Steppe birds are difficult to photograph and locate due to the habitat in which they breed: the steppes; intense dry land with hot temperatures in late Spring until early Autumn.
In summer most of the steppe birds are faithful to the few dinking pools available. After more than five years of working in the Ebro valley steppes, we are now able to offer you the best photographic opportunities with Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse and the mysterious Dupont´s Lark some of the most desired birds for keen photographers.
We have planned a 5 day tour with two days for sandgrouse and one day for the other species. Although we will concentrate our efforts on the sandgrouse, other birds that can easily be photographed are Stone Curlew, Short-toed Lark, Lesser Short-toed Lark, Southern Grey Shrike, Woodchat Shrike, Calandra Lark, Collared Dove, Montagu´s Harrier.
Day 1.- We will meet you at Zaragoza Airport (or you can fly to Barcelona and use the high speed rail link to Zaragoza). We will then drive to Belchite area, our base for the coming days. Time permitting we will visit the hides for a first contact. Overnight in Belchite.
Day 2 & 3.- Two full days concentrated in the hides. Overnight in Belchite.
Day 4.- After breakfast we will drive back to the El Planerón close to Belchite where we will find flocks of many larks but we will pay special attenton to the elusive Dupont´s Lark. Overnight in Belchite
Day 5.- Drive to Zaragoza airport (or train station for transfer back to Barcelona).
NB - Clients arriving at Barcelona Airport will need to transfer to Zaragoza by high speed train - a local connection operates direct from the airport to Barcelona train station. Pre booked the full return fare will be about 100 Euros (£80+).
Sandgrouse and Steppe birds
Hide: There is a spacious hide for three photographers and with chairs. The hide is built underground with the windows at ground level which is excellent for photographing these birds. We will provide you with a chair, a simple container for urinal facilities and a bottle of water.
Clothing: Weather in late spring can be hot. Please check the weather forecast one or two days before the tour starts.
Equipment: The distance from the hide to the steppe birds varies from between 10 and 30 metres and the recommended focal lengths are 500 to 800 mm . There are chances of seeing passerines in front of the hides.
