The emerald island of Madeira lies 800 km out of the coast at the same latitude as northern Morocco. The ocean’s trade winds make it a spectacularly green and damp island, especially on the steep north slopes. Madeira is a hotspot of endemic species, especially flowers. Entire genera of plants occur nowhere else in the world but here. Add to this a spectacular scenery, excellent opportunities for walking and lots of unique birds and butterflies and the picture of a naturalists’ dream island is complete.
And that’s just the land. With 28 species of ceteaceans spotted regularly and numerous seabirds (including various storm petrels and the rare endemic Zino’s and Desertas Petrel) the ocean is at least as rich.
Crossbill authors Kees Woutersen and Dirk Hilbers have travelled the island extensively and toured around the coastal waters for a new Crossbill Guide. Currently, they are drawing up the new Crossbill Guide to Madeira which, with 15 routes and numerous sites, will be your complete guide to the wildlife of this fantastic island.