CATALONIA in winter
CATALONIA
A Winter Bird Photography Journey
Combining hides, field photography and flexible safari-style sessions adapted to light, weather and bird activity.
Bearded Vulture - © Rafael Armada
This route brings together three of the most interesting winter bird photography regions in northeastern Spain: the Catalan Pyrenees, the Ebro Valley and the Ebro Delta.
The journey begins in the mountains, where winter creates exceptional conditions for photographing Bearded Vultures, Griffon Vultures and other alpine species against snow-covered landscapes and from specialized hides. Further south, the dry Mediterranean valleys of the Ebro region offer a completely different photographic setting, with opportunities for species such as Black Wheatear and Bonelli’s Eagle. The final days are spent in the Ebro Delta, one of the most important wetland systems in the western Mediterranean, where vast open landscapes host large numbers of wintering birds throughout the season.
More than bird tour, this is a photographic journey shaped by the landscapes, weather, light and quality time in the field.
Winter is what gives this route its character.
Snow-covered mountains, softer Mediterranean lights and vast open wetlands create a quieter and more atmospheric photographic experience.
Where and when?
This winter route follows a circular journey from Barcelona through three very different landscapes of northeastern Spain: the Catalan Pyrenees, the Mediterranean interior of the Ebro Valley and the wetlands of the Ebro Delta.
Depending on the pace and photographic objectives of the group, the itinerary can be organised as a 5 to 8-day circuit, combining specialised photography hides, bird photography in the field and flexible safari-style sessions adapted to weather, light and bird activity.
The trip runs from November to February, when shorter days and low-angle light create ideal conditions for slower, more immersive photography across landscapes.
Our Lynx location in Sierra de Andújar…
Based in southern Spain, the itinerary combines specialised photography hides with additional opportunities for Mediterranean wildlife and Bird Photography, depending on season and timing. Sessions are structured around light and activity patterns, maximising your chances of meaningful encounters rather than rushed sightings.
Our estate sits within one of the strongest Iberian Lynx territories in the region, and it offers:
• More than 10 different Lynx individuals regularly use the estate, including adults, subadults and cubs.
• The Andújar population holds the highest genetic variability within the species, making it a cornerstone of long-term recovery.
• Lynx are frequently observed hunting, interacting and marking territory.
Hides designed for long sessions with maximum comfort:
• No spy-glass (full light, natural sound).
• Rail systems for gimbal heads in selected hides.
• Air conditioning in summer and underfloor heating in winter.
• Bathroom facilities inside the hides.
• Hides are accessible for guests with reduced mobility.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Lynx activity is monitored continuously, including live camera systems to assess behaviour and optimise sessions. However, as with all wild animals, sightings and photographic opportunities cannot be guaranteed and will depend on daily activity.
Prices and options
Seven fully guided days combining dedicated Iberian Lynx sessions at a high-density private estate in Andújar with specialised hides for Iberian raptors and nocturnal mammals in another prime reserve in central Sierra Morena.
Available all year-roundTrip price:*
1 person: 4.700€
2 people: 3.850 € per person**
3 people: 2.950 € per person**
*Prices shown include 21% VAT
**Single supplement: 190 €
What’s included
7 field days with Rafael Armada
2 prime wildlife locations in Sierra Morena
4 dedicated Iberian Lynx hide sessions
4 days photographing raptors and nocturnal mammals
16 hide sessions in total
Structured on-location photographic workshop throughout the programme
Daily strategy adapted to current wildlife activity
Personal guidance (technical refinement, positioning, light reading, behavioural anticipation)
6 nights in carefully selected rural accommodation
All meals
Airport pick-up and drop-off in Madrid
All ground transport during the programme
What’s not included
Flights to/from Spain
Any alcoholic drinks
Travel and cancellation insurance
Personal expenses
Anything not specified
Please write to us at warblertours@gmail.com or fill the form below to plan your trip.
Iberian Lynx & Hide Photography Tour Itinerary
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We will meet you at Madrid airport in the morning and begin our journey south towards the famous Iberian Lynx area around Andújar. The drive takes approximately 3.5 hours, gradually leaving the city behind as we enter the rolling hills and Mediterranean scrubland that form one of the last strongholds of this iconic feline.
After checking into our accommodation and allowing some time to settle in, we head straight out for our first afternoon session in a specially positioned lynx hide. This will be your first opportunity to immerse yourself in the habitat and, with luck, enjoy close photographic encounters with the Iberian Lynx as it becomes active towards dusk.
Overnight in Andújar.
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Today is entirely devoted to Lynx photography from hides.
We begin before sunrise, taking our places quietly as the landscape awakens. Early morning often provides magical light and increased activity, offering excellent photographic conditions.
After a midday break to rest and review images, we return to the hides for an afternoon session, again focusing exclusively on Iberian Lynx. With patience and the right conditions, this full day maximises your chances of extended sightings and varied behaviour.
Overnight in Andújar.
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We start with a final morning Iberian Lynx hide session in the Andújar area.
After lunch, we depart for our second base near Adamuz, in the province of Córdoba (approx. 2 hours). This region is renowned for its high-quality bird photography hides and well-managed setups.
Upon arrival and check-in, we head out for our first afternoon bird photography session, followed by a nocturnal hide experience, offering the possibility of photographing species active after dark.
Overnight in Adamuz.
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These two days are fully dedicated to an intensive hide schedule.
Each day includes three daytime sessions and one nocturnal session. The selected hides and target species will depend on seasonal conditions and current activity, ensuring the best possible photographic opportunities.
The area offers controlled yet entirely natural settings, allowing close encounters and professional-level images under carefully managed conditions.
Overnight in Adamuz.
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We continue with a full programme of four hide sessions (three during the day and one at night), further expanding photographic opportunities and species variety.
Overnight in Adamuz.
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Our final morning includes two hide sessions before concluding the tour.
Around midday, we begin the return drive to Madrid (approx. 4 hours), arriving early afternoon in time for an afternoon or evening departure flight.
Accommodation in Andujar
Accommodation in Adamuz
10% of the net benefits generated by this trips are allocated directly to support ongoing Iberian Lynx conservation initiatives.
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