Olhão is an active fishing port, with boats of all sizes going out daily. The fishing doesn’t just occur on the water though, you will see fisherman out daily on the mudflats and remember there was one occasion when we even spotted a snorkeler catching an octopus! Today I thought I’d share a few shots of a successful crab hunter using sustainable fishing techniques. I spotted him, or is it a her, a few moments after photographing the fishing boat.
This wader is a Redshank, latin name Tringa totanus, Portuguese name Perna-vermelha-comum. Unlike in England where they can be found year-round they are mainly a winter resident in Portugal. However their status is more robust here in mainland Europe than in the UK where numbers in recent years have declined.
It isn’t just their red legs though that make this wader unmistakable, they are also recognisable by their alarm call. A very loud cry which is also very annoying for bird-watchers as all too often they disturb the other waders too, hence their nickname ‘sentinel of the marshes’. Fortunately on this occasion this one decided to ignore me and my camera. The crab was obviously too good a supper to let go.
Industrious chaps, aren’t they? 🙂 🙂
I definitely do not want to come back as a bird, I just haven’t got the patience or work effort!!
Great photos Becky. I wonder if you ever saw my post last year about wading birds here in Cornwall.
https://cornwallincolours.wordpress.com/2016/12/21/a-winters-day-on-the-sea-shore/
Wonder if you can correctly identify them?
I didn’t see it . . feeling very bemused about that but have now identified the birds for you! You were spot on.
Ah, thank you Becky 🙂
Great bird photos Becky 🙂
Thank you 🙂
Ice sharp photos Becky, I love the reflections
Thank you so much 🙂
Have you been to the Exe estuary Becky?
Yes but a very very long time ago!
Lovely photos Becky
Thank you
I do remember the fisherman catching the octopus post; I like seeing this sustainable fisher, too!
So glad you remembered 🙂
Gives a whole new meaning to ‘watch the birdie’. Another delightful post.
Hee hee – so it does 🙂
Thank you