ONCE AGAIN this year, Portimão will be celebrating European Birdwatching Weekend (October 1 and 2) with an organised walk along the Ria de Alvor. The theme of the weekend is ‘See the Countryside Close-up’, an initiative which takes place in all countries that have a partnership with the BirdLife International Organisation.
The aim is to bring a large number of birdwatchers together and provide an incentive for those who have not yet discovered the activity. The weekend also serves to highlight various environmental issues.
On October 2, Portimão Câmara invites local people to participate in a walk along the Ria de Alvor to appreciate this area of great natural interest and observe some of the birds that choose this area for their habitat. The Ria de Alvor is the third most important humid area in the Algarve and the most important in the Barlavento part of the region, with unique environmental, geological and ecological characteristics.
The walk will begin at 9.30am, setting off from the car park of Quinta da Rocha, next to the river, and will last around two-and-a-half hours. Comfortable clothing and footwear are advised, along with adequate sun protection, binoculars and a bottle of water to drink.
All those interested in participating should register for a place by September 28 (places are limited) at the Departamento do Ambiente of Portimão Câmara. Call 282 480 412.
The council initiative is being organised with the support of BirdLife International and the Sociedade Portuguesa para o Estudo das Aves, the Portuguese society for the study of birds, and A Rocha – Associação Cristã de Estudo e Defesa do Ambiente, a Christian association for the study and protection of the environment.
