Northern and Central Spain- Spring Bird Photography

This photography tour is focused on the spring birds of the Cantabrian Mountains and the plains and marshes of the Castilla-La Mancha and will be limited to only 8 photographers; a very small group.
It is a workshop, with 1 hour instruction every day, designed for beginner to intermediate photographers.

Duration

10 Days/9 Nights

Tour Type

Photography

Level

Beginner/Intermediate

Condor in Spain

Spring Birds of Spain Photography Tour Workshop and Culture

Springtime is an awesome time for any type of activity in Spain.  Bird  photography especially. The migrating birds that spend the winter in Africa return to breed in Europe, and there is an extraordinary amount of activity.

This photography tour is focused on the spring birds of the Cantabrian Mountains and the plains and marshes of  Castilla-La Mancha and will be limited to only 8 photographers; a very small group.  Each photographer may
bring along a guest who will not be participating in the workshop.

In the Cantabrian foothills we will target species such as Black Woodpeckers, Wryneck, and White-throated dipper. Also in the area are Egyptian and Griffon Vultures, Black Kites, and many species of songbirds. In the surrounding mountains we hope to photograph such species as Blue-throat, Wallcreeper, Rock Thrush, and other montane species.
During our days in the Castilla region we will be photographing on a private estate; much of which is occupied by a large wetland complex. On the estate we will target such species as Marsh Harrier, Lesser Kestrel, Hoopoe, Roller, Bee-eater, Bearded Reedling, White-headed Duck, Little Owl, and Black-necked Grebe.

In these regions we will shoot mainly from hides/blinds, including very unique hides that are elevated and on/in the water. On this tour we do not spend the entire morning in hides.  There will be days when we shoot outside  of the hides in wide open spaces. We will also likely do a bit of easy hiking, so bring your appropriate footwear.

We make time to explore small towns and photograph the villages and their people.  We will be treated to local cuisine and exceptional regional wines.
While in Spain, we take time to enjoy the photography, but also the culture which makes this adventure suitable for a partner who might like to paint plein air, or see the sites while you take pictures. There will be activities running parallel to the workshops for the non-photographer.

This is an amazing tour, and when it comes to an end, you’ll wish you had more days in beautiful Spain

https://vimeo.com/549884370

Get stunning images of a variety of birds that call Spain home during the spring. This tour will traverse two very different geographic areas from the Cantabrian mountains to the plains and wetlands of Castilla-La Mancha. Along with this diversity in habitats comes a diversity of bird species.

Instruction will be provided with regards to getting the best images from the locations and situations we will be photographing. However, participants should have a good working knowledge of their photography equipment as this is not a basic photography techniques workshop.

This photography tour will focus on getting images of a variety of bird species, some of which are very rare and difficult to obtain anywhere else. Some mammals too like Chamois, fox, and Iberian Hare are possible.

  • Black Woodpeckers
  • White-throated Dippers
  • Wryneck
  • Red-backed Shrike
  • Pied Flycatcher
  • Redstart
  • Cirl Buntings
  • Rock Buntings
  • Common Buzzards
  • Griffon Vultures
  • Egyptian Vultures
  • Red Kite
  • Black Kite
  • Dunnock
  • Snowfinch
  • Alpine Chough
  • Wallcreeper
  • Chaffinch
  • Crested, Blue, and Great Tits
  • Wagtails
  • Great spotted woodpecker
  • Middle spotted woodpecker
  • Iberian Green Woodpecker
  • Marsh Harrier
  • Lesser Kestrel
  • Common Kestrel
  • Little Owl
  • Bluethroat
  • Water Pipit
  • Rock Thrush
  • Wheatear
  • Stone Curlew
  • Hoopoe
  • Crested Lark
  • Common Redstart
  • Roller
  • Bee-eater
  • Reed Warbler
  • Great Reed Warbler
  • Cetti’s Warbler
  • Bearded Reedling
  • Great Tit
  • Blue Tit
  • Blackcap
  • Nightingale
  • Savi’s Warbler
  • Water Rail
  • Penduline Tit
  • Kentish Plover
  • Pin-tailed Sandgrouse
  • Green Sandpiper
  • White Stork
  • Little Grebe
  • Black-necked Grebe
  • Great-crested Grebe
  • Grey Heron
  • Purple Heron
  • White-headed Duck
  • Zitting Cisticola
  • Whiskered Tern
  • And more…

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

Clothing

At our first location we will likely experience cool conditions, even cold in the mornings.  Thus, we recommend that you bring along layers that will allow you to dress for a variety of conditions from cold to warm. Temperatures likely will vary greatly.  Our second stop will be in the Castilla-La Mancha of central, Spain.  Here the weather generally will be warm.   Note: Bright colored outer clothing is not a good choice for the photography shoots.  Please wear dark earth-toned or camo outerwear for the photography outings.

  • Thin, cool clothing for warm conditions in central, Spain
  • Warm clothing for cool conditions in north, Spain
  •  Rain Gear
  •  Gloves
  •  Sunglasses
  •  Clothing should be camouflage or dark earth-toned colors
  •  Water bottle or flask for tea & coffee
  •  Sunscreen

Camera Equipment

  • Fast action camera body and a spare body.
  • Lenses in the range 100mm – 600mm (a 500 or 600 and a 100-400 works very well).
  • Landscape lens
  • Fast Lenses (f/2.8-4).
  • An alternative to long telephoto lenses are tele-converters (e.g. 1.4x or 2x).
  • Tripod with gimbal head.  Ball heads for action shots are not recommended.
  • Remote shutter release
  • Spare memory cards
  • Spare battery
  • Battery charger
  • Lens cleaning cloth
  • Camera and lens waterproof cover
  • Laptop or another type of storage device – we will be shooting a lot of images.

Additional Notes

The tour itinerary will be flexible to take advantage of the best photography opportunities available and thus is subject to change without notice.

This bird photography tour requires a minimum number of participants, if sufficient tour places are not sold the tour may not be run.

*If maximum number of participants is not reached the cost of the tour may increase depending on the number of participants confirmed for the tour.

Not all mentioned wildlife can always be observed and photographed, thus the aforementioned species should be considered our target species.  No guarantee is made of photographing all or any of the mentioned species.

With only 6 spots available it will not take long to fill this tour, so please register soon to reserve your place!

To register for this tour please contact us as soon as you decide you would like to participate.

If you have questions or would like more information please email here. Or call Whistling Wings at 772-713-1216 or Spain Adventures at 772-564-0330.

What’s Included

  • 8+ days of photography
  • All Accommodations
  • All Breakfasts
  • All Lunch each day (some are “brown bag”)
  • Welcome dinner
  • Three-course dinners that include selected Spanish wines
  • 4x4 vehicles during photography outings
  • All in-tour transportation
  • All hide fees
  • Professional photographer instruction
  • Workshops
  • 24/7 bilingual guides

Price (per person)

$5500.00

For More Information / Booking

844-41-SPAIN
844-417-7246
772-564-0330

Arrive / Depart

Arrive: Madrid
Depart: Madrid

2024 Tour Dates

June 2 – 11

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