Bird Watching & Birding in Azores

Bird Watchin in Azores – join a marine wildlife expedition to explore hidden places and observe coastal colonies, looking for the season’s birds and capture wild behavior out at sea, with incredible ocean views!

The day starts with a short informative briefing introducing to bird species that can be observed locally, migratory and behavioral patterns, and onboard safety.

Everyone will follow the Guide and Skipper to their designated boat and go out to sea. First the boat will travel along the coast to observe the known coastal colonies, shorebirds and life at the islet of Vila Franca do Campo, and then head out to sea looking to find seabirds and capture wild animal behavior.

Our lookouts high inland help locate our friends, and provide directions via VHF Radio to where the boat may travel initially at high speed. While carefully approaching undetected viewing distance to our friends, your Guide will keep you informed, while collecting field imagery and data for Cornell’s Lab of Ornithology international database.

Many Birds find oasis in the Azores Islands to breed and raise chicks, or as on-route refuge, and marine birds can be observed yearlong, peaking in abundance in Spring and Autumn with the arrival of migratory species and rare vagrants. The islands are home to the largest known colonies of Cory’s Shearwater, commonly sighted species are Barolo Shearwater, Common Terns, and Yellow legged Gulls, occasionally Bulwer’s Petrel, Wilson’s and Madeiran Storm-petrels, unexpected surprises are Bridled and Sooty Terns. Migratory not breeding Great Shearwater and Leach’s Storm-petrel are regulars, as well as Manx Shearwater, Sooty Shearwater, and vagrant Arctic, Pomarine and Great Skuas, possibly shore birds such as Little Egrets, Turnstones, Whimbrels, Sanderlings and surprise rarities.

At 11:00 it is time to be at the Marina for check-out.

We recommend you to eat light, and bring your personal water supply, sunscreen and chap-stick for the Sun, and warm clothing since temperatures may vary. Light food is permitted onboard, a camera is essential (pref. with zoom), binoculars are recommended – protect any personal equipment.

Not for anyone pregnant, with weak back, in wheelchair, in delicate health condition, or under the age of 4.