Birdwatching Ria Formosa´s Natural Park.

Tour Description

Birdwatching tours at Ria Formosa Natural Park is one of the most important protected wetlands in Portugal and one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal. This Nature Reserve covers an area of 14,000 hectares protected by a complex web of sand and dune barriers, extending for 60 km along the coast and hosting on a regular basis more than 20,000 water birds, especially during the Winter season.

This is a crucial point for migratory birds from Northern Europe to Africa. More than 220 species of birds can be seen in a single day in different habitats, such as dunes, open water, salt marshes, salt pans, reed beds, lagoons and pine forests.

Don’t miss the opportunity to observe up close the Blue Magpie, the rare Audouin Gull or the beautiful Booted Eagle.
On a guided walk through the Ria Formosa Natural Park, we will show you various birds of prey, such as the Sapphire Eagle or the Gray Kestrel. In addition to these, we will also observe numerous water birds, such as the Avocet, the Red-billed Duck, the Spoonbill, the Camão or the Common Ibis.

Birds that are concentrated in these important wetlands and that attribute special international importance to them. The secretive Garçote and the exotic Weaver are yet other birds that you can observe in the company of a guide specialized in ornithology, with more than 30 years of field experience and author of books on birdwatching in the Algarve.
The secretive Little Bittern and the exotic Black-headed Weaver also occur in this area.

Algarve Nature Tours – Birdwatching Tours

Curiosity´s : Seasonal Birdwatching Calendar

Winter (December – February):

• Key Species: Various waterbirds like flamingos, spoonbills, herons, and ducks find refuge in the wetlands during this time. Raptors such as marsh harriers and ospreys might also be spotted.
• Activities: Guided tours focusing on observing the influx of migratory birds seeking warmer climates. Birdwatchers can witness the spectacular gatherings of diverse avian species.

Spring (March – May):

• Key Species: Breeding season for many birds. Expect to see waders, warblers, and several species of passerines amidst vibrant displays of courtship and nesting behaviors.
• Activities: Opportunities for observing courtship rituals and bird nests, especially in the reed beds and nesting areas. Birdsong is plentiful during this period.

Summer (June – August):

• Key Species: Resident species continue to thrive. Flamingos and other waterbirds may still be present. Raptors such as booted eagles might be seen soaring overhead.
• Activities: Early morning or late afternoon birdwatching excursions to avoid the heat. Focus on resident species and their behaviors during this period.

Autumn (September – November):

• Key Species: Migratory birds begin their return journey from breeding grounds. Passage migrants include various waders, terns, and some raptors.
• Activities: Prime time for observing the departure of some species and the arrival of others. Nature walks and guided tours to witness the changing bird populations.

This seasonal birdwatching calendar in the Ria Formosa area of Algarve highlights the diverse avian activity across different times of the year, allowing birding expeditions based on the specific bird species and behaviors they wish to observe.

Gear and Essentials:

• Binoculars or spotting scopes are essential. Invest in quality gear suited for birdwatching.
• Field guides or bird identification apps can aid in species identification.
• Dress appropriately for the terrain and weather. Comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear are crucial.

What's included:

Expert bird guide

Spotting scope (25-30x) and binoculars

Birdwatching guide