This is an 8 days birdwatching tour in the Algarve and Alentejo with excursions in search of southern Portugal’s resident and migrant birds. This tour has been specifically chosen to give you the chance of enjoying the very best of the birdlife in the South of Portugal.
Groups accepted with a minimum of 6 pax
Spectacular birding in the Ria Formosa Natural Park
The Castro Marim Nature Reserve
Species occurring in notable numbers are Black-tailed Godwits, Ringed Plovers, and Little Stints. There is also a diverse population of breeding birds that includes Little Bittern, Purple Swamp-hen, Purple Heron, Red-crested Pochard, Collared Pratincole, Kentish Plover, European Bee-eater, Red-necked Nightjar, Woodchat, and Southern Grey Shrikes, and Little Tern. Marsh Harriers are resident as are a small number of Booted Eagles. Where in season, Ferruginous Duck, Purple Heron, Black-winged Kite, Penduline Tits, and Blackheaded Weaver can be found.
A fantastic itinerary developed and perfected by keen local birders
The hospitality and warmth from the local population
Algarve’s gastronomy and wines, particularly fresh fish and seafood.
The Algarve is rightly famed for its golden sandy beaches, golf courses, and wonderful year-round climate but is still a secret destination for great birding. The region has a wonderful variety of birds and many places where you can go and find them and provides top-class birding at almost any time of the year.
Its wonderful variety of habitats and geographical location attract a wealth of breeding and wintering species and at migration times it is an important stopover area for countless birds making their way to or from Africa.
Birdwatching – looking for the Great Bustard
This is an 8 days birdwatching tour in the Algarve and Alentejo with excursions in search of southern Portugal’s resident and migrant birds. This tour has been specifically chosen to give you the chance of enjoying the very best of the birdlife in the South of Portugal.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival
Arrival at Tavira. Free time until evening meeting (the Tour Guide will give a preview of next day’s program) and dinner.
Tavira, river Gilao
Day 2 – Tavira Ria Formosa
Tavira is located in the heart of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a wetland area of international importance that is recognized under the Ramsar Convention. Salinas and saltmarsh attract a wide range of birds according to season. In autumn and winter bring Spoonbills, hundreds of Greater Flamingos, Audouin’s Gulls and Slender-billed Gulls, and as many as 20 species of wading birds, including Stone-curlews. In spring/summer, local breeding species include European Bee-eaters, Red-necked Nightjar, Little Terns, Avocets, and Kentish Plovers.
Part of the day will be spent exploring the area on foot; we will also take a boat trip in the Ria Formosa.
Saltmarshes Ria Formosa, Explore one of the best birding sites in the Algarve.
Day 3 – Cape St. Vincent
This morning we drive out to Cape St Vincent, the most south-westerly point of mainland Europe where the coastline is formed mainly by rocky cliffs. The landscape here is fairly barren with low bushy vegetation that includes plant species that are endemic to the area. In autumn large numbers of migrant raptors can often be seen, notably Booted Eagles, Short-toed Eagles, and Honey-buzzards; large flocks of Griffon Vultures also regularly occur at this time. From the clifftop, Gannets can regularly be seen and other seabirds passing off-shore may include Cory’s Shearwaters. There is often a small flock of Red-billed Choughs in the area, Blue Rock Thrush and Black Redstart are commonly seen and we would expect to see Thekla Larks.
Sagres, Peninsula becomes a birding hotspot where many species of Western European raptors congregate in their thousands.
Day 4 – Free Day
You can relax in your hotel or take the chance to know a little better Algarve, with a half-day/day tour.
Booted Eagle, photo Peter Dedicoat. The Booted Eagle is a medium-sized bird of prey that is quite small compared to some other eagles. It breeds in Southern Europe
Today we visit the Castro Verde area were among our targets will be the Great Bustard, one of the world’s heaviest flying birds. These birds inhabit a huge area of uniform countryside in the Baixo Alentejo and can sometimes be difficult to see unless you know where to look. Other species that can be found include (according to season) Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Calandra Lark, Lesser Kestrel, European Roller, Griffon Vulture, Spanish Imperial Eagle, Red Kite, Black Kite, Montagu’s Harrier, Common Crane, and Little Bustard. It is also an important breeding area for White Storks. In spring, large areas are carpeted with multi-colored wildflowers – a truly memorable sight.
Birdwatching – looking for the Great Bustard. In the plains of the Alentejo, Castro Verde. Across the territory of Europe’s largest flying bird, the Great Bustard
Day 6 – Castro Marim
A day visiting the local Reserva Natural do Sapal de Castro Marim e Vila Real de Santo Antonio, an enormous area of wetland, saltmarsh, and saltpans at the eastern end of the Algarve which is home to a wealth of birdlife. Among the attractions here are Greater Flamingos at least some of which can be found all year-round. As many as 1000 of them may be seen in the winter months. A varied selection of gulls, wildfowl, and wading birds can be expected in spring, autumn, and winter.
Spoonbills Castro Marim. Good places to see Spoonbills in the Algarve are the nature reserve at Castro Marim
Day 7 – Ludo and Quinta do Lago
Ludo Farm and Quinta do Lago are located west of Faro near to the airport and between them have an excellent mix of habitats including salinas, woodland, reedbeds, and saltmarsh. The lake at Quinta do Lago is well-known as one of the best places in the Algarve to see Purple Swamp-hens but at any time the area is home to an excellent variety of species and in winter thousands of wildfowl and waders are usually present.
Glossy Ibis photo Peter Dedicoat. Glossy Ibis in Portugal is a huge success story.
Day 8 – Departure
Free time until departure.
What's included
Accommodation
7 nights in a twin standard room for two pax
Shared ensuite room with a traveling companion of the same sex
Single supplement available with a surcharge
Extra nights available on request
Meals
7 buffet breakfasts at the Hotel
7 Dinners with drinks included
Transport
Meet & Greet Airport Transfer to the hotel on the first day – group transfer
Transfer from the hotel to the airport on last day – group transfer
All transports for activities (as outlined) with dedicated driver and vehicle
Additional transfers are available on request at an extra cost
Tour Leaders
Dedicated English speaking local tour leader
The tour leader will assist and guide the group throughout the holidays, handle all the arrangements and other needs that might arise, making sure that you don’t have to worry about planning your days and you can enjoy your holiday
Each evening, your tour leader will discuss the details and program for the following day
Exclusions
Any services not listed as included
Flights to and from Portugal
Meals, tips/gratuities, baggage, or personal insurance (except as outlined)
Admission fees to castles & attractions or events (except as outlined)
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