Bis-Bis

The Madeiran Firecrest, or Bis Bis, is their tiniest bird. You can hear them calling and showing off to each other in the rainforest, the Laurissilva, but seeing them is another matter.

Filipe, our excellent guide, paused where there were an active group and we were able to see them. I even got a photo. He has to be today’s blip.

Filipe, standing in part of the tunnel on the Levada leading to the Ribeira do Inferno, is another of today’s photos. (Extra)

This walk is called Hell’s River and is around 8 km in length, there and back. It’s flat, with two tunnels and a couple of waterfalls, and it’s through the Laurissilva. It was marvellous.

There are spectacular views over Sao Vicente (Extra)

The small company I use and recommend is Madeira Flora and Fauna. Filipe is an excellent scientist as well as a great guide.

Most exceptionally today, we saw two Madeiran Brimstone butterflies. They are much, much bigger than the European ones we know - and they are critically endangered.

What a day.....