A Field Guides Birding Tours Report

Beyond the Ports of Portugal: A Birds & Wine Tour 2023

April 25-May 6, 2023 with Marcelo Padua & local guide guiding

2023 was an atypical year for the climate around the globe, and Portugal was not different. Things were unusually dry in the early months of the year, but significant amount of rain fell a few days before the tour and sparked a flurry of activity, and we ended up having a wonderful tour. Portugal is a favorite among people who have taken our tours, and although I have no personal favorites, I can easily see why people love this tour so much. Perfect weather, breathtaking landscapes, amazing food, incredibly diverse wines and some of the best birding in Europe make this a perfect candidate for a Birds & Wines tour.

We kicked things off in Porto with an amazing lunch at Graham’s Port Lodge and one of the best views of this historic city anyone could hope for, followed by some easy going birding along the mouth of the Douro River. We then moved inland toward the picturesque village of Castelo Rodrigo from where we explored the Douro International Park, enjoying amazing views of Egyptian Vulture, Eurasian Griffons, and great views of the iconic Eurasian Hoopoe flying back and forth to its nest. Our last stop in the Douro International Park had us exploring the Faia Brava reserve, where we learned about the rewilding Europe conservation program, watched Golden Eagles performing display flights, and enjoyed an unforgettable picnic lunch.

As we moved south and crossed the Tejo river, we were exposed to an entirely different wine culture, landscape and climate. We started our exploration of the Alentejo region with a fascinating visit to Cabeças de Reguengo winery, where we learned from one of Portugal’s leading wine writers and winemaker Joao Afonso about the diversity of grapes from Portugal. We also explored the Serra de Sao Mamede Natural Park where we found Cinereous Vultures and the rare Rock Sparrow as we made our way to the lovely city of Mertola, where we spent 3 nights, looking for great birds such as Great and Little Bustard, Eurasian Wryneck, Black-bellied Sandgrouse and many others that make this area one of the prime birding destinations in Europe.

We finished things off at the lovely Casa de Palmela, a beautiful old house that has been converted into a boutique hotel from where we could explore the lovely areas around the Tejo Estuary and the oak forests that make Portugal the leading producer in natural cork in the world. We enjoyed birds such as the Eurasian Nuthatch, Collared Pratincole, Eurasian and Great Reed Warblers and a myriad of shorebirds that stop here on their migration.

We had fun, we saw great birds, we enjoyed great food and wine and that is why Portugal is one of the favorite destinations of the Birds and Wines series. I look forward to coming back!

—- 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


Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)

EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Alopochen aegyptiaca)

A distant bird seen by Dan at Herdade do Esporao.

COMMON SHELDUCK (Tadorna tadorna)

Several good views on the last days of our tour around Alcochete.

GARGANEY (Spatula querquedula)

We had great looks through the scope during our visit at the EVOA reserve at the Tagus Estuary. This is a species that is very scarce in the area so we were lucky to see it.

NORTHERN SHOVELER (Spatula clypeata)

Also seen at the EVOA Reserve.

GADWALL (Mareca strepera)

Seen both around Mertola and around Alcochete towards the end of the tour.

MALLARD (Anas platyrhynchos)

A common species that we saw on several days.

GREEN-WINGED TEAL (Anas crecca)

A few people managed to see this species in JT's scope before it disapeared behind the reeds at the EVOA Reserve.

RED-CRESTED POCHARD (Netta rufina)

Excellent views from the blinds at the EVOA reserve.

COMMON EIDER (Somateria mollissima)

A distant bird seen through the scope at the mouth of the Douro.

Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies)

COMMON QUAIL (Coturnix coturnix) [*]

RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE (Alectoris rufa)

Seen on multiple occasions, but the one we saw singing on a hillside just before seeing the Spanish Eagle was particularly nice as it was seen through the scope singing for several minutes in the morning light.

Phoenicopteridae (Flamingos)

GREATER FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus roseus)

Common around the abandoned salt pans around Barroca D'Alva near the town of Alcochete.

Podicipedidae (Grebes)

LITTLE GREBE (Tachybaptus ruficollis)

Our first one was spotted by Cynthia. This is, as its name suggests, the smallest grebe in Europe and we had multiple good looks at them.

GREAT CRESTED GREBE (Podiceps cristatus)

Close up views through the scope at the Santa Maria Dam near Castelo Rodrigo.

Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)

ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)

Common in the towns and cities.

COMMON WOOD-PIGEON (Columba palumbus)

Seen every day on our tour. This is the standard large pigeon in the country side.

EUROPEAN TURTLE-DOVE (Streptopelia turtur)

A bird perched on the wire near the road at the Douro International area allowed us to study the intricate details of this handsome speces.

EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE (Streptopelia decaocto)

Also seen every day on our tour.

Pteroclidae (Sandgrouse)

BLACK-BELLIED SANDGROUSE (Pterocles orientalis)

We had excellent views of flying birds around Castro Verde and later found them on the ground for scope views from a distance. Certainly one the best experiences we have had with this species on this tour.

Otididae (Bustards)

GREAT BUSTARD (Otis tarda)

Seen nicely through the scope near Castro Verde and late on near the Gonçalinho Reserve.

LITTLE BUSTARD (Tetrax tetrax)

Close views of a male in breeding plumage near Castro Verde.

Cuculidae (Cuckoos)

COMMON CUCKOO (Cuculus canorus)

Excellent views of a bird flying and perching on a nearby tree on the second day of our tour as we drove up the Douro Valley.

Apodidae (Swifts)

ALPINE SWIFT (Apus melba)

During our visit to the Faia Brava Reserve we saw a single bird flying over the Coa river, showing clearly the contrasting underparts.

COMMON SWIFT (Apus apus)

As its name suggests it is a common species and we saw them on most days of our tour.

PALLID SWIFT (Apus pallidus)

We saw our first birds at a rest stop along the Douro Valley and later saw them repeatedly around our hotel in Mertola where the birds nest in some of the town's buildings.

Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)

EURASIAN MOORHEN (Gallinula chloropus)

Multiple views around Alcochete.

EURASIAN COOT (Fulica atra)

Our first bird was seen at the pond near Alvares and we saw them again at the Evoa reserve and around Alcochete.

Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)

BLACK-WINGED STILT (Himantopus himantopus)

Seen several times but it was particularly nice to see nesting birds near Barroca D'Alva.

PIED AVOCET (Recurvirostra avosetta)

Several individuals seen through the scope at the EVOA reserve.

Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)

BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (Pluvialis squatarola)

A distant bird seen through the scope when we birded in Alcochete.

KENTISH PLOVER (KENTISH) (Charadrius alexandrinus alexandrinus)

Nice looks through the scope during our visit to the Samouco salt pans near Alcochete.

COMMON RINGED PLOVER (Charadrius hiaticula)

Seen particularly well during our walk along the edge of the Tagus River in Alcochete.

LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (Charadrius dubius)

Seen through the scope in a pond near Alvares.

Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)

WHIMBREL (Numenius phaeopus)

Several good looks along the Tagus in Alcochete. The European birds have a pale rump that is not present in the American birds.

BAR-TAILED GODWIT (Limosa lapponica)

Abundant at the EVOA Reserve.

BLACK-TAILED GODWIT (Limosa limosa)

Great scope views of one individual along the Tagus in Alcochete.

RUDDY TURNSTONE (Arenaria interpres)

A few individuals on the rocks by the ocean near the mouth of the Douro on the first day of our tour and many more towards the end of the tour around Alcochete.

RUFF (Calidris pugnax)

A few individuals seen at the ponds at the EVOA Reserve including one individual that had some black neck ruffs.

SANDERLING (Calidris alba)

Seen in small numbers amidst some Dunlin at the Samouco Salt Pans and along the Tagus in Alcochete.

DUNLIN (Calidris alpina)

Several individuals in breeding plumage at the Samouco Salt pans.

LITTLE STINT (Calidris minuta)

Also seen in good numbers at the Samouco Salt pans as well as the EVOA Reserve.

LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER (Limnodromus scolopaceus)

An unexpected surprise as this is a vagrant. It was particularly nice to see it in full breeding plumage.

COMMON SANDPIPER (Actitis hypoleucos)

Seen on several ocasions but the first ones sitting inside a boat near the mouth of the Douro River were particularly nice.

COMMON REDSHANK (Tringa totanus)

One single individual seen from one of the blinds at the EVOA Reserve.

Glareolidae (Pratincoles and Coursers)

COLLARED PRATINCOLE (Glareola pratincola)

Excellent views at the EVOA nature reserve. We had a couple of individuals really close in a recently plowed field where they were likely nesting.

Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)

BLACK-HEADED GULL (Chroicocephalus ridibundus)

Seen at the very start of the tour at the mouth of the Douro and later on at the very end of the tour at Barroca D'alva.

MEDITERRANEAN GULL (Ichthyaetus melanocephalus)

A few very distant birds seen through the scope at the mouth of the Douro.

YELLOW-LEGGED GULL (Larus michahellis)

The most common species of Gull and one that is particularly abundant around Porto.

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Larus fuscus)

Seen both around the mouth of the Douro and the mouth of the Tagus.

LITTLE TERN (Sternula albifrons)

Great scope views around the Samouco salt pans near Alcochete.

SANDWICH TERN (Thalasseus sandvicensis)

A few individuals seen near the mouth of the Douro on the first day of our tour.

Ciconiidae (Storks)

WHITE STORK (Ciconia ciconia)

One of the most common and conspicuous species of our tour, it is always amusing to see their nests occupying the most unlikely of places.

Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)

GREAT CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax carbo)

A few birds sitting on some rocks on the Douro River and later a few more seen in flight.

Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)

GRAY HERON (Ardea cinerea)

The most common Heron on our tour.

PURPLE HERON (Ardea purpurea)

Several good looks at the EVOA reserve and around Alcochete.

GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)

A single bird flew across a road at Barroca D'alva near Alcochete.

LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta)

A close relative of the Snowy Egret. Showing the characteristic yellow "slippers".

CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)

Several looks in country side where live stock was present.

Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)

GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus)

A few birds seen near the EVOA reserve.

EURASIAN SPOONBILL (Platalea leucorodia)

Our first sighting was a bit frustrating as the bird had its head tucked under its wing concealing the most diagnostic feature but we found several other individuals including some that were seen through the scope at the EVOA Reserve.

Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)

EGYPTIAN VULTURE (Neophron percnopterus)

Excellent views both at the Douro Internacional Park and the Faia Brava reserve where the birds are nesting.

CINEREOUS VULTURE (Aegypius monachus)

A couple of sightings as we drove out of Portalegre on our way south towards Mertola, including one bird sitting amongst some Griffons on the ground through the scope.

EURASIAN GRIFFON (Gyps fulvus)

Multiple sightings in the interior of the country. We even had an individual on a nest with a chick at the Faia Brava Reserve.

SHORT-TOED SNAKE-EAGLE (Circaetus gallicus)

Seen a few times on our tour but the bird we saw soaring close to the bus as we drove in the Douro International and the one that flew off with a snake in its talons near Mertola were certainly the most memorable ones.

BOOTED EAGLE (Hieraaetus pennatus)

Probably the most common Eagle on this tour and we saw them many times but it was particularly nice to see a pale morph bird and a dark morph bird flying together close to our bus as we drove to Quinta Dos Grous for lunch.

SPANISH EAGLE (Aquila adalberti)

JT knew just where to go for this rare species and we went looking for it on the day we left Mertola. At first we saw the bird flying pretty distantly and it disappeared behind a hill only to reemerge very close to our group, giving us the best looks we have ever had on this tour.

GOLDEN EAGLE (Aquila chrysaetos)

We saw a distant bird at the Faia Brava Reserve but it was fascinating to watch it perform territorial display flights for a few minutes.

EURASIAN MARSH-HARRIER (Circus aeruginosus)

Seen multiple times but particularly nicely at the EVOA Reserve.

MONTAGU'S HARRIER (Circus pygargus)

Multiple sightings in the southern portion of our tour. Sadly this beautiful species is declining rapidly due to intensive agricultural practices.

EURASIAN SPARROWHAWK (Accipiter nisus)

Nice views of this species at the gardens of Pacheca winery.

RED KITE (Milvus milvus)

Far less common than the Black Kite but we had several sightings of this species along our tour route.

BLACK KITE (Milvus migrans)

The most common raptor on our tour and one that we saw every day.

COMMON BUZZARD (Buteo buteo)

Every bit as common as its name suggests.

Strigidae (Owls)

LITTLE OWL (Athene noctua)

A few brief sightings but we had close up views on our way back to Mertola from Castro Verde.

TAWNY OWL (Strix aluco)

Seen on our around our last hotel on the last nights of the tour.

LONG-EARED OWL (Asio otus)

We knew where a bird was roosting and got excellet views during the day time.

