I have a week away with the family at the end of this month, and have negotiated (in principle) a day or twos pass with my camera for wildlife pics.
It's not a country I know at all having somewhat surprisingly never been before - we're staying about 20 miles east of Faro near the Rio Formosa nationsl Park, and I wondered if any of the international jetsetters on here had any recommendations as to some good spots to put a day or sos shift in might be.
I will also be in the Algarve towards the end of the month. I have been before, but mainly as a holiday with occasional birding. I have the following guides to birding this area, but as you know what's good for birding is not necesarily good for photography
These are:
"A Birdwatchers' Guide to Portugal and Madeira" by Moore, Elias and Costa, Prion 1997.
"A Birdwatching Guide to the Algarve" by Kevin and Christine Carlson, Arlequin Publications 1995.
"Finding Birds in Southern Portugal" by Dave Gosney, Bird Guides 1995.
If I had to buy one it would be Gosney's as I seem to use it the most, Carlson is also good, but I wouldn't recommend the other one.
Quinta Do Lago, part of the Ria Formosa west of the airport is the place I've visited most, and everytime I've been I have seen Purple Swamphen/Gallinule, apparently it's the best place to see them in Portugal. There is a hide next to the lake, but it's on stilts and therefore too high for photo's, although if you're tall (like me) you can see over the vegitation quite easily without disturbing them. Little Bittern and Red-crested Pochard can also be seen here.
I've not been (maybe this year ) but there is a reportedly a good nature reserve right on the Spanish border: Castro Marim, It's supposed to be good for Flamingos and other waders. There is also a Castle in the middle of the town near the reserve HQ which often has White Storks recovering from various injuries, these can be observed from close quarters.
Discussion
2 repliesIt's not a country I know at all having somewhat surprisingly never been before - we're staying about 20 miles east of Faro near the Rio Formosa nationsl Park, and I wondered if any of the international jetsetters on here had any recommendations as to some good spots to put a day or sos shift in might be.
Thanks in anticipation
Mark
I will also be in the Algarve towards the end of the month. I have been before, but mainly as a holiday with occasional birding. I have the following guides to birding this area, but as you know what's good for birding is not necesarily good for photography
These are:
"A Birdwatchers' Guide to Portugal and Madeira" by Moore, Elias and Costa, Prion 1997.
"A Birdwatching Guide to the Algarve" by Kevin and Christine Carlson, Arlequin Publications 1995.
"Finding Birds in Southern Portugal" by Dave Gosney, Bird Guides 1995.
If I had to buy one it would be Gosney's as I seem to use it the most, Carlson is also good, but I wouldn't recommend the other one.
Quinta Do Lago, part of the Ria Formosa west of the airport is the place I've visited most, and everytime I've been I have seen Purple Swamphen/Gallinule, apparently it's the best place to see them in Portugal. There is a hide next to the lake, but it's on stilts and therefore too high for photo's, although if you're tall (like me) you can see over the vegitation quite easily without disturbing them. Little Bittern and Red-crested Pochard can also be seen here.
I've not been (maybe this year
I know it's not much, but I hope this helps.
Mark
Mark