The great thing about Algarve birdwatching is the sheer variety of birds on show. Some live here all year round, but the region is on the flight path of many types of migrating bird, so you can enjoy a different experience, depending on the time of year.

Birdwatching in the Algarve is one of those activities that lend themselves to happy accidents, it means that you don’t need necessarily to buy equipment, or to have it with you in order to enjoy any chance sightings that might come your way. Comfortable clothes, perhaps a camera and an eye for wildlife would be the minimum.

Of course, a small pair of binoculars would enhance your enjoyment of birdwatching in the Algarve, but sometimes you can’t plan ahead. Then again, if you have specifically organised a day’s birdwatching, you will probably take along all the kit you need with you. It is really up to you, but it is enjoyable either way.

So, why is Algarve such a haven for birds and those who love to observe them ? The answer lies in the nature of the region’s geography. There are wetlands, saltpans, marshes, and lakes both brackish and freshwater.

For instance, between Vila Real de Santo António and Castro Marim, there is a Nature reserve of salt marshland that provides an important habitat for birds.

The great  thing about birdwatching in the Algarve is the geographical spread where it is possible. Anywhere between Cape St. Vincent and Vila Real (that is the extreme west to the extreme east) will put you near a great spot for seeing many lovely species, such as White Stork, Bustard, Black-shouldered Kite, Hoopoe, Southern Grey Shrike, Lark and Cattle Egret (quite common).

You can do this activity without straying too far from an Algarve beach. And, when you are out and about with your eyes open, you get to see much more of the Algarve’s non-avian life-forms, too.