Upupidae (Hoopoes)

EURASIAN HOOPOE (Upupa epops)

Seen many times on the tour, but on our first morning at Castelo Rodrigo it was particularly nice to see a bird flying back and forth from a nest carrying food.

Meropidae (Bee-eaters)

EUROPEAN BEE-EATER (Merops apiaster)

One of the most iconic birds of Europe and one that we saw many times but particularly well along the road at the Douro International.

Coraciidae (Rollers)

EUROPEAN ROLLER (Coracias garrulus)

Another colorful bird that we saw well at Quinta da Apariça, near Castro Verde.

Picidae (Woodpeckers)

EURASIAN WRYNECK (Jynx torquilla)

One of the best looks we ever had of this bird on our tour, as the bird was sitting nearly at eye level and we had prolonged scope views of it.

GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER (Dendrocopos major)

Seen a few times in flight. Sadly we never got good looks at one bird sitting.

EURASIAN GREEN WOODPECKER (Picus viridis)

Seen a few times in flight but a friend found a nest, and as a result we ended up having pretty good scope views of a bird sitting on a dead tree.

Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)

LESSER KESTREL (Falco naumanni)

Several birds seen around Mertola and Castro Verde.

EURASIAN KESTREL (Falco tinnunculus)

Far more common than the Lesser Kestrel and we saw it every day, but the birds sitting on the roof of a building near the mouth of the Douro River on the first day of our tour might just be the most memorable sighting of the tour.

Oriolidae (Old World Orioles)

EURASIAN GOLDEN ORIOLE (Oriolus oriolus)

Seen nicely from our hotel in Mertola as the birds foraged on a tree across the river.

Laniidae (Shrikes)

IBERIAN GRAY SHRIKE (Lanius meridionalis)

Seen a few times perched on wires by the road.

WOODCHAT SHRIKE (Lanius senator)

More common than the Iberian Gray Shrike and we even saw them side by side, allowing a detailed comparison between the two species.

Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)

EURASIAN JAY (Garrulus glandarius)

It was surprisingly hard to see this common species this year, but after several brief views we finally had good looks at them during our boat trip on the Guadiana River.

IBERIAN MAGPIE (Cyanopica cooki)

A common species that was seen on most days of the tour.

EURASIAN MAGPIE (Pica pica)

Another common species that we saw really well on many days of the tour.

EURASIAN JACKDAW (Corvus monedula)

This species used to be common around Mertola but it is declining rapidly with no apparent reason. We found a a group of them at the Vale Goncalinho reserve where they are focusing on the conservation of several species of birds.

CARRION CROW (Corvus corone)

A common species.

COMMON RAVEN (Corvus corax)

Far less common than the Carrion Crow but we saw it several times on tour. It is also a much larger species and comparable in size to the Common Buzzard.

Paridae (Tits, Chickadees, and Titmice)

CRESTED TIT (Lophophanes cristatus)

A great looks at this distinctive species during a rest stop at a gas station on the second day of our tour.

EURASIAN BLUE TIT (Cyanistes caeruleus)

Seen a few times on tour, but it was seen particularly well during our visit of the ruins of the castle in Castelo Rodrigo.

GREAT TIT (Parus major)

The most common species of Tit on this tour and one that we saw or heard every day on tour.

Alaudidae (Larks)

GREATER SHORT-TOED LARK (Calandrella brachydactyla)

Seen nicely in display flights on a few occasions.

CALANDRA LARK (Melanocorypha calandra)

A close up view of a bird as we drove into the Vale de Gonçalinho reserve near Castro Verde.

WOOD LARK (Lullula arborea)

Multiple good looks but on the second day of the tour we had prolonged views of a bird perched on a wire through the scope for several minutes.

EURASIAN SKYLARK (Alauda arvensis)

Both JT and I managed to scope a displaying bird at the EVOA reserve, allowing everyone to see this bird through the scope as it performed its characteristic display flight.

THEKLA'S LARK (Galerida theklae)

A few sightings but a bird sitting close to the bus on a wire was particularly cooperative as it allowed us to study in great detail the identifying features of this species that closely resembles the Crested Lark.

CRESTED LARK (Galerida cristata)

Very similar to the Thekla's Lark but more widespread and far more numerous.

