Now if like me you don’t know your oyster-catcher from your curlew then you’d better brush up on the birdies in Portugal.
Our feathered friends are everywhere on the Algarve.
Not surprising in a country, Portugull, which has a bird in its name.
And, of course, the birdies would flock to the Algarve where fish is on every dish.
So much so that certain birds have even adapted their physiology to suit.
Spoon fed
As we discovered when we came across the unique spoon-billed ibis on our cycle ride through the Ria Formosa National Park.
Of course, whizzing through the woods is fun but isn’t the best way to appreciate the mouthy ibis.
That would be getting out on the water on a private or group catamaran cruise.
Mazeballs
The Ria Formosa is a 60km maze of canals, islands, marshes and barrier islands.
Known in these parts as Portugal’s Seventh Natural Wonder you can also find yourself beautiful hidden beaches for that picnic.
And unwrap your fishie dishie though watch out for swooping ibises.
Because these ones are easy to spot.
And this from someone who despite living more than half his life by various coasts doesn’t know his curlew from his oystercatcher.
Which inevitably brought scoffs from my own little ornithologist back here.
Speed your way
The speed boat tour lasts 1 to 2 hours and houses seven twitchers.
Optional private hire is available too. Prices start from €25/£22pp.
Our Algarve amigos advise us that the boutique Casa Modesta is the place to stay.
They bill it as a sustainable boutique eco-retreat overlooking the lagoon.
And blending stylish minimalistic luxury and traditional design.
Casa Modesta is just four miles from Olhão city centre and encourages their guests to practise sustainable travel.
Prices: €160/£135 per night based on two adults staying in a room with sea-view.
With all major airlines flying into Faro.
Watch this space
All perfect to brush up on your birdies in Portugal.
And we’re indebted here to trekking site for a spoonbilled heads up on 20 notable resident birds in these parts.
Including the Greater Flamingo, the Western Swamphen, the Redbilled Chough, Little Bustards (steady) and the Stone-Curlew.
Oh, that’s what they look like!
