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
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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.