Great Cormorant: 1 at Caniçal harbour 18/12 (note that a single bird of this rarely seen species also was recorded at nearby Machico on 22th November, which see below)
Cattle Egret: 2 near Caniçal 18/12
Little Egret: 1 heading E at Praia Formosa 14/12, 3 at Caniçal harbour
18/12
Common Sandpiper: 1 at Funchal Marina 16/12
Whimbrel: 2 at Ponta de São Lourenço 18/12
White Wagtail: 1 at Caniçal harbour 18/12
Black Redstart: 1 at Ponta de São Lourenço 18/12
Rock Sparrow: flock of ca 20 ind. at Ponta de São Lourenço 18/12

The sightings reported by Hannes Pehlak, Estonia

Dear Friends,

I got recently from "Parque Natural da Madeira" the report concerning to 2004 breeding season of Zino's petrel. I would like to share the good news with you.

A new ledge was found with 5 active nests (next to the one that was discovered in 2003). - A total of 11 new nests were found this year. - From a total of 53 active nests 29 chicks fledged which is considered a good success rate. - 25 out of the 29 juveniles were ringed. An absolute record so far. - A total of 72 nest are known (only 53 were active this season) - The population is now estimated between 65 and 80 breeding pairs.

Amílcar Vasconcelos, Madeira Aventura

Little Egret: 1 all week around Funchal harbour
Grey Heron: 1 flew west over Funchal harbour on 10th
Buzzard: 1 Ponta de Sâo Lourenço on 12th, 2 Cabo sea cliffs on 8th
Sparrowhawk: 1 Ponta de Sâo Lourenço on 12th
Greenshank: 1 on rocks west of Funchal harbour on 7th
Mediterranean Gull: 1 x 1st winter Funchal harbour on 10th
Trocaz Pigeon: only 1 seen on 11th at Balcões, Ribeiro Frio
Meadow Pipit: 2+ Ponta de Sâo Lourenço on 12th

The sightings reported by Paul Slade, Lancashire, UK.

Fea's/Zino's Petrel: 2 were seen from Porto Moniz 24/11 (16.10-18.00h) + 2 from the ferry 27/11 to Porto Santo.
Cory's Shearwater: Here and there a few. Porto Moniz 24/11 (14.45-16.45h) 417 towards W + 8 heading E, Porto Moniz 26/11 (14.45-16.45h) 169 towards W.
Great Shearwater: Porto Moniz 26/11 (14.45-16.45h) 2 towards W. 5 flying SW from the ferry 27/11 to Porto Santo. (These late records are indeed interesting as the species should have passed the area two months ago).
Sooty Shearwater: Porto Moniz 24/11 (14.45-16.45h) 2 towards W. (The species are indeed rarely seen in the Madeira archipelago, so the late date is remarkable).
Great Cormorant: 1 at Machico 22/11 (rare and the only record in recent years).
Cattle Egret: 1 still present at Lugar de Baixo 28/11 (see previous sightings this autumn).
Gadwall: 1 female at Lugar de Baixo 28/11 (rare and the only record in recent years).
Northern Shoveler: 1 male at Lugar de Baixo 28/11 (rare in the archipelago).
Common Moorhen: 12 at Lugar de Baixo 28/11.
Eurasian Coot: 35 at Lugar de Baixo 28/11.
Northern Lapwing: 3 when we landed at the Airport 22/11.
Common Sandpiper: 1 at Machico 22/11 and 1 at Lugar de Baixo 28/11.
Common Snipe: 6 at Tanque pond (Porto Santo) 27/11.
Red Knot: 1 juvenile at Machico 22/11.
Sanderling: 2 at Machico 22/11 and 14 on Porto Santo 27/11.
Dunlin: 4 (notably large birds with long bills, very well possible N-American) at Tanque pond 27/11 and 9 at Lugar de Baixo 28/11.
Great Skua: 1 adult towards E off Porto Moniz 24/11 (14.45-16.45h).
Pomarine Skua: 1 1st cal year towards E at Porto Moniz 24/11 (14.45-16.45h).
Mew (Common) Gull: 1 1st winter at Machico 22/11 and 1 1st winter in Funchal harbour 22/11. (Note that this species is slightly rarer than the Ring-billed Gull).
Trocaz Pigeon: 1 at Ribeiro Frio 23/11 and 25 at Fajâ Nogueira 23/11.
Eurasian Skylark: 8 at Ponta de Sâo Lourenço 22/11.
Meadow Pipit: 15 at Ponta de Sâo Lourenço 22/11 and 20 at Tanque pond (Porto Santo) 27/11.
Common Chiffchaff: 1 at Ponta de Sâo Lourenço 22/11, 2 at Jardim Botânico 25/11 and 2 at Tanque pond (Porto Santo) 27/11.
Brambling: 1 female at Tanque pond (Porto Santo) 27/11. Rare in the archipelago and only the second record in recent years. (Please scroll down to mid April to see a photo of the most recent record).

The sightings reported by Teus Luijendijk, Netherlands. You could find a detailed trip report on Teus web site: www.warbler.phytoconsult.nl/madeira/mad_rep.htm (which contain many photos)

Cory's Shearwater: At least 10 off Funchal 28/11.
Northern Gannet: 1 juvenile towards west off Funchal 28/11.
Little Egret: 1 in the pond above Funchal harbour 26/11.
Common Moorhen: 13 in the pond of Lugar de Baixo 27/11.
Eurasian Coot: 35 in the pond of Lugar de Baixo 27/11.
Dunlin: 11 in the pond of Lugar de Baixo 27/11.
Whimbrel: 1 at Ponta de São Lourenço 24/11.
Ruddy Turnstone: One colour ringed among 8 seen in Funchal harbour 26/11.
Mediterranean Gull: 1 first winter in Funchal harbour 22/11 (rare winter visitor).
Black-headed Gull: 1-4 seen daily in Funchal harbour.
Trocaz Pigeon: Seen at three places during the week, but the area around the power station Fajã da Nogueira were outstanding. During a walk in the area on 23rd November I saw at least 30 Trocaz, which include a flock of 15 perched birds on a electric cable close to the station!
Black Redstart: 1 at Ponta de São Lourenço 24/11 and at Porto Moniz 27/11.
Spectacled Warbler: 1 at Ponta de Sao Lourenco 24/11, and 1 near the large parking area where the narrow road down towards Rabacal begins 25/11.
Rock Sparrow: A single seen at Ponta do Pargo 27/11.

