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At almost 2,000 m in altitude, the Serra da Estrela is the highest elevation in mainland Portugal. Its imposing and spectacular rocky landscape is deeply marked by the scars left by the glaciers of the past. It also hosts specific mountain habitats as well as countless endemic species of plants and animals, some of which exist nowhere else in the world.
On the Serra da Estrela Photo Tour, we will find important natural values. Owing to its altitude, geographic isolation has allowed certain animal and plant species to evolve here separately from other populations, thus creating distinct species specific to this territory.
In the highest parts of the Estrela, it is possible to find and observe with ease the emblem of the Serra’s reptiles, the Iberian Rock Lizard (Iberolacerta monticola), a species endemic to the Serra da Estrela.
We can also observe unique insects that exist only here. The main ones are Monotropus lusitanica, Iberodorcadion brannani, Zabrus estrellanus and Ctenodecticus lusitanicus. Other species have their exclusive distribution area in Portugal in the Serra da Estrela. This is the case of the dragonflies Aeshna juncea and Sympetrum flaveolum and of the butterfly Satyrus actaea.
Among the birds that can be observed in the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, some find in this mountain their preferred habitat in the country. From a list of about 100 resident species, we can highlight the following:
Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush (Monticola saxatilis), Ortolan Bunting (Emberiza hortulana), Rock Bunting (Emberiza cia), Montagu’s Harrier (Circus pygargus), Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe), Tawny Pipit (Anthus campestris), Short-toed Snake Eagle (Circaetus gallicus), Booted Eagle (Hieraeetus pennatus), Eurasian Crag Martin (Ptyonoprogne rupestris), White-throated Dipper (Cinclus cinclus), Common Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus) and Red-billed Chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax).
In terms of flora, there is a great variety of plants and flowers that lend their colour to the paths and slopes of the Serra. Like the fauna, some botanical elements survive only in this mountainous territory. The highest level of the Estrela has pseudo-alpine characteristics and, therefore, the vegetation consists mostly of shrubby and creeping plants, such as the Alpine Juniper (Juniperus alpina), and grasses such as Festuca henriquesii and Mat-grass (Nardus stricta), plants adapted to the harsh winter climate and to the regular cover of snow. Campanula herminii, a beautiful blue flower associated with high-altitude pastures (cervunais), and Silene foetida subsp. foetida bloom during the summer months. But already in mid-winter and early spring we can see several species of daffodils (some of them Iberian endemics) and the characteristic Fritillaria nervosa. In the wetter areas, we can also find the tiny Round-leaved Sundew (Drosera rotundifolia), a carnivorous plant, among many others.
It is the most impressive in the country. The forest area surrounding the village of Manteigas takes on different tones in autumn, enhancing the landscape and the photographic framing. There are countless details that can also be explored at this time of year, taking advantage of the palette of colours and the textures.
In general, this activity covers the most relevant aspects of the natural heritage of the Serra da Estrela: the rock formations and the traces of the glaciations, the birds, the reptiles and amphibians, the insects, the flowers, the mountain landscapes, the water and, even in winter, the snow and ice landscapes.
Accompanied by an experienced nature guide/photographer, we can also, in a practical way, develop some photographic techniques and concepts.
Winter (December to March) – winter landscapes with snow and ice, daffodils and fritillary.
Spring (April to June) – spring landscapes, fauna and flora, water.
Summer (July to September) – fauna (reptiles, amphibians, insects) and the most important flowers.
Autumn (October to November) – autumn landscapes, deciduous and mixed forests, mushrooms, water.
Duration: 1 day.
Type: mixed (on foot and by vehicle).
PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS AND ADVICE
For this programme you will need comfortable footwear (preferably hiking boots or sports shoes), trousers, a windbreaker and other clothing suited to the season and the weather forecast. Bring a water bottle. As for photographic equipment, which is merely indicative, the ideal is a digital reflex camera (DSLR), a wide-angle lens, another lens with a longer focal length (for example 70-200mm) and a tripod. Participants may bring other equipment as they see fit (for example a macro lens, flash, filters, etc).
Even in summer, weather conditions can deteriorate from one moment to the next and become somewhat adverse: strong winds, low temperatures, fog. Depending on the weather forecast for the day of the activity, the activity may or may not be changed or cancelled.
1 DAY: up to 4 participants – 215,00 € (group price)
1/2 DAY: up to 4 participants – 160,00 € (group price)
For larger groups or other conditions, please contact us.
The price includes guide accompaniment, transport from Guarda or a local pick-up point (if applicable), and insurance.
Your place is only guaranteed upon payment of 50% of the registration fee.
Discount equal to VAT offered to private customers.
VAT is added to the prices shown for companies and other entities.
Through the contacts provided, stating your name and mobile phone number/email.
Your place is only guaranteed upon payment of 50% of the registration fee.
Email:info@wildlifeportugal.pt
Mobile/WhatsApp: +351 918 068 872
(call to the Portuguese mobile network)
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