The American vagrant (Porzana carolina)that was seen in Lugar de Baixo last December has prolonged it stay in Madeira and is still enjoying the warm winter climate between the reefs of Lugar de Baixo pond, in Ponta do Sol. Today, the 22nd of February 2007 it was seen and photographed again by its first observers in Madeira, Catarina and Hugo, both from Madeira Wind Birds.

Other migrant birds which are in this spot for a long stay is a female Teal (Anas crecca) and a Common sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos).

Note that a couple of Roseate Terns (Sterna dougallii) are already flying around Funchal harbour.

Why don't you follow their example and visit Madeira during Winter? Then join our tours to observe Madeira species!

A very rare vagrant from North America has stopped in Lugar de Baixo pond to rest and feed. This is the first record for Portugal of a Sora (Porzana carolina). It was seen by Catarina Fagundes and Hugo Romano at mid-day.

Also at Lugar de Baixo, Ponta do Sol, for a month already, there is a Teal (Anas crecca), a Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) and a Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularia)

Nice birdwatching for Madeira!

What a busy day at Lugar the Baixo Pond on the 3rd of November. Many migrating birds paasing by to rest and feed. They were:

Relevant observations during our birdwatching and seawatching trips in August 2006.

Relevant observations during our birdwatching and seawatching trips in August 2006.

Occasionally Spotted sandpipers are observed in Madeira, usually brought by the western winds that cross the Atlantic. This is a juvenile/winter plumage Actitis macularia, distinguished from the Common sandpiper by its yellowish legs, pinkish bill with darker tip and by not weaving its tale. It was looking for food on the mud margins of Lugar de Baixo pond.

On the 8th of September 2006 there was a Buff-breasted Sandpiper (Tryngites subruficollis) feeding at Lugar de Baixo pond in Madeira Island. This is the 1st record for this species in Madeira.