Sanderling

Many bird species spend the winter on the southern coasts of Portugal and Spain, or the northern/western coast of Morocco, including these. For the waders when the tide is going out many can be found on the exposed mudbanks of river estuaries. Passerines can often be found in any suitable habitat near the coast. A lot of Montane species also move down to the coasts in winter. September/October is a good time for passage migrants also but the majority will cross just west of Gibraltar where the strait is narrowest, between Algericas and Tarifa on the Spanish side. The majority of those arriving at the Portuguese coast are likely to stop there. There are many good spots all along the coast. We go to Lagos because our elder daughter and grandchildren live there. The rivers at Alvor and Portimau are also nearby and have extensive mudflats which can be very good. Make a note of tide times as going at high tide or a couple of hours either side there will be a lot less to see. We nearly always stop at Isla Cristina when using the caravan as it is one of the hot-spots which is easily accessible. Cabo de Gata, Almeria is another good spot with a camping site and easily accessible.