Several days of checking the south of the island began with the American Golden Plover pictured above at Lacacao. This was still present when I returned the hire car and anybody coming soon to the Riu Touareg might be able to connect with it.
The winds that brought the Bee-eaters in also fetched in other birds, but it was blink and you’ll miss it stuff in many cases. One morning another birder had 3 House Martins over the Lacacao wader lagoons, by the time I arrived there was no sign of these but a Sand Martin dropped in and just as quickly left.
Raptors other than Ospreys had been notable by their absence before the easterly airflow. A couple of Black Kites then appeared, but I also had this bird which was heading east at distance near Lacacao. On the face of it this looks like a female Hen Harrier, which would be another very good bird for Cape Verde.
I didn’t see any Glossy Ibis all fortnight, and the expected Spoonbill only moved through with the change in wind direction. They often didn’t stay very long in one place either. This group had been at Lacacao only a few minutes before taking off again. All birds pictured are youngsters but there were some adults.
Other bits and bobs included a group of Pintail which lingered a few days, and a Wheatear that did not. A very brief Swift over the wader lagoon was not Pallid but given the winds at the time may have been a Common Swift rather than a wandering Cape Verde Swift.
All told it was definitely a successful trip for birding. I arrived with Rabli Lagoon full of waders, and after that dissipated was able to be at the southeast of the island during a clear arrival of birds from Africa. If you’re considering Boa Vista for a low intensity birding and family holiday option you’re more than welcome to contact me with any questions.
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