Lagoon of Fajã dos Cubres

Category: Nature > Lagoon

District: Açores > Calheta > Ribeira Seca > Fajã dos Cubres

Location

The Lagoa da Fajã dos Cubres is located in the stunning Fajã dos Cubres, a unique area integrated into the parish of Ribeira Seca, municipality of Calheta, on the north coast of São Jorge Island. This location, characterized by a flat strip of land nestled beneath an imposing cliff, offers a distinctive natural setting and a sense of isolation, framed by the island's rugged landscapes.

Formation and Hydrological Peculiarities

The lagoon is a direct result of São Jorge's geological dynamism. Its genesis is due to the collapse of the cliff and the crumbling of the surrounding mountains, phenomena shaped by land subsidence, marine abrasion, and volcanic activity. One of its most notable characteristics is the nature of its waters: unlike most lagoons, the Lagoa da Fajã dos Cubres has brackish water and is intrinsically linked to the tides. These fluctuations contribute to the oxygenation of the lagoon, creating a unique ecosystem. In its vicinity, there is a low-tide well that provides potable water, albeit slightly brackish, a reflection of the water table that extends from the base of the cliff and also feeds the lagoon.

Aquatic and Plant Biodiversity

The lagoon's waters are a small world of life. It is possible to observe the presence of "mujas", the local name for young mullets that seek refuge in the dense underwater vegetation. Small shrimp, abundant in this habitat, are also a visible part of the aquatic life. The plant that gave the place its name, the Cubres (Solidago sempervirens L.), a species with small yellow flowers, appears in the vicinity and adds a distinctive touch to the landscape. On the lagoon's banks, the interior pastures are marked by an abundance of rush.

Bird Refuge and Endemic Flora

The Lagoa da Fajã dos Cubres is a significant point of interest for bird watching. Many species, both resident and migratory, are sighted in this location. Among those that nest here are the Cory's Shearwater (Cagarro), the Roseate Tern, and the Common Tern, species protected by national and international legislation. Other birds such as the mallard, goose, sparrow, wagtail, blackbird, and European starling are frequent visitors. Regarding terrestrial flora, the lagoon's surroundings display endemic Azorean species, such as Heather (Erica azorica) and Azorean Myrica/Faya Tree (Myrica faya), which thrive in habitats of pebble beaches and marine rocks.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt