Azores Pelagic birdwatching week on Graciosa in 2020

Hugely popular pelagic bird watching trip to the Azores in search of the elusive Monteiro’s Storm Petrels and Swinhoe’s Petrel .

The trip is ideally suited to experienced birdwatchers who have an interest in pelagic birds of Macaronesia and a particular interest in the rare Monteiro’s Petrel which has breeding sites on the island of Graciosa. However, there are other target species which will also be of interest, for example, Barolo Shearwater, Wilson’s Storm Petrels and Black Capped Petrels.

Our next planned trip will start on Saturday 23rd August 2020 (and finishes on 29th August)  and will be led by an experienced pelagic guide with a maximum group size of 12 and includes a full day birdwatching on São Miguel and 4 days on Graciosa with boat trips to the Bank of Fortune (weather permitting). Our day on São Miguel includes a visit to Tronqueira in Nordeste where we go in search of the Azores Bullfinch (Priolo); a local endemic which has been saved from extinction by the hard work of local enthusiasts and support from International birding organisations.

The boat trips to the Bank of Fortune, off Graciosa, tend to be full days out (approx’ 7hrs per day) and although birds will be the main focus there are usually plenty of opportunities to observe some of the fascinating marine life of the islands, in particular, sperm and fin whales but also smaller cetaceans such as common, striped and bottlenose dolphins.

Evening meal arrangements : Evenings are free, however your guide will make a reservation each night at a local restaurant for those wishing to come along. The evenings are relaxed and informal, with an average 3 course meal with wine costing around £15-£25pp.

Contact one of our team to find out more about this unique birdwatching holiday.

Pelagic: adjective
1. of or relating to the open seas or oceans.
2. living or growing at or near the surface of the ocean, far from land, as certain organisms.