Nature Photography in Extremadura
Exclusively for guests of Finca Las Abubillas, we can arrange access to a number of specialist bird photography hides operated by trusted colleagues. We work closely with local partners, all of whom hold the required permits.
In most cases, hide sessions need to be booked and scheduled well in advance.
Prices range from €60 to €275.
In almost all cases, photography is done using a minimum 400 mm telephoto lens, mounted on a tripod.
Please bear in mind that nature cannot be controlled: success in one year does not guarantee similar results the next.
The following bird species can be photographed from hides:
vultures, bee-eaters, common cranes, great bustard, little bustard, lesser kestrel, black-winged kite*, booted eagle, European roller*, Spanish imperial eagle, golden eagle and Bonelli’s eagle.
* not possible every year
Request information about the photography hides here!
Vulture photography
Close to Monfragüe National Park, you can photograph vultures — and potentially other birds of prey — from a large and comfortable photography hide. The hide is equipped with one-way mirrored glass. With a bit of luck, you may capture stunning images of griffon vulture, black vulture and Egyptian vulture.
Photography is done using a minimum 300 mm telephoto lens, and the use of a tripod is strongly recommended. Coming face to face with these impressive birds is truly an unforgettable experience.
Period: all year round
Photography of the lesser kestrel
The period during which lesser kestrels can be photographed from the hide runs from 15 March until the end of June, with the exception of the breeding period (20 May to 10 June). The hide accommodates two people and is intended for use in the (late) afternoon.
Photography of the great bustard
Photographing great bustards at a display site is an activity for experienced wildlife photographers who do not mind spending up to fifteen consecutive hours in a small hide. It is strongly recommended to allow two days for this, in order to maximise the chances of obtaining successful images. The season runs from 15 March until the end of April.
Photography of the little bustard
Between 20 April and 10 May, little bustards can be photographed at their display sites from a fixed hide. A maximum of two people can be accommodated.
Bee-eater photography
From mid-April until mid-May, it is usually possible to photograph bee-eaters from one of our mobile photography hides. We make sure everything is fully prepared for you, giving you excellent opportunities to photograph these beautiful birds at close range.
Photography of common cranes
Up to 130,000 common cranes spend the winter months in Extremadura. In December, this species can be photographed very well from a hide in a natural setting. For this purpose, we have two mobile photography hides available, located about one hour’s drive from Finca Las Abubillas.
A maximum of two people can be accommodated.
European roller photography
This beautiful species can be photographed during the breeding season from a mobile photography hide, positioned near the nest.
Period: May to early June.
Please note: unfortunately, this is not possible every year, as it depends on the nesting choices of the parent birds.
Black-winged kite photography
For many wildlife photographers, this is a dream species to photograph. Demand for this hide is therefore very high, and it is often fully booked well in advance. The best period runs from 15 March to early May.
As with the black-winged kite, it is unfortunately not possible every year to photograph this species from a hide.
Please note: you will remain in the hide for the entire day, from well before sunrise until well after sunset — a long session indeed.
Spanish imperial eagle photography
Without doubt, the Spanish imperial eagle is one of the most sought-after and rarest bird species to photograph. Suitable for experienced photographers only.
Period: all year round.
We work with two different providers for this species. Travel time from Finca Las Abubillas to the meeting point for the hides is approximately one or two hours, depending on the provider.
Golden eagle photography
The impressive golden eagle can be photographed on a private finca from a permanently installed hide. The best period is during the winter months. Photography is done using a tripod and a telephoto lens of at least 400 mm.
We work with two different providers for this species. Travel time from Finca Las Abubillas is approximately one or two hours, depending on the provider.
Bonelli’s eagle photography
Another highly sought-after species. This medium-sized eagle can also be photographed from a permanently installed hide. Suitable for experienced wildlife photographers only.
Period: all year round.
We work with two different providers for this species. Travel time from Finca Las Abubillas to the meeting point for the hide is approximately one or two hours, depending on the provider.
If you have any further or specific questions about nature or bird photography, the best way to ask them is via the contact form.
If you are interested in my bird photography projects in Extremadura, you can read all about them in my digital e-book:
