Experience Over 300 Bird Species In Their Natural Habitat - Visit Portugal
MAY 12, 2009 - Why not complement your next beach holiday, golfing trip, or city break to Portugal with the unique experience of observing the country's rich birdlife? Portugal boasts over 330 bird species that can be observed in their natural surroundings. A year-round temperate climate, combined with a varied landscape and diverse range of flora and fauna makes Portugal a world-class bird watching destination. Although a small country, Portugal's varied landscape makes it possible to participate in bird watching programmes across a whole range of natural habitats including mountain ranges, estuaries, cliff tops, cork oak plantations and coastal lagoons.
Over 20 percent of the Portugal has 'protected area' classification with 94 Important Bird Areas (IBA). Portugal also boasts a considerable number of species endemic to Europe such as the imperial eagle and the azure-winged magpie. Other rare birds which can only be found in Portugal include Zino's Petrel, the long-toed Wood pigeon and the Azores bullfinch.
Just minutes away from Lisbon, the River Tagus Estuary - a huge nature reserve with an extensive area of protected wetlands - is home to over 100 species of birds. This fascinating location holds over 120,000 waders, waterfowl and other aquatic birds in the winter. During migration season ,when bird diversity is at its maximum, one can observe more than 100 Bird species at the River Tagus Estuary in a single day. Boat trips to the Tagus Estuary can be arranged to bring visitors even closer to the varied birdlife. Other parts of the country which bird watching fans should not miss include the River Sado Estuaries, the Ria Formosa Estuary, Sapal de Castro Marim marshlands, the Guadiana Valley and the Alentejo.
For both expert and novice bird watchers, various tour operators in Portugal specialise in bird watching tours which include guided birding tours, photographic tours and bird watching courses. The tours are adapted to cover a wide range of abilities and, although focused on bird watching, they also cater for general nature enthusiasts and visitors who want to experience the Portuguese countryside. The guides are qualified ornithologists with a great knowledge of local birdlife.
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