Duck Pond.

Category: Nature > Lagoon

District: Açores > Angra do Heroísmo > São Bartolomeu de Regatos

Location

Lagoa das Patas is located on Terceira Island, in the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo. It is situated in the parish of São Bartolomeu de Regatos, in the area named after it, and is part of the Lagoa das Patas Recreational Forest Reserve. Due to its altitude, the site is often enveloped in an atmosphere of fog and tranquility, offering a serene refuge in the island's interior.

The Water Mirror and Its Surroundings

This small body of water is remarkable for its calm waters that transform into a true natural mirror, reflecting the surrounding landscape. Lagoa das Patas, also known as Lagoa da Falca, was artificially created by the former Forest Administration, which waterproofed the soil with clay, and is fed by a channel that captures water from Ribeira Brava. Surrounded by a dense forest of cryptomerias, this area offers an environment of quietness, where the silence of nature is a striking element.

Flora and Fauna

The area surrounding Lagoa das Patas hosts a diversity of flora and fauna that enrich the visitor's experience. Among the plant species, azaleas and hydrangeas stand out, framing the water mirror with their colors, as well as native junipers, heaths, and Azorean laurels, which are examples of the indigenous flora of the Azores. Behind the lagoon, there is a vast flat peat bog, a natural area for rainwater accumulation that contributes to the local ecosystem. As for the fauna, the lagoon is home to various birds, namely ducks, which, due to their abundance, give the place its name –, geese, blackbirds, and sparrows, providing visitors with the opportunity to observe wildlife in a tranquil setting.

An Invitation to Tranquility

The Lagoa das Patas Recreational Forest Reserve was designed to provide its visitors with a space for enjoyment and leisure amidst nature. Here, there are areas designed for rest, such as picnic spots, nestled within the dense forest. The site invites direct contact with the natural environment, allowing for moments of serenity and contemplation. The Ermida da Falca, a small construction on site, adds a distinctive touch to the landscape, reinforcing the pleasant character of the space. Lagoa das Patas is also a starting point for hiking trails, inviting exploration of the area's natural beauty on paths that cross streams and lush vegetation.

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