Cisticolidae (Cisticolas and Allies)

ZITTING CISTICOLA (Cisticola juncidis)

After several looks at birds zitting away in the sky, we finally managed to have proper views of a perched bird during our visit to the EVOA reserve towards the end of the tour.

Acrocephalidae (Reed Warblers and Allies)

MELODIOUS WARBLER (Hippolais polyglotta)

Seen on our last morning at Castelo Rodrigo as we loaded up the bags on the bus.

EURASIAN REED WARBLER (Acrocephalus scirpaceus)

After hearing several individuals at the EVOA Reserve, we had quite the show from one individual at Sitio das Hortas near Alcochete when a bird perched up on some grass and sang for our group for several minutes.

GREAT REED WARBLER (Acrocephalus arundinaceus)

Seen both at the EVOA reserve and at Sitio das Hortas.

Hirundinidae (Swallows)

BANK SWALLOW (Riparia riparia)

Seen both at the mouth of the Douro at the start of the tour and towards the very end at the Tagus Estuary.

EURASIAN CRAG-MARTIN (Ptyonoprogne rupestris)

Particulary common around the stony cliffs in the interior part of Portugal.

BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)

Common but a bit strange as the birds in Europe look quite diferent from the birds in the Americas.

RED-RUMPED SWALLOW (Cecropis daurica)

This species seemed to be much more abundant this year than in years past. We had particularly good views at the Faia Brava reseve and around Mertola.

COMMON HOUSE-MARTIN (Delichon urbicum)

A common sight nesting on the buildings of most cities in Portugal.

Phylloscopidae (Leaf Warblers)

WESTERN BONELLI'S WARBLER (Phylloscopus bonelli)

Very good looks at this leaf warbler during our brief visit to the Santa Maria de Aguiar Dam.

IBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF (Phylloscopus ibericus)

A very cooperative bird when we birded the Serra de Sao Mamede area near Portalegre before heading south to Mertola.

Scotocercidae (Bush Warblers and Allies)

CETTI'S WARBLER (Cettia cetti)

After hearing it many times we finally connected with one on a river island on the Guadiana River.

Aegithalidae (Long-tailed Tits)

LONG-TAILED TIT (Aegithalos caudatus) [*]

Sylviidae (Sylviid Warblers, Parrotbills, and Allies)

EURASIAN BLACKCAP (Sylvia atricapilla)

Seen nicely at Carneiros as we made our way up the Douro Valley towards Castelo Rodrigo on the second day of our tour.

SARDINIAN WARBLER (Curruca melanocephala)

The most common species of warbler and one that we saw and heard on several days of the tour allowing everyone to eventually get good looks at it.

WESTERN SUBALPINE WARBLER (Curruca iberiae)

We managed to have the entire group enjoy scope views of a singing bird on the Guadiana River. Not your standard experience with this handsome warbler species.

GREATER WHITETHROAT (Curruca communis)

The only place where we are likely to see this species on our tour is at Carneiros along the Douro Valley, so we were quite worried when we arrived at the site and saw that it had burned recently, but surprisingly enough the birds were present and easier to see due to the lack of foliage. We had great views.

DARTFORD WARBLER (Curruca undata)

Unfortunatly we only had a brief look at this one. The classical BVD!

Regulidae (Kinglets)

COMMON FIRECREST (Regulus ignicapilla)

A cooperative bird showed well at the Serra de Sao Mamede near Portalegre.

Sittidae (Nuthatches)

EURASIAN NUTHATCH (Sitta europaea)

A few of us had it on the bridge where we stopped on the way out of Portalegre but later on everyone got caught up at Quinta da Atalaya where we had excellent looks.

Certhiidae (Treecreepers)

SHORT-TOED TREECREEPER (Certhia brachydactyla)

Great views at Serra de Sao Mamede.

Troglodytidae (Wrens)

EURASIAN WREN (Troglodytes troglodytes)

A cooperative bird showed well by a bridge we stopped at on our way out of Portalegre.

Sturnidae (Starlings)

SPOTLESS STARLING (Sturnus unicolor)

A common species.

CRESTED MYNA (Acridotheres cristatellus)

Only seen in flight by a few people as we drove around Alcochete.

Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)

MISTLE THRUSH (Turdus viscivorus)

Seen around Castelo Rodrigo as we loaded the bus on the day we left.

EURASIAN BLACKBIRD (Turdus merula)

A common species. This is actually a thrush and not at all related to the blackbirds of the Americas.

