Birds, Birds, Birds! Birding Week Tour
An intensive eight-day southern Portugal birding week designed for long field days and a goal of at least 120 species.
About this tour
Birds, Birds, Birds! is A ROCHA Life's more intensive week in the Algarve and southern Alentejo. The eight-day programme aims for at least 120 species and averages about eight hours in the field, with longer coverage at the most productive sites.
The route moves from Ria Formosa saltpans to Salgados Lagoon, Castro Verde steppe, Estombar rice fields, the Abicada and Alvor marshes, Sagres and the Monchique hills. Wetland birds, coastal migrants, bustards, raptors and woodland passerines contribute to a deliberately broad regional list.
The published package is limited to eight participants and includes specialist guiding, transport within Portugal, insurance in Portugal, en-suite twin or double accommodation, meals and field picnics. Extra drinks and personal purchases are excluded. All birds remain wild, and the daily order can change with weather and current conditions.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Portugal.
Organizer
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Ria Formosa East arrival birding
Arrive at Faro Airport and begin with a short session at the Santa Luzia saltpans. Look across lagoons and dykes for flamingos, waders and gulls before transferring to Cruzinha for dinner and the first night.
Day 2
A ROCHA centre and Salgados Lagoon
Spend the morning learning about the conservation work at the A ROCHA field study centre. Continue to Salgados Lagoon in the afternoon for ducks, waders, marsh birds and seasonal reedbed activity.
Day 3
Long field day in Castro Verde
Travel into Alentejo pseudo-steppe for Lesser Kestrel, European Roller and Great Bustard possibilities around Vale Goncalinho. Use minor roads and viewpoints during the afternoon to scan for sandgrouse, harriers, kites and vultures.
Day 4
Estombar rice fields
Work the rice fields near Estombar for Marsh Harrier, Glossy Ibis, Purple Swamphen and other wetland birds. Return after lunch, leaving part of the afternoon free before the next full field day.
Day 5
Abicada marsh and Alvor dunes
Walk from the Montes de Alvor dam toward Abicada for views over marshes used by flamingos, spoonbills, ducks and seasonal herons. After a picnic, continue through Alvor dune habitat for breeding shorebirds and coastal species.
Day 6
Sagres migration and coastal birds
Explore the south-western tip of Portugal for cliff birds, open-country species and seawatching. Autumn can bring visible raptor passage, while resident and breeding birds shape the visit at other times of year.
Day 7
Monchique hills and cork-oak country
Search the high ground and cork-oak landscape of Monchique before descending to Caldas de Monchique. The change of habitat creates opportunities for woodland passerines not encountered on the coastal days.
Day 8
Ria Formosa West and departure
Use the final morning for the western lagoons of Ria Formosa, where Purple Swamphen, Little Bittern, terrapins and wintering ducks may be present. Continue to Faro Airport for the confirmed departure.
Locations & map
- Algarve and southern Alentejo - Algarve / Alentejo Portugal (Coastal wetlands, rice fields, dunes, hills and pseudo-steppe.)
Availability & pricing
Availability is confirmed after your inquiry.
Included
- Guided birding week - Current scope to be confirmed.
Not included
- Personal expenses - Confirm current terms.
Policies & FAQ
Are dates and price current?
Please inquire through BirdWatch.info so the current departure dates, availability and price can be confirmed.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.