The sightings reported by Thomas Landgren, Sweden

Seixal – 15 Trocaz Pigeon,1 Skylark

Ponta do Pargo – 1 Little Egret, 3 Kestrel, 21 Skylark, 1 Barn Swallow, 6 Berthelot's Pipit, 2 Spectacled Warbler, 1 Starling and 15 Rock Sparrows.

The sightings reported by João Nunes, Madeira Wind Birds

"I watched/photographed this Village Weaver on 8th November 2004 (between 9:00 and 9:30 hours) at Funchal (western part). The bird was seen at the bush growing on the rock of seashore adjacent to boulevard between Pestana Grand Ocean Resort Hotel and Clube Naval. The bird was not extremely self-conscious but also with any sign of tame – in the similar manner as Canaries (Serinus canaria) that are living in the same area. At the next visits (9th, 10th and 11th – roughly at the same time) I did not find the bird."

The sighting is kindly provided by Ivan Miksik on 8th December

2th November
Caniço: Sparrowhawk 1

3th November
Ponta da Cruz: Cory's Shearwater 40 and Great Skua 1

4th November
Balcões: Trocaz Pigeon 2

Caniçal: Arctic Skua 1, Common Tern 4 and Little Egret 1

Ponta de São Lourenço: Rock Sparrow 15 and Whimbrel 4

Machico: Common Waxbill probably more then100

5th November
Desertas island: On the Pelagic trip with Ventura do Mar we saw 16 Feas/Zinos Petrels on way the to Desertas and 15 F/Z on the way back. We also saw more then hundred Cory´s.

Funchal Harbor: Little Egret 2

6th November (birding together with João Nunes – Madeira Wind Birds)
Lugar de Baixo: Cattle Egret 1, Coot 42, Moorhen 12, Turnstone 9, Dunlin 2 and Starling 1

Porto Moniz: Cory's 20, Little Egret 1, Sandwich Tern 1, Common Tern 1 and Starling 2

Seixal: Sparrowhawk 1

Chao da Ribeira: Trocaz Pigeon 2

7th November
Risco (Ribeira de Janela): Trocaz Pigeon 7

Ponta do Pargo: Sparrowhawk 1 and Grey Heron 1

Lugar de Baixo: Mallard 1, Cattle Egret 1, Dunlin 2 and Oystercatcher 2

8th November
Funchal Harbor: Little Egret 1 and Skylark 1

Ferry to Porto Santo: Fea's/Zino's Petrel 1 and Cory's Shearwater – more then thousands!

Porto Santo:
The Golf Course: Northern Pintail 1 female (rare in the Madeira archipelago), Eurasian Wigeon 1 female (rare in the Madeira archipelago), Common Sandpiper 2, Ringed Plover 4, Coot 12, Hoopoe 20, Barn Swallow 1, Sky Lark 4, White Wagtail 3, Northern Wheatear 1, Spectacled Warbler 3 and Chiffchaff – very common in the bushes

Tanque pond: Little Egret 1, Hoopoe 3, Sky Lark 4, Meadow Pipit 3, White Wagtail 8, Black Redstart 1, Common Redstart 1, Whinchat 2, Stonechat 3 (only accidental in the archipelago) and Chiffchaff – very common in the bushes also here.

In the small township: Spotted Flycatcher 1, Rock Sparrow (a big flock) and Starling 6

We also saw a Cormorant on a floating pole outside the harbor but the light and distance made it impossible to identify the species.

9th November
Caniço: Rose-ringed Parakeet 4 and Little Egret 1

The sightings reported by HG Karlsson, AviFauna, Sweden

October 22nd – 2 Eurasian Spoonbills spotted high overhead in Machico!

October 30th – 4 Trocaz Pigeons spotted in forest around levada de Ribeiro de Janela, (near Porto Moniz), the first stretch not too far from the starting point.

Reported by Paul de Vries, Netherlands on 11th November

On October 22 from "Ventura do Mar" between Funchal and Desertas: 1 Fea's Petrel, 2 Fea's/Zino's Petrel and 4 Little Shearwaters.

On 21 October one Curlew Sandpiper just east of Funchal harbour where streams enter bay.

Reported by Mark Riley on 23rd October

Fea's Petrel: 3 from the Porto Santo ferry on 14th October
Little Shearwater: 1 off Porto Moniz on 15th October
Eurasian Spoonbill: 6 at Porto Santo golf course on 14th October (Note that the day after six spoonbills were seen at Lugar de Baixo on the main island, see below)
Northern Lapwing 1 at Porto Santo golf course on 14th October
Great Skua: 1 from the Porto Santo ferry on 14th October and 1 off Porto Moniz on 17th October
Hoopoe: 70!! on and around Porto Santo golf course on 14th October
Barn Swallow: 1 at Ponta do Pargo on 13th October

Reported by Finn Nørregaard on 18th October

Lugar de Baixo Pond on 16th:
Cattle Egret: 1
Little Egret: 1
Eurasian Coot: 22
Common Moorhen: 10
Eurasian Oystercatcher: 1
Common Ringed Plover: 2
Curlew Sandpiper: 1
Ruddy Turnstone: 1

Lugar de Baixo Pond on 15th:
Cattle Egret: 2
Eurasian Spoonbill: 6
Little Egret: 1
Eurasian Oystercatcher: 1
Common Ringed Plover: 1
Common Sandpiper: 1

The sightings reported by João Nunes, Madeira Wind Birds

Rabaçal
Berthelot's Pipit: 10
Madeira Firecrest: many
Chaffinch: many
Trocaz Pigeon: 4
Linnet: 1
Plain Swift: 7
Grey Wagtail: 1
Common Buzzard: 3

Ponta do Pargo
Wheatear: 2
Grey Heron: 1
Canaries: many
Rock Sparrow: 10
Red-legged Partridge: 1

Seawatching in Porto Moniz (15:10-16:35)
Cory's Shearwater: 57 (to west)
Cory's : 25 (flying around)
Cory's : 15 (to east)
Manx Shearwater: 48 (all to west)
Sandwich Tern: 1

Lugar de Baixo Pond
Turnstones: 37
Coot: 32
Moorhen: 14
Grey Wagtail: 2
Little Egret: 1
Pectoral Sandpiper: 1

About the Trocaz Pigeons: "I don't know nothing about this year countings, but I can tell that in year 2003 the population was estimated at 7.000 pigeons."
João's answer above was the result of a querie from me, as I had hear that the Trocaz population was estimated at 10.000 during year 2004. The reason to my question was that this year many pigeons have been reported as regular in new habitats (e.g. agricultural areas close to the coast and villages) and is said being a great problem for local farmers. Many shoot or poisoned pigeons have sadly been found at several locations.

