Portugal ........ 2nd to 8th October 2010

The Algarve - Autumn Migration

The Algarve is not only attractive to golfers and beach-lovers, it is an underestimated birdwatching destination and offers a cross-section of Mediterranean specialities, northern migrants and interesting seabirds. Located in the charming town of Tavira this tour enjoys the convenience of a single base in a good standard hotel for the whole week, with a suite of bird species within walking distance. In addition, the tour will spend a day visiting the Alentejo, the province to the north of the Algarve and efforts will made to arrange a three-hour boat trip for shearwaters and other seabirds.

Day 1: Arrive Faro and transfer to Tavira. There should be time for some leisurely birding among the salt pans on the outskirts of town.

Days 2 – 6: During the course of the week we shall visit as many of the best birding sites along the Algarve coast as possible – Castro Marim NR, Quinta do Lago, Lagoa dos Salgados, the Alvor Estuary and Cape St. Vincent. A wide range of species can be expected from wetland birds such as Red-crested Pochard, Little Bittern, Greater Flamingo, Purple Swamp-hen and Audouin’s Gull to passerines that are likely to include Eurasian Hoopoe, Thekla Lark, Black Redstart, Blue Rock Thrush, Sardinian Warbler, Southern Grey Shrikes, Spotless Starling, Azure-winged Magpie and Red-billed Chough. A day-long trip to the plains of the Alentejo will target Little and Great Bustards, Black-bellied Sandgrouse and Black-shouldered Kite along with other raptors that could even include Spanish Imperial Eagle. Autumn unveils the spectacle of concentrated raptor migration at Cape St. Vincent, mainland Europe’s most south-westerly point. Short-toed and Booted Eagles predominate and there is also the excitement of scrutinising the many Eurasian Griffon Vultures that pause on their way to Africa, for Rüppell’s Griffon Vultures have been discovered among them in recent years.

Day 7: If time permits we shall enjoy a final visit to Tavira’s salt pans before driving to Faro for our return flight.

Tour ref: AA1008-03

Cost: £1,190
Deposit: £200
Single Room Supplement: £105

Leaders: Peter Dedicoat & June Taylor

Max. Group: 12 plus 2 Leaders

Includes:
Economy class return flights (UK-Faro-UK), en suite accommodation (based on twin occupancy), meals, transportation & transfers in Portugal and services of leaders.

Excludes:
Travel insurance, drinks and items of a personal nature.