W I L D M A D R I D
S U M M E R
S U M M E R 2 0 2 5 T B A
Photograph Mediterranean birds & mammals just a stone's throw from Madrid
H I G H L I G H T S
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4 nights stay in a comfortable non-shared hotel, in a charming medieval village outside Madrid
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Exclusive access to the estate's network of photography hides - no one outside of Spain has access!
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Develop a rich portfolio of Mediterranean birds such as the Golden Oriole, Bee-Eater, Azure-Winged Magpie, Woodchat Shrike & Black-Winged Stilt
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Expert 1-on-1 tuition from award-winning photographer & local guides
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Bird photography from ground & water level hides
T R I P O V E R V I E W
Just a few kilometres from Madrid lies a hidden Mediterranean gem that few know about and even fewer can access. For this workshop, we have private access to an 8000-hectare estate with a network of hides dedicated to photographing some of Spain's iconic birds - from golden orioles and bee-eaters, to shrikes, owls and waterbirds.
The combination of exclusive access, a rare ancient holm oak forest and Mediterranean pasture, and richness of species so close to Madrid, make this a truly unique destination and photographic experience.
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. You may also choose to extend your stay to make the most of other hides! Day 1: Fly to Madrid. Transfer by car 40mins north to our accommodation just beyond Madrid, in the quaint medieval fortress town of Manzanares el Real, near Tres Cantos, on the edge of the Sierra de Guadarrama. Local exploration, settling in, and a chance to see the widespread White Storks which nest around town. Dinner at a local restaurant. Welcome presentation of our itinerary as well as photographic techniques to apply in the field. Day 2: We head to our private estate for a full day of photography from the hides. The morning will be spent photographing Golden Orioles. After lunch, a hide session for Black and Griffon Vultures. Dinner in Manzanares el Real or Tres Cantos, and a chance to review and edit the day's photographs. Day 3: Full day's photography at the private estate. Morning session in the forest bird hide - here we may photograph at eye-level the colourful Azure-Winged Magpie, Iberian Green Woodpecker, Crested Tit, Rock Sparrow, Spotless Starling, Serin, and much else. Afternoon sessions with Woodchat Shrike and Hoopoes. Dinner in Manzanares el Real, and a chance to review and edit the day's photographs. An optional evening hide session to photograph Genets. Day 4: Morning photography on the private estate. An afternoon walk at the nearby La Pedriza, an area of stunning rock formations, looking for Ibex which can venture close for photos. Evening session with White Storks returning to nests at sunset. Last dinner in town. Day 5: Morning hide session on the private estate, with any species you'd like to add or revisit. A leisurely lunch and time to pack and wind down. Late afternoon flight home. Why not combine this with a trip down south to the Pyrenees? Photograph a smorgasbord of 14 raptor species, from the Bearded Vulture to the Bonelli's Eagle and Eagle Owl, in the town of Montsonis.
T H E H I D E S
This private estate is home to a rich variety of species throughout the year. We'll use many fixed and portable hides (for those species with a shorter breeding season).
The hides are designed with photographers in mind, featuring high-quality one-way glass (to the same high spec as on my other photo tours). This keeps us hidden from view, increasing the chances of spotting natural behaviours.
Mediterranean Birds
Specialist hides for photographing the following summer bird species on natural perches:
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GOLDEN ORIOLE
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WOODCHAT SHRIKE
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COMMON CUCKOO
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GREAT-SPOTTED CUCKOO
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HOOPOE
Capacity Seats up to 2 people.
Lens 100-400mm, up to 500mm.
Timing Half or full day session.
Bee-Eater
Close photography of these rainbow-coloured migratory birds on natural perches.
Capacity Seats up to 6 people.
Lens 100-400mm, up to 500mm.
Timing Half or full day session.
Aquatic Birds
Depending on the season, we could see Black-Winged Stilts, Green Sandpipers, Ruddy Shelducks, Little Egrets, Little Terns, Plovers, and much more.
Capacity Seats up to 4 people.
Lens 100-400mm.
Timing Morning or full day session.
Woodland Hides
With a buzz of activity and wonderful light especially in the mornings, this is a fun hide to get your teeth into hide photography and to try out interesting shots on a wide variety of Mediterranean birds.
Birds will be perched approximately 4 to 5 metres from our hide.
Species: Crested Tit, Azure-Winged Magpie, Rock Sparrow, Hawfinch, Dartford Warbler, Nuthatch, Iberian Green Woodpecker, finches, tits, thrushes
Capacity Seats up to 4 people.
Lens 100-400mm. 300mm is sufficient.
Timing Morning or full day session.
Vultures
Photograph Cinereous and Griffon Vultures as they gather in large groups in the winter, alongside Black Kites and Buzzards.
Vultures often settle about 10 to 15 metres from our hide, often much closer.
Capacity Seats up to 4 people.
Lens 100-400mm, up to 500mm.
Timing Morning or full day session.
Mammals
There are also opportunities to photograph the estate's herds of Red and Fallow Deer, and occasionally some of the rarer mammals such as Genet.
Capacity Seats up to 4 people.
Lens 100-400mm.
Timing Morning, evening or full day session.
P R A C T I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N
F A Q
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.