PHOTOGRAPHY GETAWAY
Eagles, alpine birds and bearded reedling
Montaña de Riaño and El Taray in spring
- Between 20 March and 30 May
- Montaña de Riaño-El Taray
- Maximum 6 people
- Low physical demands
- 1.260€
Summary
This getaway combines two of Spain’s finest destinations for bird photography into a single experience. During the first few days, we’ll explore the spectacular Montaña de Riaño, a high-mountain environment where we’ll be able to photograph large birds of prey such as the golden eagle, the egyptian vulture and other vultures, as well as some of the most iconic alpine species of the Cantabrian Range, such as the wallcreeper, the alpine accentor, the white-winged snowfinch or the common rock thrush, both from specialised hides and on guided mountain excursions.
The second part of the trip will take us to El Taray, one of the most renowned spots for wildlife and bird photography in Castilla-La Mancha. Its hides offer the chance to capture unique images of birds of prey, european roller, lesser kestrel and birds associated with reed beds, such as the striking bearded reedling or the great reed warbler.A perfect combination of ecosystems and species that makes this getaway an exceptional opportunity to expand your portfolio with some of the most representative birds of the Iberian fauna in the heart of spring.
Itinerary
Arrival in Montaña de Riaño
Morning: Villayandre hide.
Afternoon:: Valdeburón raptor hide.
Montaña de Riaño
Alpine bird outing.
Montaña de Riaño
Morning: Mountain bird outing.
Afternoon:: Campos de Arriero hide.
Montaña de Riaño and El Taray
MorningAcebedo poplar grove hide.
Afternoon:Transfer to El Taray.
El Taray
Morning: El Espartal hide.
Afternoon:: La Lagunita hide.
El Taray
Morning: Hoya de Linares hide.
Afternoon:: Reflections hide.
El Taray
Morning: Masiega hide.
Included
- Bed and breakfast
- 9 hide sessions
- 2 bird outings
- Professional guide
- Basic insurance
Recommendations
For this getaway, we recommend bringing a telephoto lens of between 400 and 600 mmwhich is ideal for photographing birds and large birds of prey. Zoom lenses, such as a 100–500 mm, , 150–600 mm or 200–600 mm, offer great versatility for adapting to the different species and situations we’ll encounter during the trip.
A shorter lens (70–200 mm or 24–105 mm) will be very useful for landscapes or wildlife at close range. It is also advisable to bring plenty of memory cards, spare batteries, chargers and a tripod or monopod, especially for sessions in hides or in low light.
The getaway combines days in the high mountains with sessions in hides, so it is important to wear comfortable clothing suitable for spring weather conditions.
We recommend dressing in layers, with breathable technical clothing, a waterproof jacket and a windbreaker, as well as warm clothing for the early hours of the day. It is essential to wear hiking boots with good soles for the walks around Riaño, as well as a cap, sunglasses and sun cream. For sessions in hides, it is also advisable to wear clothing in muted colours, which allows for respectful wildlife observation, and to carry a small rucksack to carry your equipment and personal belongings.
You need to know
combines sessions in hides with outings in the Montaña de Riaño, so it requires a basic level of fitness to walk along mountain trails whilst carrying photographic equipment. The itinerary may be adjusted depending on weather conditions and the activity levels of the wildlife, with the aim of maximising opportunities for observation and photography. We always work with small groups to ensure a personalised experience, minimise our impact on the wildlife and maximise the success of the photography sessions.
Eagles, alpine birds and bearded reedling
7 days
Per person
Price for a double room
*Single room: €1,375 per person
If the maximum group size is not reached, the trip may still go ahead subject to payment of a supplement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sort of trip is this?
This is a nature photography getaway that combines two of the best destinations for birdwatching and bird photography in Spain: the Montaña de Riaño and El Taray. Throughout the trip, we will alternate between sessions in photography hides and guided field trips to photograph a wide variety of species in their natural habitats.
Do I need previous experience in nature photography?
No. This trip is designed for both experienced photographers and amateurs who want to get started or improve their technique. Our guide will advise you during the sessions on how to make the most of the light, the birds’ behaviour and your camera settings.
What species will we be able to photograph?
The variety of species is one of the main attractions of this getaway. In the Montaña de Riaño , we’ll be able to photograph large birds of prey such as golden eagle, the egyptian vulture and various species of vultures, as well as alpine birds such as the wallcreeper, the alpine accentor, the white-winged snowfinch or the common rock thrush.
In El Taray, the hide sessions will focus on species such as the european roller, the lesser kestrel, as well as birds associated with reed beds, including the bearded reedling and the great reed warbler.. The presence of other species will depend on the time of year and natural conditions.