SUMMER BIRDS OF THE PYRENEES
Little bustards, hoopoes, bee-eaters and rollers in golden summer light across the Pyrenean steppe
This tour targets the spectacular summer birdlife that can be found in the wild heart of Catalonia - from the Little Bustard which leaps in poppy fields, to Golden Orioles and Bee-Eaters.
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 and courtship behaviours. We can also use remote wide-angle setups, offering us uniquely intimate photos of many migratory bird species.
Photographable Species: Little bustard, Lesser Kestrel, Roller, Stone-curlew, Golden Oriole, Woodchat Shrike, Bee-Eater, Little Owl, Montagu’s harrier, Hoopoe, White Stork, and passerines at reflection pool.
AT A GLANCE
LLEIDA, SPAIN 5 6 DAYS
Tour Leader: Paul Alistair Collins
Deposit: £500; balance due 2 months prior to departure.
Meeting: At arrival airport; details to follow.
Are you interested in something similar? Send an enquiry and I’ll reply soon to discuss further.
HIGHLIGHTS
Photograph many of Spain's most beautiful birds in natural settings, at unparalleled private hides
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Develop a rich portfolio of birds in flight, courting, 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 nest sites and eye-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 steppe-drylands of Catalonia. Early summer is the best time to photograph the typical birds of this area.
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.
Little Bustard
The Little Bustard lek is the ultimate highlight for any photographer visiting the Pyrenees in summertime.
Our hide overlooks the steppes and poppy fields where the males perform their one-of-a-kind lek, leaping high in the air. Capture the bustard up close, at eye level, and in flight, against a stunning backdrop of firey red poppies and open plains.
If you visit just one hide, make it this one.
Capacity Seats 1 person.
Lens 200-500mm.
Timing Morning session, entry before dawn.
Montagu's Harrier
Available depending on location of breeding territories. A spectacular opportunity to photograph one of Europe's rarest raptors discretely, in wonderful poppy and hill landscapes.
Capacity Seats up to 1 people.
Lens 300mm, up to 500mm. Wide-angle possible.
Timing Entrance at dawn, until midday.
Bee-Eater
Hide for the rainbow-coloured bee-eater, near a sandbank nesting colony. Opportunities for flight, portraits, courtship, feeding shots, and photos entering and leaving the sandbank.
Capacity Seats 2 people.
Lens 200mm, up to 500mm. Wide-angle possible.
Timing Morning or full day session depending on opportunities.
Roller
As well as the gaudy Roller, you may photograph Lesser Kestrel and Stock Dove here.
Capacity Seats 1 to 3 people.
Lens 100-400mm, up to 500mm.
Timing Afternoon until dusk.
Hoopoe
Photograph the exquisite crested Hoopoe near its nest. Available depending on nest locations.
Capacity Seats 1 person.
Lens 300-400mm, up to 500mm. Wide-angle possible.
Timing Early morning or early afternoon.
Stone Curlew
Opportunity to photograph the cryptic Stone Curlew in poppy fields and meadows. Available depending on nest locations.
Capacity Seats 1 person.
Lens 300-400mm, up to 500mm. Wide-angle possible.
Timing Early morning or early afternoon.
Woodchat Shrike
Opportunity to photograph the Shrike, with chicks and stashing prey in its 'larder', in an agricultural setting.
Capacity Seats 1 to 3 people.
Lens 300mm, 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 Dawn or Afternoon/Dusk.
Remote Wide-Angle Photography
Recently it has become possible to photograph some of the most elusive birds such as Montagu's Harrier and Blue Rock Thrush 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 bird photography opportunities in Europe in our opinion, as our hides offer unique opportunities to witness their lives up close in interesting surroundings.
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.