Madeira in October (1 Viewer)

[TWM]

I'm going to Madeira 10th to 17th October. Are the Seabirds still likely to be around? Any info would be useful.
Tim

 

[StuartReeves]

Hi Tim,

I guess you may well have found this site: http://madeira.seawatching.net/ which should be pretty useful.

Cheers,

Stuart

 

[screaming piha]

Madeira is one of my fave locations – I go there regularly and lead trips. It should still be superb for seabirds in October. Cory's Shearwater should be around in good numbers, with Bulwer's Petrel next commonest. October is probably the peak month for Fea's Petrel (do a trip to the Desertas on board Ventura do Mar out of Funchal marina) and Zino's fledges in September, so should be around.

Good luck with the petrel ID. I wish I had a tick for every time I've been told it's impossible to separate Fea's and Zino's at sea and advised not to even try, but I am convinced it is possible -- albeit very, very difficult -- sometimes on a close bird and preferably with photos to examine afterwards. Fea's is easier to be sure about than Zino's.

By the way, there was a White-faced Storm-petrel there this week (the third seen off Madeira this summer).

You should also be treated to cetaceans and other good stuff (two Monk Seals seen at the Desertas this week).

Have a great trip

John

 

[TWM]

Thanks for that John. I am looking forward to the visit. Tim