Item: Catalan Steppes and Mountains Birding Tour, Spain
Rating: 4.83
Author: photo-logistics

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Birding Photography in the Southern Pyrenees and Lleida Steppes in Catalonia

A 5-day Catalan Steppes and Mountains Birding Tour taken at a leisurely pace. This region is a hotspot in Europe’s biodiversity, where a vast number of birds can be spotted within a short drive, from impressive scavenger raptors such as the Lammergeier, Black Vulture, Egyptian Vulture and Griffon Vulture to the Little Bustard, Bee-eater, Roller or Golden Oriole.

This Catalan steppes birding tour centres on the Montgai area, one of the best preserved habitats for Little Bustards, Montagu’s Harrier, Rollers, Hoopoes, Little Owls, Golden Orioles, Bee-eaters, Calandra Larks, Stone Curlews and Hobbys. This is an arable land with barley, wheat and oat fields, with some fallow fields and Holm Oak forest islets.

This bird photography tour also encompasses the Solsona and Tremp mountain areas in the southern Pyrenees. Both have active grazing sheep livestock that supports healthy populations of vultures and also serve as home to a population of mountain forest passerines such as Citril Finches, Crested Tits and Crossbills.

Although this is a birding trip, we can also combine some sessions in hides equipped with one-way glasses, so that you can observe the natural behaviour of vultures or steppe birds at close quarters. At the time of your booking we will tailor the schedule to your target bird list.

Catalan Steppes and Mountains Birding Tour highlights include:

Touring the Montgai area of the Catalan steppes and the Solsona and Tremp mountain areas, a hotspot of European diodiversity
A chance to see a wide diversity of bird species, from majestic raptors to mountain forest passerines
The opportunity to spend sessions in hides fitted with one-way glasses to observe birdlife up close
Trips tailored to your target bird lists
Expert local guides who can offer tips and advice on the best photo opportunities for every level of photographer

Want to consider a trip that concentrates on wildlife photography? Why not try this two-day tour of the Ebro Delta? Ebro Delta Bird Photography Tour

Alternative tour title: Bird Photography Tour of the Catalonia Steppes and Mountain Regions

Day 1

Day 0 - Arrival

Arrival to the accommodation in the afternoon. We kindly ask to be check in the accommodation before 20:00 or let us know in advance. The hotel is at 90 minutes from Barcelona airport.

If you are going to need a lunch pack for the next day, please order in the restaurant before you go to your room. They are used to provide this service.

Day 2

Day 1 - Solsona North - Mountains

Meeting our guide after your breakfast. Drive to Port del Comte mountains with Lammergeier, Citril Finch and Alpine Accentor (winter) as main target. A short hide session for vultures is available the whole year.

We will combine birding from the guide’s car with short easy walks. A lunch time spot is also foreseen in this program.

Day 3

Day 2 - Solsona South - scrub birds

Meeting our guide after your breakfast. Drive to the South for Subalpine Warbler, Dartford Warbler, Cirl Bunting, Rock Sparrow, Golden Oriole, Hoopoe, Bee-eater and some raptors like Booted Eagle or Short-toed Eagle.

We will combine birding from the guide’s car with short easy walks. A lunch time spot is also foreseen in this program. Then, at the end of the day we will move to the next accommodation near Montgai. 50 minutes driving from Solsona

Day 4

Day 3 - Steppe Lands

Meeting our guide after your breakfast. Then, visit to the steppe lands looking for Little Bustard, Roller, Bee-eater, Hoopoe, Montagu’s Harrier, Marsh Harrier, Little Ow or Calandra Lark, among others.

As the village is so close to the steppe lands we suggest here a lunch time in the local bar. Then as resting time and back to the field in the afternoon.

Day 5

Day 4 - Steppe Lands and Wetlands

Same program. It worths a second day in this amazing place as every day is a different story. In the afternoon we will lead you to the Estany d’Ivars i Vila-sana, a nice wetland that can make our day.

Day 6

Day 5 - Mountain Vultures

From Montgai we will reach Tremp area, the perfect place for Black Vulture, Griffon Vulture and Egyptian Vulture. Also Black Kite, Red Kite and some other raptors. A short hide session for vultures is available the whole year. Anyway flight shoots are also feasible from outside the hide.

In the afternoon we will get back to Montgai or Barcelona airport, according with your booking details.

Wildlife Reviews

4.83 stars

- based on 1 reviews

Best Guide
Mia Noyens10 Apr 2018
4.83
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Why book with Photo Logistics?

Photo Logistics is a well known and experienced Travel Agency in Spain, we run more than 80 hides for wildlife photography. We know what you want as a photographer because also we are photographers.

Do I need my own food and drink during day?

Yes, you can order a Lunch pack at the hotel.

Who Can Join this Tour?

Anyone who wants to enjoy the impressive fauna of teh Catalan Steppes and Mountains, you can combine hides and Safari during this days.

What is the likely weather?

Spring is confortable, just a jacket for early morning is needed

What footwear should I wear?

We usually do all our watching from trails and paths so there should be no need for heavy boots

What is the accommodation like?

the hotel is magnificent, with excellent cuisine: with typical Catalan dishes clean and warm, so you can rest and get ready for the next day