On 6 November 2024, a remarkable observation was made during routine bird surveys in the EVOA lagoons, an important roosting site for numerous waterbird species in the Tagus estuary, Portugal. Using drone technology, a total of 15,430 Black-tailed Godwits were recorded roosting in the shallow waters of the Rasa lagoon at the peak of the high tide. This exceptional census, carried out by the team from the University of Aveiro, represents a significant record for the species in November. The Tagus estuary typically hosts between 5,000 and 10,000 Black-tailed Godwits during autumn and winter, primarily from the Icelandic population. Godwits from the continental population, which winter in Africa, usually begin to arrive in late December. However, this exceptional census revealed an early arrival of continental birds, confirmed by sightings of four tagged individuals from this population (see www.globalflywaynetwork.org for GPS-tagged Godwits and other waders).
The EVOA lagoons are a focus of conservation efforts within the LIFE Godwit Flyway project.
