Deer rut alive in Mafra

From September until November the deer in mating season become territorial and fill the air with special sounds to attract females. Mafra, Portugal, 16/10/2009.

From September until November the deer in mating season become territorial and fill the air with special sounds to attract females. Watch the show at the gates of Lisbon, in Tapada Nacional de Mafra.

The roar of a stag rips the silence of dawn and echoes through the valley. Impossible to know where the sound came from, but the curiosity of visitors was - even more - acute. The visits in the dawn created since 2006 in the Mafra National Tapada, a wildlife sanctuary in the midst of civilization, lets you watch from the first row this ritual of nature.
The darkness is being swallowed by the first rays of dawn when we take the path in search of the crest of the mountains from where one has another view of the area created by the Portuguese king D. João V for recreation of the court during the hunting season.
The birds are slowly getting busy with the first signs of light of a sun still below the horizon, and only an owl gives a sign of its presence, almost as if telling the night birds it is time to go home, like vampires fleeing the astral king. Slowly a symphony of sounds come from the trees, meandering with the smells we beset on all sides: heather, honeysuckle and other odors competing for a place in the nostrils of passers by, in, a scents cacophony that makes it difficult to disentangle various sources of odors.
The park comes to life. Or rather, changes pace, because there are two parks, one existing during the night the other awakening when the sun rises East. That is why the management of the Mafra National Tapada, which in 2005 embarked on the night walks within the area, started in 2006 the dawn visits - only to early birds, of course!

The groans of deer

The Full Moon dates were chosen, for obvious reasons, for nightly visits. The same moon that looks at us from above when we arrive at the park. The night still dominates over the tree cover when we cross the massive gates of access on the Codeçal road. The visit coincided with that something special in the life of the Tapada: the groans of the red deer and fallow deer herd, a period in which males roar to defend their territories and ladies, as feudal lords in battles. The sound from them is a good way of guiding the visitors in the right direction, so this is the time to see the population of about 80 red deer living on 800 hectares of nature reserve. The fallow deer, a population of about 200 individuals, are less elusive and can be easily seen, but this time their presence becomes even more evident.
The trip up the hill is interrupted here and there to enjoy the clear signs of the presence of animals: from the twilight hills emerge shadows inspecting us. They’re deer, alert to every move. Marks on trees, vegetation bent or trampled floor are signs of a writing that is being revealed to the visitors, allowing a further assessment of all that surrounds us.

Autumn Colors

Suddenly, on the mountain opposite, crowned with trees topped by an indigo sky streaked with clouds, our guide signals movement. Yes, a mother deer with a calf seems to stare at us. Careful, attentive, she moves up the hill, a brief silhouette drawn against the dawn sky before disappearing. We return to more tangible signs of nature, amazed by the many spider webs edged with dew and snails, black and fat, crossing the trail. The day drove the night out, and the natural color of the entire space begins to intensify. At our feet the plane trees that line the road to Codeçal draw a squiggly line filled up with warm tones of autumn.
The tour takes us across paths between dense woods, thinned areas, eucalyptus toppled in a clear sign of the combat against this invasive species. The Oak, from a species called Lusitanian is, with the cork oak, the double symbol of Mafra National Tapada. There is a cork oak here which is the world's largest, still with virgin cork, since blade will never hurt its skin. Pine, gentle and brave, spreads in the park, refuge to the couple of Bonelli's Eagles. Its fruit the pinion nut, is food to the wild boar. The wild olive tree, cousin to the “tamed” olive tree, show in the area, and the hawthorn, shrubby species here reaches tree size dimensions, with its red berries attract the birds. Even the heather grows here so intense, speckling the hills with its pink color.

Back to Codeçal

A group of deer cross the trail before us and disappear, keeping the distance. Here and there in the mountains, or in a valley at our feet, deer appear, lurk, are gone. In the distance we hear the groans, deer scoring large territories for each of them, the fallow deer,perhaps because they are smaller and less austere, sometimes within meters of each other claiming their share of land. They are different interpretations of the same ritual that is intended to continue the species.
A flock of crows (or ravens? the distance and the backlight do not help) crosses the skies, chattering, as a group on their way to Sunday pilgrimage. Among the trees he hear jays in a heated discussion, in the distance a slow beat of wings suggests a hawk, which is here in search of prey. The birds of the Mafra National Park are many (tit, siskin, sparrow ...) small inhabitants of the park that attract birds of prey even from outside, because they know there is, here, an easy buffet lunch. And even at night there are pairs, like the couple of owl, leaving its landing in the tall trees for a light dinner ... under the Moon.
The day quickly climbs the sky above and the visit takes you to the end of the four-hour trip to discover the dawn of the Mafra National Tapada. The buildings in the valley we descend to mark another time. The small red house was where King D. Carlos rested in the days of hunting. The sun is now high, the clock went beyond ten in the morning, and a reinvigorating cup of coffee closes the adventure.
The Mafra National Park has a number of visiting options, from guided walks to an articulated train. And you can take your bike if you like mountain biking.
With small exhibits about the animals, closed areas for some - wolves, deer, wild boar, genets and mongooses) and exhibition of birds of prey, the park offers three routes for people wanting to discover the pleasure of climbing mountains and crossing valleys.
In addition to visits, TNM (Tapada Nacioal de Mafra in Portuguese) regularly conducts environmental education activities and other activities that leverage the unique space of the former royal hunting ground. The entrance is at Gate of Codeçal (Portão do Codeçal) where there is ample parking, a small coffee shop and room to stretch your legs.
If you want to experience the "absolute luxury" you can sleep at the house of the Tapada and wake up in the middle of deer and wildboars for the visit at dawn.

From September until November the deer in mating season become territorial and fill the air with special sounds to attract females. Mafra, Portugal, 16/10/2009.

From September until November the deer in mating season become territorial and fill the air with special sounds to attract females. Watch the show at the gates of Lisbon, in Tapada Nacional de Mafra.

The roar of a stag rips the silence of dawn and echoes through the valley. Impossible to know where the sound came from, but the curiosity of visitors was - even more - acute. The visits in the dawn created since 2006 in the Mafra National Tapada, a wildlife sanctuary in the midst of civilization, lets you watch from the first row this ritual of nature.
The darkness is being swallowed by the first rays of dawn when we take the path in search of the crest of the mountains from where one has another view of the area created by the Portuguese king D. João V for recreation of the court during the hunting season.
The birds are slowly getting busy with the first signs of light of a sun still below the horizon, and only an owl gives a sign of its presence, almost as if telling the night birds it is time to go home, like vampires fleeing the astral king. Slowly a symphony of sounds come from the trees, meandering with the smells we beset on all sides: heather, honeysuckle and other odors competing for a place in the nostrils of passers by, in, a scents cacophony that makes it difficult to disentangle various sources of odors.
The park comes to life. Or rather, changes pace, because there are two parks, one existing during the night the other awakening when the sun rises East. That is why the management of the Mafra National Tapada, which in 2005 embarked on the night walks within the area, started in 2006 the dawn visits - only to early birds, of course!

The groans of deer

The Full Moon dates were chosen, for obvious reasons, for nightly visits. The same moon that looks at us from above when we arrive at the park. The night still dominates over the tree cover when we cross the massive gates of access on the Codeçal road. The visit coincided with that something special in the life of the Tapada: the groans of the red deer and fallow deer herd, a period in which males roar to defend their territories and ladies, as feudal lords in battles. The sound from them is a good way of guiding the visitors in the right direction, so this is the time to see the population of about 80 red deer living on 800 hectares of nature reserve. The fallow deer, a population of about 200 individuals, are less elusive and can be easily seen, but this time their presence becomes even more evident.
The trip up the hill is interrupted here and there to enjoy the clear signs of the presence of animals: from the twilight hills emerge shadows inspecting us. They’re deer, alert to every move. Marks on trees, vegetation bent or trampled floor are signs of a writing that is being revealed to the visitors, allowing a further assessment of all that surrounds us.

Autumn Colors

Suddenly, on the mountain opposite, crowned with trees topped by an indigo sky streaked with clouds, our guide signals movement. Yes, a mother deer with a calf seems to stare at us. Careful, attentive, she moves up the hill, a brief silhouette drawn against the dawn sky before disappearing. We return to more tangible signs of nature, amazed by the many spider webs edged with dew and snails, black and fat, crossing the trail. The day drove the night out, and the natural color of the entire space begins to intensify. At our feet the plane trees that line the road to Codeçal draw a squiggly line filled up with warm tones of autumn.
The tour takes us across paths between dense woods, thinned areas, eucalyptus toppled in a clear sign of the combat against this invasive species. The Oak, from a species called Lusitanian is, with the cork oak, the double symbol of Mafra National Tapada. There is a cork oak here which is the world's largest, still with virgin cork, since blade will never hurt its skin. Pine, gentle and brave, spreads in the park, refuge to the couple of Bonelli's Eagles. Its fruit the pinion nut, is food to the wild boar. The wild olive tree, cousin to the “tamed” olive tree, show in the area, and the hawthorn, shrubby species here reaches tree size dimensions, with its red berries attract the birds. Even the heather grows here so intense, speckling the hills with its pink color.

