PHOTOGRAPHY GETAWAY
Roller, waders and raptors
El Taray in spring
- Between 25 March and 15 May
- El Taray
- Maximum 6 people
- Low physical demands
- 790€
Summary
This getaway will take you to one of Spain’s best destinations for bird photography: El Taray. Over the course of several days, we’ll enjoy sessions in specialised hides, where we’ll be able to photograph the spectacular european roller, birds of prey, waders and a wide variety of birds associated with the wetlands and steppes of La Mancha, right in the middle of the breeding season.
Spring transforms El Taray a true paradise for photographers and nature lovers. Thanks to the diversity of habitats and the excellent location of our hides, we’ll have unique opportunities to capture scenes of behaviour, flight, courtship and portraits of some of the most iconic species of Iberian birdlife, always whilst observing the wildlife responsibly and respectfully.
Itinerary
Morning: arrival in Villacañas, a town near El Taray, in the morning.
Afternoon:: Wader hide.
Morning: Wader hide.
Afternoon:: El Espartal hide.
Morning: Hoya de Linares hide.
Afternoon:: Reflections hide.
Morning: Masiega hide.
Afternoon:: Little owl hide.
Morning: Drinking Casa de Labor hide.
Included
- Bed and breakfast
- 8 hide sessions
- Professional guide
- Basic insurance
Recommendations
For this trip, we recommend using a telephoto lens of between 400 and 600 mm, or an equivalent zoom lens (100–500 mm, 150–600 mm or 200–600 mm), which will allow you to photograph both small birds and birds of prey and waders whilst maintaining a respectful distance.
A second camera body with a shorter lens (70–200 mm or 24–105 mm) can be very useful for taking environmental shots, landscapes or behavioural scenes when the birds approach the hide. It is also advisable to bring spare batteries, sufficient memory cards, a tripod or monopod if deemed necessary, and protection for your equipment in case of rain or dust.
The photo sessions will mainly take place from hides, so it is advisable to wear comfortable, breathable clothing suitable for spring weather conditions. Temperatures may be cool in the early hours of the day, so it is a good idea to dress in layers and bring a light jacket.
We recommend wearing comfortable footwear for the short walks to the hides, as well as a cap, sunglasses and sun cream. Although the activity takes place from specially equipped hides, it is advisable to wear muted colours to ensure that wildlife is observed with due respect.
You need to know
Once we arrive at El Taray, our hide keepers will take the participants to the relevant hides. The sessions take place from specially designed photography hides, which are designed to minimise the impact on wildlife and offer the best opportunities for photography.
Roller, waders and raptors. El Taray in spring
5 days
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 in one of the best destinations for birdwatching and bird photography in Spain: El Taray. Throughout the trip, we will alternate between sessions at various hides to photograph a wide variety of species in their different 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 highlight of the trip will be the spectacular european roller, one of the most colourful birds in our wildlife. Furthermore, from our hides we’ll have the chance to photograph various waders, such as avocets, black-winged stilts, kentish plovers or collared pratincoles, as well as birds of prey such as the lesser kestrel. In the reedbeds, we’ll also be on the lookout for such iconic species as the bearded reedling and the great reed warbler..