Portugal, Algarve, Praia do Barril, Nov. 16, 2015

The Ria Formosa lagoon, a large wetland, is located in the eastern part of Algarve, in southern Portugal It is a system of barrier islands that communicates with the sea through six inlets. The wetlands, which is very productive, serves a stopping place for hundreds of different species of birds during the spring and autumn migratory periods. It alos serves as hibernation place for many waders. Ria Formosa is designated as Natural Park covering over 170 km². Villages and towns in the Ria Formosa area have a large number of bars, cafés and restaurants. Praia do Barril (in English: "The Barrel Beach") is one of the most emblematic beaches of the barrier islands. This beach is a part of Ilha de Tavira.

The harbour of the village Santa Luzia

Whimbrel, Numenius phaeopus, Lille regnsporve

Whimbrel, Numenius phaeopus, Lille regnsporve

Little egret (Egretta garzetta), Silkehejre

Little egret (Egretta garzetta), Silkehejre

Little ringed plover (Charadrius dubius) Lille Præstekrave

Ruddy turnstone (Arenaria interpres), Stenvender

The common redshank or simply redshank (Tringa totanus), Rødben

The common redshank or simply redshank (Tringa totanus), Rødben

Common sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) Mudderklire

Ria Formosa wetland and tourist resorts

The beach at the Barrier Island, Ilha de Travira

Sunset over Ria Formosa

Kingfisher, Alcedo atthis, Isfugl