Back to Codeçal

A group of deer cross the trail before us and disappear, keeping the distance. Here and there in the mountains, or in a valley at our feet, deer appear, lurk, are gone. In the distance we hear the groans, deer scoring large territories for each of them, the fallow deer,perhaps because they are smaller and less austere, sometimes within meters of each other claiming their share of land. They are different interpretations of the same ritual that is intended to continue the species.
A flock of crows (or ravens? the distance and the backlight do not help) crosses the skies, chattering, as a group on their way to Sunday pilgrimage. Among the trees he hear jays in a heated discussion, in the distance a slow beat of wings suggests a hawk, which is here in search of prey. The birds of the Mafra National Park are many (tit, siskin, sparrow ...) small inhabitants of the park that attract birds of prey even from outside, because they know there is, here, an easy buffet lunch. And even at night there are pairs, like the couple of owl, leaving its landing in the tall trees for a light dinner ... under the Moon.
The day quickly climbs the sky above and the visit takes you to the end of the four-hour trip to discover the dawn of the Mafra National Tapada. The buildings in the valley we descend to mark another time. The small red house was where King D. Carlos rested in the days of hunting. The sun is now high, the clock went beyond ten in the morning, and a reinvigorating cup of coffee closes the adventure.
The Mafra National Park has a number of visiting options, from guided walks to an articulated train. And you can take your bike if you like mountain biking.
With small exhibits about the animals, closed areas for some - wolves, deer, wild boar, genets and mongooses) and exhibition of birds of prey, the park offers three routes for people wanting to discover the pleasure of climbing mountains and crossing valleys.
In addition to visits, TNM (Tapada Nacioal de Mafra in Portuguese) regularly conducts environmental education activities and other activities that leverage the unique space of the former royal hunting ground. The entrance is at Gate of Codeçal (Portão do Codeçal) where there is ample parking, a small coffee shop and room to stretch your legs.
If you want to experience the "absolute luxury" you can sleep at the house of the Tapada and wake up in the middle of deer and wildboars for the visit at dawn.

From September until November the deer in mating season become territorial and fill the air with special sounds to attract females. Mafra, Portugal, 16/10/2009.

From September until November the deer in mating season become territorial and fill the air with special sounds to attract females. Watch the show at the gates of Lisbon, in Tapada Nacional de Mafra.

The roar of a stag rips the silence of dawn and echoes through the valley. Impossible to know where the sound came from, but the curiosity of visitors was - even more - acute. The visits in the dawn created since 2006 in the Mafra National Tapada, a wildlife sanctuary in the midst of civilization, lets you watch from the first row this ritual of nature.
The darkness is being swallowed by the first rays of dawn when we take the path in search of the crest of the mountains from where one has another view of the area created by the Portuguese king D. João V for recreation of the court during the hunting season.
The birds are slowly getting busy with the first signs of light of a sun still below the horizon, and only an owl gives a sign of its presence, almost as if telling the night birds it is time to go home, like vampires fleeing the astral king. Slowly a symphony of sounds come from the trees, meandering with the smells we beset on all sides: heather, honeysuckle and other odors competing for a place in the nostrils of passers by, in, a scents cacophony that makes it difficult to disentangle various sources of odors.
The park comes to life. Or rather, changes pace, because there are two parks, one existing during the night the other awakening when the sun rises East. That is why the management of the Mafra National Tapada, which in 2005 embarked on the night walks within the area, started in 2006 the dawn visits - only to early birds, of course!

The groans of deer

The Full Moon dates were chosen, for obvious reasons, for nightly visits. The same moon that looks at us from above when we arrive at the park. The night still dominates over the tree cover when we cross the massive gates of access on the Codeçal road. The visit coincided with that something special in the life of the Tapada: the groans of the red deer and fallow deer herd, a period in which males roar to defend their territories and ladies, as feudal lords in battles. The sound from them is a good way of guiding the visitors in the right direction, so this is the time to see the population of about 80 red deer living on 800 hectares of nature reserve. The fallow deer, a population of about 200 individuals, are less elusive and can be easily seen, but this time their presence becomes even more evident.
The trip up the hill is interrupted here and there to enjoy the clear signs of the presence of animals: from the twilight hills emerge shadows inspecting us. They’re deer, alert to every move. Marks on trees, vegetation bent or trampled floor are signs of a writing that is being revealed to the visitors, allowing a further assessment of all that surrounds us.

Autumn Colors

Suddenly, on the mountain opposite, crowned with trees topped by an indigo sky streaked with clouds, our guide signals movement. Yes, a mother deer with a calf seems to stare at us. Careful, attentive, she moves up the hill, a brief silhouette drawn against the dawn sky before disappearing. We return to more tangible signs of nature, amazed by the many spider webs edged with dew and snails, black and fat, crossing the trail. The day drove the night out, and the natural color of the entire space begins to intensify. At our feet the plane trees that line the road to Codeçal draw a squiggly line filled up with warm tones of autumn.
The tour takes us across paths between dense woods, thinned areas, eucalyptus toppled in a clear sign of the combat against this invasive species. The Oak, from a species called Lusitanian is, with the cork oak, the double symbol of Mafra National Tapada. There is a cork oak here which is the world's largest, still with virgin cork, since blade will never hurt its skin. Pine, gentle and brave, spreads in the park, refuge to the couple of Bonelli's Eagles. Its fruit the pinion nut, is food to the wild boar. The wild olive tree, cousin to the “tamed” olive tree, show in the area, and the hawthorn, shrubby species here reaches tree size dimensions, with its red berries attract the birds. Even the heather grows here so intense, speckling the hills with its pink color.

Back to Codeçal

A group of deer cross the trail before us and disappear, keeping the distance. Here and there in the mountains, or in a valley at our feet, deer appear, lurk, are gone. In the distance we hear the groans, deer scoring large territories for each of them, the fallow deer,perhaps because they are smaller and less austere, sometimes within meters of each other claiming their share of land. They are different interpretations of the same ritual that is intended to continue the species.
A flock of crows (or ravens? the distance and the backlight do not help) crosses the skies, chattering, as a group on their way to Sunday pilgrimage. Among the trees he hear jays in a heated discussion, in the distance a slow beat of wings suggests a hawk, which is here in search of prey. The birds of the Mafra National Park are many (tit, siskin, sparrow ...) small inhabitants of the park that attract birds of prey even from outside, because they know there is, here, an easy buffet lunch. And even at night there are pairs, like the couple of owl, leaving its landing in the tall trees for a light dinner ... under the Moon.
The day quickly climbs the sky above and the visit takes you to the end of the four-hour trip to discover the dawn of the Mafra National Tapada. The buildings in the valley we descend to mark another time. The small red house was where King D. Carlos rested in the days of hunting. The sun is now high, the clock went beyond ten in the morning, and a reinvigorating cup of coffee closes the adventure.
The Mafra National Park has a number of visiting options, from guided walks to an articulated train. And you can take your bike if you like mountain biking.
With small exhibits about the animals, closed areas for some - wolves, deer, wild boar, genets and mongooses) and exhibition of birds of prey, the park offers three routes for people wanting to discover the pleasure of climbing mountains and crossing valleys.
In addition to visits, TNM (Tapada Nacioal de Mafra in Portuguese) regularly conducts environmental education activities and other activities that leverage the unique space of the former royal hunting ground. The entrance is at Gate of Codeçal (Portão do Codeçal) where there is ample parking, a small coffee shop and room to stretch your legs.
If you want to experience the "absolute luxury" you can sleep at the house of the Tapada and wake up in the middle of deer and wildboars for the visit at dawn.

From September until November the deer in mating season become territorial and fill the air with special sounds to attract females. Mafra, Portugal, 16/10/2009.

From September until November the deer in mating season become territorial and fill the air with special sounds to attract females. Watch the show at the gates of Lisbon, in Tapada Nacional de Mafra.

The roar of a stag rips the silence of dawn and echoes through the valley. Impossible to know where the sound came from, but the curiosity of visitors was - even more - acute. The visits in the dawn created since 2006 in the Mafra National Tapada, a wildlife sanctuary in the midst of civilization, lets you watch from the first row this ritual of nature.
The darkness is being swallowed by the first rays of dawn when we take the path in search of the crest of the mountains from where one has another view of the area created by the Portuguese king D. João V for recreation of the court during the hunting season.
The birds are slowly getting busy with the first signs of light of a sun still below the horizon, and only an owl gives a sign of its presence, almost as if telling the night birds it is time to go home, like vampires fleeing the astral king. Slowly a symphony of sounds come from the trees, meandering with the smells we beset on all sides: heather, honeysuckle and other odors competing for a place in the nostrils of passers by, in, a scents cacophony that makes it difficult to disentangle various sources of odors.
The park comes to life. Or rather, changes pace, because there are two parks, one existing during the night the other awakening when the sun rises East. That is why the management of the Mafra National Tapada, which in 2005 embarked on the night walks within the area, started in 2006 the dawn visits - only to early birds, of course!

The groans of deer

The Full Moon dates were chosen, for obvious reasons, for nightly visits. The same moon that looks at us from above when we arrive at the park. The night still dominates over the tree cover when we cross the massive gates of access on the Codeçal road. The visit coincided with that something special in the life of the Tapada: the groans of the red deer and fallow deer herd, a period in which males roar to defend their territories and ladies, as feudal lords in battles. The sound from them is a good way of guiding the visitors in the right direction, so this is the time to see the population of about 80 red deer living on 800 hectares of nature reserve. The fallow deer, a population of about 200 individuals, are less elusive and can be easily seen, but this time their presence becomes even more evident.
The trip up the hill is interrupted here and there to enjoy the clear signs of the presence of animals: from the twilight hills emerge shadows inspecting us. They’re deer, alert to every move. Marks on trees, vegetation bent or trampled floor are signs of a writing that is being revealed to the visitors, allowing a further assessment of all that surrounds us.

