Los Monegros is a dry semi desert area, roughly north of Zaragoza in the Huesca and Aragon province. The area is prone to frequent droughts. The area is covered with shrubs and tress and the highest point is the Oscar mountain measuring 822 meters above sea level. The Monegros is a steppe area and when I was there I often envisioned seeing lions and giraffes! it reminded me very much of Africa.
Monegros is a rather desolated part of Spain with small villages and abandoned farms. The Monegros is cited as one of the largest habitats for birds in Spain. Highly endangered species like Great and little bustards, Stone curlew, Lesser kestrel, Montagu harrier, Dupont lark and Sandgrouse nest in this arid land to to mention various owl species.
Needless to say: a fantastic place for not just bird photography but also for reptiles, amfibieen, landscapes and night skies.
The hides
I came across hides Monegros on Instagram. The images I saw looked fantastic. Among them were images of various drinking owl species at night, photographed with a LED flash set up as well as drinking birds like booted eagle, kites, Golden eagle, Turtle dove and much more.
For me a reason to “test” these hides and in early September I made my way to Zaragoza (flying from Stansted direct with Ryanair….not an experience I would like to repeat). I was a bit out of season as the majority of summer residents were already on the move to Africa. Nevertheless I had a great couple of days. The hides are beautifully positioned with mountains in the background.
I photographed Golden eagle, Red kites, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Goshawk, Imperial eagle, drinking vultures and passerines like Girl bunting and Rock sparrow. In summer you can add species like booted eagle, drinking owls (at night) and many other birds. The hdes are very comfortable and can easily fit 2/3 photographers. The hides are all situated around the small village of Farlete.
In spring it is possible to photography displaying Great-Little bustards. A fifth hide is located near a small pond which attracts many different raptors but there is also a good chance of photographing Sandgrouse.
As with El Taray I wanted to offer other photographers the opportunity to spend a week at these hides during the summer to experience what I experienced: fantastic settings, great hides to photograph super birds and all for an acceptable cost!
The organisation and logistics are all the responsibility of Borja. You only need to book flights, rent a car and make sure you are in Farlete every morning from where Borja and Erika will take you to the hides. The apartments (which are excellent) are located in Monegrillo, which is just 10 minutes from Farlete. The apartments need to be booked by yourself. Ask Hides de Monegros for details.
Sessions starts around 06.15, last till about 11.30. Afternoon sessions start around 17.30-18.00 till dusk or longer if you want to photograph fox and owls (with LED lights) coming to drink. In between sessions you have 2 options: you can stay at Farlete’s open air pool. It has a bar, serve sandwiches and drinks. You can also buy bottled water there to take to the hides. Alternatively you could drive back to the apartment. Temperatures in July/August can reach 40 degrees!
Cost
Following period is available for 2025. Maximum 8 participants.
Sunday 20.07.25- Saturday 26.07.25
Other periods on request.
The cost for 6 nights, 10 hide sessions, transfer from Farlete to the hides, including accommodation in apartments with simple breakfast, 2 bedrooms, bathrooms is euro 1420. Contact Hides de Monegros for payment options. This is excluding flights, car rental, lunch, dinner, breakfast,travel insurance and any personal expenses. The apartments are very close to the hides minimising travel. We normally eat in the bar of the open air pool of Farlete. All very reasonable and very good. There is a Euro 100 non refundable deposit. With regards to the best time to go: Anywhere between June and mid August but September can also be good! During the summer the resident birds and their young will come to drink. I don’t need to tell you that there of course NO guarantees but it would highly surprise me if you don’t come back home with any good images.
Best is to fly to Madrid from both UK and the continent, organise a rental car and drive to Farlete, which should take about 3 hours. Try to arrive at Madrid airport around noon’s then you can spend the evening photographing! (optional and seen as extra session) Flight to Madrid with British Airways cost around £175 return, depending on time of booking. It is also possible to take the fast Renfe train from Madrid to Zaragoza. Takes around 1 hour 15. Borja can arrange pick up/drop off at a reasonable fee if required.
Equipment
I took with me : 2 bodies, 200-600mm, 70-200mm, 20mm, converters. I did not take the 600mm simply because the focal length is likely too long for photographing from these hides, although I will take it with me this summer. The small uncomfortable hide has no space for a tripod. A tripod for the other hides is a must!
There will also be an option to spend an afternoon photographing reptiles and amfibieeen. Highly recommended! It also gives the opportunity to photograph landscapes. You can decide nearer the time whether you would like to participate. You can expect to photograph Montpellier snake, Ladder snake, Southern smooth snake, Viperine snake, Occulted lizard, natterjack toad, Saint toad, Iberian Spade toad, Common parsley frog, Iberian common frog, Iberian grass snaked of curse landscapes!
Weather
It will be hot and dry. T-shirts, light weight trousers, fleece, swimming trunks, hat, sun cream lotion will one needed….and a pee bottle!
Further information? Feel free to contact me. Feel free to contact Borja direct as well, mentioning my website please. His email is hidesdemonegros@gmail.com
