Half Day Azores Marine Birdwatching Expedition

A Birding tour​ with Biologists and Naturalists, exploring hidden places to observe sea birds, and coastal colonies and capture wild behavior - out at sea, with incredible ocean views! The islands are home to the largest known colonies of Cory’s Shearwater, other common breeding species are Barolo Shearwater, Common and Roseate Terns, Yellow-legged Gulls, Bulwer’s Petrel, Wilson’s and Madeiran Storm-petrels, and sometimes unexpected surprises such as Bridled or Sooty Terns. Not breeding but regularly sighted are Great Shearwater and Leach’s Storm-petrel, Manx and Sooty Shearwater, vagrant Northern Gannets, Arctic, Pomarine and Great Skuas, and shore birds such as Buzzards, Turnstones, Sanderlings, Canaries, Little Egrets, Wagtails, Whimbrels,... The day starts with a short briefing introducing on bird species observed locally, migration and behavioral patterns, and onboard safety. Follow the Guide and Skipper to your designated boat and go out to sea. The boat will travel the coast to observe known colonies, shorebirds, and wildlife at the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo. Then head out to sea looking to find seabirds and capture wild animal behavior. Lookouts high inland help locate and provide directions via VHF Radio to where the boat may initially travel at high speed. Carefully approaching undetected distance, your Guide will keep you informed, collect field imagery and data for local research, and is available to provide information - feel free to ask! Many Birds find oasis in the Azores Islands to breed and raise chicks and as an on-route refuge. Marine birds can be observed yearlong, peaking in abundance in Spring and Autumn with the arrival of migrants and vagrants. Price includes: ● Opticron 8x42 Binoculars ● Knowledgeable Wildlife Guide ● Experienced Skipper ● Zodiac RIB Boat ● Impermeable Full Suit and Life Vest ● Insurance Not included: ● Hotel Pickup and Drop-off ● Personal Water supply