The Fajã do Ouvidor is a permanent lava field originated (we think) from Pico da Esperança when was active, and the most recent from the collapsing cliffs on the northern coast of the civil parish of Norte Grande, in the municipality of

Velas Velas may refer to: Places * Velas, Azores, Portugal * Velas, Maharashtra, India * Cabo Velas, Costa Rica People * Sara Velas Sara Velas is an artist, graphic designer, gardener, curator and Artistic Director of the Velaslavasay Panorama in Lo ...

, island of São Jorge, in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores.

History

The fajã received its name due to its association with Valério Lopes de Azevedo, the magistrate/superintendent of the Donatary-Captain at the time, who was one of the principal property-owners. During the 17th century, a whale-watching hut was established on the flanks of the fajã in order to spot whales transiting the northern coast. Fisherman from Ouvidor and surrounding settlements would then leave their homes in order to hunt whales: due to the decline of whaling the outpost was abandoned. There is one religious meeting-point in the fajã: the Hermitage of Nossa Senhora das Dores, which dates to 1903, and includes old images created in the parish of Norte Grande. In 1948 a formal roadway was opened to the public, from the principal viewpoint to the coast.

Geography

Physical geography

The fajã is known for the geological feature along the coast, including the many ''poças'', or tidal pools (such as the ''Poça João Dias'' and ''Poço do Carneiro''). The lava fields generated many natural pools that support protected natural swimming areas, the largest being the ''Poça de Simão Dias''. Similarly, the fajã's coast is dotted by grottoes and coves, formed by marine erosion, including the ''Furna do Lobo'', a cove approximately long and only accessible by boat. Among the waterways that descend from the flanks of Norte Pequeno are the ''Ribeira da Casa Velha'' (supporting eels). the ''Grotinha do Furão'' and the ''Ribeira do Ilhéu'', supported by two important springs: the ''Abelheira'', situated alongside the roadway to Ouvidor, and the ''Caminho Velho'' on the otherside of the main square.

Biome

The more abundant species of fish in the waters include:

Mediterranean parrotfish The Mediterranean parrotfish (''Sparisoma cretense'') is a species of parrotfish found at depths up to along rocky shores in the Mediterranean and the eastern Atlantic, from Portugal south to Senegal. It is generally common, but uncommon or rare ...

(''Sparisoma cretense''), moray eel, anchovy, grouper, wrasse, in addition to

crab Crabs are decapod crustaceans of the infraorder Brachyura, which typically have a very short projecting "tail" (abdomen) ( el, βραχύς , translit=brachys = short, / = tail), usually hidden entirely under the thorax. They live in all the ...

s and

limpet Limpets are a group of aquatic snails that exhibit a conical shell shape (patelliform) and a strong, muscular foot. Limpets are members of the class Gastropoda, but are polyphyletic, meaning the various groups called "limpets" descended indep ...

s. Marine and terrestrial birds vary throughout the year, influenced by migratory patterns and climate. In addition to local terns, shearwaters and

heron The herons are long-legged, long-necked, freshwater and coastal birds in the family Ardeidae, with 72 recognised species, some of which are referred to as egrets or bitterns rather than herons. Members of the genera ''Botaurus'' and ''Ixobrychus ...

s, the fajã is visited by wagtails,

sparrows Sparrow may refer to: Birds * Old World sparrows, family Passeridae * New World sparrows, family Passerellidae * two species in the Passerine family Estrildidae: ** Java sparrow ** Timor sparrow * Hedge sparrow, also known as the dunnock or hed ...

and

common blackbird The common blackbird (''Turdus merula'') is a species of true thrush. It is also called the Eurasian blackbird (especially in North America, to distinguish it from the unrelated New World blackbirds), or simply the blackbird where this does not ...

(''Turdus merula'') throughout the year, with other species arriving in the summer months.

Human geography

The fajã is occupied by couple of dozen homes, some dating back centuries. But, less than half those homes are constantly inhabited throughout the year. The majority of the remaining homes, and new dwellings are inhabited during the summer months, when local population "booms" with summer tourists and visitors: there are approximately 30 families that have homes in this community. It is one of the few fajãs that have a sufficient population to support a disco, café, restaurant and lighthouse and is one of the most visited fajãs on the island, due to its ease and access from the interior. During the winter months there are farmers who graze their few cattle on private land, but generally, arable land is occupied by potato, bean, corn, garlic, onions and small vineyards. The fishing port that includes a crane, supports various maritime activities including boating and recreational and artisanal fishing, using hooks or nets.

Culture

The festival honour ''Our Lady of Sorrows'' ( pt, Festa da Nossa Senhora das Dores) occurs annually on the third Sunday in September, with mass, sermon and a procession paying vows of its parishioners.

References

External links

Photos of Fajã do Ouvidor

TrailAzores
{{DEFAULTSORT:Faja do Ouvidor São Jorge Island Velas Ouvidor