EXCLUSIVE PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS

 

Dates

*Great Bustard -four people / March - 28th to April 2nd and April 4th to 9th 2011

*Lammergeier - two people / at your convenience

*Bonelli´s & Golden Eagle + vultures -two people / Nov 2010 & Feb 2011

*Four alpine birds -three people / Anytime from Dec to the end of Feb

 

Before dusk in the spectacular Ordesa National Park

In the last years we have been visited by the excellent artist Mr. Ernest Leahy, various film makers and ,among several photographers, the amusing Mr. Gordon Langsbury a most eminent natural history photographer who brought with him a group of friends and colleagues, Chris Nights all a character, David Tippling or John Gardner both made an excellent work with Great Bustard, Mark Lane or Grodon Brahman made a great work with Lammergeier. The excellent results and success they achieved, has prompted us to continue in the coming years with our photo tours designed specifically for working with some of the most famous and "handsome" Spanish specialities: Lammergeier, Wallcreeper, Crane or Great Bustard, to satisfy those who pursue the difficult art of photography in the field of wild birds.
In order to achieve the best results from your photo sessions, all sites have their own hides which have been used for several years. We work all the year round at the artificial feeding stations supplying food and using other methods to ensure that the birds are regular visitors to these areas. Most of the species can be photographed at a range off approx 50 metres or closer. Four to six full days is the time you will have to complete your photography, so you will have to be in the hide before dawn and leave just before dusk. Temperature will be very cold at this time of year so do not forget to pack warm clothes, boots, flask, etc.
In 2003 we had 5 photographers who joined our tour in Extremadura for Great Bustard, P Mugridge, Malcolm Schuyl, Gordon Brahman, Dave Watts and Chris Knights, I would like to give them our most sincere thanks for their trust in us.
Here you are a snapshot which will give you an idea of the exciting moments they had.
I would like to specially mention Chris Knights, "the peasant" for making the tour a nonstop laugh-in full of amusing
anecdotes.

Wallcreeper ( Tichodroma muraria) by Gary Wilkinson and Great Bustard (Otis tarda) by Ph. Mugridge

In order to achieve the best results from your photo sessions, all sites have their own hides which have been used for several years. We work all the year round at the artificial feeding stations supplying food and using other methods to ensure that the birds are regular visitors to these areas. Most of the species can be photographed at a range of approx 50 metres or closer.
Four to six full days is the time you will have to complete your photography, so you will have to be in the hide before dawn and leave just before dusk. Temperature will be very cold at this time of year so do not forget to pack warm clothes, boots flask, etc.


New photo tours coming soon

      • Four Iberian Eagles : Bonelli´s , Golden, Short-toed and Booted
      • Bee-eater, Roller
      • Black Vulture & Imperial Eagle
      • Pi-tailed sandgrouse , Black-billed sandgrouse
      • Morocco 2011- 10 day photo tour
If you are interested in any of this tours or have any question please contact us.

LAMMERGEIER

November -2010 TBD / two people // Cost per persone € 810 .-

This exclusive photographic tour is a dream for most photographers. The beauty and magnificent presence of these handsome creatures soaring in the skies above the landscape of the Aragonese Pyrenees is something unforgetable for those photographers who have had the luck to experience such a combination. This tour is specifically designed for two photographers, preferably friends, sharing a hide at 1500 mts. Weather permitting you will have excellent chances to photograph the birds in flight or on the ground at very short distance. Transport to the hide will be via a rough dirt track in a comfortable 4x 4 vehicle. To complement the hard work of being in a hide all day we will accommodate you in a small Pyrenean village of not more than twenty inhabitants. As part of the Boletas 'style' you will stay in a small guest house producing exquisite home made cuisine, lamb, veal, wild mushrooms and good wine - a perfect finish to the long day.

 

Itinerary
Day 1 .- We will meet you on your arrival in Barcelona airport. We will then drive to the hides for your first contact with the site where you will have the opportunity to decide where to put the carrion, light conditions etc. Overnight in the Pyrenees.

Day 2, 3, - Early morning breakfast , before dawn everybody will be ready in their hide where you will have chances for Lammergeier, Griffon Vulture, Golden Eagle & Raven. We can only use the feeding station two full days at our convenience. We will stay at the feeding stations until you are satisfied with your work. Once you have finished with your photography and depending of teh time of teh year and time permitting we will visit other spots looking for other birds; Wallcreeper, Alpine Accentor etc. Overnight in the Pyrenees

Day 4 - In the morning we try for voltures and eagles in the area. Overnight in the Pyrenees

Day 5 - After breakfast return to Barcelona for your flight home.

