Birdwatching and dunes viewpoint

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Dunas de S. Jacinto Nature Reserve is part of the Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA) of the Ria de Aveiro, thus protecting the set of birds that use this area, especially in winter (wintering). At the end of the catwalk, near the front dune, you can watch the Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus) and the agile Common Tern (Sterna hirundo), ocasionaly, in WInter, the Northern Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis) and the Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) and very rarely, the Common Murre (Uria aalge), the Razorbill (Alca torda) and the Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica). Among the seagulls, the Black-backed Gull (Larus ridibundus), the Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) and the Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis) can be seen here all year round, while the Slender-billed Gull (Rissa tridactyla) is rare and is seen only in Winter. During summertime try to see, flying among the dunes, the Greater Short-toed Lark (Calandrella brachydactyla).

Without leaving the catwalk, observe the plants of the primary dune, including Marram Grass (Ammophilla arenaria), essential in the formation and establishment of the dunes, Seaside Eryngo (Eryngium maritimum), Sea Daffodil (Pancratium maritimum), the white Cotton Weed Plant (Othantus maritimus), Sea Spurge (Euphorbia paralias) and the Sea Bindweed (Calystegia soldanela).