Irish Bird Images

We landed on Maderia on July 25th to be greeted by 3 Barn Owls on route from the airport to the hotel which was based in Funchal the capital and a perfect central location for birding. We birded Funchal Harbour most days for Herring Gulls and a Ring-Billed Gull, Ribeirio Frio for Trocaz Pigeon and Firecrest which were easy. Ponta da Cruz (Funchal) was accessible from the hotel resort for morning seawatching which produced 1 Fea's/Zino's Petrel and thousands of Cory's Shearwaters and Bulwer's Petrels. Ponta do Garajau for Barn Owls and returning late night Cory's and Maderian Petrels. Sao Lourenco peninsula for Berthelot's Pipit, Spectacled Warbler (1) and Rock Sparrow. We spent several days at sea (pre-booked in advance) with "Ventura do Mar" taking us to Islands Bugio and Desertas Grande which produced 100s of Cory's and Bulwer's the highlight being 6 Fea's/Zino's Petrel giving spectacular views from the boat along with several species of whales, dolphins and Loggerhead Turtles. A trip to remember and highly reccommed to any keen seawatcher!
Thanks to Ventura do Mar www.venturadomar.com for following the key species, and a must for a birders guide to all the relevant sites on Maderia www.madeira.seawatching.net