The sightings reported by João Nunes, Madeira Wind Birds

Some more sightings from my Madeira trip:

23rd September
Porto Moniz 1.5 hours AM (seawatching abandoned here after 5 unproductive days!)
Cory's Shearwater 60, Manx Shearwater 170
Ponta da Cruz early evening 0.5 hours
Cory's Shearwater 20

24th September
Ponta da Cruz early morning 0.75 hours
Cory's Shearwater 25PM - 3.5 hour boat trip Funchal east past Ponta da Cruz to Cory's Shearwater 30, Bulwers Petrel 1

Seawatch summary – 21 hours effort on 6 days
Cory's Shearwater: ca1400
Little Shearwater: 4
Manx Shearwater: 425
Bulwer's Petrel: 5
Arctic Skua: 2
Pomarine Skua: 1
A poor return for the effort!

Other sightings
Just 31 species of bird including:
Sparrowhawk: Seen at Ponta do Pargo 21/09 and Paúl de Serra, Sunflower Guide Levada Walk 39 23/09
Ringed Plover: One at Porto Moniz 22/09
Whimbrel: Daily at Porto Moniz, max. 8 on 22/09
Trocaz Pigeon: Common in the Ribeira da Janela, and on nearby roads eg seen south of Santa and road to Pico Gordo.
Plain Swift: Common and widespread
Pallid Swift: 1 Ponta do Pargo 21/09
Berthelot's Pipit: Common at Ponta do Pargo and on the high plateau Paúl de Serra
Spectacled Warbler: Two singing and seen in scrub on the high plateau Paúl de Serra near the start of Sunflower Guide Levada walk 39 23/09. 2 + other birds calling there. Easy site.
Madeira Firecrest: Resident and common along forest Levada walks.
Rock Sparrow: 1 Ponta do Pargo 21/09
Canary: Very common in agricultural areas eg 60 Prazeres 22/09, 40 Lamaceiros 20/09.
Linnet: Common in agricultural areas eg Prazeres, Ponta do Pargo - 80 on 22/09,
Lamaceiros. Also seen at Pico Gordo and Paúl de Serra

Butterflies (difficult in cloudy weather) and other insects
Southern Grayling – common in sparsely vegetated, grassy areas
Madeiran Speckled Wood – abundant
Clouded Yellow – common in agricultural areas and along levadas through open terrain
Small Copper – several along Sunflower Guide Levada walk 39 on 23/09
Long-tailed Blue – several along Sunflower Guide Levada walk 39 on 23/09
Monarch – Ribeira de Janela
Small White, Painted Lady, Red-veined Darter – common along levadas through open terrain
Emperor Dragonfly – seen along Levada near Prazeres

Cetaceans – heavy swell made searches for cetaceans difficult
Unidentified Delphinus spp. seen several times at Porto Moniz and Ponta da Cruz
Bottlenose Dolphin – 7 Ponta da Cruz on 24/09
Fin Whale – 1 Paul do Mar on 22/09

Tom Brereton, UK

Seawatching at Porto Moniz: Cory's (277), Manx (70) and Little Shearwater (4) + Ringed Plover.

Seawatching at Porto Moniz (wind from east, force 3-5 ): Bulwer's Petrel (3), Cory's Shearwater (390), Manx Shearwater (40), Pomarine (2) and Arctic Skua (2).

Seawatching at Porto Moniz from my balcony at Calhau (four hours, still force 5 wind from east): Cory's Shearwater (175), Manx Shearwater (44) + Grey Heron (7) and Common Tern (9).

Seawatching at Porto Moniz from my balcony at Calhau (the length in time is unknown): Cory's Shearwater (428), Manx Shearwater (101), Bulwer's Petrel (1), Whimbrel (1) + Sanderling, Turnstone and Little Egret.

Rabaçal (during the walk to Risco)
Madeira Firecrest: many
Chaffinch: many
Trocaz Pigeon: 10 (many flying and good views of 4)
Linnet: 1
Plain Swift: 7
Grey Wagtail: 1
Common Buzzard: 3

The lagoon near Santa
Grey Wagtail: 1
Blackbird: 1
Linnet: 10
Canary: 3
On the road to Santa (Porto Moniz): 3 Common Buzzards, 1 Kestrel, several Plain swifts (including one dead on the road).

Ponta do Pargo
Long-legged Buzzard: 1 juvenile present in the area (Very rare in Madeira!)
Whimbrel: 2
Berthelot's Pipit: many
Canary: many

Seawatching in Porto Moniz (15:20-17:45)
Cory's Shearwater: 94
Manx Shearwaters: 148 (nearly all towards west)
Little Shearwater: 4 (to west)
Ruddy Turnstone: 3
Common Tern: 4
It was also observed one shark in front of the Porto Moniz natural pools

The sightings reported by João Nunes, Madeira Wind Birds

During this week, we made some observations of seabirds from Ponta da Cruz and ca. 3 hours from Porto Moniz. We never counted Cory's Shearwaters, except on 13 September from Ponta da Cruz (but during 20 minutes only!). Two boat trips: Porto santo on 9th and Desertas on 10th. Most of the landbird breeders were observed. Amongst them, >5 Trocaz Pigeon (2 singers) at Balcoes on 8th and 3 Berthelot's Pipit at Porto Santo on 9th. Also a close observation of a Black Kite on 8th September, flying to the top of a plate near Ribeiro Frio. In the river bed at Machico at least 20 Waxbills were observed.
Ponta da Cruz (2 hours on 7, 8 and 13th): Very few species. Always many Cory's Shearwaters; 200 Cory's on 13th September from 08:00 to 08:20; from 10:00 few Cory's. Fortunately we had some good observations of whales and dolphins: 1 Fin Whale on 7th and 2 on 8th, >10 Pilot Whales on 8th and >20 Spotted Dolphins on 8th and 2 on 13th.
Funchal to Porto Santo (9th September): Bulwer's Petrel (>10), Fea's/Zino's Petrel (3), Cory's Shearwaters (many) and one Little Egret at Porto Santo's airport. One the return we saw: Bulwer's Petrel (>50), Fea's/Zino's Petrel (1), Cory's Shearwaters (many) and Spotted Dolphin (>20). Unfortunately no Madeiran storm-petrel!
To the Desertas Islands with the boat "Ventura do Mar" on 10th September. (See 10th further down on this page as they were in company with Gerry and Beatrice). In addition: Bottlenose Dolphin: 1 (a cable was linked around its tail) and Bulwer's Petrel (in all >100).
Porto Moniz on11th September (14:30-17:30). We seawatch from the natural swimming pools (a good spot when the sea is calm!): Manx Shearwaters (>350, including a flock of 39), Cory's Shearwaters (many), Fea's/Zino's Petrel (1), Whimbrels (41, including a flock of 39), Sanderling (3) and Eurasian Oystercatcher (1).

