Sagres

We spend the day in the “Costa Vicentina and Sudoeste Alentejano” Natural Park, exploring the Sagres area. We are actually at the south-western tip of Europe. Our first stop is near Sagres fortress. The area has a few bushes where some migrants can be seen, although the area is better for migration in the autumn. Woodchat Shrike and Wheatears can be seen. Seawatching from the cliffs will provide Gannets and sometimes a Shearwater or a Great Skua. Black Redstart and Blue Rock Thrush can be seen along the cliffs. We will then move to one of the best spots to watch raptor migration in the autumn. In spring, the area has many flowers and several species of warblers breed there and allow us to see them. Local birds of prey include Short-toed Eagle and Kestrel, joined by Vultures, Kites, Eagles, Falcons, Harriers and Buzzards in the autumn. In spite of this abundance don’t expect to see them all on the same day! The area is also surrounded by a small pinewood where Serins are common. We spend the morning there and have lunch in the shade of small pine trees looking for more birds, like finches or Thekla Larks. We spend the first part of the afternoon at Cape St Vincent. It is also one of the only places where it is possible to see White Storks breeding on cliffs along the sea. We finish the day exploring the area between Cape St Vincent and Vila do Bispo: Vale Santo. It is a regular breeding place for Little Bustards. As farming is extensive, many species can be seen. Quails are found in fields with a lot of vegetation. It is also a usual place for Southern Grey Shrike. What is included The guide, a checklist, the use of field guides, a drink at the end or middle of the day and all the driving are included in the price.