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Our visit to the Faia Brava rewarded us with great bird sightings such as Western Orphean Warbler, but even more so from the fabulous picnic lunch prepared by our hosts at Castelo Rodrigo and paired with excellent wines from the region. Photo by participant Wolfgang Demisch.
Portugal remains a poorly known country for most people. If you watch European news outlets, you might even think that it is not part of the EU as it is rarely mentioned, but this fascinating nation is quickly developing fame within the tourism industry as it is one of the most hospitable countries. The accommodations are great and from the birding perspective, it is one of the best countries for birding in Europe. Our tour covers much of the country and samples a wide variety of habitats, making it the perfect introduction to Portugal’s wildlife, culture, cuisine and history. This was our second run of the tour and we had fine-tuned things to perfection, but other factors made it quite memorable.
The wildflowers were in full splendor, and we managed to pick up lots of scarce warblers and migrants. Western Orphean, Subalpine and Dartford Warblers were some of the treats we were able to find. Portugal is also coming out of a couple of very dry years, and the excellent wines produced in those years (2017 especially) were just coming out. We got to sample many of the wines of this outstanding vintage paired with all sorts of food, ranging from the traditional Bacalhau (Salted Cod) to all sorts of game meat in Mertola. Our local guide, Joao Tiago, shared his knowledge and enthusiasm for his country with us every step of the way, enriching our tour with his deep knowledge of the country’s nature, and providing a great insight into the culture of the country. I once again thoroughly enjoyed sharing my excitement and passion for Portugal’s wines and birds, both of which are incredibly exciting to me. As I close my eyes, I can still see those Great Bustards displaying in fields covered in flowers, or those Eurasian Griffons sitting on their nests, and even the countless nests of white storks that often made me laugh as they ingeniously got around all sorts of contraptions designed to steer them away from the power lines.
This was a great tour, and it was my great pleasure sharing it with each and every one of you. I hope our paths cross again some day, even if it is just to share a glass of wine.
Cheers,
Marcelo Padua
KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant
The LPN reserves around Castro Verde yielded some of our best bird sightings, such as this pair of European Rollers photographed by tour participant Don Taves.
This Eurasian Wryneck was one of a pair of these unusual woodpeckers that we found near Sao Domingo. Photo by participant Carla Bregman.
Our visit to Herdade do Esporao exposed us to the ancient winemaking techniques of the Romans who fermented wines in Amphorae. These wines are making a big come back in Portugal and we were able to sample some of it during our visit. Photo by participant Wolfgang Demisch.
Participant Don Taves captured a Eurasian Hoopoe in mid-air when we stopped to view some vultures.
Our first day featured a tour of Graham's Winery, where we were able to learn about the production of Port wine, and do some birding! Photo by participant Wolfgang Demisch.
Blue Rock-Thrush can be a bit shy, but participant Carla Bregman got an excellent photo of this one.
The lovely town of Mertola in southern Portugal was our base for several nights. Photo by participant Wolfgang Demisch.
Spanish Sparrows were often seen nesting beneath White Stork nests. Photo by participant Carla Bregman.
In addition to the great birds and wonderful wines, we also enjoyed some spectacular displays of spring wildflowers. Photo by participant Don Taves.
Greater Flamingoes were seen well at EVOA and Alcochete. Participant Don Taves took this beautiful image of three striding through a wetland.
During our lunch at Graham's, participant Wolfgang Demisch took this photo of guide Marcelo Padua discussing wine with the sommelier.
Participant Carla Bregmen got a nice portrait of a European Greenfinch.
The picturesque village of Castelo Rodrigo was another of our stops. We were able to tour the village, and we stayed here while making visits to the wonderful Douro International Natural Park and Faia Brava Reserve. Photo by participant Don Taves.
White Storks were quite common, and we enjoyed seeing how they placed their huge nests on the electrical towers. It almost looks like the towers were made for the storks, instead of trying to discourage them! Photo by participant Wolfgang Demisch.
The Eurasian Griffon was common, and we had great views of many. Photo by participant Don Taves.
Here is our group, enjoying some relaxed birding at the EVOA reserve. Photo by participant Wolfgang Demisch.
