A Rocha - Alvor
The “A Rocha” Bird Life Centre is on the side of the Nature Reserve of Alvor Lagoon.
It is open to visitors on Thursday forenoons only. Entry is free but as “A Rocha” is a charity, donations are welcome.
You take a train to Mexilhoeira Grande, cross the lines and the centre is a 15 min. walk from the station.
The birds you see obviously vary with the season, but you get a close-up view of them being ringed and checked before they are released – like the Goldcrest in the photo.
If you would like to learn more about A Rocha and their work, and perhaps help to preserve this beautiful and fragile area. Their website is well worth a look.
After visiting the centre, you can stroll down to the estuary where there are always lots of waders and other migratory birds. If feeling energetic, you can continue on a circular route, around the old salt pans, back to the station.
There are a number of people/organisations that offer birding tours:
Parque Zoológico - Barão de São João
Take the “A Onda Bus, Line 6” to reach this relatively small zoo.
It is very attractively laid out with lots of birds and a big collection of primates – but no, they don’t allow you to trade-in your grand-children!
Entry is about €12 – but discount vouchers are often available around the town and in Tourist Magazines.