Wildlife In Portugal, Algarve Wildlife, Birding Portugal, Algarve Bird-Watching: Accessed free of charge via your PC, tablet or mobile phone, these Facebook offerings are packed with wonderful photographs and videos, edifying information, as well as helpful tips from ‘top contributors’ and enthusiastic members of the public. Each site receives a dozen or more new posts each day from established members; submitting their personal pictures, opinions, knowledge and questions that others might be able to answer.

The up-to-date information members supply is particularly useful for organisations such as SPEA, Sociedade Portuguesa para o Estudo das Aves. A recent example was when a picture of a young Eurasian Stone-curlew appeared. The photographer asked other members of the group if they could identify the bird, unaware that in Portugal it is a highly protected species.

Within hours it was recognised by several of the key contributors, and realising the significance of this sighting, they were able through the group to send a message to the photographer. The bird’s presence and its activities were then reported to SPEA for inclusion in their records. In such cases this enables them to take appropriate action if it is necessary.

The four groups have rules and members must adhere to certain protocols such as protecting the exact location of a rare species and safeguarding animals’ routines, especially when rearing young. For instance, the exact whereabouts of the young Stone-curlew was not disclosed avoiding the probability of it being surrounded by a flock of twitchers!

If you have an enquiring mind here’s some of the natural history that is possible to see, read or learn about. This is what might be gleaned over a typical fortnight:

• Entomologists – study of insects. Photographs that identify a Conehead Mantis, a Stag Beetle (Europe’s largest beetle) and a rhino beetle. Comments and a photograph of newly-hatched Egyptian tree locusts (also called Egyptian grasshoppers) hiding amongst a patch of chives in an Algarve garden.
• Herpetologists – study of reptiles and amphibians. Photographs of an Iberian worm lizard, an Ocellated lizard, a skink lizard and numerous geckoes. Another photograph incorrectly identified as an iguana. Later, an explanation given that the picture is of an ocellated lizard, known in Portugal as a sardão.
• Ophiologists – study of snakes, known in Portugal as ‘cobras’. Video of a grass snake swimming across a natural pool in Alte; photographs and information about the non-venomous ladder snake; photograph of horseshoe whip snakes mating.
• Lepidopterist – study of butterflies and moths. Photographs by different contributors identifying three butterflies – the Monarch, Sage Skipper and Spanish Gatekeeper – and the death’s-head hawkmoth. Video of a very hungry caterpillar of a swallowtail butterfly.
• Marine biologists – study of life beneath the sea. Single photograph taken from a boat showing three Orcas at close quarters, with Faro in the distance; video of a sea hare in motion.
• Ornithologists – study of birds. Series of photographs of adult black-winged stilts protecting their young; single photograph showing a flock of black Ibis taking off – in both of these cases comments queried if the photographers had disturbed the birds. Single photograph taken at sea level of a razorbill; several photographs of golden orioles, known in Portugal as ‘papa figos’. Numerous comments about the secrecy of Golden Orioles and the difficulty of taking photographs.

Two photographs side by side taken by a ‘Top Contributor’ showing the differences between a thekla and a crested lark. Numerous photographs identifying other passerine birds that would be difficult to recognise in flight.

• Zoologists – study of wild animals. Video of an Arvicola, (an endangered water vole) drinking from a stream in Salgados. Video of a Common Genet moving its cubs after a storm. Video of an Egyptian mongoose prowling round a terrace at night.

Video of three Pine Martens eating dog biscuits –according to one comment, probably a mother and young as they are usually solitary.

Single photograph of a hedgehog drinking milk. In both of the last two cases comments were critical. Suitable alternatives were given in preference to dog biscuits and milk but most members stated that as a rule wild animals should not be fed by people.

BECOMING A MEMBER

Click onto any of the groups mentioned above for more information about joining. Apart from the daily pleasure of looking at new posts, the groups also give information about talks and walks of special interest. Photographers are especially welcomed and many of the current members give information about their cameras and settings.

Words: Carolyn Kain