Almodôvar Birding Center and Observatory

Take part in researching the rarest pelagic birds

This pelagic trip aims to find the endemic and enigmatic Monteiro's Storm Petrel Hydrobates monteiroi, which was only described as recently as in 2008.

If you are a seabird enthusiast, you should know that out of the vast cosmopolitan range of the Band-rumped Storm Petrel complex, there are only three cryptic species. Two of these species are found in the Azores - see list below. Additionally, Swinhoe's Storm Petrel is recorded here almost annually. Furthermore, in August, any of the five gadfly petrels listed below are also potential sightings, in addition to a long list of local and migratory seabirds that we could see.

Monteiro’s Storm Petrel Hydrobates monteiroi (global, regional, national, and archipelago endemic!!!)
Band-rumped Storm Petrel Hydrobates castro, with the winter breeders known as 'Grant's Storm Petrel'
Swinhoe's Storm Petrel Hydrobates monorhis
Barolo Shearwater Puffinus baroli
Bulwer`s Petrel Bulweria bulwerii
Bermuda Petrel Pterodroma cahow
Black-capped/Black-faced Petrels Pterodroma hasitata
Zino's Petrel Pterodroma madeira
Desertas Petrel Pterodroma deserta

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Why Flores?

Flores waters are where the local endemic Monteiro’s Petrel feeds, and while in this westernmost-WP location, we focus on searching for the gadfly petrels.

Why does the end of August mark the beginning of September?

We time the pelagic operation exactly at the median date when the first arrival of the winter breeder Grant's Storm Petrel and the Monteiro’s Petrel are still present in good numbers before leaving Azorean waters. Our aim is to test all the known ID tools in the separation of these cryptic species with birds at sea. At this time of year, the sea is calm to moderate, providing perfect conditions for attracting storm petrels to our chum slick.

Why with Hadoram and Carlos?

Hadoram is still collecting material for the future volume of the Storm Petrels of the World, where he has already studied most populations of the Band-rumped complex with birds at sea, handled birds in the colonies, and most museums worldwide. In recent years, he has especially studied the winter and summer breeders of Porto Santo.

Carlos is a professional in various outdoor, including extreme, marine activities. With 30 years of experience as a skipper, dive master, and top photographer around Flores Island and worldwide, he is well-equipped to guide visitors.