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Hadoram Shirihai birding in the  field

The Full Story

Almodôvar Birding Center and Observatory 

Welcome to Almodôvar Birding Center and Observatory

 

We combine birding with research and conservation at our center located in Almodôvar, Alentejo, Portugal. Our center allows us to explore the flora and fauna of the Iberian Peninsula, as well as the unique habitats of remote islands such as Cape Verde, the Canaries, Madeira, the Azores and more...

Our team of expert guides is passionate about sharing their knowledge and expertise with birdwatching enthusiasts of all levels, while promoting conservation and research.

Whether you’re looking to expand your knowledge of the local birds, or just to explore the natural beauty of the region, Almodôvar Birding Center and Observatory is the perfect destination for you.

Our Team

Reut Nachum Shirihai is the wife of Hadoram (see below) and together they founded the Almodôvar Birding Center and Observatory. Reut is an architect engineer by profession, managing many mega projects, but she has also spent a lot of her life in nature getting familiar with wildlife. She excels in taking care of the administration of the center and its activities.

 

Hadoram Shirihai, is a renowned authority in the field of ornithology, having published 12 books, 6 of which have won prestigious awards, as well as dozens of scientific articles.

Our birding center is honored to be affiliated with such a distinguished professional who has devoted his life to researching, educating, and conserving birds. With unparalleled experience in ornithology, knowledge of bird species, behavior, identification, and field research, Hadoram will provide you with an unforgettable birding experience

Shirihai family in the Negev desert of Israel

Hadoram, Reut and Teva Shirihai

Yanina Maggioto
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Yanina Maggioto

Our Collaborators 

Yanina Maggioto

Yanina Maggiotto is an ornithologist licensed in tourism, specializing in bird watching and wildlife photography, and certified as a professional tour guide.

 

She was born in Argentina and has been passionate about wildlife since childhood. In 2002, she moved to Spain and fell in love with the Albufera de Valencia Natural Park, where she now lives with her family.

 

For the past 10 years, she has been the President of the Birding Guides Association in the Valencian Community, serving as a consultant on eco-tourism and bird watching.

 

She also attends national and international bird shows to promote the area and is heavily involved in numerous local conservation projects and bird censuses.

On a personal level, it is a great honor for us to collaborate with a leading ornithologist woman in Spain.

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Our Collaborators 

Buseu Project

The Buseu project (company l’Altre Pallars SL) is a part of the XCT (Land Stewardship Network), as well as the “Iberaves” Initiative, promoting sustainable ornithological tourism, supported by the SEO/Birdlife entity. The entire area is also involved in the WE (Wildlife Estates) project of the ELO (European Landowners Organization), the first of its kind in Catalonia and the Alpine Biogeographic Region in Spain. The Buseu area is included in the PEIN Alt Pirineu area and the Natura 2000 network (Alt Pallars area).

 

״The challenge of the project is to demonstrate the social and economic viability of managing the natural heritage of the area, in contrast to other unsustainable projects that could potentially harm the area in the long term.״

- Jordi Canut -

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Gerard and Jordi Canut from the Buseu project
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Gerard & Jordi Canut

Miguel Demeulemeester and Hadoram shirihai in the field

Miguel Demeulemeester and Hadoram Shirihai

Our Collaborators 

MIGUEL DEMEULEMEESTER

As an environmental consultant for Natuurpunt and a former member (20 years!) and chairman of the Belgian Rare Bird Committee, Miguel is recognized as one of the top bird experts in Europe. He has a particular fondness for Western Palearctic bird species and a deep appreciation for all flora and fauna.

 

Miguel Demeulemeester has traveled extensively, visiting numerous countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. He has conducted adventurous research expeditions to key areas. Miguel is one of the principal guide for the Belgian birding tour company- Starling, leading many birding groups. As a tour guide, he prioritizes the group's nature experience, helping them witness the ultimate observation. His extensive experience in club activities also makes him an excellent companion for engaging conversations.

 

On a personal note, we are privileged to work with Miguel Demeulemeester, be guided by him, or guide with him. His vast field experience in finding and identifying birds, with a meticulous mindset, is unmatched. In the photo, Miguel is with Hadoram during a visit to the main Madeira Island in March 2024, planning tours they will guide together in the Atlantic Islands in the years to come. Miguel has also recently joined Frank Zino and Hadoram, among others, in research on petrels on and around Porto Santo. Over the years, Miguel has collected a lot of information on the Atlantic Islands and Iberian areas, experiences he will happily share on our unique tours.

Our Collaborators 

Javi Elorriaga

Javi Elorriaga, originally from the Basque Country, has been involved in the conservation of the Cinereous Vulture in Greece. He has also worked with the Bearded Vulture in the Pyrenees and Picos de Europa National Park. Later, he participated in monitoring bird migration in the Strait of Gibraltar. Finally, he has been part of the Osprey reintroduction in northern Spain. Javi has contributed to over 30 scientific papers, book chapters, and articles in birding journals. Of particular interest is his study of the variation in Ruppell's Vulture - click here for the BD paper, and has been a member of the Spanish Committee of Rare Birds.

 

ABOUT BIRDING THE STRAIT BIRDING IN ANDALUCIA AND BEYOND

Birding the Strait is a travel agency based in Tarifa, a beautiful town located at the southernmost point of Spain and continental Europe. Due to its location right in the middle of the Strait of Gibraltar, it is one of the best sites in the world to enjoy raptor migration. It is no secret that it also offers some of the best birding in Andalucia. The company was founded by Javi Elorriaga and Yeray Seminario, bilingual ornithologists turned birding guides, who have extensive experience in ornithology and nature conservation.

 

On a personal note, the founders of BIRDING THE STRAIT, Javi Elorriaga and Yeray Seminario, collaborated with Hadoram back in 2017 in finding many of the key birds of their area for his 'world collection'. Hadoram could then sense that these two top field ornithologists and birders had already established a superb company, BIRDING THE STRAIT, leading on a global scale. He marked the area as a must to be back...

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Javi Elorriaga from birding the strait
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Javi Elorriaga

This page is still a work in progress and will include additional guides in the future.

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