Alpine birds are difficult to localise in the breeding season due to the terrain they use for breeding. Because of that and the comparatively low numbers of their populations, they have always been at the top of the photographer's agenda.
In winter most of the alpine birds are in flocks, they are a little nomadic, but can be found at lower altitudes. After more than fifteen years of working in the Pyrenees, we are now able to offer you the best photographic opportunities with Wallcreeper, Alpine Accentor, Alpine Chough and Snow Finch.
Wallcreeper is one of the most desired birds for birders and photographers and it is difficult to take good shots of this jewel, either in flight or just creeping along walls or rock faces. We have accumulated a thorough local knowledge about this species, its habits and movements, so much so that we know at least fifteen wintering places near to Boletas, some of which will allow you to approach to within five to ten metres of the birds.
Alpine Accentor, Snow Finch and Alpine Chough form flocks in winter and are quite confident with humans. We know their regular feeding and roosting places at this time of the year and a visit to these areas will surely produce some exciting and fruitful photography work.
We have to plan a 6 day tour with two days for Wallcreepers and two days for the other species. Although we will concentrate our efforts on the alpine birds other birds that can easily be photographed are Red-billed Chough, Lammergeier, Griffon Vulture, Serin, Cirl Bunting and Rock Bunting.
Day 1.- We will meet you on your arrival in Barcelona Ariport. We will then drive to Loporzano, our base for the coming days. Time permitting we will visit our first spot for Wallcreeper. Overnight in Boletas.
Days 2 and 3.- Two full days concentrated in the search of the Wallcreeper for photography. Not far from Loporzano we will visit the two best places around the Pre-pyrenees and we will see them for sure but our aim is to put this bird in front of your lens as close as possible, you must do the rest. Overnight in Loporzano.
Day 4 and 5.- After breakfast we will drive to the high Pyrenees close to the French border where we will find flocks of Alpine Choughs. Later we will visit different spots where Alpine Accentor and Snow Finch usually feed. Overnight in the High Pyrenees on day 4 and in Boletas on day 5.
Day 6.- Drive to Barcelona airport.
Alpine birds – Wallcreeper, Snow Finch, Alpine Accentor, Alpine Chough
Hide: This work is done without any hides, but in the best places from where we know it is possible to see these species at the shortest distances.
Clothing: Weather in the high Pyrenees for Snow Finch and Alpine Chough can be cold with temperatures rising to as low as minus 6ºC. Please check the weather forecast one or two days before the tour starts.
Equipment: The distance of bathing birds varies between 2 and 10 metres and the recommended focal lengths are 300 to 800 mm.
