R A P T O R S O F T H E P Y R E N E E S
M A R C H 13 - 17 2 0 2 5
Photograph eagles, hawks, vultures and owls in the wild heart of Catalonia
H I G H L I G H T S
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4 nights' stay in an enchanting medieval fortress town in the Pyrenees
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Photograph many of Spain's rarest birds of prey - up to 8 raptors, 3 vulture and 2 owl species
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Develop a uniquely rich portfolio of raptors in flight, feeding, hunting, bathing and fighting
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Exclusive use of photography hides, at ground and water level
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Expert guiding and 1-on-1 tuition from award-winning photographer and local guides
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Get unique images with our wide-angle and flash setups
T R I P O V E R V I E W
The cry of an eagle and the whoosh of wings as it lands feet away from you! This tour targets the spectacular raptors that can be found in the wild heart of Catalonia - from the regal Bearded Vulture which scavenges on bones, to the Goshawk and Bonelli's Eagle.
Based in an enchanting medieval village which overlooks the region, our hide photo sessions will take advantage of every minute of light to capture feeding, courtship, mating and fighting behaviours. We can use Go-Pro and remote wide-angle setups on many species, offering us uniquely intimate photos of many raptor species.
Photographable Species: Lammergeier, Griffon Vulture, Black Vulture, Bonelli's Eagle, Golden Eagle, Goshawk, Sparrowhawk, Lesser Kestrel, Marsh Harrier, Red Kite, Buzzard, Peregrine Falcon, Little Owl, Eagle Owl. A variety of smaller birds can be photographed at the Raptor Drinking Pool Hide, such as Serin and Sardinian Warbler.
I T I N E R A R Y
The following is a proposed itinerary, which should be considered provisional, subject to bird activity, weather and hide choices. In the case of inclement weather, we will recommend other hides where we may observe these species, or try to rearrange sessions for another day. Day 1: Fly to Barcelona. Transfer by car 1hr30mins north to our accommodation in the picturesque medieval fortress town of Montsonís. Evening walk for Eagle Owl and other birds around the town. Dinner at a local botiga restaurant which serves excellent traditional Catalan cuisine, and a presentation of our itinerary as well as photographic techniques to apply in the field. Day 2: A full day in the Vulture Hide photographing Vultures (Bearded, Cinereous and Griffon) in the Pyrenees. This requires a drive of 1h30 approximately to and from the hide, situated in the heart of the Reserva Nacional de Caça de Boumort. Dinner in Montsonís, and a chance to review and edit the day's photographs. Day 3: Morning photographing either the Bonelli's Eagle, Golden Eagle, Little Owl, Goshawk or Sparrowhawk (your choice), near the town of Montsonís. Lunch. Dusk photo session with the Little Owls. Dinner in Montsonís. Day 4: A full day at the Raptor Drinking Pool. This is a spacious low-level hide where you may photograph many species of raptor and small birds at water level. The most common visitors are the Red Kite, Marsh Harrier and Buzzard, and occasionally the Goshawk, Bonelli's Eagle, Cinereous Vulture and Griffon Vulture may make an appearance. During calmer and warmer periods, small birds may flit down from the surrounding bushes to bathe, such as Sardinian Warbler, Serin, Linnet, Rock Sparrow, Iberian Green Woodpecker, Thekla Lark, Magpie, Chaffinch and Robin. On the return to Montsonis, we can check in on a Long-Eared Owl roost. Dinner in Montsonís. Day 5: Possibility of a final hide session or local photo session. We return to Barcelona in the afternoon for our flight home. Why not stay on a couple more days in Madrid? Based at Soto de Viñuelas, we will photograph the Spanish Imperial Eagle, Genet, Azure-Winged Magpie and much more.
O U R B A S E
We will stay in the enchanting medieval fortress town of Montsonís. Nestled among mountains just a short distance from Lleida, it is a magical experience to wake up to the old Montsonis castle which looks over rolling hillsides, olive groves and farmland.
