For decades, the Mindelo Ornithological Reserve, currently included in the North Coast Regional Protected Landscape, was a unique space that marked the birth of the scientific study of birds and nature conservation in Portugal and worldwide. Created in 1957, the Mindelo Ornithological Reserve was the first classified area of the country, with 411 hectares (extended to 183 hectares, to the mouth of the river Ave, in 1959).
Currently is a place of refuge for more than a hundred species of birds, especially migratory birds. It is also a unique area in the north Portuguese coast by biodiversity that contains in terms of the flora, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals, for which contributes the set of temporary ponds in dune areas and some permanent ponds in the pine forest area.
Location: Vila do Conde