Autumn Colors

Suddenly, on the mountain opposite, crowned with trees topped by an indigo sky streaked with clouds, our guide signals movement. Yes, a mother deer with a calf seems to stare at us. Careful, attentive, she moves up the hill, a brief silhouette drawn against the dawn sky before disappearing. We return to more tangible signs of nature, amazed by the many spider webs edged with dew and snails, black and fat, crossing the trail. The day drove the night out, and the natural color of the entire space begins to intensify. At our feet the plane trees that line the road to Codeçal draw a squiggly line filled up with warm tones of autumn.
The tour takes us across paths between dense woods, thinned areas, eucalyptus toppled in a clear sign of the combat against this invasive species. The Oak, from a species called Lusitanian is, with the cork oak, the double symbol of Mafra National Tapada. There is a cork oak here which is the world's largest, still with virgin cork, since blade will never hurt its skin. Pine, gentle and brave, spreads in the park, refuge to the couple of Bonelli's Eagles. Its fruit the pinion nut, is food to the wild boar. The wild olive tree, cousin to the “tamed” olive tree, show in the area, and the hawthorn, shrubby species here reaches tree size dimensions, with its red berries attract the birds. Even the heather grows here so intense, speckling the hills with its pink color.

Back to Codeçal

A group of deer cross the trail before us and disappear, keeping the distance. Here and there in the mountains, or in a valley at our feet, deer appear, lurk, are gone. In the distance we hear the groans, deer scoring large territories for each of them, the fallow deer,perhaps because they are smaller and less austere, sometimes within meters of each other claiming their share of land. They are different interpretations of the same ritual that is intended to continue the species.
A flock of crows (or ravens? the distance and the backlight do not help) crosses the skies, chattering, as a group on their way to Sunday pilgrimage. Among the trees he hear jays in a heated discussion, in the distance a slow beat of wings suggests a hawk, which is here in search of prey. The birds of the Mafra National Park are many (tit, siskin, sparrow ...) small inhabitants of the park that attract birds of prey even from outside, because they know there is, here, an easy buffet lunch. And even at night there are pairs, like the couple of owl, leaving its landing in the tall trees for a light dinner ... under the Moon.
The day quickly climbs the sky above and the visit takes you to the end of the four-hour trip to discover the dawn of the Mafra National Tapada. The buildings in the valley we descend to mark another time. The small red house was where King D. Carlos rested in the days of hunting. The sun is now high, the clock went beyond ten in the morning, and a reinvigorating cup of coffee closes the adventure.
The Mafra National Park has a number of visiting options, from guided walks to an articulated train. And you can take your bike if you like mountain biking.
With small exhibits about the animals, closed areas for some - wolves, deer, wild boar, genets and mongooses) and exhibition of birds of prey, the park offers three routes for people wanting to discover the pleasure of climbing mountains and crossing valleys.
In addition to visits, TNM (Tapada Nacioal de Mafra in Portuguese) regularly conducts environmental education activities and other activities that leverage the unique space of the former royal hunting ground. The entrance is at Gate of Codeçal (Portão do Codeçal) where there is ample parking, a small coffee shop and room to stretch your legs.
If you want to experience the "absolute luxury" you can sleep at the house of the Tapada and wake up in the middle of deer and wildboars for the visit at dawn.

From September until November the deer in mating season become territorial and fill the air with special sounds to attract females. Mafra, Portugal, 16/10/2009.

From September until November the deer in mating season become territorial and fill the air with special sounds to attract females. Watch the show at the gates of Lisbon, in Tapada Nacional de Mafra.

The roar of a stag rips the silence of dawn and echoes through the valley. Impossible to know where the sound came from, but the curiosity of visitors was - even more - acute. The visits in the dawn created since 2006 in the Mafra National Tapada, a wildlife sanctuary in the midst of civilization, lets you watch from the first row this ritual of nature.
The darkness is being swallowed by the first rays of dawn when we take the path in search of the crest of the mountains from where one has another view of the area created by the Portuguese king D. João V for recreation of the court during the hunting season.
The birds are slowly getting busy with the first signs of light of a sun still below the horizon, and only an owl gives a sign of its presence, almost as if telling the night birds it is time to go home, like vampires fleeing the astral king. Slowly a symphony of sounds come from the trees, meandering with the smells we beset on all sides: heather, honeysuckle and other odors competing for a place in the nostrils of passers by, in, a scents cacophony that makes it difficult to disentangle various sources of odors.
The park comes to life. Or rather, changes pace, because there are two parks, one existing during the night the other awakening when the sun rises East. That is why the management of the Mafra National Tapada, which in 2005 embarked on the night walks within the area, started in 2006 the dawn visits - only to early birds, of course!

The groans of deer

The Full Moon dates were chosen, for obvious reasons, for nightly visits. The same moon that looks at us from above when we arrive at the park. The night still dominates over the tree cover when we cross the massive gates of access on the Codeçal road. The visit coincided with that something special in the life of the Tapada: the groans of the red deer and fallow deer herd, a period in which males roar to defend their territories and ladies, as feudal lords in battles. The sound from them is a good way of guiding the visitors in the right direction, so this is the time to see the population of about 80 red deer living on 800 hectares of nature reserve. The fallow deer, a population of about 200 individuals, are less elusive and can be easily seen, but this time their presence becomes even more evident.
The trip up the hill is interrupted here and there to enjoy the clear signs of the presence of animals: from the twilight hills emerge shadows inspecting us. They’re deer, alert to every move. Marks on trees, vegetation bent or trampled floor are signs of a writing that is being revealed to the visitors, allowing a further assessment of all that surrounds us.

