Red Deer stags

Madeiran sub-species of Berthelot's Pipit

A species of bird found on the Canary Islands and Madeira and nowhere else as it doesn't like flying all that much! Two distinct sub-species, with the 'madeirensis' encountered by me on the Desertas Islands. The birds didn't seem to be too worried by humans, enabling me to get the above photos.

Monk Seals, the Desertas Islands, Madeira

A globally endangered species, with approximately 450-600 individuals. The Desertas Islands lie just off the east coast of the island of Madeira and is the only place that you will see these creatures in Europe and is home to just 48 individuals. We were lucky enough to see 2 on our recent trip there. Massive seals, weighing in at an impressive 3 tons, with the bulls getting up to 5 tons and 4-5 metres in length. Very impressive when they are swimming a few metres away from you.