was attracting bugs. It was happy for me to sit there watching and I was about to take a photo on my mobile when a large bug came along. I quickly switched to video mode and captured it grab it’s snack.

{Remember to watch in HD if possible}

Morning Dog Walk: Kingfisher On My New Perch (Video)

16th July 20199th October 2019Craig RogersLeave a comment

The weather is a little unseasonable currently, it’s a little cooler than it should, although it does reach low 30s in the afternoon, the mornings and nights are, lets say fresh. Unfortunately, it comes with my biggest frustration, total cloud cover.

I have a new Kingfisher perch that I hoped to spend a session at this morning, but no, total cloud cover this morning. It didn’t last long, there’s not a cloud in the sky now but of course, the best light of the day has gone. In the next couple of days, normal weather is due to return and hopefully, I can get out at sunrise again.

Anyway, although no session today, I decided to take a look whilst out with the dogs and, as usual, could hear the high-pitched whistle of the Kingfishers. I sat on the river bank about 10 meters away from the perch and within about a minute a juvenile came and sat on the perch in full view of myself, Wally and Lupi. Juveniles are a little more braver than the adults and this guy really didn’t care, as you can see on the video, it is even bobbing its head which is used to gauge the distance to its prey. We sat and watched for about 5 minutes before it decided not to dive and fly to a nearby tree.

Sorry for the quality, but this was shot on my Samsung Galaxy S9+ smartphone and I used the digital zoom. I am looking forward to some cloud-free mornings where I can bring you some shots. This perch has been designed that I can hopefully get some flight shots too.

{Remember to watch in HD if possible}

Fox Visiting The Iberian Magpie Feeding Area Overnight (Video)

15th July 20199th October 2019Craig RogersLeave a comment

The Iberian Magpie Feeding Area has been having some visitors overnight, identified by droppings left. I believe that a Badger is coming and possibly a Genet. Therefore, I now leave a trail cam running to see what comes along for a free small snack.

Last night a Fox, a healthy looking one, came along. The video is just some quick snippets as it was there for a long time, the camera picked up its arrival at 3:01am and it left at 3:47am!

{Remember to watch in HD if possible}