Benoît Gauquie and Xavier Vandevyvre, Belgium

"We fly back tomorrow morning (13th) so this is the last report. On the 11th 6 hour afternoon seawatch at Porto Moniz: Fea's/Zino's Petrel 2, Cory's 80, Manx 450, Whimbrel 50. Also five or six flocks of terns heading East too far out to ID. They looked very white but could have been Commons.
On the 12th AM seawatch at Porto Moniz: Cory's 50, Manx 75, Whimbrel 5, Sanderling 1."
Thats all I am sorry to say.
Best Wishes Gerry and Beatrice.

"We had good views of c. 70 Bulwer's Petrels, Cory's, 12 Fea's/Zino's Petrels, 3 Balearic Shearwaters and 2 schools of Pilot Whales of c. 20 individuals. At the Funchal harbour we also saw 1 Little Egret and 1 Sanderling."

Onboard "Ventura do Mar" were also the Belgic birder's Benoît Gauquie & Xavier Vandevyvre.

Seabird totals from our visit 1-9th September (countings from other seawatcher's not included):
Zino's Petrel: 1 seen briefly on four occasions in the moon light at Pico do Arieiro on 1st September.
Fea's/Zino's Petrel: 47 (23 at sea and 24 from land)
Bulwer's Petrel: 239 (58 at sea and 181 from land)
Great Shearwater: 6 at Porto Moniz
Cory's Shearwater: 2248 (+ several 100's seen along the coast)
Sooty Shearwater: 1 at Porto Moniz
Manx Shearwater: 3109 at Porto Moniz and Porto da Cruz
Little Shearwater: 3 at Porto Moniz
Madeiran Storm-petrel: 1 at Porto Moniz
Pomarine Skua: 4 at Porto Moniz
Arctic Skua: 11 at Porto Moniz
Long-tailed Skua: 9 at Porto Moniz
Unidentified Skua: 4 at Porto Moniz
'Comic' Tern: 301 at Porto Moniz

Unfortunately we missed the heavy passage of Great Shearwaters at Porto Moniz on 2nd (and possibly 3) September, but that's life for a birder. You can't see everything, though sadly sometimes.

Seawatching at Porto Moniz (07:50-12:00): In the morning the soft wind from north was relatively calm and stronger before noon, when we (sadly) have to leave Porto Moniz. Seawatching sightings as follows: Bulwer's Petrel (21), Manx (844!) and Cory's Shearwater (102). One Little Egret together with a Grey Heron travelling west over the sea was a nice sigthing.
Birdwatching at Ponta de Sâo Lourenço (the northeastern tip), between 15:30 and 18:10. Here we meet Gerry and Beatrice Hinchon, who told us about the Rock Sparrows at the end of the peninsula (Thanks!). They also report following after we had meet: "We then visited nearby Pico de Facho and although a lot of habitat had been burned we saw a Spectacled Warbler."
   The walk from the parking lot (where many nearly tame Berthelot's is present) to the end of the north-east tip was very nice and took about one hour (one way). This walk produced sightings as follows: Rock Sparrow (15), Berthelot's Pipit (40), Sparrowhawk (1), Buzzard (2), Whimbrel (1-2), Canary (50) and Goldfinch (30).

In the bay south of the Ponta de Sâo Lourenço peninsula Gerry and Beatrice as Bosse and I, independently of each other saw many distant whale blows during the afternoon. The blows were regular and involved many individuals, which suggest Sperm Whales.

We arrived to Funchal at 19:00 and checked in at our hotel in the center of the city. Filipe, the former skipper on "Ventura do Mar", who still function as the contact person for arrangement concerning boat tours for birders with "Ventura do Mar", picked us up at 20:00 for a dinner at a local restaurant. Excellent dinner and we discussed future arrangement and destinations with "Ventura do Mar" exclusively for birders.

Today we recorded one new trip species (Rock Sparrow) and in total we have seen 53 species during our nine day tour in Madeira!

Seawatching at Porto Moniz (07:50-08:30): In the morning the wind from north was relatively calm and after our breakfast we decided to birding inland (instead of dedicated seawatching) for a few hours together with our new friend Paavo Sallinen. However, during the 40 minutes seawatching session in the morning we saw: Fea's/Zino's (1 towards west) and Bulwer's Petrel (1), Manx (129) and Cory's Shearwater (39), Arctic Skua (1 juvenile) and Whimbrel (16).
Birdwatching in the northwestern part (including the high plateau Paul da Serra), between 09:20 and 15:30, produced sightings as follows: Trocaz Pigeon (at least 10 at Ribeira da Janela), Madeira Firecrest (20-30), Robin (5-6), Sparrowhawk (3), Buzzard (10), Linnet, many singing Blackcaps, Grey Heron (3), Chaffinch (many), Blackbirds (many) and so on + several Monarch butterflies.
Seawatching at Porto Moniz (late morning): When we got back from our inland trip Gerry and Beatrice Hinchon (UK) had kindly left a note to us from their seawatching session from Calhau: "A steady stream of Manx, eigth sightings of Fea's/Zino's (close), one Bulwer's (close and settled on sea) + one Whimbrel."
Seawatching at Porto Moniz (15:40-20:10): We seawatched from the Calhau terrace together with Paavo Sallinen and Hannu Palojarvi in the afternoon. Moderate wind from north and excellent light conditions, as always in the afternoon/evening at Porto Moniz. Sightings as follows: Fea's/Zino's (7; of wich 5 passed close and 1 very close to shore) and Bulwer's Petrel (17), Manx (684!) and Cory's Shearwater (137), Madeiran Storm-petrel (1), Arctic Skua (1 juvenile) and "Comic" Tern (9). We also saw two distant Sei or Fin Whales.
   The afternoon was memorable in many ways, especially for a seawatcher. All the Manx passing close in flocks from three up to 20 in excellent light against a dark blue backdrop. And it was truly a delight to see in all six Fea's/Zino's Petrels (+ 1 distant) passing westwards slowly and close to the shore, sightings you could only imagine in your wet dreams. Finally, the Madeiran Storm-petrel, which was discovered close to shore about 19:40 certainly give us all a last adrenaline kick for the day!

