Sad news:

The male from the only breeding pair of Spanish Imperial Eagle Aquila adalberti in Portugal in 2008 was found dead with shotgun pellets in Guadiana Valley, in southern Portugal. It is presumed that this illegal shooting occurred between the 21st and the 23rd of February 2009.

The body of this critically endangered species was found last Friday, the 27th of February close to its nest, on a private hunting association field. Fortunately the chick had already left the nest and is independent from his parents.

Madeira Carnival with several interesting vagrant birds:

Cory's sheawaters are already back to Madeira! They were seen by the first time this year on the 14th of February 2009 whilst Hugo and Catarina were seawatching from Caniçal. There should also be Manx Shearwaters as this is the time of year when they return...

By this time of year on Madeira waters it is possible to observe Cory's Shearwaters, Manx and Macaroneasian Shearwaters and Madeira (Grant's)-storm Petrels.

On a half-day birdwatching tour on the 11th of February 2009 4 species of larks were seen on a flock in Caniçal. These are the interesting sightings from that Madeira Wind Birds tour: