Where to Watch Birds in Sardinia

Sardinia is a popular destination for birders and naturalists, with a great diversity of fauna and flora, rich cultural and historical attractions, and 43 key birding sites. It is home to around 300 bird species, 41 mammals, 18 reptiles and 8 amphibians, as well as a diverse invertebrate fauna. The most important details are that spring is the best time for migration, with April and May being the most popular months. 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 important for Greater Flamingo, Audouin s Gull, Little Tern and several other species of waders, gulls and terns. In winter, large concentrations of ducks and gulls are found on the island, with the occasional vagrant from Siberia or North America.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 22 October 2018
Publisher: Pelagic Publishing

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.

Weight: 280g
Dimension: 199 x 160 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781784271794