Today we recorded two new trip species (Madeiran Storm-petrel and Robin) and in total we have now seen 52 species.

Seawatching at Porto Moniz (07:50-11.50 and 13:40-20:05): In the morning there was good wind from north-east, but there was almost no wind at all in the afternoon (bad for seabirds and good for seeing whales): Fea's/Zino's (7; 6 in the morning and 1 in the afternoon) and Bulwer's Petrel (22), Manx (730!), Little (2) and Cory's Shearwater (374), Arctic (3 juveniles) and unidentified small skua (2), "Comic" Tern (69; probably Common). In addition also 14 Whimbrels and 2 Grey Herons far off shore.
Cetaceans: In the morning we saw a group of at least 15 Bottlenose Dolphins hunting in their special way, which is nice to see. The afternoon was great seeing a numerous school of mainly Common Dolphins (some Spotted could have been involved) hunting for two hours and attracting Cory's in dense flocks. The best of all was the sightings of at least 6-7 Sperm Whales seen about 20 occasions, breathing at surface for 10-15 minutes before the deep dive and showing the fluke! We also saw a mother with calf twice, side by side. A beautiful and an unforgetable experience! A relatively close Sei Whale seen three times off Porto Moniz was also a "big" happening!

Today the British birders Gerry and Beatrice Hinchon arrived to Porto Moniz, staying at the same hotel (Calhau) as us. They visited the valley of Ribeira de Janela and saw two perched Trocaz Pigeons and other land birds.

No new trip species today and the total is still 50 recorded species.

Seawatching at Porto Moniz (08:00-10.40 and 14:40-20:05): The seawatching from our balcony was soft and productive today: Fea's/Zino's (2 passing towards east) and Bulwer's Petrel (63), Sooty (1), Manx (359), Little (1) and Cory's Shearwater (255), Pomarine (1 adult), Arctic (3 juveniles) and Long-tailed Skua (2 adults), "Comic" Tern (73; probably Common). In addition also one Sanderling, 28 Whimbrel, one Flying fish and at least 30 Bottlenose Dolphins seen for at least 30 minutes.
A short visit to Ponta do Pargo (only 30 minutes from Porto Moniz): A mixed flock with approx 150 Goldfinches and Canarys, 3 Buzzards, 3 Kestrels, 2 Grey Herons and several Berteloth's Pipits.

Paavo Sallinen seawatched from Seixal (in the bay east of Porto Moniz) between 17:00-19:40: Bulwer's (4), Manx (109), and Cory's Shearwaters (many), one possible Pomarine and one Arctic Skua. He also saw at least 20 dolphins (could be the Bottlenose we saw travelling towards the bay) and 3-4 "small" dark whales.

Today we recorded two new trip species (Little and Sooty Shearwater) and in total we have now seen 50 species, which is very good for only six days of birding!

Seawatching at Porto Moniz (07:45-11.00 and 14:45-20:05): More windy today, but from east. North-west to north-east is best for seeing seabirds in higher numbers. However, the seawatching from our balcony was productive and very joyful! So, the totals for today: Fea's/Zino's (5 in the morning of which three offered long and good views, four of them towards west), Bulwer's (19), Great (2), Manx (220) and Cory's Shearwater (279), Pomarine (1 adult), Arctic (2 juveniles), Long-tailed (7; 6 adults and 1 juvenile) and unidentified skua (2), Black-headed Gull (2) and "Comic" Tern (150; probably Common). In addition also three Grey Herons, one Sanderling, one Whimbrel, one Flying fish and a pod of smaller dolphins (probably Spotted or Common). All skuas and terns were passing towards north-west, which made us a bit thoughtful about their true destination. Finally I have to admit that our balcony at Calhau is far more better than any of the sites located in the eastern part of Porto Moniz, which was very good before the reconstruction era.
A short visit to the valley of Riberia da Janela (only ten minutes from Porto Moniz): At least 10-12 Trocaz Pigeons were seen within 40 minutes + two perched birds. A few birds did soar from time to time like a raptor, using the up-winds. The species seem to be much easier to see on this location than at Ribeiro Frio.

Paavo Sallinen seawatched from Seixal (in the bay east of Porto Moniz) between 17:30-20:00: Bulwer's (2), Great (2), Manx (44), Balearic (2) and Cory's Shearwaters (many) and Pomarine Skua (1), the latter was probably the one we saw at Porto Moniz 15 minutes later.

Today we recorded two new trip species (Long-tailed Skua and Black-headed Gull) and in total we have now seen 48 species.

Seawatching at Ponta da Cruz (07:10-08:40) was poor: Only one (good view) Bulwer's Petrel and about 100's Cory's Shearwaters. Also a school of about 20 Bottlenose Dolphins.
Sightings on our way to Porto Moniz: At least 10 Pallid Swifts at Ribeira Bravo. Coot (19) och Moorhen (8) in the pond at Lugar de Baixo. At Ponta do Pargo we saw one Hobby present in the same area whole time hunting insects (rare on Madeira), Spectacled Warbler (1), Berthelot's Pipit (10), Grey Heron (1), Sparrowhawk (1), Linnets, Buzzard (10), Kestrel (10). At Ponta del Sol we saw a school of small whales, but it was not Pilot Whales, probably False Killer Whales.
Seawatching at Porto Moniz (17:00-20:05): It was not much of wind to talk about and sea was relatively calm. However, we saw (to our surprise) Great (4), Manx (115) and Cory's Shearwater (162), Pomarine (2; 1 adult and one nearly adult) and 1 Arctic Skua (1 juvenile) and finally 17 Whimbrels passing towards west.
   We also meet the Finnish birder Paavo Sallinen who arrived from a night in Funchal. Bosse and I checked in at Calhau, with a room including a balcony facing the sea and we will start the seawatching from there on Sunday morning, before the breakfast is served.

Today we saw eight new trip species and in total we have now seen 46 species.

A full day to Desertas with the boat "Ventura do Mar" (09:00-19:00). Of 16 passengers six were birders (including Richard and Erica Klim) and it was happy and good teamwork when scanning the sea for seabirds. It was very windy, a rough sea and cloudy sky, which mean excellent opportunities for seawatching.
Sightings: A total of 21 Fea's/Zino's (15 on the way out and 6 on the return), which include many excellent and long views! Many Bulwer's Petrels (24) offered nice views as did Cory's Shearwater (c. 150). In addition we also saw 1-2 Sei or Fin Whales and three Flying fishes.

