Portugal
In the past the Algarve has been rather under-rated as a birdwatching destination but increasingly it is being recognised as an attractive area in which to see a wide range of Mediterranean species. In spring and particularly in autumn it is also an important staging area for migrant passerines and waders. Autumn also sees many raptors passing through as well as a small but interesting selection of seabirds.
Of course, we’ve known this for some time and have been showing these birds to many visitors from the UK, Germany, Holland and elsewhere.
Although we regularly travel widely elsewhere it is usual for one of us to remain in the Algarve and so we are able to arrange tours for individuals, couples and small groups at almost any time of the year.
Our tours can be tailored to your requirements and are we always happy to discuss arrangements and itineraries with you beforehand. However, an example of what we can offer would be:
A one-week tour based in a very comfortable hotel in Tavira visiting the best birding sites along the coast as well as the Alentejo region to the north. Resident species that can be expected at almost any time of year include Red-crested Pochard, Purple Swamp-hen, Greater Flamingo, Southern Grey Shrike, Eurasian Hoopoe, Thekla Lark, Sardinian Warbler, Southern Grey Shrike, Spotless Starling, Azure-winged Magpie, Red-billed Chough, Blue Rock Thrush, Great and Little Bustards. If we’re lucky we might also see Golden or Spanish Imperial Eagle.
In addition to these, in spring there is the possibility (depending on date) of Spectacled and Subalpine Warblers, Yellow Wagtail, Red-necked Nightjar, Lesser Kestrel, European Roller, European Bee-eater, Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin, Woodchat Shrike, Black-eared Wheatear, Melodious Warbler and others.
A feature of an autumn tour is raptor migration at Cabo da São Vicente, the most south-westerly point in mainland Europe. Here we might expect to see Short-toed and Booted Eagles and amongst the many Eurasian Griffon Vultures there is the possibility of a Black Vulture or even a Rüppell’s Griffon. This should also be a good time to find Audouin’s and Slender-billed Gulls and it may be possible to arrange a boat trip in the hope of seeing such species as Cory’s, Balearic, Sooty and Great Shearwaters, Wilson’s and European Storm-petrels.
Of course, we’ve known this for some time and have been showing these birds to many visitors from the UK, Germany, Holland and elsewhere.
Although we regularly travel widely elsewhere it is usual for one of us to remain in the Algarve and so we are able to arrange tours for individuals, couples and small groups at almost any time of the year.
Our tours can be tailored to your requirements and are we always happy to discuss arrangements and itineraries with you beforehand. However, an example of what we can offer would be:
A one-week tour based in a very comfortable hotel in Tavira visiting the best birding sites along the coast as well as the Alentejo region to the north. Resident species that can be expected at almost any time of year include Red-crested Pochard, Purple Swamp-hen, Greater Flamingo, Southern Grey Shrike, Eurasian Hoopoe, Thekla Lark, Sardinian Warbler, Southern Grey Shrike, Spotless Starling, Azure-winged Magpie, Red-billed Chough, Blue Rock Thrush, Great and Little Bustards. If we’re lucky we might also see Golden or Spanish Imperial Eagle.
In addition to these, in spring there is the possibility (depending on date) of Spectacled and Subalpine Warblers, Yellow Wagtail, Red-necked Nightjar, Lesser Kestrel, European Roller, European Bee-eater, Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin, Woodchat Shrike, Black-eared Wheatear, Melodious Warbler and others.
A feature of an autumn tour is raptor migration at Cabo da São Vicente, the most south-westerly point in mainland Europe. Here we might expect to see Short-toed and Booted Eagles and amongst the many Eurasian Griffon Vultures there is the possibility of a Black Vulture or even a Rüppell’s Griffon. This should also be a good time to find Audouin’s and Slender-billed Gulls and it may be possible to arrange a boat trip in the hope of seeing such species as Cory’s, Balearic, Sooty and Great Shearwaters, Wilson’s and European Storm-petrels.