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Mata Nacional de Vila Real de Santo Antonio

Algarve  >  Portugal

The pine forest between Montegordo and Vila Real de Santo António offers accessible birding in woodland and dunes.

Added* by Martin Hammond
Most recent update 9 september 2024

Description

The National Forest is predominantly Stone Pine over an understorey of Spanish Broom, grading into dune vegetation. The whole area is easily accessible via a network of footpaths and offers good birding, even at the edge of the holiday resort of Montegordo. The area offers a good chance to observe Iberian specialities. škorec jednofarebný, dudok chochlatý, kanárik poľný, sýkorka chochlatá, penica sivá, kôrovník krátkoprstý and ďateľ malý should be easy to find with Iberian žlna zelená requiring greater effort, being more often heard than seen.

žľtochvost domový occurs in winter. modraňa strakovitá is easiest to find around R. das Comunidades Portuguesas, the road leading north towards the Lidl supermarket. dážďovník plavý can be found in Montegordo itself in summer (and lastovička skalná in winter) while kuropta červená and pipíška chochlatá inhabit the dunes.

Details

Access

The Forest lies between Montegordo and Vila Real de Santo Antonio and is within walking distance of either. Numerous trails exist, some suitable for cyclists and there are cyclepaths along the M511 road between the towns. There is parking at Praia Montegordo and Praia de San Antonio, or in either town. Press a P in the map for directions. Cycle hire is widely available in Montegordo. An hour or two's walk from Montegordo should provide most species, especially early in the day.

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , Dunes , Beach

Conditions

Flat , Sandy

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

No

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring , Winter

Route

Wide path , Unpaved road

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Car

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

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