Descrição
Although the nature reserve is relatively small the biodiversity can be very high with a large number of interesting birds. The landscape can roughly be divided in three elements:
- In the lagoons and their surrounding reed belts you can find Pato-de-bico-vermelho, Pardilheira, Bico-de-lacre, Caimão, Gaivina-de-faces-brancas, Rouxinol-bravo, Fuinha-dos-juncos, Pisco-de-peito-azul and more.
- In the rocky parts west of the parking lot (see map) there are Melro-azul, Androinha-das-rochas, Poupa, Abelharuco-comum, for example.
- And depending mostly on the presence of water, a drive or walk around the surrounding wetlands (Marjal d'Almenara) with their rice fields can also be worth visiting! Sometimes even more than the actual nature reserve! You can find Flamingo-comum, Íbis-preta, Colhereiro, Garça-pequena, Abetouro-comum, Papa-ratos, Garça-roxa, Garça-branca-pequena, Pernilongo, for example.
Detalhes
Acesso
The nature reserve is located between the town of Almenara and the beach, just next to the road CV-2310. Visitors mostly come by car (there is a parking lot just next to the road), but as it is only approx. 3 km from the town of Almenara you could also take a bike or even walk.
The nature reserve itself is then explored on a circular route, which is also wheelchair accessible. There are bird hides and explanatory panels along the route.
Please also consider visiting the rocky areas near the parking lot.
I suggest to come early in the morning, maybe even at dawn, birds' activity decreases fast towards noon.
Depending mostly on the presence of water, a drive or walk around the surrounding rice fields might also be worth visiting!
See map for directions and (small) observation towers.

.jpg)