EVOA is a prime destination for birdwatchers, offering opportunities for observation throughout the year. However, different species become more visible during specific seasons, providing unique experiences for bird enthusiasts. Here are some tips and species to look out for during each season:

• November to February: During the winter months, the lagoons at EVOA are filled with large flocks of birds migrating from Northern Europe. This is the ideal time to observe thousands of birds either resting or flying, creating a truly memorable spectacle.
  • Expected species: osprey, greylag goose, bluethroat, and large concentrations of eurasian teal and black-tailed godwits.
    
    

• March/April and August to October (Autumn Migration): During the migration periods, EVOA transforms into a true oasis. With soft light and the right tides, it’s possible to capture stunning images and observe rarer species.
  • Expected species: ruffs (some in breeding plumage), garganey, spotted redshank, grey plover, whimbrel and eurasian curlew.
  • Tip: During the autumn migration, while the rice fields may be less attractive to birds, flocks tend to concentrate in the EVOA lagoons, at least until the autumn rains arrive. After the harvest, the rice fields become a key location for those seeking more variety. For those interested, we recommend the Tour through Lezíria: From the Rice Fields to the Estuary, where you can enjoy the wide diversity of species found throughout the Lezíria.
     
• May and June: This season brings migratory birds from Africa, with some nesting on the islands in the lagoons. It’s the perfect time to observe chicks of various species and witness parental care behaviors.
  • Expected species: collared pranticole (and chicks), kentish plover, purple heron, marbled duck, red-crested pochard, shelduck (and chicks), little bittern, and great reed warbler.
  • Tip: During this period, birds are more dispersed and focused on their chicks, providing unique opportunities for birdwatchers.
    
    

• All Year Round: Regardless of the season, resident species are a constant presence in the lagoons at EVOA, always offering something interesting to observe.
  • Most wanted species: flamingos (daily sightings in the lagoons from April to October), purple swamphen (more visible from October to February), glossy ibis, spoonbills, and black shouldered kite (more visible from September to March).
    
    

No matter the season, EVOA is a dynamic and diverse location where each visit reveals something new. Its variety of habitats and strategic location make it a must-visit destination for birdwatchers, offering both an abundance of species and the best lighting conditions for observation and photography.