What season is best for birdwatching in the Algarve?
This is a question many bird lovers ask themselves when planning a birdwatching trip to the Algarve: what is the best time of year to birdwatch in the Algarve? And the answer, in our opinion, is twofold: spring, or anytime!
Birdwatching in the Algarve in Spring
In many regions, particularly in Europe, spring is considered the best season for a birdwatching trip or excursion. Indeed, it's the migration season, and this allows you to see a multitude of species: first the resident species, then the migratory species passing through, and finally the migratory species stopping over for the season.
In the Algarve, it's quite possible to see more than 100 bird species in three days during this season. The diversity of habitats is very important in the Algarve, as there are:
coastal environments, favorable to terns, gulls, etc.
agricultural environments, favorable to buntings, larks, etc.
marshy areas with ponds and reed beds, favorable to herons, ducks, reed warblers, etc.
salt flats, favorable to waders and flamingos, etc.
and even a low-altitude mountain range in the hinterland, particularly favorable to birds of prey.
Spring is a superb season because the climate is ideal, with plenty of sunshine and pleasant temperatures. The days are long and always rich in sightings.
Other times of the year are also ideal for birdwatching in the Algarve. The climate is extremely favorable, and resident species are numerous: Iberian Magpie, Purple Swamphen, Greater Flamingo, Common Waxbill, Thekla's Lark, Zitting Cisticola, etc.
Birdwatching in the Algarve in Summer
Summer will undoubtedly be the least pleasant experience. Temperatures rise very high, forcing us to explore only in the morning and late afternoon. Also, this is the busiest season for tourists, and even if the birdwatching sites are never overcrowded, it's noticeable on the roads and in the restaurants.
Despite this, there's always something to see in the Algarve. So if you're coming for a vacation in the Algarve in the middle of summer to enjoy the beach and the sun, take the time to look up and visit some good birdwatching spots.
Birds of the Algarve in Autumn
Autumn is the time of post-nuptial migration. Thousands, even millions of birds return to Africa for the winter. Many of them end up in the Algarve before crossing the Strait of Gibraltar. The Sagres Peninsula is a major migration destination, particularly for birds of prey. On some days, the spectacle can be truly exceptional. It is possible to observe hundreds of birds of prey in just a few hours. Among the most numerous species are the Booted Eagle, the Eurasian Griffon, the Black Kite, and the Short-toed Snake-Eagle.
Birdwatching in the Algarve in Winter
Winter is a delightful season, as many wintering species join the year-round resident species. It's then possible to spot the Bluethroat, the Dartford Warbler, the Northern Lapwing, and the Short-eared Owl.
In the Algarve, we offer birdwatching excursions throughout the region, from Sagres to Tavira. There are many good birding spots. Also, the distances between these different habitats are short. We usually drive only 15 to 45 minutes between each observation site. This means that the majority of a day trip is spent observing.
If you would like to be guided on a private day trip or weekend, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Salva Fauna
