Birds of Estrela Mountain – 1/2day

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9
1/2 day
Estr. da Torre, Covilhã
Estr. da Torre, Covilhã

Discover the wild heart of central Portugal on a guided birdwatching adventure in Serra da Estrela Natural Park. A majestic landscape where rugged peaks, glacial-scored rock faces and high-altitude plateaus make this the highest mountain range in mainland Portugal. 

With the expert guidance of a local naturalist, you’ll explore a unique mosaic of mountain habitats. From rocky outcrops and open moorlands to forested valleys and swift mountain streams, where this special place fosters endemic flora and fauna found nowhere else in the country. On this tour you’ll have the chance to spot a remarkable variety of birds all within a single region. Among roughly 100 resident species, you may encounter raptors such as the Montagu’s Harrier, Short-toed Snake Eagle and Booted Eagle, agile mountain dwellers like the Rock Thrush and Northern Wheatear, or cliff-hugging flocks of Red-billed Chough. As well as many other warblers, pipits and forest birds common to this highland realm. 

The experience is thoughtfully organised: you’ll be accompanied by a specialized guide, provided with local transport, and you’ll traverse part on foot and part by vehicle, making it accessible even if you’re not an avid hiker. A half-day or full-day option is available, and (if you wish) the tour can include a picnic, letting you enjoy the mountain scenery at leisure. 

Whether you’re a passionate birder or simply someone who appreciates nature at its most dramatic, this guided journey through Serra da Estrela offers a rare opportunity to connect with Portugal’s wild heart, where altitude, solitude and biodiversity come together in a single, unforgettable experience.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Specialized guide
  • Local transport
  • All permits
  • Provision of optical equipment
  • Insurance

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

  • Others not specified

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Rock Thrush (Monticola saxatilis)
  • Ortolan Bunting (Emberiza hortulana)
  • Montagu's Harrier (Circus pygargus)
  • Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe)
  • Firecrest (Regulus ignicapilla)
  • Crag Martin (Ptyonoprogne rupestris)
  • Tawny Pipit (Anthus campestris)
  • Western Bonelli's Warbler (Phylloscopus bonelli)
  • Dartford Warbler (Sylvia undata)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When is the best time to do this tour?

Most of the year, if the weather conditions are acceptable.

How is this activity carried out?

The itinerary through the region is by car, but there are several stops planned to explore short walking routes.

Single-use plastics

In our activities, we promote the non-use of single-use plastics. This way, we recommend our clients to bring their own canteen for water.

Dietary restrictions

In case of food intolerance, or other dietary preferences, we are happy to adapt the meals accordingly, but we’d ask you to let us know in advance.

What to wear?

This activity requires comfortable footwear (preferably mountain boots or trainers), clothing adapted to the season and the weather forecast.

Smoking

In dry weather, it is very dangerous to smoke in the countryside. We ask that you only smoke at the end of the activity. Ando do not throw cigarette butts on the ground.