This week marked the arrival of hundreds of Short-toed eagles and Black kites from Africa in to their breeding grounds in Western Europe, offering fantastic opportunities for observing and bird of prey photography. Weather has generally been mixed, with periods of sunny clear blue skies and decent temperatures of about 15-18 degrees, although lately is has been rather wet with periods of heavy rainfalls
Black kites tends to arrive early with birds spotted during late January and Early February during our recent birdwatching tours with clients. By mid-February we were observing flocks of up to 50 birds in some of our usual sites, which will dramatically increase to thousands of birds in the next few days and weeks. Our bird of prey photography day tours are especially indicated for this interested in close up photography in great light, even some amazing roosts (see below) which we often go to straight after our clients have had their buffet breakfast at our regular hotel.
Bird photography lighting conditions generally tends to be good in southern Spain, and we have experience of where and when to be at to make the most of these more pleasing light conditions during the days. Sometimes we do plan our tours in a way which enables arriving or departing these areas at specific times of the days depending on the requirements of our clients.
Soaring Black kite in flight ©Andrew Fortuna
the best Short-toed eagles are also arriving in numbers with up to 70 birds spotted a few days ago arriving in Gibraltar, together with 3 Black storks, and small numbers of Marsh and Hen harriers, Egyptian vulture and Sparrowhawks. Iberian Short-toed tends to arrive early during the first two weeks in March, involving mostly adults birds in fresh plumage, with continental and younger birds arriving during the days and week after.
Migrating young Griffon vultures have also been making a presence in the area, often greeted by highly territorial yellow-legged gulls, which due to hormonal changes in the physiology during late winter / early spring, fiercely defend their territory from these magnificent raptors. Touring with us can provide you with some amazing and memorable images, as evidenced from our client testimonials on Tripadvisor.
Contact us to arrange a bespoke birdwatching or bird photography tour for you and your group this Spring / summer, although we also offer some fantastic late autumn / winter birding in the areas, which still offers a lots of raptors and excellent photography weather allowing you to use really low ISOs, and a great way to engage in some quality birding (and cheap tasty tapas!) in warmer climates, just before the Christmas period.