For beginners and long time bird enthusiasts alike, the tour is aimed at viewing some of the species of birds found in the Azores. Although the archipelago is not the most interesting bird-watching area in terms of the sheer number of birds seen here, it does offer the independent traveller access to 227 bird species, 33 of which nest here, a third are endemic subspecies and
one that is endemic.
With a specialist guide, you will have the chance to observe these birds, their behaviour and diet all within a magnificent landscape. Birds are everywhere in the Azores, including chaffinches, blackbirds, blackcaps, grey wagtails, and canaries to name but a few.
The tour begins with a 15-minute briefing of what you are likely to see
during the tour. You will then depart towards the harbour of Ponta
Delgada for the observation of coastal birds. The tour will continue
to Sete Cidades, in the west of Sao Miguel, to birdwatch around the lakes and the surrounding craters of the volcanic complex. Stop for lunch in Varzea. The tour will then descend towards the coastal area of Mosteiros to view Shearwater colonies. Return to Ponta Delgada via the southwest coast, visiting Feteiras en route.
The Price is £60 per adult and £44 per child aged 8-10 years old
Departure: Every Sunday (Mar to Oct).
Duration: Depart Ponta Delgada at 08h45 and return at 17h00.
Group size and age: Minimum 2 people and maximum 8 people.
Suitable for all – recommended for children aged 8 and over.
Included: 10-seater Jeep Defender or 9/12-seater minibus, English speaking guide, picnic lunch, pickup from/to all hotels (excluding properties in Nordeste) and bird checklist.
Note: The best time to observe resident and migrating birds is between
Mar-Apr and Sep-Oct.
The Azores Bullfinch ‘Priolo’ volunteer programme
The Azores bullfinch, also known as Pyrrhula murina ‘Priolo’, is only found in a few square kilometres of wood in Serra da Tronqueira in the eastern region of São Miguel (8km from Nordeste). The Azores Bullfinch is one of Europe’s most endangered species – once common it was shot almost to extinction, mainly by fruit farmers who viewed them as agricultural pests, and became rare
after the 1920’s. Changes to the native vegetation of the Azores have destroyed the species' natural habitat and led to the population plummeting to around 400 birds. Breeding season is from mid-June to late August so sightings are most common during this period as the birds go out in search of partners.
There is a plan underway which aims to manage the habitats of the special protection area of Pico da Vara / Ribeira do Guilherme in a manner that is compatible with a sustainable future, guaranteeing the conservation of Priolo. This means, in practice, to save and enlarge the areas with native vegetation.
The ‘Association to protect the Priolo’ on Sao Miguel runs a number of one-day volunteer programmes throughout the year.
These programmes include:
1. Evaluation of the distribution of the bird population: Dec-Mar
2. Registration of the priôlo: Apr- Oct
3. Help to catch and classify the birds: Nov
4. Plantation of the endemic plants that they eat: Jan-Feb
5. Taking out the exotic plants: May-Aug
Should you wish to join one of these volunteer programmes please contact us on 020 8758 4722 or email discovery@sunvil.co.uk for further information.
