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Europe - Portugal
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Portugal is perhaps best known for its sandy beaches and scenic rolling hills peppered with cork and oak trees. Yet the higher mountains to the north of the country can hold snow in winter. In the south of the country the rivers and marshes around places such as the Algarve can be rewarding for birdwatchers, particularly during migration. Waterbirds include Greater Flamingo, White Stork, the possibility of Glossy Ibis and in winter cranes. Waders include Black-winged Stilts, Avocets and Kentish Plovers. Three species of harrier and both Red and Black Kite are common, whilst there is still the possibility of the very rare Black-winged Kite. Lesser Kestrels nest on the church in Evora. The surrounding region also holds Great and Little Bustards as well as Black-bellied and Pin-tailed Sandgrouse. Closer to the spanish border Rollers and Great Spotted Cuckoo breed. Portugal's western border alternates between rocky coastline, off-shore islands and sandy beaches, providing numerous nesting grounds for seabirds including Cory's Shearwaters, and Little Egrets. |
 Lesser Kestrel © Nic Hallam |
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