Autumn Colors

Suddenly, on the mountain opposite, crowned with trees topped by an indigo sky streaked with clouds, our guide signals movement. Yes, a mother deer with a calf seems to stare at us. Careful, attentive, she moves up the hill, a brief silhouette drawn against the dawn sky before disappearing. We return to more tangible signs of nature, amazed by the many spider webs edged with dew and snails, black and fat, crossing the trail. The day drove the night out, and the natural color of the entire space begins to intensify. At our feet the plane trees that line the road to Codeçal draw a squiggly line filled up with warm tones of autumn.
The tour takes us across paths between dense woods, thinned areas, eucalyptus toppled in a clear sign of the combat against this invasive species. The Oak, from a species called Lusitanian is, with the cork oak, the double symbol of Mafra National Tapada. There is a cork oak here which is the world's largest, still with virgin cork, since blade will never hurt its skin. Pine, gentle and brave, spreads in the park, refuge to the couple of Bonelli's Eagles. Its fruit the pinion nut, is food to the wild boar. The wild olive tree, cousin to the “tamed” olive tree, show in the area, and the hawthorn, shrubby species here reaches tree size dimensions, with its red berries attract the birds. Even the heather grows here so intense, speckling the hills with its pink color.

Back to Codeçal

A group of deer cross the trail before us and disappear, keeping the distance. Here and there in the mountains, or in a valley at our feet, deer appear, lurk, are gone. In the distance we hear the groans, deer scoring large territories for each of them, the fallow deer,perhaps because they are smaller and less austere, sometimes within meters of each other claiming their share of land. They are different interpretations of the same ritual that is intended to continue the species.
A flock of crows (or ravens? the distance and the backlight do not help) crosses the skies, chattering, as a group on their way to Sunday pilgrimage. Among the trees he hear jays in a heated discussion, in the distance a slow beat of wings suggests a hawk, which is here in search of prey. The birds of the Mafra National Park are many (tit, siskin, sparrow ...) small inhabitants of the park that attract birds of prey even from outside, because they know there is, here, an easy buffet lunch. And even at night there are pairs, like the couple of owl, leaving its landing in the tall trees for a light dinner ... under the Moon.
The day quickly climbs the sky above and the visit takes you to the end of the four-hour trip to discover the dawn of the Mafra National Tapada. The buildings in the valley we descend to mark another time. The small red house was where King D. Carlos rested in the days of hunting. The sun is now high, the clock went beyond ten in the morning, and a reinvigorating cup of coffee closes the adventure.
The Mafra National Park has a number of visiting options, from guided walks to an articulated train. And you can take your bike if you like mountain biking.
With small exhibits about the animals, closed areas for some - wolves, deer, wild boar, genets and mongooses) and exhibition of birds of prey, the park offers three routes for people wanting to discover the pleasure of climbing mountains and crossing valleys.
In addition to visits, TNM (Tapada Nacioal de Mafra in Portuguese) regularly conducts environmental education activities and other activities that leverage the unique space of the former royal hunting ground. The entrance is at Gate of Codeçal (Portão do Codeçal) where there is ample parking, a small coffee shop and room to stretch your legs.
If you want to experience the "absolute luxury" you can sleep at the house of the Tapada and wake up in the middle of deer and wildboars for the visit at dawn.

From September until November the deer in mating season become territorial and fill the air with special sounds to attract females. Mafra, Portugal, 16/10/2009.

From September until November the deer in mating season become territorial and fill the air with special sounds to attract females. Watch the show at the gates of Lisbon, in Tapada Nacional de Mafra.

The roar of a stag rips the silence of dawn and echoes through the valley. Impossible to know where the sound came from, but the curiosity of visitors was - even more - acute. The visits in the dawn created since 2006 in the Mafra National Tapada, a wildlife sanctuary in the midst of civilization, lets you watch from the first row this ritual of nature.
The darkness is being swallowed by the first rays of dawn when we take the path in search of the crest of the mountains from where one has another view of the area created by the Portuguese king D. João V for recreation of the court during the hunting season.
The birds are slowly getting busy with the first signs of light of a sun still below the horizon, and only an owl gives a sign of its presence, almost as if telling the night birds it is time to go home, like vampires fleeing the astral king. Slowly a symphony of sounds come from the trees, meandering with the smells we beset on all sides: heather, honeysuckle and other odors competing for a place in the nostrils of passers by, in, a scents cacophony that makes it difficult to disentangle various sources of odors.
The park comes to life. Or rather, changes pace, because there are two parks, one existing during the night the other awakening when the sun rises East. That is why the management of the Mafra National Tapada, which in 2005 embarked on the night walks within the area, started in 2006 the dawn visits - only to early birds, of course!

