Hi
I've had no time to research this and will have little time to do a bit of birding, but what kind of habitat can I get to walking in the immediate area. Is there a bit of accessible mud for yank waders nearby or some decent gardens?
Borrowed cheap bins and no scope with me too for shame..|
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cheers
Paul
I've copied a section of my report from our cruise there if you get to Praia Da Vitoria
Praia Da Vitoria,Azores
This proved to be one of the most interesting ports of call for birds.
The sail-in was impressive:hundreds of Cory Shearwater and many Yellow Legged Gull Common, Tern,a Common Turnstone, and several whale spouts.
We walked up to the monument overlooking the town hearing several Blackcap and Chiffchaff on the way,and seeing the Azores Blackbird,Azores Woodpigeon and House Sparrow.
Walking back down along the road there were 2 Common Quail calling and I saw a flock of Canary as well as an impressive number of Azores Blackbird.
We headed for the Paul Da Praia Da Vitoria wetland reserve near the base of the hill to the monument.Apart from a Common Coot,Grey Heron and several Mallard,yet more Blackcap could be heard and there were a few Azores Blackbird and Azores Starling around too,
Heading back to the cruise port I paid a visit to the old quarry near the port entrance.It is now the Paul De Pedreira wetland reserve.
There were several Kentish Plover including juveniles,4 Grey Plover,1 Common Redshank,1 Curlew,1 Dunlin,1 Turnstone,and 1 Bar Tailed Godwit.
As ever,Blackcap were singing and there were several Azores Blackbird,Goldfinch and a few Yellow Legged Gull.
The wardens are doing a sterling job monitoring the site as well as two others in town and also educating the locals about the importance of conservation.They have built an interpretation centre and groups of school children visit to engage in workshops and activities, learning about the birds the Azores.
On the way back to the ship another Common Quail was heard by the roundabout near the port entrance.