Muscicapidae (Old World Flycatchers)

EUROPEAN ROBIN (Erithacus rubecula)

Just to make matters even more confusing, the European Robin is a flycatcher and not at all related to the American Robin. We found one while birding the grounds of Pacheca Winery.

COMMON NIGHTINGALE (Luscinia megarhynchos)

This is one of those species that is more interesting to hear than to see, but we saw it and heard it well on our tour.

BLACK REDSTART (Phoenicurus ochruros)

A common sight on the roofs of houses in many of the towns and villages we stayed in.

BLUE ROCK-THRUSH (Monticola solitarius)

Ecellent looks at birds singing from the buildings at Castelo Rodrigo.

EUROPEAN STONECHAT (Saxicola rubicola rubicola)

Seen every day on our tour.

WESTERN BLACK-EARED WHEATEAR (Oenanthe hispanica)

We found this spiffy looking bird at the Sao Domingos mines near the border of Spain.

Ploceidae (Weavers and Allies)

YELLOW-CROWNED BISHOP (Euplectes afer)

An introduced species that is well established around the Mouth of the Tagus River.

Estrildidae (Waxbills and Allies)

COMMON WAXBILL (Estrilda astrild)

Great looks at these colorful birds on the Guadiana River near Mertola.

Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)

HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus)

As common as you might expect it to be but this species is declining in numbers in many European countries.

SPANISH SPARROW (Passer hispaniolensis)

Seen nicely from a bridge on the Coa river as we made our way to Castelo Rodrigo on the second day of our tour. We later saw them again around Mertola.

EURASIAN TREE SPARROW (Passer montanus)

A very obliging bird stared at us as we went through our wine tasting at Pacheca Winery.

ROCK SPARROW (Petronia petronia)

This was the first time we connected with this species on the tour. It was formerly known as Rock Petronia and we found one on our way out of Portalegre.

Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)

WESTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL (Motacilla flava)

Seen on the first day of our tour at the mouth of the Douro and later on at the Tagus Estuary.

WHITE WAGTAIL (Motacilla alba)

Seen on most days of the tour.

Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)

COMMON CHAFFINCH (Fringilla coelebs)

Seen and heard often on our tour.

EUROPEAN GREENFINCH (Chloris chloris)

Seen almost every day.

EURASIAN LINNET (Linaria cannabina)

Always nice to see the males in breeding plumage with their rosy plumage.

EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH (Carduelis carduelis)

We enjoyed great looks at these handsome birds daily on our tour but it was particularly nice to see one adult feeding young during a rest stop near Castro Verde.

EUROPEAN SERIN (Serinus serinus)

Also seen or heard every day on our tour.

Emberizidae (Old World Buntings)

CORN BUNTING (Emberiza calandra)

This is the breeding season for this species and they are quite conspicuous as they sit on top of bushes and sing incessantly all day long.

ROCK BUNTING (Emberiza cia)

After struggling to see one bird on the way to Castelo Rodrigo we managed to locate one for excellent scope views at Ribeira do Mosteiro in the Douro International area.

CIRL BUNTING (Emberiza cirlus)

A pair of birds perched on a wire at Carneiros sat for long enough for all of us to study them through the scope.


MAMMALS

OLD WORLD RABBIT (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

A few individuals seen running around the fields near Mertola.


ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

WINERY, WINE, VINTAGE, REGION, TYPE OF WINE

Graham’s, Six Grapes, No Vintage, Porto, Port

Graham’s, Late Bottled Vintage, 2017, Porto, Port

Graham’s, Tawny Port, 10 Years. Porto, Port

Quinta da Carolina, Carolina, 2019, Douro, White Wine

Quinta do Vesuvio, Pombal do Vesuvio, 2020, Douro, Red Wine

Graham’s, Tawny Port, 20 Years. Porto, Port

Calem, Fine White, No Vintage. Porto, Port

Calem, Tawny, 10 Years, Porto. Port

Bursmester, Douro DOC, 2022, Douro, White Wine

Bursmester, Douro DOC, 2020, Douro, Red Wine

Burmester, Tawny Porto, 30 Years, Porto, Port

Pacheca, Grande Reserva, 2021, Douro, White Wine

Pacheca, Grande Reserva, 2016, Douro, Red Wine

Pacheca, Tawny Port, 10 Years. Porto, Port

Pacheca, Rose Reserva, 2021, Douro, Rose Wine

Pacheca, Lagar N.1, 2019, Douro, Red Wine

Pacheca, Tawny Port, 30 Years. Porto, Port

Pacheca, Vintage Port, 2019, Porto. Port

Adega Coop. Fig. Castelo Rodrigo, Castelo Rodrigo, 2021, Beira interior, White Wine

