One of the recent additions to our range of trips / services is that of a visit to a new Golden Eagle photography hide. Within around one hour´s drive from Valencia, yet in the remote highlands of the interior of the region, this trip offers a fabulous experience as well as the opportunity to photograph one of Europe’s most magnificent birds.
The hide comfortably accommodates three people, and is surrounded by Mediterranean scrub. On my recent visit, the weather was perfect, sunny skies with patchy white clouds and very little wind. Having prepared the hide, I closed the door, set up the camera and waited. Swifts were feeding overhead, a Hoopoe made a brief appearance and I could hear passing Bee Eaters. Suddenly, a very smart male Black-eared Wheatear made his first (of many) appearance of the morning.
Black-eared Wheatear (male)
This very handsome bird made numerous visits, perching on many of the branches and bushes close to the hide, and was soon to be joined by the female, of more subtle markings but whose close proximity allowed a great appreciation of this often overlooked bird.
Black-eared Wheatear (female)
I kept a close and hopeful eye on the skies, looking for signs of incoming Golden Eagle, but so far there were none. Then, another little bird suddenly appeared in front of the hide – Dartford Warbler. I was delighted to be able to not only photograph but to see at close quarters this fabulous creature, as out in the field it can be really tricky to get good views as they’re seldom still!
Dartford Warbler
Over the coming hour or so, Dartford Warbler joined Black-eared Wheatear as a regular visitor, providing me with plenty of entertainment. Another warbler that was flitting around the base of a nearby bush then caught my eye. It eventually came into the open to bathe in the water in front of the hide, before perching in the sun to dry off. Sardinian Warbler is a common “garden bird” throughout the region, but they are always a pleasure to see and as a southern European species, are always popular with visitors from the north.
Sardinian Warbler
I´d been so entertained by the comings and goings of these great little passerines that I was almost beginning to feel that the trip had been worthwhile even without the Eagle! I decided to take out my flask and have a cup of tea and a biscuit (essential to any birding trip) and wait a little longer. Around forty minutes later, a pair of Magpies suddenly appeared, making short flights before returning to an area to one side of the hide. When birding in the field, I often use the appearance of Magpies to alert me to raptors, I remember one particular day when there were over twenty in a single tree – upon closer inspection, I found they were surrounding a Booted Eagle!
Then a huge, dark shape appeared in the sky directly in front of the hide. Having waited for over three hours, I rapidly left my relaxed state of being and fixed my eyes on the bird. It came closer, grew larger and made its dramatic entrance – Golden Eagle!!! It perched briefly, examining its surroundings before spreading its huge wings and taking flight again. I managed to get a few photos, but sincerely hoped it would return.
Golden Eagle
Within just a few minutes, return it did, and spent over 40 minutes feeding in front of the hide, before perching again. I managed to capture some video footage, and of course to get over a hundred photos, but in many ways, the absolute highlight of the visit was simply to be so close to this wild animal. There are few creatures with the presence and intimidating awe of the Golden Eagle, and to be there watching this bird was such a privilege, and an experience never to be forgotten.
Its eyes seem to stare straight through me, its talons so huge that I could almost feel their power, and that hooked bill gave this animal the aura of being in absolute command of its territory. I managed to get a few “portrait” shots, but after a while, I switched off my camera and simply revelled in being able to watch this incredible raptor.
After a further 10 minutes, it suddenly took flight, gliding out of sight and leaving me with my jaw dropped at the sight I’d just witnessed. Wow, wow, wow!
In a state of almost shock, I began to gather my belongings and headed out of the hide. After a short walk I arrived at the car and began the drive back down to valley level. I actually saw the Golden Eagle again, this time extremely high in the sky, somehow making my experience in the hide feel even more special. As I stopped in a small village to make a call, a small group of Griffon Vultures passed low over the car, somehow bringing a fitting end to the morning.
I’m delighted to be able to offer trips to this incredible hide. The Golden Eagle is on the list of “must see” species for many birders and photographers, but the fact that one can be entertained by Dartford Warbler and Black-eared Wheatear whilst waiting for it to appear is something else!
Price details are listed below and include pick-up and drop-off in Valencia. This trip can be combined with an afternoon session at one of the area’s passerine hides if desired – please feel free to contact me, without obligation, for specific details.
Prices – Golden Eagle Photography Hide
1 person : 220€
2 people : 320€ total (160€ per person)
3 people : 390€ total (130€ per person)
For further details, please feel free to call me on (0034) 633 117 310 or email me at ValenciaBirding@gmail.com
Written by Dave Warrington.