PHOTOGRAPHY GETAWAY
Brown bear, raptors and forest birds
Montaña de Riaño and Somiedo
- Between April and early June / Between August and October
- Montaña de Riaño and Somiedo
- Maximum 6 people
- Low physical demands
- 810€
Summary
The getaway Brown bear, raptors and forest birds will take you to the heart of the Cantabrian Range, one of Europe’s finest destinations for wildlife photography experience. Over the course of several days, we will explore various natural settings in search of the iconic cantabrian brown bear, making the most of the best times of day to observe and photograph this species in the wild, whilst always showing the utmost respect for its behaviour and habitat.
As well as the bear, the richness of these ecosystems will give us the opportunity to photograph large birds of prey such as the golden eagle, the egyptian vulture and other vultures, as well as an interesting community of forest birds. An experience designed for those who wish to enjoy nature at its most authentic and expand their portfolio with some of the most representative species of the north of the Iberian Peninsula.
Itinerary
Morning: Arrival in Montaña de Riaño. Villayandre hide.
Afternoon:Valdeburón raptor hide. Overnight in Somiedo.
Bear outing.
Bear outing.
MorningAcebedo poplar grove hide.
Included
- Bed and breakfast
- 3 hide sessions
- 2 brown bear outings
- Professional guide
- Basic insurance
Recommendations
For this getaway, we recommend bringing 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 allows you to photograph both mammals and birds whilst always maintaining a respectful distance.
It is also advisable to have a second camera body with a shorter focal length for landscape photography or environmental shots, as well as spare batteries, plenty of memory cards and a tripod or monopod for longer observation sessions.
The walks will take place in mountainous terrain and the Cantabrian forests, so we recommend wearing comfortable technical clothing, breathable technical clothing suitable for the temperature changes typical of these areas.
It is essential to wear hiking boots with good soles, a waterproof and windproof jacket, and to dress in layers to adapt to the weather conditions. It is also advisable to bring a hat, gloves for the early hours of the day and a comfortable rucksack to carry your camera equipment.
You need to know
Observation of brown bear and other species depends on natural factors and their behaviour in the wild. For this reason, the itinerary for each day may be adjusted depending on weather conditions or wildlife activity, always with the aim of maximising opportunities for sightings and photography.
Brown bear, raptors and forest birds. Montaña de Riaño and Somiedo
4 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’ll alternate between sessions at various hides and make the most of our hydrohide 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 stars of this trip will be the black-necked grebe, the great crested grebe and the white-headed duck, three of the most iconic species found in Iberian wetlands during spring.
Furthermore, the extraordinary biodiversity of El Taray offers the chance to photograph other waterbirds and waders that frequent the lagoons and reedbeds, such as stilts, avocets, black-winged stilts, plovers and various species of ducks and herons. The presence of particular species will depend on the time of year and natural conditions, ensuring that every photography session is unique and offers new opportunities for the nature photographer.