Birds in the Levada Walks – (Chaffinch)
The Fringilla coelebs madeirensis is endemic to the island of Madeira. This subspecies has more colourful plumage than the european, and has a louder, more melodious song. Differences in plumage colour are more obvious in the male (more colourfl), which has a pink breast, green back and and blue head. In the Madeira Archipelago we can see this species only in the island of Madeira. It is Common in areas of Laurisilva along the Levada walks. It is one of the most sociable bird in the island, in some walks you can feed them putting some bread.
The nest of the Chaffinch is cup shaped with an inner layer of feathers and is built by the female who looks after the incubation of the four to five eggs on her own. The eggs hatch in 12 to 15 days. The male bird helps to feed the chicks. The nesting season is from April to July and only one set of eggs is laid.
The “Laurisilva” Forest
The Origins of the laurissilva forest date back arround 20 million years ago. At that time the “Laurisilva” covered a vast area in the south of Europe and the Mediterranean. Due to the different glaciations in Europe in the beginning of the Quaternary, the “laurisilva” disappeared in a great part of Europe. The Laurisilva comes from two Latin words Laurus (Laurel) and Silva (Forest). It is a forested area in which the dominant trees are from the family of Lauraceas.
Nowadays we can see the Laurisilva Forest in the Region commonly known as Macaronesia, which includes the Archipelagos of the Azores, Canary Island, Cape Green and Madeira Island.
Curiosities of the Laurisilva of Madeira:
- The Laurisilva of Madeira covers an area of approximately 15,000 hectares, equivalent to 20% of the Island, and is situated essentially on the north of the island.
- The Laurisilva of Madeira was considered in 1999 by UNESCO as World Natural Heritage due to its wealth, importance and specific nature, because this Forest contains vegetation and animal species that are unique on a global scale.
- Most of the laurisilva area is included in the area of the Madeira Nature Park, which was created in 1982 in order to safeguarding this valuable Natural Heritage.
- Some of the species (Flora and fauna) of the laurisilva are protected by internationals agreements such as the conventions of Bonn, Berne and Washington.
- The Lichens are the indicative of high environmental quality and the absence of pollution.
Madeira Levada Walks
“Levada” is a portuguese word for water channel and a long existing way to irrigate farming soil. The “levadas” start in the streams and then go through the island. There are several types of levada walks in Madeira, graded according to the type of difficult. It is highly recommended never to do a Levada walk alone in order to avoid getting lost or suffering injuries.
A ” Levada walk” may last just one hour or 12 hours! it depends on its lengh and difficulty. One may choose going from the high picks/ mountains down to secluded areas full of green, water and a wide variety of our local fauna and flora.
Walking in Madeira Island
Levada walking on Madeira island is a unique opportunity to explore and experience the most beautiful landscapes of this fantastic island. The levadas are, as mentioned earlier, irrigation canals that cross the island to bring water from the north side to the south side of the island. But it is important to note that we do not walk in them, most have a terrace or dirt road next to the levada, allowing all those who visit to walk in a way that is regular and secure. Walking in Levadas is not a danger as long as we respect some rules, such as:
- Be accompanied by an official mountain guide that in addition to knowing the location and provide security, will tell you about history, flora and fauna present on site.
- Walk always in the rail as the guide does, it prevents about 90% of accidents. Use proper equipment for hiking in the mountains. It is essential to use a good mountain boots. Due to the presence of water, levadas are often very wet and slippery.
- If you wish to take a picture, always choose to stop, don’t get very close to a cliff to get a better angle.. Always remember that who makes the zoom is the camera, not you!
- Respect the nature around you, don’t make noise and don’t cut flowers. Always remember to bring all the garbage with you.
- In Madeira there are many microclimates that causes in few minutes a sudden change of temperature, take cover, and always ask the guide about the weather forecast for the ride.
- A mountain guide is a person physically, intellectually and mentally prepared to walk on the mountain. All official mountain guides trained in first aid which is important in case of an emergency, so always make sure that the guide who you hired is an official guide.
Walking on the mountain is a privilege that few have, and Madeira island offers this privilege to all those who visit us. If you follow this advice we believe that your visit will be, at least, unforgettable.
