PORTUGAL

The main target species on this short tour is one of Europe's rarest birds: Rüppell's Griffon. There are a number of records from the Iberian Peninsula, most of which refer to migrating birds. We, however, will visit a site in central Portugal where an adult Rüppell's Griffon has been resident in a breeding colony of Eurasian Griffons for several years. In addition, we will look for six non-native species which are included in category C of the Portuguese list and so qualify as Western Palearctic birds: Crested Myna, Black-headed Weaver, Yellow-crowned Bishop, Black-headed Munia, Red Avadavat and Common Waxbill. Of course, during the tour we will also see a number of other speciality European birds.

Day 1 We take a late afternoon flight from London Gatwick to Lisbon followed by a transfer to Montijo, where we will spend the night

Day 2 After an early breakfast we will drive the short distance to Alcochete, where we will begin our search for Black-headed Weaver, Yellow-crowned Bishop, Red Avadavat and Common Waxbill. Nearby, in the small village of Barroca de Alva, we will look for Black-headed Munia. Other birds we may see in the area include Cattle and Little Egrets, Black-shouldered Kite, Crested Lark, Zitting Cisticola and European Serin. Around mid morning (or earlier if we have seen all of the target species) we will head east to Portas do Rodao to look for Rüppell's Griffon from the viewing platform. This is the beginning of the breeding season and the Rüppell's Griffon will have settled in a colony of Eurasian Griffons; in some past years it has even built a nest. The late afternoons are often best for viewing as the sun is in the right position and many birds are coming in to roost after feeding elsewhere in the area during the day. After dusk we will drive the short distance to Alcochete for a two-night stay.

Day 3 After breakfast we will return to Portas do Rodao to look for the Rüppell's Griffon again. We may have to put in many hours at this site as the appearances of the bird can be erratic and it sometimes goes missing for two or even three days, visiting other colonies. We will not be bored as we wait, however, as there will be plenty of other birds to look at. Raptors may include Bonelli's Eagle and Monk Vulture.

Day 4 We will either resume our vigil at Portas do Rodao or, if we have been successful in either of the previous days, we will visit the plains around Castro Verde where Great Bustards can be found in large flocks at this time of year and Little Bustards and Black-shouldered Kites also occur. In the late afternoon we will return to Montijo, near Lisbon, for an overnight stay.

Day 5 We will begin in the Alcochete and Barroca de Alva area either searching for any of the non-native species which may have eluded us or birding generally. Then we will head through Lisbon to the fort in Cascais, where we will look for the final non-native species, Crested Myna, before returning to Lisbon to catch our return flight to London Gatwick.

General Information There are no special health requirements. Visas are not required for EU citizens. The pace of the tour is medium with only a moderate level of fitness required for walks.

Group Size Minimum number for tour to go ahead: 6; maximum group size: 7 with 1 leader, 14 with 2 leaders.