The trail goes around the vicinity of the village of Javali, giving you the opportunity to get to know the rural mountain landscape and the habitats of some common birds in this territory.
A – Blue rock thrush – In order to reach the information point dedicated to this bird, you’ll pass by typical dry stone houses with their gardens and orchards and a well with a piston-wheel pump. The blue rock thrush prefers rocky environments, inhabited or ruined areas, and steep river valleys.
B – Bonelli’s eagle – The panoramic view at this point will allow you to enjoy the mountain landscape. This bird of prey typically dwells in highlands and high places, and can nest on top of tall trees. The surrounding area is populated by typical cork oak and strawberry trees forests of the Algarve, accompanied by aromatic lavender and cistus bushes.
C – Spotted woodpecker – In this small ravine, the forests of coriander, strawberry trees and pine grow and are surrounded by brambles. The woodpecker prefers well developed forest areas, especially cork oaks groves and pine forests.
D – Golden oriole – Here you can observe the surrounding mountains and the mosaic of wellmaintained forest areas (mainly cork oak and pine), orchards and small vegetable gardens, prime habitats for the golden oriole, which feeds on the fruits of several trees.
E – Partridge – The partridge, a bird typically associated with agricultural land and areas of scrub and bushes, has its information point next to a farm surrounded by scrubland.
F – European goldfinch – In this cool gully, the vegetation becomes lush and the forest of cork oak and strawberry trees is joined by a riverside curtain of willows, ash trees, lianas and brambles. Traces of old vegetable gardens are visible in the small river valley. The information point of this bird, common in agricultural lands, hedges and riverside vegetation, is next to an old fonte, or spring, the Fonte Ti Viegas.
Municipality: São Brás de Alportel
Circular trail: yes
Distance: 2,5 km
Average duration: 1h
Cumulative elevation gain: 113 metres D+
Type of path: dirt paths and asphalt roads
Start of the trail: 37º 14' 04.58'' N 7º 53' 36.25'' W