Zino's Petrel
Zino's Petrel breeding site
Our nocturnal program is restricted to the rare Zino's Petrel , involving the access to a place near its colony and, above all, the sound of their calls. A not so easy walk is needed to get to the spot, it is about 25 minutes trekking up and down the mountains, with high cliffs surrounding the path.
Since the end of March Zino's Petrel begins its visits to the breeding areas in the highest mountains of Madeira, with the aim to initiate another breeding season.
At this time of year and untill end of August, it is possible to assist a wild show when, surrounded by the silence of the mountains, we are surprised by their calls that sounds like a wail, which can scare the most distractive.
Although our aim is to hear the Pterodroma madeira calls, we can be lucky and see the Barn Owl (Tyto alba scmitzi), the only nocturnal bird of prey that breeds in Madeira and that is an endemic subspecies.
For this expedition, there is some essential equipment for the success of the trip. First of all you will need warm clothes like gloves, beret, raincoat and comfortable shoes to walk over rough ground and then you need a torch that will be provided by MWB.
Since the end of March Zino's Petrel begins its visits to the breeding areas in the highest mountains of Madeira, with the aim to initiate another breeding season.
At this time of year and untill end of August, it is possible to assist a wild show when, surrounded by the silence of the mountains, we are surprised by their calls that sounds like a wail, which can scare the most distractive.
Although our aim is to hear the Pterodroma madeira calls, we can be lucky and see the Barn Owl (Tyto alba scmitzi), the only nocturnal bird of prey that breeds in Madeira and that is an endemic subspecies.
For this expedition, there is some essential equipment for the success of the trip. First of all you will need warm clothes like gloves, beret, raincoat and comfortable shoes to walk over rough ground and then you need a torch that will be provided by MWB.
These tours are made between April and August
Tour days: On request, upon availability
Price per person: €50 per person (all taxes included)
Friendly advices: Even if it is very warm in Funchal, do take very warm clothes as it can get really cold up to 1800 meters of altitude.