The groans of deer

The Full Moon dates were chosen, for obvious reasons, for nightly visits. The same moon that looks at us from above when we arrive at the park. The night still dominates over the tree cover when we cross the massive gates of access on the Codeçal road. The visit coincided with that something special in the life of the Tapada: the groans of the red deer and fallow deer herd, a period in which males roar to defend their territories and ladies, as feudal lords in battles. The sound from them is a good way of guiding the visitors in the right direction, so this is the time to see the population of about 80 red deer living on 800 hectares of nature reserve. The fallow deer, a population of about 200 individuals, are less elusive and can be easily seen, but this time their presence becomes even more evident.
The trip up the hill is interrupted here and there to enjoy the clear signs of the presence of animals: from the twilight hills emerge shadows inspecting us. They’re deer, alert to every move. Marks on trees, vegetation bent or trampled floor are signs of a writing that is being revealed to the visitors, allowing a further assessment of all that surrounds us.

Autumn Colors

Suddenly, on the mountain opposite, crowned with trees topped by an indigo sky streaked with clouds, our guide signals movement. Yes, a mother deer with a calf seems to stare at us. Careful, attentive, she moves up the hill, a brief silhouette drawn against the dawn sky before disappearing. We return to more tangible signs of nature, amazed by the many spider webs edged with dew and snails, black and fat, crossing the trail. The day drove the night out, and the natural color of the entire space begins to intensify. At our feet the plane trees that line the road to Codeçal draw a squiggly line filled up with warm tones of autumn.
The tour takes us across paths between dense woods, thinned areas, eucalyptus toppled in a clear sign of the combat against this invasive species. The Oak, from a species called Lusitanian is, with the cork oak, the double symbol of Mafra National Tapada. There is a cork oak here which is the world's largest, still with virgin cork, since blade will never hurt its skin. Pine, gentle and brave, spreads in the park, refuge to the couple of Bonelli's Eagles. Its fruit the pinion nut, is food to the wild boar. The wild olive tree, cousin to the “tamed” olive tree, show in the area, and the hawthorn, shrubby species here reaches tree size dimensions, with its red berries attract the birds. Even the heather grows here so intense, speckling the hills with its pink color.

Back to Codeçal

A group of deer cross the trail before us and disappear, keeping the distance. Here and there in the mountains, or in a valley at our feet, deer appear, lurk, are gone. In the distance we hear the groans, deer scoring large territories for each of them, the fallow deer,perhaps because they are smaller and less austere, sometimes within meters of each other claiming their share of land. They are different interpretations of the same ritual that is intended to continue the species.
A flock of crows (or ravens? the distance and the backlight do not help) crosses the skies, chattering, as a group on their way to Sunday pilgrimage. Among the trees he hear jays in a heated discussion, in the distance a slow beat of wings suggests a hawk, which is here in search of prey. The birds of the Mafra National Park are many (tit, siskin, sparrow ...) small inhabitants of the park that attract birds of prey even from outside, because they know there is, here, an easy buffet lunch. And even at night there are pairs, like the couple of owl, leaving its landing in the tall trees for a light dinner ... under the Moon.
The day quickly climbs the sky above and the visit takes you to the end of the four-hour trip to discover the dawn of the Mafra National Tapada. The buildings in the valley we descend to mark another time. The small red house was where King D. Carlos rested in the days of hunting. The sun is now high, the clock went beyond ten in the morning, and a reinvigorating cup of coffee closes the adventure.
The Mafra National Park has a number of visiting options, from guided walks to an articulated train. And you can take your bike if you like mountain biking.
With small exhibits about the animals, closed areas for some - wolves, deer, wild boar, genets and mongooses) and exhibition of birds of prey, the park offers three routes for people wanting to discover the pleasure of climbing mountains and crossing valleys.
In addition to visits, TNM (Tapada Nacioal de Mafra in Portuguese) regularly conducts environmental education activities and other activities that leverage the unique space of the former royal hunting ground. The entrance is at Gate of Codeçal (Portão do Codeçal) where there is ample parking, a small coffee shop and room to stretch your legs.
If you want to experience the "absolute luxury" you can sleep at the house of the Tapada and wake up in the middle of deer and wildboars for the visit at dawn.

From September until November the deer in mating season become territorial and fill the air with special sounds to attract females. Mafra, Portugal, 16/10/2009.

From September until November the deer in mating season become territorial and fill the air with special sounds to attract females. Watch the show at the gates of Lisbon, in Tapada Nacional de Mafra.