MAMMALS
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
WINERY, WINE, VINTAGE, REGION, TYPE OF WINE
Graham’s, Six Grapes, No Vintage, Porto, Port
Graham’s, Late Bottled Vintage, 2013, Porto, Port
Graham’s, Tawny Port, 10 Years. Porto, Port
Quinta da Carolina, Carolina, 2017, Douro, White Wine
Quinta do Vesuvio, Pombal do Vesuvio, 2017, Douro, Red Wine
Graham’s, Tawny Port, 20 Years. Porto, Port
Calem, Fine White, No Vintage. Porto, Port
Calem, Tawny, 10 Years, Porto. Port
Quinta do Portal, Muros de Vinha, 2017, Douro, White Wine
Bursmester, Tavedo, 2017, Douro, Red Wine
Pacheca, Grande Reserva, 2009, Douro, Sparkling Wine
Pacheca, Superior, Douro, 2017, Douro. White Wine
Pacheca, Reserva Vinhas Velhas, 2015, Douro. Red Wine
Pacheca, Vintage Port, 2016, Porto. Port
Pacheca, Grande Reserva Vinhas Velhas, 2015, Douro. Red Wine
CARM, Reserva, 2015, Douro. Red Wine
Vinilourenco, DG, 2017, White Wine
Moncao e Melgaco, Muralhas de Moncao, 2018, Vinho Verde. White Wine
Quinta da Pedra, Quinta da Pedra, 2014, Vinho Verde, White Wine
Casa Ferreirinha, Papa Figos, 2017, Douro. Red Wine
Adega Coop. Fig. Castelo Rodrigo, Castelo Rodrigo, 2018, Beira interior, Red Wine
Quinta de Vale Pios, Vale de Pios, 2014, Douro, Red Wine
Cabecas do Reguengo, Respiro Seda, 2017, Alentejo (Portalegre). White Wine
Cabecas do Reguengo, Vira Cabecas, 2016. Alentejo (Portalegre). White Wine
Cabecas do Reguengo, Respiro Tinto, 2017, Alentejo (Portalegre). Red Wine
Cabecas do Reguengo. Solsticio, 2016, Alentejo (Portalegre). Red Wine
Quinta da Romaneira, Late Bottled Vintage, , 2013, Porto, Port
Esporao, 2 duas castas, 2016, Alentejo, White Wine
Esporao, T, 2016, Alentejo, Red Wine
Quinta dos Murcas, 10 years old Tawny, No vintage, Porto, Port
Esporao, Defesa do Esporao Touriga Nacional/Syrah , 2016, Alentejo. Red Wine
Esporao, Defesa do Esporao Roupeiro/Arinto/Antao Vaz, 2016, Alentejo. White Wine
Esporao, Vinho de Talha, 2017, Alentejo, Red Wine
Bombeira do Guadiana, Flor do Guadiana, 2018, Alentejo. White Wine
Herdade Vale de Evora, Discordia, 2016, Alentejo, Red Wine
Cartuxa, Tinto Colheita, 2013, Alentejo. Red Wine
Quinta do Carmo, Roupeiro/Antao Vaz/Arinto, 2015, Alentejo, White Wine
Bombeira do Guadiana, Arinto, 2018, Alentejo. White Wine
Mingorra, Touriga Nacional, 2015 Alentejo, Red Wine
Jose Carlos, Balanches, 2017, Alentejo, White Wine
Herdade da Malhadinha Nova, Monte da Peceguina, 2018, Alentejo. Rose Wine
Herdade da Malhadinha Nova, Antao Vaz da Peceguina, 2017, Alentejo. White Wine
Herdade da Malhadinha Nova, Touriga Nacional da Peceguina, 2015, Alentejo. Red Wine
Herdade da Malhadinha Nova, Malhadinha, 2015, Alentejo. Fortified White Wine
Mingorra ,Black, 2014, Alentejo, Red Wine
Mingorra, Colheita, 2018, Alentejo, White Wine
Companhia das Lezirias, Tyto Alba, 2014, Tejo. Red Wine
Companhia das Lezirias, Tyto Alba, 2016, Tejo. White Wine
Vale D. Maria, Valleys, 2014, Douro, Red Wine
Cartuxa, Branco Colheita, 2017, Alentejo. White Wine
Quinta da Aguieira, Bruto, No Vintage, Bairrada, Sparkling Wine
Jose Maria da Fonseca, Alambre, 2013, Peninsula de Setubal. Fortified Wine
Joao M. Barbosa, Ninfa Sauvignon Blanc, 2017, White Wine
Monte do Trevo, Herdade dos Grous, 2017, Alentejo. Red Wine
Tapada do Chaves, Tinto Reserva, 2013, Alentejo, Red Wine
Quinta do Carmo, Reserva Branco, 2016, Alentejo, White Wine
Bacalhoa, Moscatel Roxo de Setubal 10 Years, 2003, Alentejo, Fortified Wine
Totals for the tour: 167 bird taxa and 3 mammal taxa