Reader holiday offer: Portugal – Alentejo, Algarve and Lisbon, 12-19 February 2025
In the August issue of Bird Watching, Ed Hutchings explored the birding riches of the Algarve, in the south of Portugal, where there are a variety of great birdwatching areas in the midst of what is a hugely popular area for British holidaymakers. The Algarve is particularly good for waders, wetland birds and seawatching, but just to the north of it is the Alentejo, where steppe-like habitat plays host to species such as Great and Little Bustard, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Roller, Iberian Grey Shrike and Woodchat Shrike. There are plenty of raptors, too, with Iberian Imperial Eagle, Golden and Bonelli’s Eagles, plus Black and Griffon Vultures.
Around the beautiful, historic town of Mertola, overlooking the gorge of the Guadiana River, there are species such as Blue Rock Thrush and Golden Oriole, plus a wealth of warblers, as well as the possibility of seeing Iberian Lynx. Next year will see the first ever Mertola Bird and Wildlife Festival, from 19-23 February, and we’ll be running a fully guided readers’ holiday, with renowned Portuguese birdwatching guide Joao Jara, in the run-up to the festival, from 12-19 February, looking for the best of Portuguese birds at this exciting time of year.
As well as exploring the Alentejo and the area around Mertola, there’ll be a chance to birdwatch around Lisbon and the Tagus Estuary, with its many excellent wetland sites, and on the Algarve.
Full details of the trip, including final prices and conditions and how to book, will appear in the Autumn issue of Bird Watching, but if
you’d like to know more in the meantime, or to express an interest in booking, email: matthew.merritt@bauermedia.co.uk