Ponta do Garajau (21:30-23.00): We didn't hear any Madeiran Storm-petrels or Barn Owls, but it was a delight to hear many Cory's Shearwaters in the dark starry sky!

Today we saw two new trip species (Sanderling and Grey Heron) and in total we have seen 38 species.

Yesterday we booked tickets for the ferry crossing to Porto Santo. We left Funchal harbour at 08:00 and arrived to Porto Santo at 10:30. The return at 20:00 (which only gave 45 minutes to seawatch from the ferry before the dark fall).
Seawatching countings from the ferry: Fea's/Zino's Petrel (2 of which one close to the ferry!), Bulwer's Petrel (34), Cory's Shearwater (63). Several schools of dolphins were seen of which one of them was identified as Common Dolphins (jumping and surfing the waves from the ferry!).
Sightings: Sandwich Tern (1 juvenil in Funchal harbour), Lesser Black-backed Gull (2 adult in Funchal and 1 adult on Porto Santo), Coot (2 in Tanque Pond), Little (1) and Great Ringed Plover (1), Hoopoe (34 of which 28 was seen in one loose flock at the golf course!), Turtle Dove (2), Quail (1 playing), lots of Linnet, Goldfinch, Canary and Berthelot's Pipit.

Sightings by Richard and Erica Klim: They visited Porto Moniz for seawatching and report following: Heavy passage of Great Shearwater (over 1000!) in the afternoon, which is the first day for this species this autumn. Furthermore, Sooty (2) and Manx Shearwater (100's), Bulwer's Petrel (10), Arctic (4) and Pomarine Skua (1). Their observation at PM is very promising for our stay at site on 4th September and onwards!

During the day we saw 10 new species for our trip, which make the total to 36 species seen on two days only!

Seawatching: Ponta da Cruz (07:20-08.50); Fea's/Zino's Petrel (2 towards W), Bulwer's Petrel (37), Cory's Shearwater (200) and one unidentified Whale (probably Fin Whale). Porto da Cruz (15:50-16:30); Cory's (c. 600) and Manx Shearwater (28 towards W) and Bulwer's (1).
Sightings from the eastern part: Pallid Swift (1), Trocaz Pigeon (1), Madeira Firecrest (20), Common Waxbill (20-30), Kentish Plover (1), Spanish Sparrow (20), Collared Dove (2, rare in Madeira).
Pico do Arieiro at night (22:15-01:50): The British birders, Richard and Erica Klim, Bosse and I was picked up at our hotel by our guide Amílcar at 21:30. The night up at the top was great with strong moon light showing the surrounding landscape. However, we had nearly give up when one Zino's Petrel arrived at 24:20, dropping from the sky! The bird was seen briefly in the moon light at four occasions. The bird never call, but all of us where happy for the close, but hasty sightings.
   A total of 26 species were seen today, which is a good record.

Paavo seawatched at Seixal in the evening and reports: Excepts for 100's of Cory's I saw 143 Manx Shearwaters towards west, four Bulwer's and one Arctic Skua.

Richard and Erica Klim saw at least 100 Common Waxbills at Machico (the reedbed in Ribeiro Machico).

Gerd Rotzoll (Germany) saw 1 ad. Roseate Tern feeding a juv./first winter in Funchal harbour. There was also one Great Black-backed Gull (3rd summer) among the very many Yellow-legged and a few Lesser Black-backed Gulls.

The highlights from our one-week trip was (also see the "Useful information" section):

Fea's Petrel: 1 at Porto Moniz and 1 at Machico
Zino's Petrel: 1 at Pico do Arieiero on 23rd at 22:40 hours (no one heard on 24th August). Another Dutch birder had at least 2 birds on 22nd, together with the guide Amílcar, time 22:35.
White-faced Storm-petrel: 1 at Porto Moniz (see below)
Madeiran Storm-petrel: 1 at Porto Moniz and 1-2 heared at Canical Cristo Rei. At the latter locality (the Christ staue at Ponta do Garajau) there is a small unpaved road to the right. You walk this half-way or a few turns more down at let's say 22.30 or 23.00. We also had some Cory's here, like last time. Also a nice adult Barn Owl's flying in the lights, and a younger bird calling.
Oystercatcher: 1 Funchal
Hobby: 1 at Porto Moniz and 1 at Ponto do Pargo
Barn Owl: 1 ad and 1 juv at Canical, (the Christ statue at Ponta do Garajau)
Hoopoe: 1 at Ponta de Santa Catarina (Funchal Airport)
Spectacled Warbler: 6 at Ponto do Pargo, easily found due to strong forrestrial fires which destroyed half of the birds biotope
Rock Sparrow: 1 singing at Ponto do Pargo

Total countings at Porto Moniz 19 and 26 August:
Cory's Shearwater: 1810
Bulwer's Petrel: 112
Fea's Petrel: 1
Manx Shearwater: 206
Balearic Shearwater: 1
Little Shearwater: 7
Sooty Shearwater: 5
Madeiran Storm-petrel: 1, passing towards west
White-faced Storm-petrel: 1 (Yes, the White-faced was great and really unexpected of course, the same goes for the Madeiran Storm-petrel's passing by!). This was the second White-faced S-p sighted off Madeira this summer. The previous one were sighted off Funchal from the boat "Ventura do Mar" by Tony Clarke on 8th July.
Arctic Skua: 4
Pomarine Skua: 3
Great Skua: 1
'Commic' Tern: 310 (most of them Common Tern)
Arctic Tern: 1

/Erik Sanders, Gido Davidse and Arjen van Gilst (Netherlands) on 30th August

This evening (18-20:00) 11 Manx, 1 Sooty and 7 Little Shearwaters fly by off Seixal. The Manxies and Sooty towards west.

Paavo Sallinen

From my Hotel balcony (Hotel Jardim Atlântico - Prazeres) I saw a Barn Owl once and heard the owl almost every night between 12th and 26th August. Cory's are breading on the cliffs down this hotel and you can hear them at night. At night on the high few point of Hotel Jardim Atlântico you see the the Cory's in the lights off the village Paul do Mar while they landing down on the cliffs. Also Spectacled Warbler heard once at the cliffs south of the Hotel.

