Portugal’s premier birdwatching festival returns to Sagres in October

Sagres will once again become a hotspot for birdwatchers, nature lovers and wildlife photographers from around the world when its famous birdwatching festival takes place from October 2 to 5.

Held annually, the festival has grown into one of Portugal’s leading nature tourism events, attracting visitors eager to witness the spectacular autumn migration that passes through the south-western tip of Europe.

Organised by Vila do Bispo municipal council in partnership with conservation organisations SPEA-BirdLife and Almargem, the event celebrates the unique location of Sagres, one of the continent’s most important bird migration corridors.

Every autumn, thousands of birds travelling between northern Europe and Africa pass through the region, making Sagres one of the best places in Europe to observe migrating raptors, seabirds and other species.

This year’s featured bird is the razorbill (Alca torda), a seabird that breeds across the North Atlantic and can be seen along the Portuguese coast during migration and throughout the winter months.

The species begins its post-breeding migration in October, coinciding with the festival period. Known for its diving abilities, the razorbill can plunge to considerable depths in search of small fish such as sardines and anchovies.

Organisers say the choice of the razorbill highlights the festival’s ongoing commitment to raising awareness about the conservation of seabirds, many of which face growing threats from accidental capture in fishing gear and other human activities.

The full programme will be announced on August 5, with registrations opening on September 2.

Since its launch in 2008, the festival has combined guided birdwatching excursions with nature walks, boat trips, talks, workshops, photography sessions and family activities, helping to showcase the rich biodiversity of the Costa Vicentina and Sagres region.

More information is available on the event’s website, where the updated programme will be published later this summer.

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.