Red-breasted Flycatcher in Portugal

[Colin Key]

I now have confirmation of this bird (which I mentioned in another thread). It is a 1st winter and was found by Simon Wates on private land at Figueira on the coast just south of Budens in the Concelho (municipality) of Vila do Bispo.

I told my mate Roger about it and he contacted Simon this morning who he picked up and took him there - the bird was observed in this private garden for about two hours and was reasonably confiding. It has been present now for at least three days at the same locality.

The owners have given me permission to access their land and I will go tomorrow if I have recovered from this dreadful flu bug to try and get some photos.

As far as I can ascertain, this is the seventh record for Portugal (will be a lifer for me).

Very frustrating.

Colin :cry:

[michael23]

Very frustrating indeed colin, hope you feel better and get to connect with it, they are a super little bird.
All the best :beer:

[RoyHargreaves]

Also make sure that Taiga Flycatcher is elimated - you never know!

[Colin Key]

Also make sure that Taiga Flycatcher is elimated - you never know!

Roy,

The finder of this bird (Simon Wates) is "top notch". When my friend Roger called me to say that he had not just seen the bird but watched if for nearly two hours, he said that Simon had "talked him through" the Red-breasted/Taiga I.D. points - I trust him.

But I have yet to see any photos. I am hoping to go tomorrow but (after two months of drought) the forecast says it is going to pi$$ down!!

Bugger :cry:

Colin

[RoyHargreaves]

Fair enough - just making sure the bases are covered:-)

[Colin Key]

Here is a link to the bird and Simon's photos on the "Portuguese Rarities" website - go to bottom of page (Papa-moscas pequeno) and click "Ver mais":

http://raridades.avesdeportugal.info/en-index.html

Very nice for digiscoped images, especially as I believe the bird was 30 metres away.

Colin

P.S. Had a rather difficult day today as I come from Cockermouth and have lots of family and friends there, so did not make it to see the bird. Rather ironic that we are in a serious drought situation here and would love some of that water!