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Cross countryside Bustards and Eagles excursions

6 nights in Almodôvar and a 3 day 's tour in the unique grassland steppe habitats, aiming to spot Great Bustards and Spanish Imperial Eagles.

 

Stay in Almodôvar for 6 nights with a 3-day tour of the unique grassland steppe habitats, focusing on spotting Great Bustards and Spanish Imperial Eagles, as well as other habitats and targets.

 

Specialties commonly seen

 in the area include the Red-necked Nightjar, Little Bustard, Iberian Green Woodpecker, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Eurasian Stone-curlew, Azure-winged Magpie, Iberian Grey Shrike, Thekla's Lark, Calandra Lark, Blue Rock Thrush, Rock Bunting, and Spotless Starling. Bonelli's and Golden Eagles, Black-winged Kite, and gatherings of Eurasian Griffon and Cinereous (Eurasian Black) Vultures are also frequently spotted.

In spring, seasonal sightings may include the Lesser Kestrel, Montagu's Harrier, Great Spotted Cuckoo, European Roller, European Bee-eater, Woodchat Shrike, Red-rumped Swallow, Black-eared Wheatear, Golden Oriole, Tawny Pipit, Melodious Warbler, Western Subalpine Warbler, and Iberian Chiffchaff.

 

Depending on participant preference, the third day of the excursions may include the coastal Algarve marshes and seashores, with a focus on water birds such as the Western Swamphen, Audouin's and Mediterranean Gulls, Purple Heron, Little Bittern, Bluethroat, Greater Flamingos, various ducks, waders, and more!

Birds of Alentejo collage - Photography by Hadoram Shirihai

 The Almodôvar Birding Center and Observatory offers customized birding tours for a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4 participants. Our programs are tailored to showcase the unique bird species found in Alentejo. If you're planning on traveling to Portugal this season, secure your spot today and join us for an unforgettable birdwatching experience.

TOUR PROGRAM

Day 1

Evening gathering and tour briefing at the Almodôvar Birding Centre; Self-dinner in a local restaurant or optionally at the Birding Centre; Accommodation in Almodôvar.

 

Day 2 

Early or packed breakfast; 1st Full-day 4x4 tour across the grassland steppe habitats (guided by Hadoram Shirihai), aiming to spot Great & Little Bustards and Spanish Imperial Eagles (see full list for other targets); Self-choice of lunch and dinner; Evening briefing and bird listing at the Almodôvar Birding Centre; Accommodation in Almodôvar.

 

Day 3

Early or packed breakfast; 2nd Full-day 4x4 tour across the grassland steppe habitats (guided by Hadoram Shirihai), aiming to spot Great & Little Bustards and Spanish Imperial Eagles (see full list for other targets); Night trip to spot the Red-necked Nightjar; Self-choice of lunch and dinner; Evening briefing and bird listing at the Almodôvar Birding Centre; Accommodation in Almodôvar.

 

Day 4 

Early or packed breakfast; 3rd Full-day 4x4 tour (guided by Hadoram Shirihai), which will include other areas and target birds, based on the participants' wishes and preferences; cultural sites and wineries visits might be included as well; Self-choice of lunch and dinner; Evening briefing and bird listing at the Almodôvar Birding Centre; Accommodation in Almodôvar.

 

Day 5 

Early or packed breakfast; Self-driving & birding (suggested sites can be provided); Accommodation in Almodôvar.

 

Day 6

Early or packed breakfast; Self-driving & birding (suggested sites can be provided); Accommodation in Almodôvar.

 

Day 7 

BON VOYAGE breakfast (or packed breakfast)

The package includes

  • All accommodations from day 1 to day 7 (6 nights).

  • Breakfast at the hotel. On days when the tours start early, breakfast will be self-service.

  • Transportation in a comfortable vehicle for 1-4 people, depending on the final number of participants. All participants will have a window seat on tours with up to 3 participants.

  • An experienced birding guide in the Alentejo region, especially around Almodôvar. All tours will be conducted in English.

  • A digital welcome booklet that includes an itinerary, travel information, and a checklist of the birds in the region.

The package does not include

SUV

  • All other meals and drinks

  • Transfers from Lisbon, Faro, and other locations

  • Any flights

  • Tips for hotels, service, and guides

  • Personal travel insurance. It is the responsibility of each participant to obtain private travel insurance, which should cover challenging activities such as using a 4x4 off-road vehicle

  • Personal items including binoculars, telescope, cameras, etc.

The above package tour is only available using our 4x4 carriage with highly spacious comfortable seating for up to three window-seated participants. This tour is particularly suitable for self-travelers in Portugal looking to combine it with their plans!

The birds of Alentejo

Join our birdwatching tours to explore the stunning European Steppe Habitats, specializing in observing the truly outstanding Great Bustards and Spanish Imperial Eagles.

The Great Bustard is among the heaviest living flying birds, with males' wingspans that may exceed 2.5 meters, able to airlift an average of 12 kg body mass, but over 18 kg has been recorded.

The Spanish Imperial Eagle is one of the most powerful and rarest raptors in the world, with just over 400 pairs globally, endemic to the Iberian Peninsula.

We also offer the opportunity to observe other specialties often found in the same region, such as the Red-necked Nightjar, Little Bustard, and more.

Our knowledgeable guides will take you to the best locations to observe these magnificent birds.

Book now and experience the thrill of birdwatching!

  • Great Bustard Otis tarda

  • Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax

  • Spanish Imperial Eagle Aquila adalberti

  • Bonelli Eagle Aquila fasciata

  • Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos

  • Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus

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