Trip to Lisbon

A 5 day trip to Lisbon (7th - 11th) was most relaxing and enjoyable. Although not a birding trip, in the process of wandering around places such as the estuary, botanical gardens and local parks, plus a trip across the River Tejo to Montijo and Alcochete, several species were seen. Turnstones and whimbrels were spotted along the river with hundreds of yellow legged gulls. Ring necked parakeets and (presumed) monk parakeets flew in the parks whilst a bus trip across some 19th century salt pans gave views of black winged stilt. Blackcaps, willow warblers and chiffchaffs were in the parks and a single sardinian warbler was first heard and then seen in Parque Eduardo VI. Black shouldered kites and cattle egrets were witnessed from the bus near Alcochete where also swallows and house martins were already busy refurbishing last years nests. Good to see these summer birds so early in the year, making it feel like summer. That is, until we got off the plane at Gatwick into -1C !
Butterflies were also evident, with red admirals and an unidentified fritillary both seen in the botanical gardens.
Soon to be attached are some general views from around the city, including the symmetrical patterns of Parque Eduardo, looking down to the city centre and the river.