I would suggest putting in a search for accommodation in or around Faro, it would certainly increase your chances of buses and trains to various good birding spots eg The Rio Formosa Reserve at Olhao to the east and Faro marshes/Quinta do Lago to the west, both only a few Kms from Faro. It should also be fairly easy to get to Tavira from here, where a good day can be spent around the saltpans of Tavira/Santa Luzia and the more agricultural area of Pedras D'el Rei, these sites alone should produce a good variety of birds.
Get back to me if you want more specific information on sites etc.
Cheers
John
That's true to an extent John, especially for waterbirds, However in April, a range of perhaps more interesting breeding species realistic near Lagos, for someone from northern Europe that would be very unrealistic around coastal eastern Algarve would include:
Short-toed and Bonelli's Eagles
Alpine Swift
Rock Bunting
Blue Rock Thrush
Southern Grey Shrike (a lot easier than in the east)
Melodious Warbler (a lot easier than in the east)
Dartford and Spectacled Warbler
Iberian Chiffchaff
Golden Oriole
Of course Red-necked Nightjars, Woodchat Shrikes, Bee-eaters, Az-w magpies and Hoopoes are everywhere.
Apart from a few like Audouin's Gull, Flamingo and Collared Pratincole the waterbirds in the west are broadly similar and, like in the east include many species seen easily in northern Europe.
The centre of Faro is pretty depressing and if you stay on the outskirts public transport would be a nightmare. Furthermore it is not on the coast - often a nasty surprise for unsuspecting holidaymakers - ditto much of Albufeira). Getting to Quinta do Lago would be a real hassle, although some of the Ria Formosa - namely Praia de Faro is quite easy (few major species for a visitor here though).
Lagos is a lovely town right on the shore with some nice habitats birding on its doorstep and its easy to get around on public transport. The bus and train station would always be easy walking distance. Sagres, a short bus ride away is wild and beautiful and the habitats inland close to Lagos are excellent too.
The Baixo Alentejo is definitely the most interesting area for visitors and one could stay in Castro Verde (no cheaper than 40Euros/night) but public transport is terrible into the best birding although within 5 kms of the town most of the steppe birds can be found. A nice couple of days within walking distance of Castro Verde would be very rewarding.
I put the link to my website for Jono - not for trying to get business - but just for information on the birdlife here - although, I would be prepared to meet up with him and give him some local tips over a coffee - just for the fun of it!
If time permits a combination of west and east should build the bigger list...
Cheers
Simon