The roar of a stag rips the silence of dawn and echoes through the valley. Impossible to know where the sound came from, but the curiosity of visitors was - even more - acute. The visits in the dawn created since 2006 in the Mafra National Tapada, a wildlife sanctuary in the midst of civilization, lets you watch from the first row this ritual of nature.
The darkness is being swallowed by the first rays of dawn when we take the path in search of the crest of the mountains from where one has another view of the area created by the Portuguese king D. João V for recreation of the court during the hunting season.
The birds are slowly getting busy with the first signs of light of a sun still below the horizon, and only an owl gives a sign of its presence, almost as if telling the night birds it is time to go home, like vampires fleeing the astral king. Slowly a symphony of sounds come from the trees, meandering with the smells we beset on all sides: heather, honeysuckle and other odors competing for a place in the nostrils of passers by, in, a scents cacophony that makes it difficult to disentangle various sources of odors.
The park comes to life. Or rather, changes pace, because there are two parks, one existing during the night the other awakening when the sun rises East. That is why the management of the Mafra National Tapada, which in 2005 embarked on the night walks within the area, started in 2006 the dawn visits - only to early birds, of course!

The groans of deer

The Full Moon dates were chosen, for obvious reasons, for nightly visits. The same moon that looks at us from above when we arrive at the park. The night still dominates over the tree cover when we cross the massive gates of access on the Codeçal road. The visit coincided with that something special in the life of the Tapada: the groans of the red deer and fallow deer herd, a period in which males roar to defend their territories and ladies, as feudal lords in battles. The sound from them is a good way of guiding the visitors in the right direction, so this is the time to see the population of about 80 red deer living on 800 hectares of nature reserve. The fallow deer, a population of about 200 individuals, are less elusive and can be easily seen, but this time their presence becomes even more evident.
The trip up the hill is interrupted here and there to enjoy the clear signs of the presence of animals: from the twilight hills emerge shadows inspecting us. They’re deer, alert to every move. Marks on trees, vegetation bent or trampled floor are signs of a writing that is being revealed to the visitors, allowing a further assessment of all that surrounds us.

Autumn Colors

Suddenly, on the mountain opposite, crowned with trees topped by an indigo sky streaked with clouds, our guide signals movement. Yes, a mother deer with a calf seems to stare at us. Careful, attentive, she moves up the hill, a brief silhouette drawn against the dawn sky before disappearing. We return to more tangible signs of nature, amazed by the many spider webs edged with dew and snails, black and fat, crossing the trail. The day drove the night out, and the natural color of the entire space begins to intensify. At our feet the plane trees that line the road to Codeçal draw a squiggly line filled up with warm tones of autumn.
The tour takes us across paths between dense woods, thinned areas, eucalyptus toppled in a clear sign of the combat against this invasive species. The Oak, from a species called Lusitanian is, with the cork oak, the double symbol of Mafra National Tapada. There is a cork oak here which is the world's largest, still with virgin cork, since blade will never hurt its skin. Pine, gentle and brave, spreads in the park, refuge to the couple of Bonelli's Eagles. Its fruit the pinion nut, is food to the wild boar. The wild olive tree, cousin to the “tamed” olive tree, show in the area, and the hawthorn, shrubby species here reaches tree size dimensions, with its red berries attract the birds. Even the heather grows here so intense, speckling the hills with its pink color.

Back to Codeçal

A group of deer cross the trail before us and disappear, keeping the distance. Here and there in the mountains, or in a valley at our feet, deer appear, lurk, are gone. In the distance we hear the groans, deer scoring large territories for each of them, the fallow deer,perhaps because they are smaller and less austere, sometimes within meters of each other claiming their share of land. They are different interpretations of the same ritual that is intended to continue the species.
A flock of crows (or ravens? the distance and the backlight do not help) crosses the skies, chattering, as a group on their way to Sunday pilgrimage. Among the trees he hear jays in a heated discussion, in the distance a slow beat of wings suggests a hawk, which is here in search of prey. The birds of the Mafra National Park are many (tit, siskin, sparrow ...) small inhabitants of the park that attract birds of prey even from outside, because they know there is, here, an easy buffet lunch. And even at night there are pairs, like the couple of owl, leaving its landing in the tall trees for a light dinner ... under the Moon.
The day quickly climbs the sky above and the visit takes you to the end of the four-hour trip to discover the dawn of the Mafra National Tapada. The buildings in the valley we descend to mark another time. The small red house was where King D. Carlos rested in the days of hunting. The sun is now high, the clock went beyond ten in the morning, and a reinvigorating cup of coffee closes the adventure.
The Mafra National Park has a number of visiting options, from guided walks to an articulated train. And you can take your bike if you like mountain biking.
With small exhibits about the animals, closed areas for some - wolves, deer, wild boar, genets and mongooses) and exhibition of birds of prey, the park offers three routes for people wanting to discover the pleasure of climbing mountains and crossing valleys.
In addition to visits, TNM (Tapada Nacioal de Mafra in Portuguese) regularly conducts environmental education activities and other activities that leverage the unique space of the former royal hunting ground. The entrance is at Gate of Codeçal (Portão do Codeçal) where there is ample parking, a small coffee shop and room to stretch your legs.
If you want to experience the "absolute luxury" you can sleep at the house of the Tapada and wake up in the middle of deer and wildboars for the visit at dawn.