THE RAPTOR PARADISE AND IBERIAN LYNX TOUR PLANÂ
- Part/Tour #2 -
Second week program October 21-28, 2024
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Central Spain and the Catalonian Pyrenees – The Ultimate Bird Hides Photographic Tour
Registration for the year 2024 is now complete.
This section is solely devoted to photography from state-of-the-art hides and feeding stations, managed by a highly professional team within Spain and Catalonia. In Central Spain, we will be visiting key sites for as long as needed to achieve our goals, which include close-up photography of raptors and the Iberian Lynx. In the Catalonia region, on the southwest flank of the Pyrenees, the Bearded Vultures will be our main target, and around the protected area of the BUSEU PROJECT.
This exclusive tour, led by ornithologist Hadoram Shirihai along with a top experienced local guide at each location, is designed for only 2 participants.
Iberian Lynx
Yanina Maggioto©
October 21-25, 2024: El Taray and Peñajalo, Spain
We will spend 2 nights at H. Prickly in Villacañas and 2 more nights at Hotel Ecológico El Toral. The hides can accommodate two photographers each, and there are multiple hides that offer views of the same scenery. During these days, we will use 5 different hides for photographing Marsh Harriers, Common Buzzards, Spanish Imperial Eagles, Black and Red Kites, Bonelli's Eagles, and the highlight of this section - the Iberian Lynx. Some of the locations offer amazing backgrounds, while others are surrounded by water with several perches installed to capture great shots and interactions.
Guides: Yanina Maggioto from Visit Natura and Hadoram Shirihai from the Almodôvar Birding Centre.
October 25-28, 2024: The Catalonian Pyrenees, Spain.
The main goal of this nature experience, located on the southwest flank of the Pyrenees, is to get up close to one of the world's unique vultures, the Bearded Vulture. This will be done through a truly unique set of hides positioned around a feeding station. Over the course of two days we may have the opportunity to see and photograph dozens of these magnificent giants. This area is part of the protected Buseo Project.
In addition to the Bearded Vultures, there will be a large number of Griffon Vultures (usually around 500 near the hide) and also the majestic Cinereous (Eurasian Black) Vultures – the largest bird species in Europe. It will be a fantastic experience to witness the feeding frenzy of this giants!
The site is located in the breathtaking mountain landscape of the Pyrenees, within a highly preserved area that creates a truly special feeling, perfect for photography. To avoid disturbances, especially with the Bearded Vultures, visitors must remain in the hides and be escorted in and out by staff. There are also nocturnal hides available for observing nighttime animal activities.
During our time in the Buseu Project area, we will take advantage of the early morning and evening hours to explore the surrounding and spot various bird species. This time is often ideal for seeing Ringuzel, Common Crossbill, Citril Finch, Red Kite, Goshawk, Peregrine Falcon, woodpeckers, and more.
Guides: Gerard & Jordi Canut of the Buseu Project and Hadoram Shirihai from the Almodôvar Birding Centre.
The package includes
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All accommodations from day 1 to day 8 (7 nights).
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Access to all the hides described.
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7 Breakfasts at the hotel. On days when the tours start early, breakfast will be self-service or packed.
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6 lunches and 7 dinners will be provided:
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Lunch includes a main course, a soft drink, coffee, and a dessert.
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Dinner includes a main course, a choice of soft drink, beer, or wine, a hot drink, and a dessert.
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Any additional items will be charged to the participant.
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During the tour days, the guide will distribute water to all participants.
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All transfers including the internal flight from Madrid to Barcelona
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An experienced birding guide will be provided for each region. Throughout the trip, ornithologist Hadoram Shirihai will join as the main guide.
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All tours will be conducted in English.
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A digital welcome booklet that includes an itinerary, travel information, and a checklist of the birds in the region.
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Participants who are continuing from the first week of the tour (Tour #1) will be included in the internal flight from Malaga to Madrid
The package does not include
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All other meals and drinks
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Flights to Madrid, and flights from Barcelona (mark the beginning and end of the tour)
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Tips for hotels, service, and guides
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Personal travel insurance. It is the responsibility of each participant to obtain private travel insurance, which should cover challenging activities such as using a 4x4 off-road vehicle.
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Personal items including binoculars, telescope, cameras, etc.
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Temperatures could be quite cold, so thermal clothes, gloves, and a hat are highly recommended.
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It is always recommended to use cameras with zoom lenses such as 100-400, 150-600, or 200-400 for all the
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hides. For fixed lenses, do not go over 400 or 500mm.
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Tripods are required.
Interested in our tour?
Share your contact details and we'll send you all the info need!
Travessa do Morgado 35, 7700-089, Almodôvar, Portugal
+351 927370914