melproffit

Looking for recent-hopefully-information on best option to view flamingoes during our Sept trip to Portugal. Have done some research that unfortunately has created some confusion. Looking at recommended Tagus Estuary Nature Reserve, there appears to be multiple sections. Mainly the area just at the mouth of the Tagus, with a walking trail and some hides administered by EVOA I believe, and another EVOA site north of there before you cross the river into Vila Franca de Xira that has what appears to be a large visitor’s center. We have now been advised that another good option may be the Samouco Salt Pans area in Alcochete near Lisbon. Any details that may assist our decision would be greatly appreciated.

VANAARLE

Are you sure that in September they will be abundant in the reserves?
https://portugaltravelguide.com/flamingos/
https://www.visitlisboa.com/en/place...atural-reserve
What confusion have you found?

melproffit

i was hoping someone could advise on September viewing possibilities and clear confusion on which area in the Tagus Estuary or the salt pans is our best opportunity to view the flamingos

VANAARLE

They are wild creatures and nothing will be laid down 100% Can you not be flexible? ie choose one and if the birds are not there you can move on. The locations are near to each other.
https://www.birdingplaces.eu/en/bird...nas-do-samouco
https://www.birdingplaces.eu/en/bird...dwatching-area

melproffit

our time frame requires we pick one to visit on our return to Lisbon before flying home.

HelenaFatima

melproffit, I'm sure you have the best intentions, but the poor Flamingos are escaping from other countries (mainly from Spain and France) and trying their chance in Portugal. Last year, for the first time, they layed eggs here. They already have a lot of problems, like lack of water, and they need some peace. There are some Flamingos from Italy, too, trying to nest in Portugal, so this is their last chance, as after us, there is only the Atlantic ocean. I love Flamingos, and I'd love to go there (which is easy for me) but I prefer they grow their colony, if possible. Maybe in a few years.

Maybe you can return in a few years? Maybe other countries that are loosing their Flamingos will have better conditions from now on, maybe their Flamingos return. But for the time being, just leave the poor creatures.

Sorry, I know this is not the kind of anser you wanted.

melproffit

they are not escaping they are migrating yearly based on my research. pretty sure viewing in a nature reserve for a few minutes and a few pictures won't create any problems for the flamingoes.

VANAARLE

Shame you have such a tight schedule. It is a vacation and time to escape the rat race.

melproffit

yes the timing for this is a stop at one spot on our drive from Lagos area back to Lisbon to catch a flight home the same day. the rest of the 17 days we are in Portugal will surely be a true vacation.

HelenaFatima

melproffit, they are nesting here. I'm sorry I don't have links to articles saying that, so you just have to go for my word. That's the 1st time they nest in Portugal. It is usual their presence here, but now, for what I know, they are not just migratting, they are escaping (mainly from France and Spain, and yes, several articles say it is due to the lack of water). Our scientis are not aproaching them now, but they did before, and they were with a ring identifying origin. Now they don't aproach because they hope they can nest peacefully and maybe be identified in a year or two.

Christina

well September is a little early for migration espec early Sept. I think they migrate earlier in wet years, which this is not for sure. They do both in Portugal, actually, some migrate there or through there in winter and there are some apparently trying to permanently establish colonies and nest there. If you are trying to see them in September, it would have to be the latter. And Helen is correct in that scientists attribute that to the drought and water pollution in their typical areas so they are seeking new habitats. I think the best area of where they are more likely in September is not near Lisbon, but on the south coast near Faro.

I just think you aren't going to be able to predict best spot, a local birdwatching or tour group might know, but if you DIY, I would just go the place that works out best for you and hope for the best. Which may not be much in September, whether the Tagus or Sado estuary.

I think these guys are the specialists in that, they say Sado is better
https://www.birds.pt/g/140/Birdwatch...isbon-Overview

melproffit

Helena & Christina,
thanks very much for your replies and information. i think we may make a stop at the salt pans on our way back to Lisbon and hope we get lucky. we also may attempt to see them near Faro as we will be in Lagos/Algarve for the five days prior to driving back to Lisbon. can not wait to explore Portugal. thanks again