Azores and Madeira - the land days
- pmh0606617
- Oct 3
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 4
During the recent cruise to the Azores and Madeira, we were able to take advantage of port days to explore the islands and see the endemic (and other) birds.
Our first port of call was the island of Terceira, where, just a short distance from the port was an excellent wetland reserve which was full of waders. Of the 17 species we saw, five were American waders; White-rumped Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Semi-palmated Sandpiper, Lesser Yellowlegs and American Golden Plover. Many of the waders were still showing hints of their summer-plumage.
Praia da Vitoria, Terceira
White-rumped Sandpiper
White-rumped Sandpiper
Pectoral Sandpiper
Pectoral Sandpiper
Lesser Yellowlegs
Lesser Yellowlegs
Semi-palmated Sandpiper
Semi-palmated Sandpiper
S
Sanderling
Sanderling
Curlew Sandpiper
Curlew Sandpiper
Whilst on São Miguel in the Azores, we took the opportunity to seek out the endemic Azores Bullfinch with the help of local guide Gerby. The day also producer Azores Chaffinch, Lesser Yellowlegs, White-rumped Sandpiper, American Wigeon and Garganey!
Garganey
American Wigeon
Azores Chaffinch
Azores Bullfinch
Azores Bullfinch
With only one day on Madeira, a quick trip up the cable car to the Botanic Gardens and a coffee in a little cafe soon added Trocaz Pigeon and Madeira Chaffinch to our trip list!
Madeiran Chaffinch
Madeiran Chaffinch
Trocaz Pigeon
Our final port day was in Lisbon, whilst there are several green areas in Lisbon, the Parque Eduardo VII was our chosen venue. Although probably the smallest of the parks, the avenues of trees and associated scrub support many resident birds, their numbers boosted by migrants. Around 30 Pied Flycatchers were seen along with smaller numbers of Spotted Flycatcher, two Wryneck and Reed Warbler! Non-native species were well represented as well with Rose-ringed, Blue-crowned and Monk Parakeets present.
Parque Eduardo VII
Wryneck
Reed Warbler
Pied Flycatcher
Blue-crowned Parakeet
There are more images on my Flickr site: https://www.flickr.com/photos/147077268@N05/albums/72177720329448578
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