One of most globally endangered bird species has been tracked undertaking an epic journey from England to the Algarve.
The birds – Curlews - are the largest European wading species, typically found in estuaries and moorlands. Due to their rarity, several were rescued, reared, and released this summer in the Dartmoor Natural Park in Devon, England.
A few individuals have since flown 2,092 kilometres south to the Algarve. Following extraordinarily careful observations, the BBC is quoting Jon Avon, the Curlew Recovery Project officer of the Duchy of Cornwall, as saying that “three of the birds were located in northern Spain, while two others made it all the way to southern Spain and the Algarve.”
Curlews have a distinctive call, and are also best known for their long legs, their long, slender, down-tuned beaks, and mottled brown plumage. If you see one in the Algarve, please let us know.
Meanwhile, the huge of human visitors to the Algarve each year is rising. The United Kingdom accounts for the largest number of visitors from the north. Big numbers also come too from Germany, France, Scandinavia and elsewhere. More Americans are enjoying the low as well as the high season. Groups of Canadians who call themselves ‘snowbirds,’ fly in from icy conditions at home in winter to meet in the Algarve.
Winter visitors to the Algarve are attracted not only because of the milder southern weather, but because significant discounts are on offer for accommodation. Many hotels and resorts are giving 50% discount deals for the low season, December through February.
The booming number of humans from
abroad is, of course, much appreciated locally. But aside from the Curlews, we
must not forget the great many resident, stray, abandoned and stressed dogs and
cats wandering about among the visitors.They need care and homing. Fortunately,
Animal Rescue Algarve (ARA) is doing the very best it can. It could do with your
help: https://animalrescuealgarve.
289 462 384
Written by Len Port.
Edited by Catriona Anderson.
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