 

Additional information

Hide : This hide is set at 1500 metres. It is built of wood and waterproofed and can accommodate two persons in comfortable seating.

Clothing:   Weather in the high mountains can be unpredictable. Due to the altitude, persons should be prepared for cold weather although it rarely remains below zero for the whole day. Please check the weather forecast one or two days before the tour starts.

Equipment: The distance from the hide to the feeding station, where birds could stop or fly in front of  observers varies between 40 and 70 metres. Recommended focal lengths are 500 mm .

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Chris Nights and Dick Forsman after an excellent Lammergeier photo tour in Nov 04

 


GREAT BUSTARD & LITTLE BUSTARD

March - 28th to April 2nd // April 4th to 9th

Cost per persone € 950.- ( four people)

In 2008 the EMBERIZA FUND and BOLETAS BIRDWATCHING CENTER initiated talks with the owners of two estates in the Cáceres province in Extremadura, where observations in previous years seemed to indicate the location of one of these display sites. The estates have a total 480 hectares of open, treeless plain, ideal as habitat for steppe birds, and are used as pastures for free-range cattle, with a few cultivated portions. They have three seasonal ponds, used for drinking by cattle and birds.

This study, together with information provided by the owners and previous observations, allowed us to establish that the two estates are indeed used by Great Bustard for their courtship and breeding regularly every year. The study also detected sizeable numbers of Little Bustard (Tetrax tetrax) , a smaller relative which carries its breeding activity in the estates later in the season, as well as other steppe species like Black-bellied Sandgrouse , Calandra Lark , Short-toed Lark , Crested Lark , Thekla Lark , Montagu's Harrier , Stone Curlew and Hoopoe .

In order to observe and photograph them from a reasonable distance it is mandatory to enter and leave the hides in total darkness; at this time of the year, this entails spending inside some 12+ uninterrupted hours. It's important to carry some food and water, plus an empty bottle for physiological needs.

With the aim of helping to preserve this prime steppe habitat, and in order to generate an additional income for its owners, we have set up a number of points within the estates to be used by photographers wishing to capture the great Bustard's display behavior.

Although in a few occasions the birds may get very close to the hides, the great flat extensions they inhabit make advisable the use of long focal distances, perhaps supplemented with a shorter lens for panoramic views. The portion of the lens protruding from the hide must be camouflaged, either with a portion of camo net or a neoprene cover. Great Bustards are generally more active in the early morning and late afternoon, although males can surprise with a display almost any time, especially in overcast weather. In these estates, the different hides provide opportunities to photograph adult males, groups of younger males often quarreling with each other, and groups of females.

Other species that can be often photographed are Hoopoe , Calandra and Crested Lark , Common Kestrel and Corn Bunting . Some hides provide excellent chances of photographing groups of Little Bustard in  breeding plumage, although their courtship behavior starts later than that of the Great Bustard, well into the month of May.

Itinerary

Airport : arrival & departure Madrid

Day 1 .- We will meet you on your arrival in Madrid ariport. We will then drive to La Serena in Extremadura for your first contact with the sites. Depending forecast we will decide which will be our first target. Overnight in the area.

Day 2,3,5 .- Early morning breakfast, before dawn everybody will be ready inside its hide. Great Bustard will be displaying so we hope they pass in front of your hide. One of the four hides will be set in the best Little Bustard area. Also you will have chances for Calandra Lark, Lesser Short-toed Lark, Hoopoe and sandgrouse. Just few minutes before dusk we will collect you from the hides and drive to or base. Overnight in the area.

Day 4 .- After breakfast we will go to explore the area near Trujillo where Lesser Kestrel breed in the bull Ring , also we can have chances of White Stork on nest and several raptors including Black Vulture. Overnight in the area.

Day 6.- The journey from Zorita to Madrid will take four hours.

Additional information

Great Bustard & Little Bustard

Hide: There are four hides wooden built. They are spacious and have chairs.  

Clothing: Weather in late spring can be rainy, but it is rarely too cold.   Please check the weather forecast one or two days before the tour starts.

Equipment: The distance from the hide to the Great Bustards varies from between 20 and 100 metres and the recommended focal lengths are 500 to 800 mm . There are chances of seeing smaller birds in front of the hides.


