Top islands for bird watching with Azores holidays

When it comes to planning trips abroad, you will want to make sure that you are able to enjoy your favourite activities, which is why tailor made holidays are such a good idea.

They allow you to design an itinerary to suit your needs and passions without having to follow a large group or take part in pre-decided activities.

The Azores are an excellent destination if you are looking for an unspoilt paradise. Although the archipelago is officially part of Portugal, the islands are in fact situated in the Atlantic Ocean between Portugal and North America.

Azores holidays will give you the opportunity to discover a truly beautiful place - and if you enjoy bird watching and wildlife spotting, you are in luck!

Due to the location of the islands, many different species of birds stop off here on their migration routes - and of course you will also be able to enjoy seeking out the endemic feathered creature 'The Priolo' or Azorean Bullfinch that call the islands home.

Whichever of the Azorean islands you choose, you are bound to see plenty of wonderful animals.

Sao Miguel, one of the eastern islands, is a good option if you want to be able to spot some of the common land-based birds, as well as many seabirds.

From Ponta Delgada harbour, you can expect to find the likes of common terns, little egrets, Manx shearwaters and turnstones out on the water and closer into shore.

Meanwhile, if you head inland to Furnas Lake, you will be able to spot all manner of birds, such as teals, tufted ducks and grey herons.

You should also keep your eyes peeled for the endemic species, the Azores bullfinch, which can sometimes be seen flitting about in the trees in the Serra da Tronqueira in the Eastern region of the island.

If you also enjoy your flowers, you may want to visit Sao Miguel and Furnas during April, when the azaleas are in full bloom.

Moving on from Sao Miguel, you could head to the island of Flores in the west - a nature lover's paradise. One location you should certainly visit on the island is Faja Grande. The natural setting is truly spectacular with 20 waterfalls tumbling over a high cliff.

In addition, you will find plenty of birds here, such as sanderlings, chaffinches, linnets, semipalamated plovers and canaries.