With 126 different species of birds, the Easter Bird week of 2016 was a great success. Bird species like the Great and Little Bustard, Purple Swamphen, Little Bittern and the Glossy Ibis highlighted the week.

Easter week

Each year A ROCHA Portugal organizes a week of bird watching combined with bible studies in the preparation of Easter.  This year the retired Reverend John Townsend prepared a series of studies in the theme of creation. The combination of bird watching during the day and reflective studies in the evening provided an enjoyable balance. A great way to give the bird week more reflection while still observing many interesting species like the Short-eared Owl, Hoopoe, Blue Rock Thrush and Ring Ouzel.


Food and reflection

This way we could amaze ourselves during the day by finding a vulture on one of the many storks’ nests and have discussions on the tension between science and religion in the evening. The wonderful community meals, at the field study centre, Cruzinha, gave opportunity to ask questions on how the staff of A ROCHA deals with these issues on a day to day basis.

Vautour Odiax (3)


Spring in the air

As the week was organized in spring we were also able to observe interesting migrant species such as Quail, Purple Heron, Black Kite, Lesser Kestrel, Great Spotted Cuckoo, and Woodchat Shrike. Besides that we also enjoyed seeing several species of colourful butterflies and the orchids blooming in the fields. The beautiful surroundings of sunny Algarve provided great scenery for a week of nature study. We are already looking forward to the next Easter Special in 2017!

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people birwatchingCory's Shearwater above the sea