A bus and then ferry over to Sao Jacinto, whilst not an island, a long road trip to arrive at the reserve from Aveiro. Weather was hugely changeable and I got soaked on 2 occasions, before being dried out with 20C temperatures and clear blue skies.
The reserve is a superb, natural habitat with plenty of bird life. However, a bit like rain forest birding as the trees and other vegetation are tightly packed and so spotting the birds is, at the best, tricky. Many were identified by song only, with 19 new species added to the trip list, the last being a crested lark at the quayside where I waited for the ferry to return to the town. Although there was a timetable, the ferry appeared to go when it felt like it and after an hour and half of waiting, I boarded and the ferry left immediately, regardless of the timetable!
The highlight was a nightjar species that I flushed from a tree right next to me. Their camouflage is amazing and it just flew off from about 2 metres away. Either nightjar or red necked nightjar, both are found in Portugal.It showed white patches on wings and tail, but both species have these. However, more likely, given habitat, to be red necked, but just another one that got away.
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| Black Kite |
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| Another black kite |
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| Boardwalk . The most open part of the reserve, with the Atlantic over the other side. |
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| wall brown butterfly |
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| Presumed emperor dragonfly or similar. |
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| crested lark at Sao Jacinto ferry terminal |
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| The entrance |
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| yet to be identified |
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| Green hairstreak: a 1st for me anywhere. |
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| Iberian water frog. Note yellow line down the spine. Diagnostic feature. |
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| white wagtail |
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