This was my third trip in the last two years to central Spain for bird photography from photo hides. There are many different superb hides available in Spain but finding out about them isn't straightforward!
For this trip my initial plan was to go back to Hides Villuercas for six nights. These hides are based at Canamero, a small town about a three hour drive from Madrid airport, and in early June were said to have a mouth-watering selection of birds available, including Golden Eagle, Eagle Owl, Black-winged Kite and Vultures, as well as Bonelli's and Booted Eagle!
However things didn't quite work out as planned, but at very short notice I was able to arrange to spend two nights at Esparragosa de Lares, a village about a further 1hr drive south from Canamero. Here I enjoyed hides for Golden Eagle and Eagle Owl (later the same day!). There was also an unexpected bonus of a session in a superb Golden Oriole hide the next morning. The only species I missed from my initial wish list was Black-winged Kite. Something for another time, maybe.
There is now a full trip report and associated photo gallery on my website for anyone interested.
Here is a small selection of the c. 30,000 images I took, as a taster for the above links to more information and many photos on my website.
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| Bonelli's Eagle, Hides Villuercas, Spain. 7 June 2026 |
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| Booted Eagle, Hides Villuercas, Spain. 8 June 2026 |
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| Egyptian Vulture, Hides Villuercas, Spain. 9 June 2026 |
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| Golden Eagle, Esparragosa de Lares, Spain. 10 June 2026 |
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| Eagle Owl at dusk, Esparragosa de Lares, Spain. 10 June 2026 |
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| Golden Oriole, Esparragosa de Lares, Spain. 11 June 2026 |
