BEARDED VULTURE
Photographing the Bearded Vulture in Spain
One of Europe’s most iconic raptors
Bearded Vulture - © Rafael Armada
Among Europe’s most iconic raptors, the Bearded Vulture (Lammergeier) is a dream species for bird photographers. Its massive wingspan, striking silhouette, and unique bone-dropping behavior make every encounter unforgettable. In Spain, the Pyrenees are the best place to photograph this spectacular bird.
The Bearded Vulture (Lammergeier) is the only bird able to feed almost entirely on bones.
Why the Bearded Vulture?
It’s not just the size. The long, diamond-shaped tail, the narrow wings, and the ochre plumage — stained by iron-rich soil — give the bird a look of its own. Add its bone-dropping behavior and you start to see why so many photographers put it high on their list.
Where and when?
In Spain there are a few areas where Bearded Vultures are resident and encounters are reliable. Spending time here gives you the chance to wait for the right conditions and work on different kinds of images — from wide flight frames to close portraits in good light, or behavior captured from specialised photography hides.
The species is present all year round.
More than one highlight…
The focus is on the Bearded Vulture, but the same areas hold much more. Golden Eagle, Black Vulture, and Griffon Vulture are regular companions, with Red Kite often drifting through. In winter you might add Alpine Accentor or even a Wallcreeper on the cliffs, while in the warmer months Egyptian Vultures are also present. The mix of raptors and mountain specialists means there is always something to work with.
Optional hides for Bearded Vulture photography
Bearded Vultures can often be photographed in the field, soaring at close range, but in some areas specialised hides provide unique opportunities for portraits and close views. We carefully select which hides to use, choosing only those that add real value to the experience. This balance between field encounters and hides makes it possible to adapt the trip to your photographic needs.
Guided by photographers
Being in the right place is only part of it. The rest comes down to reading light, anticipating movement, and positioning for angles that work. This trip is led by guides who are photographers themselves, so the emphasis is always on turning encounters into usable images — not just ticking a species off a list.
A rare opportunity
A one-day trip may seem short, but it can be extended to suit your plans (from 1 to 3 days), or combined with a longer tailor-made tour in Spain.
Prices and options
Depending on your needs, this experience can be arranged in different formats:
One-day trip from Barcelona
a full day in the field focused on Bearded Vulture photography.1 person: 390 €
2 people: 230 € per person
3 people: 180 € per person
*Prices shown include 21% VAT
Extended tours (2–6 days)
Depending on your preferences, tailored itineraries visiting several key sites, combining specialised photography hides with field sessions to photograph the species in different settings. Every departure is custom-made, so duration, locations, prices and balance between hides and fieldwork can be adjusted to your goals.Please write to us at warblertours@gmail.com or fill the form below to plan your trip.
What’s included
Professional bird photography guiding by Rafael Armada
Transfers to/from Barcelona airport (Pick-up from other airports available with a supplement)
Ground transport during all the trip duration
Meals during the itinerary
Accommodation (Only in extended tours 2-6 days)
Daily field sessions adapted for photography
What’s not included
Flights to/from Spain
Photography hides
Travel and cancellation insurance
Personal expenses and tips
Alcoholic drinks
Anything not specified
Interested in this tour?
This itinerary can be added to a longer tailor-made tour in Spain.
You can fill in the form, or simply write to us at warblertours@gmail.com to plan your trip.
Available all year round