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Helder Cardoso

Helder was born in western Portugal and began birding at the age of 11. He is a founding member and vice president of the Portuguese Association of Bird Banders (APAA) after developing experience in bird banding with a special focus on the molt cycle in passerines. He is also the author and co-author of several articles and books on ornithology, and has been a voting member of the Portuguese Rarities Committee since 2018.

Helder has worked all over Portugal on various academic projects and environmental impact assessments, giving him a detailed knowledge of the species and habitats off the beaten track. In addition to birding, he also dedicates some of his time to other winged groups such as moths, butterflies, and dragonflies. Helder is a keen and enthusiastic interpreter of the natural world and now mostly spends his time as a tour leader for bird and nature tours in Portugal and Spain. 

Upcoming Tours with Helder

Testimonials for Helder

Helder is outstanding as a leader. He is an excellent birder (recognizes birds from flight patterns and behavior as well as appearance and call notes and songs) and also has excellent skills at managing people. He makes everyone feel important and valued as a group member. He is able to calm people and is able to arrange necessary changes. I would be delighted to travel again with him as a leader.

- Sandra J. on Portugal

Helder is a wonderful birder and a warm human being, with infinite patience and a great sense of humor. He went the extra mile to accommodate everyone's needs and interests.

- Lorie L. on Portugal