The Algarve is a fascinating region for birdwatching. It comprises a variety of habitats, from coastal wetlands and saltpans to rocky cliffs, oak and pine woodland and deep river valleys. As it lies on a migration route, it can provide great birding throughout the year. In this book, we describe 100 birding hotspots, located throughout the region. The contents have been organised according to the 16 concelhos, so there is a chapter for each concelho. This way, it is ensured that all hotspots that are located in the same area are grouped in the same chapter. Concelhos are presented in alphabetical order. Each chapter begins with a two-page introduction, which highlights some interesting birds that can be seen in the concelho and how the hotspots look like. After that, detailed information is provided for each hotspot: a brief description, a list of the most interesting birds that can be found there, and some suggestions on how it can be explored. All the places described in this book are accessible by car. In many cases, small pedestrian routes are also suggested, which will allow for a better exploration of each of the selected sites.

Sardinia is in the middle of the western Mediterranean between Europe and Africa. Its location on the Mediterranean flyway makes it an important refuelling stop for migrating birds - especially on its extensive wetlands. A popular destination for birders and naturalists, Sardinia has a great diversity of fauna and flora, along with rich cultural and historical attractions. Where to Watch Birds in Sardinia, written by two ornithologists with extensive experience of Sardinian birding, provides detailed information on the 43 key birding sites in Sardinia. For each site the target species are highlighted, along with information on habitat, when to visit, other wildlife, facilities, access, how long you'll need, the photographic opportunities and recommendations for your visit. A map of each site helps with planning and navigation to the site. Often described as a micro-continent for the variety of its ecosystems, Sardinia has mountains, forests, lowlands, gorges, wetlands, long sandy beaches and rocky shores. It is home to around 300 bird species, 41 mammals, 18 reptiles and 8 amphibians as well as a hugely diverse invertebrate fauna. Owing to its geographical isolation, altitudinal variation and limited human presence, Sardinia has retained many habitats that are favourable for the development and preservation of a large number of endemic plants, accounting for 10 per cent of the island's flora and including several orchid species. Sardinia's 'must-see' birds include Greater Flamingo, Eleonora's Falcon, Purple Swamphen, Little Bustard, Audouin's Gull, Marmora's Warbler, Corsican Finch, Griffon Vulture and Barbary Partridge. In spring, April and May are the best months for migration, while for the autumn migration the best period stretches from the end of August to the end of October. Wetlands are the most important sites in springtime, with many species stopping for some days before going north. During the breeding season these areas are very important for Greater Flamingo, Audouin's Gull, Little Tern and several other species of waders, gulls and terns. The breeding season is also a good time to see 'special' resident species like the Little Bustard in display or to hear the flight call of the Corsican Finch. In winter, large concentrations of ducks and gulls are found on the island, with the occasional vagrant from Siberia or North America.

"Wildlife in a Changing World" presents an analysis of the 2008 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Beginning with an explanation of the IUCN Red List as a key conservation tool, it goes on to discuss the state of the world s species and provides the latest information on the patterns of species facing extinction in some of the most important ecosystems in the world, highlighting the reasons behind their declining status. Areas of focus in the report include: freshwater biodiversity, the status of the world s marine species, species susceptibility to climate change impacts, the Mediterranean biodiversity hot spot, and broadening the coverage of biodiversity assessments."

An unbeatable guide to the Algarve, packed with insider tips and ideas, colour maps and top 10 lists - all designed to help you see the very best of the Algarve. Explore nature trails through serene Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, browse Loulé's colourful market, kayak across the Alvor estuary, or simply relax on the beach at Praia da Rocha and take in the region's stunning ochre-splashed coastline. From Top 10 wineries to the Top 10 coastal and river cruises - discover the best of the Algarve with this easy-to-use travel guide. Inside Top 10 Algarve: - Six easy-to-follow itineraries, perfect for a day trip, a weekend, or a week - Top 10 lists showcase the Algarve's best attractions, covering Faro, Monchique, Albufeira, Portimão and more - In-depth neighbourhood guides explore Algarve's most interesting areas, with the best places for shopping, going out and sightseeing - Colour-coded chapters divided by area make it easy to find information quickly and plan your day - Essential travel tips including our expert choices of where to stay, eat, shop and sightsee, plus useful transport, visa and health information - Colour maps help you navigate with ease - Covers Central, Eastern and Western Algarve, the Alentejo and more About DK Eyewitness Travel: DK's Top 10 guides take the work out of planning a short trip, with easy-to-read maps, tips and tours to inform and enrich your weekend trip or cultural break. DK is the world's leading illustrated reference publisher, producing beautifully designed books for adults and children in over 120 countries.

A Birder's Guide to the Rio Grande Valley is designed to help you locate not only the specialty birds of the Rio Grande Valley not occurring elsewhere in North America but also to find the more common birds of the region. Birding begins in the wonderland of the Lower Rio Grande Valley, detailing routes designed to help you make the most of your visit at any time of year. The guide deviates from the Valley to cover the Edwards Plateau, the Davis Mountains, the Pecos Valley, and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Special attention is given to the world-renowned regional hotspots: Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, Big Bend National Park, and the Davis Mountains, as well as the El Paso and Las Cruces, NM areas. In addition to descriptions of over 230 birding sites, the authors have completely updated the Annotated Checklist, covering more than 500 species.