Advices For A Trip To Madeira In August (1 Viewer)

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ReggaeDance

New member

• Apr 13, 2018

• #1

Hi everyone,

I planned a two weeks trip to Madeira.
As a very beginner in the birdwatching, I made a few researches about the birds i could sight there. But I wouldn't miss a typical bird as I did in Iceland last summer...

Did anyone already went there ? Any advice, or place to go ?

Thank you for your time.

Marc

 

T

trw

Well-known member

• Apr 13, 2018

• #2

ReggaeDance said:

Hi everyone,

I planned a two weeks trip to Madeira.
As a very beginner in the birdwatching, I made a few researches about the birds i could sight there. But I wouldn't miss a typical bird as I did in Iceland last summer...

Did anyone already went there ? Any advice, or place to go ?

Thank you for your time.

Marc

Click to expand...

Madeira is a great place for seawatching. In August you should see Bulwer's Petrel, Cory's Shearwater, Yellow Legged Gull, Little Shearwater, Madeiran Storm Petrel and Great Skua. Not sure if Manx Shearwater are there then but I've seen them at other times of the year.
its good for Dolphin watching too.

 

Last edited: Apr 13, 2018

Stephen Dunstan

Registered User

• Apr 13, 2018

• #3

In terms of landbirds Trocaz Pigeon and Madeiran Firecrest are the endemics, whilst if you have never been to the Canaries Berthelot's Pipit is a Macronesian endemic.

In terms of seabirds Zino's Petrel is a key one, but you may need to be escorted to the nest sites at night to see one.

In terms of sites Lugar de Baixo is perhaps the best for unusual species, the river mouth at Machico maybe or even Funchal harbour. If you are planning to go to Porto Santo then Tanque Pond is a very good site.

 

foresttwitcher

Virtually unknown member

• Apr 13, 2018

• #4

In addition to the sites already mentioned try:

Ponta de Sao Lourenco - Plain Swift, Berthelot's Pipit, Rock Sparrow, Atlantic Canary, local sub-species of Common Buzzard, Kestrel & Yellow-legged Gull;
Quinta Gardens / Monte - Maderia Firecrest, Spanish Sparrow, local sub-species of Sparrowhawk;
Ribeiro Frio / Balcoes / Faja de Nogueira - Trocaz Pigeon, Madeira Firecrest, local sub-species of Blackcap & Chaffinch.

August is a great time for a pelagic trip if you don't mind boat travel.

 

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albatross02

Well-known member

• Apr 13, 2018

• #5

From middle of August to middle of September, ist peak time for seabird watching in Porto Moniz.
From Hotel Salgueiro in Porto Moniz You can watch birds from terrace.

Officially the hotel is booked out via book platforms, but if You contact the hotel directly, You have very good chance for a room.
https://salgueiroportomoniz.com/

more about seabirds
http://madeira.seawatching.net/seabirds.html

Tours offers
https://www.madeirawindbirds.com/en/tours/zinos_petrel_pelagic_expedition.html

 

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albatross02

Well-known member

• Apr 13, 2018

• #6

see also
http://madeira.seawatching.net/birds.html

and

http://madeira.seawatching.net/seabirds.html

and

http://madeira.seawatching.net/seawatch.html

and

http://madeira.seawatching.net/sites.html

and

for hiking
http://www.madeira-web.com/PagesUK/levadas-uk.html

 

John Cantelo

Well-known member

• Apr 13, 2018

• #7

A good first step would be to get a copy of "Where to Watch Birds in the Madeira Archipelago" (www.nhbs.com/where-to-watch-birds-in-the-madeira-archipelago-book). It's cheaper to buy (or at least was so when I was there) in Funchal than the UK but would be very useful for planning so get it before you go. I managed to see a couple of Trocaz Pigeons, although not without difficulty, at the sites noted in the guide and spent fruitless hours gazing over laurel woodland. However, on my return to the UK I discovered that Palheiro Gardens (Funchal) is by far the easiest site to see this species. I'd also recommend the trip out to the Desertas from Funchal (if it's still running) - closer views of seabirds than from the land and chances of cetaceans.

 

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albatross02

Well-known member

• Apr 14, 2018

• #8

If You choice to stay in Porto Moniz, best time for seabird watching is after breakfast and afternoon.

The time between You can use to visit the nice landscape of Lavada Ribeira.
Also birds can be found there.
https://www.outdooractive.com/de/wa...r-levada-da-ribeira-da-janela/113669385/#dm=1

This long levada can be visited different times. The long hike will not boring.

Also swim in opposite of the hotel is possible.
There is a big swimming pool. If the wafes are not to strong, You can also swim in the ocean. The view is quite good and many fishs can found.

http://www.visitmadeira.pt/en-gb/explore/detalhe/porto-moniz-natural-swimming-pools

 

MJN

Well-known member

• Apr 15, 2018

• #9

Hi. If you want a guided day out you could contact Madeira wind birds. They would get you the endemics and other notable stuff that may be present at the time.
Cheers.

 

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ReggaeDance

New member

• Apr 16, 2018

• #10

Thanks a lot every one !
I didn't expect so many advices and experiences.
I will take the time needed to study every of your recommandations.

Again thank you for your help !

 

A

albatross02

Well-known member

• Apr 16, 2018

• #11

With one glass of Sauternes You can study all advices.

Best regards
Dieter