RAPTORS OF THE PYRENEES
LLEIDA, SPAIN
Photograph up to 20 types of eagle, vulture, hawk and owl in the wild heart of Catalonia
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, Egyptian Vulture, Bonelli's Eagle, Golden Eagle, Goshawk, Sparrowhawk, Lesser Kestrel, Marsh Harrier, Red Kite, Buzzard, Peregrine Falcon, Little Owl, Eagle Owl., and passerines at the reflection pool hide.
DATES & PRICES
2026 TOURS AVAILABILITY PRICE
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Feb 01 - 05 5 Places £1,690
Mar 18 - 22 What's Included?
2027 TOURS AVAILABILITY PRICE
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Feb TBC 5 Places £1,750
Pay a deposit to secure your place - with final payment
2 months before departure.
Are you interested in something similar? Send an enquiry and I’ll reply soon to discuss further.
PAUL ALISTAIR COLLINS
HIGHLIGHTS
Photograph many of Europe's raptor species, including Lammergeier, Golden and Bonelli's Eagles, and Lesser Kestrel
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Develop a rich portfolio of raptors in flight, hunting, bathing and fighting
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4 nights' stay in an enchanting medieval fortress town in the Pyrenees
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Exclusive use of photography hides at ground/water level for intimate photos
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Expert 1-on-1 tuition from award-winning photographer Paul Alistair Collins and local guides, with image feedback
ITINERARY
The following is a proposed itinerary, 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.
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.
LOCATION
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.
Hides
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.
WHAT MAKES THIS TOUR FOR YOU?
These hides offer some of the best raptor photography opportunities in Europe in our opinion, with up to 20 species possible - from Lammergeiers 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.
With expert photographic guidance from award-winning photographer Paul Alistair Collins, we'll ensure you capture truly unique images. 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. We believe no one knows a land better than those who’ve lived there and travelled its length and breadth, and we will help you make the most of every opportunity.
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
✓ Services of professional photography leader and local wildlife guides
✓ All permits to the locations visited
✓ Private access to photograpy hides
✓ Evening image review and edit sessions (optional)
✓ Welcome presentation & materials on local fauna and sites
✓ Accommodation
✓ Breakfast and lunch, and some dinners mentioned on itinerary
✓ Airport pick-up and drop-off
✓ Ground transportation
✗ Return flights to Barcelona El-Prat Airport (I will recommend the best flights upon contact)
✗ Any Visa charges or airport taxes
✗ Personal and cancellation insurance*
✗ Some dinners; personal snacks, beverages and alcohol
✗ Personal expenses
✗ Laundry
✗ Any additional overnight stays or excursions
Have any other questions? Check out our Tour FAQs below.
EXCLUSIVE
ACCESS
Gain access to private locations where other tours don't go - and capture unique shots that no one else is getting.
INTIMATE
ENCOUNTERS
Enjoy regular sightings of our target species, in diverse light and weather conditions - allowing you to build a rich portfolio of stunning images.
DEEP
IMMERSION
Develop your vision at your own pace - with thoughtfully curated itineraries, expert guiding, small groups and 1-on-1 learning.
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.