BONELLI´S & GOLDEN EAGLE

Nov 2010 and Jan 2011/two people // Cost per persone € 1050 .-

Due to the popularity of our photographic tours we have been working hard towards giving you the opportunity to visit us – from as early as next year – to work with four of the most beautiful Iberian eagles, Bonelli's, Golden, Short-toed and Booted.

We have already done half of the work and are pleased to be able to offer you the excitement of working with two of them. For two years now we have been working with Bonelli's and Golden Eagles, studying two territories where both adults develop their daily routines. We know most of their habitats - where they hunt, breed, roost, perch etc., so using this knowledge we have identified two areas where the birds are confident to hunt and feed. This is where we will set up our hides for those of you who would like to enjoy the experience of photographing these magnificent creatures. We are confident that over two days with each species you will have succeeded in capturing some great shots. As we need to leave one day without feeding the eagles we will visit a feeding station for voltures.

 

Itinerary

Day 1 – We will meet you at Zaragoza Airport and transfer to our base at Boletas.

Days 2, 3, and 5 – Each day will be planned according to the weather conditions. Our main targets will be Golden and Bonelli's Eagles. You will have two full days inside a hide in each territory. There are of course many other interesting birds around and you will also have an opportunity to photograph Egyptian Vulture, Griffon Vulture (both at feeding stations), Black Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, White Stork, Red Kite and Black Kite. Overnight at Boletas in Loporzano

Day 4 - One full day in a feedin station where are good chances to photograph Griffon Vulture and Red Kite. Overnight at Boletas in Loporzano

Day 6 – The journey back from Loporzano to Zaragoza will take about an hour and a half.

Airport : arrival & departure Zaragoza (aternatively Barcelona with an extra cost of 100.-£)

 

Additional information

Golden & Bonelli´s Eagle

Hide:  Both  hides are made of canvas with natural camouflage. There is a seat in each.

Clothing:   Weather in late or early winter is cold in the early morning, but rarely minus zero beyond midday. Please check the weather forecast one or two days before the tour starts.

Equipment: The distance from the hide to the eagles is 50 to 70 metres and the recommended focal lengths are 500 to 800 mm .  

 

Excelent work done by Markus Varesvuo in our first Eagles tour

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Excelent work done by John Hwkins in November


FOUR ALPINE BIRDS

wallcreeper, alpine accentor, snow finch and alpine chough

at your convenience from December to the end of February

Cost per persone € 760.- ( three people)

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 little nomadic, but can be localised  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.

 

Itinerary

Day 1 .- We will meet you on your arrival in Barcelona ariport. We will then drive to Loprozano our base for the coming days. Time permitting we will visit our first spot for Wallcreeper. Overnight in Boletas.

Day 2,3 .- 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 4,5 .- 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 use to feed . Overnight in the High Pyrenees on day 4 and in Boletas on day 5

Day 6.- Drive to Barcelona airport.

 

Additional information

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 winter  for Wallcreeper and Alpine Accentor can be cold but . Weather in the high Pyrenees for Snow Finch and Alpine Chough can be cold with temperatures rising to as low as minus 6.   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 .


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For all above PHOTO TOURS our terms include:

          • -Meet/deliver you at the airport.
          • -Accommodation in twin-bedded rooms with facilities.
          • -Breakfast, dinner , packed lunch & wine
          • -Transport from hotel to hides or alternative photo excursions
          • -Permissions from local authorities & hides
          • -Taxes.
        • -Not included flight tickets & travel insurance

 

Here you can valuate the great work done in our photo tours

Photographers who have joined BOLETAS photo tours

Gordon Langsbury, Gordon Bramham, Charlie Brown, Ian Brown, Gill Cardy, George Carr, Lesley Carr, Sylvian Cordier, Frederic Desmette, Jasper Doest, Dick Forsman, Jim France, John Gardner, Chris Hatch, Karen Hatch, Chris Knights, Michael Lane, Javier Martin, Philip Mugridge, Richard Price, Dave Richards, Malcolm Schuyl, David Tipplin, Hellen Williams, Dave Watts, Alan Heath, John Hawkins, Philip Newman, Mark Hamblin, Tony Hamblin, Robert Strauss, Genevieve Vallee, Markus Varesvuo, Jose Val, Felipe Foncueva.

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***Lammergeier Photo tour***

Gordon Bramham

Dear Josele,

Just a note to thanks you for organising such a special trip. Works cannot really describe how good it was. I learnt more about this bird in four days than I´ve read in years. It was an ambition fulfilled to see such a HANDSOME bird so close in the wild.

A thousand thanks once again. Gordon Bramham.

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© Boletas Birdwatching Centre - since 1994