Birdwatching

Birdwatching
The Azores are an exceptional location for observing marine and accidental birds coming from the American continent during migration periods. The archipelago is one of the most popular destinations for birdwatchers in Europe. Furthermore, the Lands of Priolo, more particularly Serra da Tronqueira and Pico da Vara, are, as the name suggests, home to the Priolo or Azores Bullfinch (Pyrrhula murina), one of the rarest birds of Europe and endemic to the island of São Miguel. Aside from the Azores Bullfinch, endemic species of Macaronesia can be spotted, such as the Canary (Serinus canaria), and several endemic subspecies of the Azores, such as the Common Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs moreletti), Goldcrest (Regulus regulus azoricus), Common Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus azorica), Blackbird (Turdus merula azorensis), Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo rothschildi), among others. The banks of Lagoa das Furnas are considered one of the best locations within the region to observe the Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea), a migratory species that can be found throughout the year in this area. The forested area around the edges of the lake serve as food source or shelter for a number of species that land on the banks to rest during their migratory routes; a perfect location for the observation of several endemic subspecies and waders. The Azorean islands also constitute one of the most important points in the migratory route of the Cory’s Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea borealis), one of the most abundant migratory seabirds in the region, and the Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii). Here are some suggestions of the best spots for observing seabirds, migratory and rare species from the European and American continents. Here, are some of the birdwatching spots found in the Lands of Priolo: * ZPE Pico da Vara/ Ribeira do Guilherme Planalto dos Graminhais Estrada da Tronqueira Viewpoint of Tronqueira Grotas Fundas Pico Bartolomeu Viewpoint of Salto do Cavalo * Nordeste Boca da Ribeira Lighthouse of Ponta do Arnel Viewpoint of Vigia da Baleia (Algarvia) * Povoação Harbor of Povoação Lagoa das Furnas Achada das Furnas Cova da Burra (Furnas) Porto da Ribeira Quente Fajã do Calhau You can share your findings for the database Portugal Aves at: www.worldbirds.org/v3/portugal.php or azores.avesdeportugal.info and azoresbs.weebly.com/blog.html If you are a curious observer and experienced birdwatcher, there are some companies dedicated to organizing activities related to birdwatching. Here are some suggestions: Azores Whale Watching TERRA AZUL Marina de Vila Franca do Campo 4 9680-187 São Miguel – Azores Bookings: +351 913 453 030 Tel: +351 296 581 361 Email: [email protected] https://www.azoreswhalewatch.com Futurismo Marina Pero de Teive Loja A 9500 Ponta Delgada Tel: 296 628 522 \| 967 808 666 Fax: 296 628 524 Email: [email protected] www.futurismo.pt Geo Fun - Animação Turística Lda. Avenida D. João III, 47 6ª dir/sul 9500-310 Ponta Delgada Tel: 919 931 562 Fax: 296 098 470 Email: [email protected] www.geo-fun.com GerbyBirding Tel: 296 917 444 Email: [email protected] www.gerbybirding.com Picos de Aventura Avenida Infante D. Henrique 9500 Ponta Delgada Tel: 296 283 288 \| 919 555 685 \| 912 525 249 Fax: 296 283 291 Email: [email protected] www.picosdeaventura.com Trilhos da Natureza Beco da Rua dos Prestes de Cima 1 9500-450 Ponta Delgada Tel: 919 020 506 \| 968 687 473 Email: [email protected] www.trilhosdanatureza.com TurisVerde de Daniel Melo Rua Pe. José Rebelo Cordeiro, 11 9500-510 Fajã de Cima Tel: 296 636177 \| 915 172 738 Email: [email protected] www.turisverde.com < Previous page