Casa Ferreirinha, Papa Figos, 2021, Douro. Red Wine

Quinta de Vale de Pios, Excomungado, 2016, Douro, Red Wine

CARM, Vinha da Urze, 2021, Douro, White Wine

Quinta de Vale Pios, Vale de Pios, 2017, Douro, Red Wine

Cabecas do Reguengo, Respiro Seda, 2019, Alentejo (Portalegre). White Wine

Cabecas do Reguengo, Quartzo, 2021, Alentejo (Portalegre). White Wine

Cabecas do Reguengo, Respiro Lagar, 2017, Alentejo (Portalegre). White Wine

Cabecas do Reguengo, Respiro TC, 2020, Alentejo (Portalegre). Red Wine

Cabecas do Reguengo. Solsticio, 2019, Alentejo (Portalegre). Red Wine

Tapada do Chaves, Tapada do Chaves, 2016, Alentejo (Portalegre), Red Wine

Blandy’s, Secial Madeira Dry, 5 years, Madeira, Fortified Wine

Quinta do Ameal, Ameal, 2020, Vinho Verde, White Wine

Quinta dos Murças, Minas, 2018 Douro, White Wine

Esporao, Defesa do Esporao, 2021, Alentejo. White Wine

Esporao, Defesa do Esporao, 2021, Alentejo. Red Wine

Esporao, Quinta dos Murcas, 10 Years Port, Porto. Port

Herdade dos Lagos, HDL, 2019, Alentejo. Rosé Wine

Herdade Vale de Evora, Discordia, 2019, Alentejo, Red Wine

Herdade dos Grous, Reserva, 2019, Alentejo. Red Wine

Herdade dos Grous, Reserva, 2021, Alentejo. White Wine

Herdade dos Grous, Late Harvest, 2015, Alentejo, Fortified Wine

Herdade da Bombeira, Mario Grande Escolha, 2021, Alentejo, Red Wine

Vidigueira, Antão Vaz Ato IV A Inspiração, Alentejo, White Wine,

Paxá Wines, Verdelho, 2021, Algarve, White Wine

Paxá Wines, Negra Mole, 2021, Algarve, White Wine

Soc. Agr. Do Varosa,Murganheira, No Vintage, Tavora-Varosa, Sparkling Wine (Brut)

Conde Foz de Arouce, Quinta de Foz de Arouce, 2015, Beira Atlantico, Red Wine

Henrique Uva, Mingorra, 2021, Alentejo, White Wine

Herdade da Malhadinha Nova, Monte da Peceguina, 2021, Alentejo. White Wine

Herdade da Malhadinha Nova, Monte da Peceguina, 2020, Alentejo. Red Wine

José Maria Da Fonseca, Puro Talha, 2017, Alentejo, White Wine

Altar Quintas, Viuva Le Cocq, 2018, Alentejo-Portalegre, Red Wine

José Maria Da Fonseca, Alambre, 20 Years, Moscatel de Setubal, Fortified Fine

Companhia das Lezirias, Herdade de Catapereiro, 2021, Tejo, White Wine

Companhia das Lezirias, Herdade de Catapereiro, 2021, Tejo, Red Wine

Quinta de Lemos, Dona Paulete, 2018, Dão, White Wine

José Maria Da Fonseca, Periquita Superyor, 2017, Peninsula de Setubal, Red Wine

Henriques & Henriques, Sercial Madeira, 15 years, Madeira, Fortified Wine

Cartuxa, Tinto Colheita, 2018, Evora, Red Wine

Quinta Vale D. Maria, Vinha da Francisca, 2015, Douro, Red Wine

Quinta Vale D. Maria, Vinha da Francisca, 2016, Douro, Red Wine

Aveleda, Fonte, 2021,Vinho Verde, Rosé

Quinta Vale D. Maria, Vinha de Martim, 2019, Douro, White Wine

Quinta do Piloto, Moscatel de Setubal Surperior, 2013, Setubal, Fortified Wine

Totals for the tour: 150 bird taxa and 1 mammal taxa