SPAIN LYNX AND RAPTORS PHOTO TOUR
- Photo Tour
- December 1-13, 2024
- December 1-13, 2025
- Extension
- December 13-18, 2024
- December 13-18, 2025
This photo tour takes place during the best time to photograph Iberian Lynx, wintering raptors, Ibex in the rut and Common Cranes in Spain. We will be photographing from blinds which are setup for different species. Each of the blinds typically seats 3 photographers so we will be alternating between hides. There is an Imperial Eagle hide, Goshawk hide, Golden Eagle hide, Bonelli’s Eagle hide, Marsh Harrier and Kite hide (up to 15 species of raptor can be photographed at this hide during the winter), Griffon and Cinereous Vulture hide, Crane hide and small bird drinking pool hide. When photographing the Ibex we will be walking. There are also some photography from the vehicle and walk around photo opportunities but the majority of our time will be spent in the hides. We will be staying in 4 star accommodation throughout including two nights in a beautiful castle. Possible extensions include the South of Spain for Iberian Lynx and more Imperial Eagle or the Pyrenees for Bearded Vulture and other mountain species, contact us for details.
Maximum Participants: 5 photographers plus nonphotographer spouses and companions.
Cost and Logistics
Cost is $6,950 per photographer with a $600 single supplement. Nonphotographer spouse cost depends on activities because of limited space in the blinds, $6,200 with full activities, contact us to discuss other options. Arrival and departure airport is Madrid, Spain. Cost includes all lodging, meals, hide fees, instruction, local transportation and guiding. It does not include beverages, flights, tips or items of a personal nature. Deposit is $1,700. 2025 costs: $7,250 per photographer, $700 single supplement,m $6,600 nonphotographer.
Extension cost: Cost is $2,950 per photographer with a $200 single supplement. 2025 costs: $3,150, $300 single, $2,850 nonphotographer.
Itinerary
December 1st – Arrive to Madrid, Spain, transfer to a 4 star hotel near the airport.
December 2nd – Transfer to Toledo area, afternoon small bird hide photography with Azure-winged Magpies, Hawfinch and other species or photography from the vehicle for Red-billed Partridge and others. Hotel: Las Aguilas – a nice in the country hotel.
Dec 3rd-Dec 9th – Seven full days of photography. Mornings will be raptor photography at either the Vulture hide, Imperial Eagle hide, Goshawk hide, Harrier and Kite hide or Crane hide. Everyone will get at least one session in each of the hides mentioned, probably 2 in the Harrier and Kite hide as it’s the most active. We will also do the Iberian Lynx hide for a day or two as desired. One day for those interested we will be hiking in the nearby mountains to photograph the rutting Ibex, anyone not interested can do more hide photography. In the afternoon we will do small bird photography either from the hide, vehicle or walking. Hotel: Los Águilas – a charming hotel in the country.
December 10th – One more morning of raptor photography, then we will check out and have about a 3 hour transfer to our next location. Our hotel here will be another castle, the stunning Parador de Guadeloupe.
December 11th – Morning Bonelli’s Eagle photography for half the group (with lunch break) and Golden Eagle hide for the other half of the group. Afternoon bird walk near the castle. Hotel: Parador de Guadeloupe.
December 12th – Switch from the 8th with the other half of the group doing the Goshawk and half doing the Golden Eagle hide. In the late afternoon we will transfer back to a 4 star hotel near the Madrid airport.
December 13th – Transfer back to the Madrid airport for your flight home or start an extension.
Extension
December 13th – Morning drive from Madrid to the Pyrenees region in Northeast Spain. Afternoon songbird blind photography session.
December 14-16 – 3 full days of blind photography including two sessions to photograph the majestic Bearded Vulture as well as Griffon and Cinereous Vultures and other raptors. We will also blinds where we photograph Middle Spotted and Great Spotted Woodpeckers and other songbirds. We will also visit a drinking pool blind for raptors where Goshawks, Harriers, Kites and Buzzards drink and bathe. Accommodations in a nice rural hotel. The landscapes and scenery in this region is stunning.
December 17th – Morning blind photography followed by return to Madrid, nice hotel near the airport.
December 18th – Fly home.
Jure Novak
Jure Novak is a full time nature photographer, tour leader and filmmaker from Slovenia. His work is widely published in Slovenia and he is one of the filmmakers of “Wild Slovenia”, a motion picture. Jure is an excellent birder and bird guide in addition to being a very talented photographer. He uses Sony gear.