Our apartment is equipped with comfortable private en-suite bedrooms, a communal kitchen and lounge area, washing facilities, heating and wifi.
The botiga restaurant and artisanal shop downstairs sell high quality Catalan food.
T H E H I D E S
Our hides are located in breathtaking locations - from the mountains above Montsonis, to the Lleida plains and the Pyrenean peaks. These diverse habitats offer some of the best raptor viewing in the whole of Europe.
The hides are fitted with high quality one-way glass, meaning you are invisible to the birds, increasing your chances of photographing their natural behaviours at close range. Some hides also support Go-Pros and remote wide-angle setups for unique close-up shots. Equipped with toilets and ample seating. Tripods are recommended for action shots.
The Scavenger Hide
The Bearded Vulture is the ultimate highlight for any raptor photographer visiting the Pyrenees. This majestic bone-crushing bird must be seen to be believed!
Our two mountain feeding-station hides in the Boumort Reserve offer an incredible opportunity to photograph multiple Bearded Vultures soaring and feeding alongside the more common Griffon and Cinereous Vultures. Capture vultures up close, at eye level or in flight, against a stunning backdrop of mountains and open scrubland.
If you visit just one hide, make it this one.
Capacity Seats up to 4 people.
Lens 100-400mm, up to 500mm.
Timing Full day session.
Raptor Reflection Pool
This hide offers the widest variety of raptor species in one place. It has been dug into the ground to offer a water-level view across a reflection pool, where harriers, kites and goshawks come daily to hunt and drink. Throughout the day, you should see a steady stream of visitors with frequent interactions. And in the quieter moments, you'll be kept entertained by finches, warblers and passerines using the pool to bathe.
Capacity Seats up to 3 people.
Lens 100-400mm, up to 500mm. Wide-angle possible.
Timing Morning, afternoon or full day session depending on opportunities.
Bonelli's Eagle
A mountain hide just a short drive from our accommodation, visited by a pair of rare Bonelli's Eagle, and occasionally Peregrine Falcons. Tree and rock perches, with a stunning vista of mountain-top ridges, crags and the grassy plains of Lleida province below.
Capacity Seats 1 to 3 people.
Lens 100-400mm, up to 500mm. Wide-angle possible.
Timing Morning or full day session depending on opportunities.
Golden Eagle
A mountain hide just a short drive from our accommodation, visited by a pair of Golden Eagle, and occasionally other raptors. Tree and rock perches, with a stunning vista of mountain-top ridges.
Capacity Seats 1 to 3 people.
Lens 100-400mm, up to 500mm. Wide-angle possible.
Timing Morning or full day session depending on opportunities.
Goshawk
Opportunity to photograph Goshawk in a woodland setting near Montsonis.
N.B. If this hide is closed due to low activity in the season, the Raptor Reflection Pool is a good alternative for observing the Goshawk in action.
Capacity Seats 1 to 3 people.
Lens 100-400mm, up to 500mm. Wide-angle possible.
Timing Morning.
Sparrowhawk
Opportunity to photograph Sparrohawk in a woodland setting near Montsonis.
Capacity Seats 1 to 3 people.
Lens 100-400mm, up to 500mm. Wide-angle possible.
Timing Morning.
Little Owl
Opportunity to photograph a pair of Little Owls in an agricultural setting near Montsonis.
Capacity Seats 1 to 3 people.
Lens 100-400mm, up to 500mm. Wide-angle possible.
Timing Afternoon/Dusk.
Remote Wide-Angle Photography
Recently it has become possible to photograph some of the most elusive birds such as Bonelli's Eagle and Goshawk with wide-angle cameras, giving photographers an extraordinary new perspective and totally unique images.
Please enquire if this is something you'd like to try out!
Capacity Seats 1 to 3 people.
Lens 10-20mm or Go-Pro.
Timing Morning or all day session.
