Our holiday will explore the varied bird-rich habitats of the Algarve, from the coastal wetlands and salt pans to the heaths and cliffs of the rugged Atlantic coast. Relatively undeveloped compared to other parts of the Mediterranean, the area is home to exciting birds such as Purple Swamp-hen, Greater Flamingo, Azure-winged Magpie and the introduced Common Waxbill, along with a wide variety of waders, terns, herons and wildfowl. The week will give us a good introduction to observing and identifying many of the larger groups of European birds: sea birds, waders and waterfowl, raptors and a good variety of migrating warblers and other passerines.

Near the dramatic Cabo Sao Vicente, the southwesternmost point of mainland Europe, we will visit a migration watchpoint where we will hopefully enjoy one of the great spectacles of the birding world as migrating storks, eagles, kites and other birds of prey head south.

Another highlight of the trip will be our excursion into the rolling steppe and cork oak forests of Alentejo. Here we learn about the conservation work going on to protect Europe’s heaviest flying bird, the Great Bustard. Other bird highlights should include Little Bustard, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Spanish Imperial Eagle and Black Vulture.

We spend the first half of our holiday based in the historic Hotel Vila Gale Albacora set in the heart of the Rio Formosa national park near Faro, followed by the contrastingly modern surroundings of Hotel Memmo Baleeira in Sagres, both with four star accommodation.