Global Itinerary for the Bird Photography Trip in Spanish Extremadura

We aim to provide everyone with maximum photography opportunities during this unique trip. Participants will have the opportunity to communicate their preferences in advance, and we will adapt the program on-site based on the number of participants, available species, and the accessibility of hides. The itinerary below is an example of what it might look like for individual participants. Since we will rotate between photographers and different hides, the order of species may differ from this example. The area is home to many bird species, which is why we have scheduled 8 days to ensure we have more than 6 photography days. Four days of photography would simply be too short!

We usually set out early in the morning to make the most of the beautiful light. There will be time for a quick breakfast, and we will take a packed lunch and drinks with us. Typically, we will have time in the midday to discuss our photos when the light is less favourable. In the evenings, we will once again enjoy the stunning evening light.

Day 1: Departure from UK for a flight lasting approximately 3hrs to Madrid. Upon arrival, we will be picked up or take our own transportation to the hotel, which is about a 2-hour drive away. After dinner, we will discuss the plan for the following day.

Day 2 : Morning: Photographing from the hide for birds of prey such as kites and harriers or a vulture hide. Afternoon: A visit to the hide for the common kestrel.

Day 3: We will spend the entire day in the hide to photograph the Great Bustard, known as one of the heaviest flying birds in Europe. We will strive to capture stunning images, especially when the males demonstrate their spectacular mating displays—it looks as though they are turning their plumage inside out! However, these birds are incredibly shy, so we will need to enter the hide before 6:00 AM and won’t exit until it gets dark around 10:00 PM. If we’re lucky, you’ll witness one of the most impressive bird displays in Europe!

Day 4: Today, we will spend the whole day in Monfragüe National Park, a truly stunning natural area. Here, you can photograph soaring vultures while also engaging in capturing images of spring flora and beautiful landscapes! We will make short walks to various viewpoints where we can photograph magnificent birds, such as from Peña Falcon and Portilla del Tietar. On our way back to Calera, we will visit the wetlands of Arroyocampo near Almaraz.

Day 5: This day’s focus will be on the Iberian Hoopoe and the Little Owl. This will allow plenty of time to explore the immediate surroundings, as there is much to see and experience.

Day 6: We will spend the whole day in a hide photographing the Griffon Vulture, one of the most remarkable and photogenic raptors in Europe. This species was nearly absent from Europe 40 years ago but has since migrated from Africa, particularly to the Iberian Peninsula. Yet they remain rare breeding birds in the region. The photo hide we will use is unique in Spain; due to the risk of disturbance and its exclusive location, there is only one hide available. However, it is truly a prime location with excellent light throughout the day! To see the types of photos you can capture, check out Herman’s blog: www.natuurfotovanderhart.nl.

Day 7: Morning: Opportunity to photograph the Lesser Bustard; Afternoon: Photographing the Hoopoe.

Day 8: Morning: Opportunity to photograph the Iberian Magpie. After this, we will transfer to Madrid Airport for our flight back to the UK. Unfortunately, the trip will be coming to an end, but we anticipate that you will return home with memory cards filled with stunning photographs!

Costs

This trip can be booked starting from £2,149 | Launch offer, just £1,449

• Single Room Supplement: £170 (availability may depend on group size and location, and may not always be possible).

Room Options:

• 1 Person in a Shared 2-Person Room:
  If you book this room, you will share it with another person of the same gender, with separate beds. If there is no one else of the same gender wanting to share, you will have to pay the single room supplement for this trip.
• 2 Persons in a 2-Person Room:
  This option is ideal for couples or two friends traveling together on a photography trip. Please indicate in the comments field during booking if you prefer a double bed or two single beds.
• 1 Person in a Single Room:
  If you book this room, you will have it to yourself, subject to the single room supplement. It’s also possible to find yourself alone in a 2- or 3-person room. In both cases, the same fee applies for sole occupancy.

What’s Included:

• All Accommodations based on shared rooms
• All Meals
• Access to Various Photography Hides for 5 Days
• Guidance from the Local Organization
• Transportation on Site
• Guidance from a UK Nature Photographer
• Participants Meeting Before the Trip
• On-Site Photo Reviews (if the program allows)

What’s Not Included:

• Alcoholic and Soft Drinks
• Personal Purchases
• Travel and Cancellation Insurance
• Extra (6th) Day in the Photography Hide
• If applicable, Single Room Supplement: £170

Photo Hides

We will primarily photograph from various hides throughout the trip. There are more than 10 different types of hides available for 1 or more people, equipped with or without mirrored glass. Typically, you will only need the ball head of your tripod, although this may vary in some cases. Some hides are very comfortable, while others are more basic.

During the pre-trip briefing, each participant can indicate which bird species they particularly wish to photograph, and which they may not want to pursue. Based on this information, we will work with our Spanish partners to create a daily schedule, ensuring that each participant gets the best opportunities possible.

As mentioned, most photography sessions in the hides will last between 3 to 5 hours, while those for specific species like the Great Bustard and Griffon Vulture may require you to stay in the hide for approximately 16 hours. This is a commitment you’d need to consider, but it’s all about photographing two iconic species!

IMPORTANT: To avoid disturbance, photographers are expected to remain as quiet as possible during a session in the hide and not leave the hide. Wearing dark or black clothing is also crucial to remain inconspicuous. You will be provided with a packed lunch and plenty of drinks while in the hide.

Accommodation

Our accommodation will be a hostel located in Calera y Chozas. All rooms will feature 2 separate beds, a TV, air conditioning, and a private bathroom with shower and toilet. The stay will be on a full board basis. A single room can be reserved for an additional fee.

Travel Arrangements

Upon arrival at Madrid Airport, there will be a transfer by minibus to the hostel in Calera y Chozas, taking approximately 2.5 hours. All local transfers are included in the trip package.

Equipment

For this trip, we recommend bringing the following photography equipment:

• • For Bird Photography: Lenses with a minimum focal length of 500mm or an equivalent with a crop camera (e.g., a Nikon D500 with a 300mm lens effectively gives you 450mm).
  • For Landscapes: Wide-angle (zoom) lens.
  • For Flora: Macro lens.
  • Sufficient Memory Cards
  • Sufficient Camera Batteries (charging will not be possible in the hides)
  • Power Banks
  • Tripod
  • Empty Rice Bag

Climate and Clothing

During the day, temperatures can be warm, but it’s important to be prepared for various weather conditions. In particular, early mornings can often be quite chilly. Since you’ll be spending time in the hides, warm clothing is essential, and it’s best to dress in layers so you can adjust as the day warms up.

In terms of footwear, there won’t be a lot of walking involved, so we recommend sturdy shoes that provide comfort for short walks to the hides.

 Passport

To travel to Spain, you will need a valid passport.

Wildlife You Can Expect to Photography During This Trip

• Vultures:
  • Griffon Vulture
  • Egyptian Vulture
  • Monk Vulture (not 100% guaranteed)
  • Black Vulture
  • Red Kite
  • Marsh Harrier
• Other Bird Species: 
  • Hoopoe
  • Iberian Hoopoe
  • Little Owl
  • Common Kestrel
  • Blackbird
  • Lesser Bustard
  • Great Bustard
• Other Bird Sightings: 
  • Spanish Imperial Eagle
  • Hawk Eagle (not 100% guaranteed)
  • Dwarf Eagle
  • Red-headed Vulture
  • Various Species of Herons
  • Purple Swamphen
  • Bee-eater
  • Cuckoo
  • Various Species of Larks

Mammals You May Encounter

• Fox
• Red Deer
• Rabbit
• Hare
• Egyptian Mongoose