In brief: On a beautiful October day, we once again enjoyed the birds, greenery, waterways, and guide, within the scenic wetlands of Samouco and EVOA.
On a beautiful fall day out in nature, we once again walked through the engaging wetlands of Salinas de Samouco at Alcochete and then toured the EVOA wetlands near Vila Franca – two of our favorite outdoor spots near Lisbon. Overall, at the two sites, we found 33 different species of birds including some huge flocks, plus flitting dragonflies, quavering butterflies, super-pesky flies, and Samouco’s elusive cottontail rabbit.
Salinas de Samouco, Alcochete
This former salt making area still has a large set of crumbling structures from the past. And it still harvests a bit of salt during the right season. Though it feels very much returned to nature, so far away from the city, in some spots you can see that Lisbon lies just across the Vasco da Gama bridge.
Many flamingoes fed off crustaceans in the pools at both sites. And then there was this wondrous set flying by.
A heart-shaped formation welcomed us in the midst of this scenic lagoon at Samouco.
This Black-winged Stilt heads toward its mate as they prowl the waters of Samouco.
EVOA (Espaço de Visitação e Observação de Aves), Leziria
This reserve maintains the estuary habitat of the Tejo across from Vila Franca de Xira, where fresh and salt water still mix.
There often can be good birdwatching on the long approach to EVOA after departing the busy two-lane N10 between Vila Franca de Xira and Samora Correia in Leziria. That dirt-track passes through fields of rice regularly farmed with the result that they attract large flocks of birds gleaning left-over food. And hawks perched at fence posts.
Here, for example, against the backdrop of Vila Franca’s commercial plants, we marveled at innumerable White Storks and (outside the frame) Glossy Ibises.
Peering back at the crowd of other birds, these two seemed content with their setting and our presence. On the right is a Grey Heron. On the left, a Little Egret. We saw many of both species.
Once in EVOA, the lagoons and their viewing sites are the main attraction.
At EVOA this time, we had a special treat in viewing the lagoons with a wonderful guide. Pedro is quite an expert on birds. He extensively bands them for tracking, and tracks down insects, hundreds of which he’s identified at the reserve. He also leads 4000 local students in an environmental project and learning adventures.
At this viewing site, we could marvel at the myriad of Black-tailed Godwits come to visit once again. With his scope, our guide could pick out of the crowd Redshanks, Stints, and other wading birds – who didn’t seem to mind being different. Occasionally, a Marsh Harrier would glide by, scaring the flocks into wild flight though they soon returned to the ponds when the Harrier left.
A Pied Avocet takes a moment from sticking its odd bill into the pond to seek out another feeding spot.
Our favorite flamingo, in the low sunlight at EVOA. A dozen others fed nearby.
The impossibly colored Purple Swamphen, or swamp chicken per Pedro, with reversed lighting…red in front of the head and white at the back end.
(To enlarge any picture above, click on it. Also, for more pictures from Portugal, CLICK HERE to view the slideshow at the end of the itinerary page.)
