In February this year I spent a week in Cremenes, Picos de Europa, Northern Spain. I went there to test a number of hides for all kind of bird species and to photograph Wildcat.
The Picos are a mountain range in Northern Spain. The National Park is the second most visited in Spain and for a good reason! It’s a stunning part of the country, teaming with wildlife.
The Picos are the stronghold of the European Wildcat and offer good opportunities to photograph this shy mammal. Late summer, when the grass has been cut, the Wildcat can be photographed from the car while it’s hunting for mice but Cremenes has the only reliable hide from where you can photograph both Wildcat and Golden eagle. This was one of the reasons I visited these hides and you can read all about it in my diary entry Picos de Europa, a Wildlife Paradise.
There are a large number of hides available throughout the year for birds like Golden Eagle, Black Woodpecker, Iberian Green woodpecker, Middle Spotted Woodpecker, Bullfinch and many more. Additional good photo opportunities are Otters, Pine marten and Badgers from artificially lit hides.
The hides are all very comfortable and within close proximity of Cremenes. They can easily accommodate 2 photographers. You photograph through spy glass.
The rural hotel is comfortable, food is good and they cater for vegetarians. Rooms are spacious and WIFI is available. A typical day starts with Pablo and Jorge transporting you to the hides. Morning sessions start early (depending on the time of year) ending at around 11-12. Then it’s back to the hotel for lunch, off loading images and back out again late afternoon till dusk.
There are various options to get to Cremenes. I flew to Bilbao, rented a car and drove to Cremenes which takes approximately. 3.5 hours. Another option is to fly to Madrid, rent a car and drive from there to Cremenes, taking around 4 hours. If no car is needed, you can take the fast train from Madrid to Leon. In Leon pick up can be arranged with Pablo for a cost. In my opinion car rental is the best option, giving you maximum flexibility if you wish to do anything between sessions.
The hides are active throughout the year but of course the presence of certain birds is dependent on the season. Pablo can inform you about specific wishes you might have.
I don’t organise the tours myself, I just want to give other photographers the opportunity to photograph wildlife at an affordable rate and I’m more than happy to answer any questions you might have.
If you are interested in booking or you have any questions, please contact me. I will forward booking requests to Pablo, Wildlife Spain, who manages the organisation of the trips.
Focus and destination: bird and mammal photography in Cremenes, Picos de Europa.
You can expect to photograph, depending on the season: Black redstart, Dipper, Griffon Vulture, Red Kite, Golden Eagle, Mistle Thrush, Tree Creeper, various Woodpecker species, Nuthatch, Flycatcher, Buzzard, Shrikes and many more passerines. Wildcat, Ibex, Badger, Pine Marten and Otters.
5 Day Winter trip (October-March)
Hotel Huelde, Cremenes
Single room , half board , 9 hide sessions EURO 890
Double room, half board , 9 hide sessions EURO 840
Example itinerary:
Day 1 – Golden Eagle/Wildcat in morning, Buzzard hide in afternoon
Day 2 – Bullfinches and other small birds in morning, Badger/Pine marten in
evening
Day 3 – Scavengers in morning, Otters in evening
Day 4 – Golden Eagle/Wildcat in morning, Woodpeckers in afternoon
Day 5 – Scavengers in morning, afternoon check out
5 Day Spring trip (April-June)
Hotel Huelde, Cremenes
Pricing see Winter trip
Example itinerary:
Day 1 – Golden Eagle/ Wildcat in morning, Buzzard hide in afternoon
Day 2 – Woodpeckers/Wryneck in morning, Badger/Pine marten in evening
Day 3 – Scavengers in morning and Otters in evening
Day 4 – Golden Eagle/Wildcat in morning, Passerines in afternoon (alpine species)
Day 5 – Woodpeckers/Wryneck in morning , afternoon check out
Please note that from May otters are more erratic. May is an excellent period to start to photograph sub alpine birds. Every year is different and, as ever, there are no guarantees with this hobby. Pablo and Jorge take excellent care of their customers and if you have special requests in terms of photography please let them know as they will be happy to accommodate. There is always room for some flexibility.
All prices are excluding flights, car rental, transfer (if required) travel insurance and personal expenses.