Sea watching from Paul do Mar was good (located in the western part south of Ponta do Pargo). Bulwers and Cory's are flying close on good days. I am not a sea watch person but the few hours (2 times from 19:30-21:00 and once 10:45-11:00) I spend there where excellent. Have been once to Port Moniz but Cory's and Bulwers where closer at Paul do Mar. But at Moniz I had two Little Shearwaters. Best place to watch at Paul do Mar is close to the Paul do Mar Hotel. You can park you car here and walk as far south as possible with wind from the north-west you have excellent sightings. There was also one shark swimming there.

Trocaz Pigeon one bird in the afternoon at Rabacal (15/Aug) and two birds half way of the walk starts at Hotel Jardim Atlântico and goes down to Paul do Mar. Few minutes before I saw Zino's/Fea's Petrel when I was scanning the ocean from that point. (half way the cliff).

One Little Egret on 23 Aug at Blandy's Garden.

Zino's only heard on 18th August at Pico do Arieiro.

Leo Heemskerk

This evening 13 Manx Shearwaters passed towards west off Seixal. The first I've seen from here during the whole summer! 96 Whimbrels on 20 August. I've so far seawatched from Seixal 12 evenings in August, but still no mornings.

Paavo Sallinen, in the late evening on 26th August

In Seixal it has still been very quiet. Very small numbers of Little Shearwaters (0-5 a day), only a few Bulwer's and some Cory's. Much more interesting have been Fin Whales (4 in total), Hammershark on 17.8, Dolphins usually if calm sea (Bottlenose mostly and some unidentified smaller ones).
   I made a trip to Desertas with Parque Natural people this monday-tuesday (23-24 August) with "Buteo". The weather was impossible for scanning properly from boat on both days. Two Fea's petrels from the boat on Monday, and another two on the way back. I will go again next Monday-Tuesday (I get to these two trips since I have been working together with them through the summer).
   About the landslides in Desertas: There has been quite strong seismic activity and now there is rock slides pretty much every day. Apparently the seismic activity is now gone, but there is so much loose rock left to fall that the island will propably have to stay closed for turists at least for a year or two. I heard and saw a couple of rock slides and they were quite impressive. The warden's old house will be demolished and new one will be built in safe place closer to shore.

Paavo Sallinen, Chao da Ribeira on 25th August

Pterodroma petrels
30-7-04 Pico do Areeiro: some Zino's heard and seen at Miradouro Ninho da Manta. Full moon allowed quite good views.
31-7-04 Porto Moniz: 2 distant unidentified ones
3-8-04 On the way to Ilheu Chao: 5 ind, of which 2 came close to the boat and where id as Fea's.
In front of Bugio in the afternoon: 5 ind, of which 2 came close to the boat and where photographed. 1 id as Fea's and 1 could be a Zino's. We don't have the photos developed yet...
4-8-04 Way back to Funchal from Desertas: 4 ind, all distant
5-8-04 Ferry to Porto Santo: 3 ind, all distant
   Out of 19 observations, 12 came from the same area: in the Channel between Madeira and Ilheu Chao. We hired a boat one afternoon and went several miles offshore Funchal heading south and none was sighted.
Madeiran (Band-rumped) Storm-petrel
3-8-04: 1 ind heard briefly at Deserta Grande
5-8-04: 1 or 2 ind heard repeteadly at Ponta Garajau at night. From the Christ statue, we walked downwards towards a rocky outcrop and could hear it very well and at occasions guess to see it passing by. A possible nest could be seen right at the tip.
   No trace for them at sea despite at least 7 observers spending about 30 hours at sea in four different days
Puffinus shearwaters: all very distant, from Porto Moniz, Ventura do Mar and Porto Santo Ferry. At least one Manxie from Porto Moniz on 1-8-04 and one Little from the Porto Santo ferry on 5-8-04.
Bulwer's Petrel: hundreds. From Porto Santo ferry we counted about 300 in 1 hour.
Cory's Shearwater: the most common seabird by far.
Pomarine Skua: 1 seen from Porto Moniz on 1-8-04
Madeiran Firecrest and Trocaz Pigeon where found quite easily, the latter from Ribeiro Frio Car Park, where one was perching and gave very good views.

At Porto Santo, a small valley with tamarisks produced some migrants on 5-8-04: 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Cuckoo and 1 Turtle Dove

On May the 28th there was a landslide near the Research Station at Deserta Grande. Because of that since July the 6th it is forbiden to land at Deserta Grande, the wardens are sleeping in a tent, and their house will be demolished and another one built somewhere safer. This meant that we could not scope from land neither sleep on the island.

Machico River Mouth is under development, so no birds of note, besides the Waxbills.

At Porto Moniz all birds where very distant and Ponta da Cruz was even worse. At both sites we had to work with the scopes at 60X almost all of the time.

Non-birds:
Pods of Bottle-nosed Dolphins and Spotted Dolphins
1 Caretta caretta (Sea turtle)
several sharks at Desertas and one at Porto Moniz

Observers
Oriol Clarabuch, Dani Roca, Toni Alonso, Ponç Feliu, Aleix Comas, Mercè Sánchez, Helena Perxacs

We've just returned from a week's leisurely birding on Madeira, and thoroughly enjoyed it! I only saw 4 Fea's Petrels - 3 from the Porto Santo ferry (all in the morning as we passed the Desertas) and 1 from the Pestana Carlton hotelat Funchal (rather distant). The hotel seemed quite a good seawatching point but as with Ponta da Cruz, birds were generally distant. I saw up to 960 Cory's moving west in a morning (07.15 to 08.45), a handful of Bulwer's each morning, 2 Little Shearwaters and 1 Manx. Bulwer's were more numerous in the evening, with 190 in a 30 minute period the best. Of non-birds from there, I saw regular Bottle-nosed Dolphins (presumably the same party), 1 Fin Whale quite close inshore and also a Monk Seal, which was a bit of a surprise.
   For birders wanting to go to the Desertas with the Ventura do Mar, you may be disappointed. We had booked in advance, but when we went to pay, we discovered we were the only 2 people who had booked. The trip had to be cancelled, as had the trip the week before. Apparently tourist numbers are down, as a lot of people have gone to watch the football in Portugal instead of coming to Madeira. We chose to do the Porto Santo ferry instead of using the Gavião.
   The only surprise on Porto Santo was an Alpine Swift (on 15/7). It was feeding over the cliffs next to the marina for most of the day. I'm not sure on how regular this species is recorded in Madeira, but it is shown as accidental in the checklist.
   Trocaz Pigeons showed very easily at Ribeiro Frio - there were 3 in the tall trees behind the trout farm immediately as I got out of the car at about 08.45. Birds were also seen and heard on the Balcoes levada, but none showed so well.
   I also saw about 5 Greenfinches in the gardens at Monte. One was seen very well giving a song flight from the top of a tree. The checklist gives the species as scarce on passage, so this record seems unusual. The only other news is of a Red-billed Tropicbird. Francis (Frank) Zino reported that one had been seen 4-5 miles off Funchal around 8 July.