P R A C T I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N
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Why Pick This Trip?These hides offer some of the best raptor photography opportunities in Europe, with over a dozen species possible - from Bearded Vultures to the rare Bonelli's Eagle and Eagle Owl. Winter is the best time of year to see these species in action before they expand their territories to breed, and our hides are the best way to witness their lives up close. I've guided here for several seasons, alongside our excellent local guides, and will help you make the most of every opportunity, ensuring you capture truly unique images.
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What's Included?✓ Services of photography & local nature guides ✓ Permits and private access to 3 days of photography hide activities ✓ Evening image review & post-processing sessions (optional) ✓ A welcome presentation on the local fauna ✓ 4 nights' accommodation at an apartment in Montsonis ✓ All meals ✓ Airport pick-up & drop-off from Barcelona El Prat airport ✓ Ground transportation by car and minibus
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What's Not Included?✗ Return flights to Barcelona (please contact me so that I can recommend the best flights) ✗ Any Visa charges or airport taxes ✗ Personal & cancellation insurance ✗ Personal snacks & beverages ✗ Personal expenses ✗ Laundry ✗ Any additional overnight stays & extra hide sessions
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What Camera Gear Do I Need? Do I Need To Be An Expert Photographer?Not at all! Beginners and more experienced photographers are all welcome, and there'll be lots of group and 1-on-1 tuition available. The beautiful thing with our groups is that we all inspire each other and have different approaches. Kit-wise, we recommend that you bring a DSLR or bridge camera with a zoom lens in the 100-400mm range for portraits and behavioural shots. A wide-angle lens (10-20mm) or GoPro is recommended for the raptors feeding at close range! Tripods are necessary for the hides (a light one will do) to ensure crisp action shots. Upon booking, I will send everyone a recommended kit list.
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Are Meals Included?Yes, all meals are included! Breakfast and lunch, prepared by the local bodiga, will consist of pastries, fresh fruit, sandwiches and salads, toast and jam, with coffee/tea and juices. Dinner will be a variety of traditional Catalan tapas cuisine (meat and vegetarian options), and we may prepare meals in the apartment. Please let me know upon booking if you have any dietary requirements.
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What's The Weather Like In The Pyrenees?The weather should range from 5 to 15C, with sunshine, mists, and low chance of rain or snow. In some of the smaller hides, although portable heaters are available, it can feel pretty cold in the morning. It is important that participants wear appropriate clothing for the season. Upon booking, I will send a recommended clothing and kit list.
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What's The Group Size?With a maximum of 5 participants, our group size ensures everyone has a better personal experience and plenty of space in each hide. Small group size, 1-on-1 tuition, and intimate encounters with animals are what people value from my tours.
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Is There A Lot Of Walking?No. We consider this light, as we will be based largely on one location with hide photography. Please contact me beforehand to discuss suitability and if you have any mobility issues.
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What Flight Should I Take?It is recommended to fly to Barcelona airport, where we will transfer together by car to Montsonis. Alternatively, if you wish to see more of the country, you could fly to Madrid and take the train to Lleida, where we will meet you for the transfer. Please discuss with me so that I can recommend the best flight for you to take.
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Do You Offer Single Occupancy?Yes we do. All rooms are private en-suite (single/double occupancy).
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When Do We Receive Our Final Joining Instructions?Usually 4 weeks prior to departure. In the event of delay, please contact me via email or by phoning +44 (0)7342983581 or emailing paulalistaircollins@gmail.com.
For full terms and conditions, including our cancellation policy and personal travel insurance, please click to see the Terms & Conditions
* To take part in our trip, you must be covered by adequate insurance for its entire duration. The insurance must cover for cancellation, medical and emergency expenses.
We recommend insurance against damage or loss of baggage, camera equipment, instruments and personal items.
Contact Paul at paulalistaircollins@gmail.com for further information. Please check your spam inbox if you do not see a reply.
Once your booking has been confirmed, an advance payment will be required per person to secure your place.