Azores and Madeira - the land days

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