Mark Newsome, Jarrow, England

On our boat trip 8th July, with a group of birdwatchers guided by Tony Clarke (Canary Islands), we saw a White-faced Storm-petrel close to Funchal when arriving from Desertas, which was a very good sighting!

So also in the afternoon when I don't like reading and seawatching has no sense. I watch the swifts. Suddenly I see a white rump. Could it be reflection of the sun? No, because the other swifts flying around haven't such a white patch. Could it be a partially albinistic bird? No, the white rump is so obvious and so well marked. A little Swift? No, because this bird has the same size as the Plain Swifts and the tail is just as forked like Plain Swifts I'm watching "side-by-side".
   I took my book and the only conclusion I could reach, is that this was a White-rumped Swift (Apus caffer) a lifer for me and possible a new species to the island. I didn't see the white edges of the secondaries. But maybe these are not so obvious. The bird flew in front of me during 2 minutes and then flew around the corner and I never saw it again. So an albinistic bird would have flew around with the other Plain Swifts. I was positive about the identification.
   Peter's report from his birding visit on 21 June to 5 July 2004 is available here»

17 April: I am staying in a hotel directly on Ponta da Cruz, so I can seawatch most evenings and mornings. However the seawatching has been fairly poor and most birds are a long way out (just like you say on your website!). I have had only Cory's, Manx and some Little Shearwaters – no other petrels. One Arctic Skua completes the seabirds! I suspect there are more Litle Shearwaters than I have identified but I have had to put many down as Manx/Little.
   Good news is we have seen 29 Trocaz Pigeons, no less than 24 at Fajã da Nogueira, and some very good views.
   Yesterday we had a male Brambling at Bica de Cana (a rare visitor to Madeira!). We also had a lovely male Spectacled Warbler there.
   I have booked a guided trip up to look for Freiras on Sunday, however these people are not too optimistic about finding them at this time of year. I shall let you know how it goes.

19 April: Last night I went to the Zino's Petrel watchpoint. We heard three birds, possibly more, as well as hearing Manx Shearwaters singing further down the valley. We had a very brief sillouhette view of a Zino's Petrel and even met Frank Zino there too!!!
   I am e-mailing to let you know the situation with Madeiraventura. The contact person is Amilcar Vasconcelos and he has been having problems with his website and e-mail. Hopefully all that will be sorted out very soon. He is a very nice guy and has spent a lot of time involved in the conservation of the Zinos Petrel.

You'll find Stephen's and Michelle's short trip report here»

I was on Madeira from February 16-18, traveling there specifically to look for Trocaz Pigeon (saw 2 in trees perched above the Balcoes Bar on the trail to the Balcoes). While on the island I stayed at the hotel Dom Pedro in Machico. On February 17 at about 1700 h while walking along the shore at the mouth of the Machico river I heard and then saw a Killdeer. It was associating with a group of about 15 Ruddy Turnstones and made quite a bit of noise when I flushed it. The Turnstones flew down near the hotel and later returned to the mouth of the river however the Killdeer kept flying south and out of sight.

Little Shearwater: One towards east off Porto Moniz 10/2 and three Manx Shearwaters were also seen on the same day as were 50 Cory's.
Curlew Sandpiper: Three at Machico 12/2, scarce passage migrant.
Common/Ring-billed Gull: One 2nd cal at Funchal in strong back-light 13/2 (Common Gull is however rarer than the Ring-billed, which is a regular winter visitor).
Roseate Tern: One adult in Funchal harbour 13-14/2.
Trocaz Pigeon: At least 20 at Fajã da Nogueira in the morning 11/2.
Red-rumped Swallow: One seen in company with two Barn Swallow and one House Martin at Ponta do Garajau 9/2. A rare visitor in the Madeira archipelago!
Starling: A flock of 40 were seen at Canico 12/2.
Rock Sparrow: Two at Ponta de São Lourenço 12/2.
Common Waxbill: 10+35 at Machico (along Ribeiro Machico) 12/2.

Little Shearwater: At least one seen most days foraging (also landing in the water) off Ponta do Sol and 3 flying east 20/1 and one towards east off Porto Moniz 22/1.
Northern Gannet: One adult bird flying west off Ponta do Sol 22/1.
Trocaz Pigeon: 3 at Balcões 21/1. At least 30(!) at the Risco waterfall 23/1 (Rabaçal), but it was a conservative estimate with probably up to 50 birds in the area. Stephen visited the area around 10am and seemingly first person to be there in the morning.
Skylark: A flock of 15 birds seen at Ponta de São Lourenço 22/1.
Spectacled Warbler: One seen well singing at the Levada do Norte (near Campanário, east of Ribeira Brava) and another heard 24/1.
Chiffchaff: A single was heard calling at the end of the Levada do Norte 24/1.
Rock Sparrow: A flock of about 30 birds along the walk path at Ponta de São Lourenço 22/1.
Hawk Moth, possibly Convolvulus, was seen.

Trocaz Pigeon: At least 15 birds were seen 9/1. The visit along the small road to Faja da Nogueira (down in the valley of the Ribeiro Frio area) offered excellent views on many foraging birds. The site, which is located about 1,5 km on a small road before Faja (off the main road) seem, more and more, to be the perfect site for this specie, if you want good and close views!
Eurasian Coot: At least 10 in the ponds of Santo de Serra golf course 7/1.
Common Starling: 10 at the Santo de Serra golf course 7/1.
White Wagtail: 2 at the Santo de Serra golf course 7/1.
Fieldfare: At least 20 at the high plateau of Paúl de Serra 10/1.
Birds at Machico 9-10/1: Among one Black-tailed Godwit, a Little Egret, Dunlins, Turnstones and one Common Sandpiper at the mouth of Ribeira Machico surprisingly a Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularia) were discovered on 9 January! The bird was seen on two days, sometimes side by side with the Common Sandpiper and it was also heard. This was the fourth record for Madeira and the second one (2002) were seen on exactly the same spot! Futhermore, in the morning of the second day at least eight Common Waxbills were seen along the end of the river. This certainly confirm the site as the most reliable for this species on Madeira!

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