Birdwatching Tours

Portugal is a country with enormous potential for birding.
The Mainland Portugal bird list includes more than 400 species. This rich biodiversity is reflective of Portugal’s geographical position (Lisbon is about 38º N) and means that there is an abundance of species always present in each season; wintering species from the north, fascinating Mediterranean resident species and a range of passage migrants and breeding birds from sub-Saharan Africa.
Continental Portugal has a long coastline and an enormous Zone of Economic Exclusivity; access to these brings a feast of seabirds and passage migrants.
Despite being a relatively small country, Portugal boasts an excellent range of habitats from wetlands, estuaries and saline flats, to wooded hills, steppe-like plains and rocky outcrops. In practical terms, this means that any of these varied habitats can be reached without the need for lengthy travel; most of the day, therefore, is spent in the field and not in the car.
With its agreeable climate (warm summers and mild winters), a remarkable range of habitats and abundant natural space, Portugal provides an exciting and enriching birding experience at any time.
Lisbon is an excellent point of departure for visiting some of the best areas to observe birds in Portugal.
In fact, Lisbon is the only European capital located near such a rich Bird & Nature hotspot – the Tagus estuary.
This estuary, the most important protected wetland area in Portugal and one of the most important ones in Europe, is a mere 20 minutes from Lisbon, yet is replete with excellent bird sites, such as Hortas, Pancas, Barroca d’Alva and Ponta da Erva, to mention just a few. There you can find estuarine habitat, marshes, saline flats, rice fields, reed beds, pasture and wooded hills, all within a few kilometres.
Another wetland area, the Sado estuary, lies a little more than 30 minutes from Lisbon and is also a superb birding area.
Birds & Nature offers half day and full day field tours to these two estuaries, but of course we are happy to guide birders to more distant alternatives, for whole day excursions or even longer periods to specific sites in the Alentejo or in the Algarve areas; tailor-made alternatives are also available, as well as specifically organized photographic tours.
Lisbon International Airport is served by numerous airlines and, as already mentioned, lies only 20 minutes from one of the finest birdwatching sites in Europe! Also, within 90 minutes, it is possible to visit other excellent complementary biotopes, as for example, the rolling plains and dramatic gorges, hills and bluffs associated with river valleys of the Alentejo.
Similar tours can be organized for visitors arriving at Faro, including itineraries concentrating on the many sites in the Algarve.
If you want to spend a few days birding, please check our short-breaks and week-long programmes.
Transport for participants is organized by Birds & Nature from Lisbon, and by arrangement from other major cities (hotel pick up and drop off), in air conditioned vehicles with a capacity of 8; of course smaller groups and individuals are welcome.
Tours normally commence between 07h30 and 08h30 and, for full day tours, return between 18h30 and 20h30, depending upon season. For the Alentejo and the Algarve tours an early start and late finish is desirable. Half day tours end at about 13h00 for morning tours and start at around 14h00 for afternoon tours. To some extent, timing can be adjusted to suit the client.
Quality binoculars, telescopes and field guides are available.
Each tour is carefully planned to optimize your experience of birds in their natural habitats and we endeavour to ensure that you get up close and personal with some of the most elusive species in Europe. As access for many sites is limited or restricted, Birds & Nature works with many of the appropriate authorities and landowners, to ensure you have every opportunity to see the birds you most want to watch.
With our tours directed at specific locations which are reached by car, the amount of walking is normally restricted to relatively short distances, requiring no special level of physical fitness.
We recommend that participants should wear comfortable clothes and shoes for walking in the country-side, bearing in mind that summers can be hot and winters can be rainy. It is also sensible to bring drinking water and sun block.
The prices quoted for the tours include guide, transport (including fuel and tolls), use of optical equipment (quality binoculars and telescopes) and field guides, entrance fee in private or protected areas and participant’s accident insurance. Lunch is not included, but we are happy to arrange a picnic or restaurant lunch on request.
For additional informations please visit the website www.birds.pt/