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Birdwatching
in and around Tavira
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Click here for practical information |
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How
to identify birds
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Click here |
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Taking
notes
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Click here |
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Birdwatching
Locations
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Listed
are a number of birdwatching locations that can be reached easily
on a day out from Tavira. The last three localities are further
away but well worth the effort. ( All reports by Clive Vinney
)
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Click
on the location for a full description.
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| Tavira | Apart from being the most attractive town on the Algarve coast, Tavira is a good locality from which to explore the Ria Formosa |
| Cabanas | Easily accessible by taxi or bus from Tavira. In winter, it is a sleepy village but at other times transforms into a boisterous and ever expanding seaside resort. A delightful walk and a good spread of wetland and farmland birds is guaranteed. |
| Luz de Tavira | Luz de Tavira or just Luz as it appears on some maps Luz refers to the recently rebuilt Roman lighthouse and that is where to head |
| Monte da Ribeira | |
| Santa Luzia | An attractive fishing village on the Canal de Tavira about 3 km west of Tavira. A good area but the birdlife depends on the level of water in the ponds. |
| Perímetro Florestral da Conceição de Tavira | |
| Parque Natural da Ria Formosa | Simply referred to as the Ria Formosa. A crucial freshwater habitat at the western end of the reserve. View rare breeding species . |
| Reserva Natural do Sapal de Castro Marim e Vila Real de Santo António | Simply referred to as Castro Marim. A large protected wetland reserve. Lying opposite Spain on the west side of the Rio Guadiana. This is an under-watched locality with little published information - much awaits discovery. |
| Salinas do Cerro do Bufo (the core area) | The suggested route is not signposted but provides an opportunity to view the area. The two approaches described can be linked for a long circular walk via the riverbank of the esteiro da Carrasqeira, but be warned this is a long walk and tough in hot weather. |
| Sapal de Venta Moinhos (northeastern area) | The habitat comprises a good mix of sapal, brackish pools, salinas, small grassy hills and a floodplain along the bank of the Rio Guadiana and the entire area is good for shorebirds. |
| Manta Rota (no link) | A small seaside resort beyond the eastern tip of the reserve. To the west of the resort is a huge parking area from which the dune system, beach and lagoon be reached on foot. Good for flora and specialist birds including terns. |
| Cacela Velha | Cacela VelhaA delightful village, worth visiting for its own sake, perched on a small sea-cliff overlooking the lagoon at the eastern end of the reserve. |
| Quinta de Marim | A worthwhile nature trail covers a good range of habitats. It also visits an old tidal mill, an archaeological site, a bird recovery centre Portuguese water dog kennels and even the poet João Lúcio's house |
| Olhão and the barrier islands | A working town and busy fishing port that becomes more attractive after every visit, the food markets, especially on a Saturday morning, are very good. At any time, it is worth walking along the promenade with binoculars to hand. |
| Faro & Quinta do Ludo and Faro Marshes | The capital of the Algarve. Even from the centre of Faro, the salt marsh (sapal) and creeks of the Ria Formosa are visible. White Storks and Pallid Swifts breed on the historic buildings of the walled city. |
| Quinta do Lago | The area is mostly sheltered from northerly winds and on sunny days, the variety of butterflies is splendid. The birds are used to people and surprisingly approachable. |
| Alcaria do Cume and Águas de Tábuas | |
| Azinhal | |
| Fortes | |
| Fuzeta | |
| Guadiana breakwater | |
| Lagoa dos salgados | |
| Margem de Guadiana | |
| Sítio Classificado da Fonte de Benémola | |
| Sítio Classificado da Rocha da Pena | |
