BIRDING BASQUE COUNTRY will be visiting the 2026 Global Bird Fair in Rutland. We believe that staying up to date with new destinations, working methods, technology, optics, and emerging conservation challenges is vital to our work, as we strive to offer the very best.

The Rutland fair has been running this event since 1989—originally known as the British Birdwatching Fair (Birdfair)—at Rutland Water, attracting over 20,000 visitors and hundreds of exhibitors annually.

In addition to lectures, exhibitions, and activities for enthusiasts, the event is notable for its charitable model: each edition supported an international conservation project, aimed at protecting birds and their habitats. So it also has an impact on conservation. We are proud to participate in. 

Birding Basque Country: Wildlife guides

At BIRDING BASQUE COUNTRY, we are passionate birdwatchers and naturalists based in the Basque Country, offering customized birdwatching day trips and holidays throughout the Basque Country and surrounding areas. We depart from San Sebastián, Bilbao, Vitoria-Gasteiz, or any other location in the region that suits you.

In addition to birdwatching, we offer Cantabrian bear, brown bear, and lynx sightings, as well as nature photography, botanical tours, and hiking routes, all tailored to your interests and pace. Our excursions are ideal for families, and children under 12 go free.

Tell us what you’re looking for; we’d be delighted to create a unique nature experience just for you.

Spain Birding Tours for groups

Why go birdwatching in Spain?

Spain is one of the best birdwatching destinations in Europe. It boasts a wide diversity of ecosystems and habitats, allowing you to observe birds from many different types and families. These ecosystems range from mountains—where you can spot raptors like the bearded vulture, as well as wallcreepers, capercaillie, grey partridges, and rock ptarmigans—to coasts teeming with seabirds like shearwaters and skuas. You can explore marshes and wetlands to see restless, challenging waders, or visit cliffs and crags to watch griffon vultures, Egyptian vultures, and falcons nesting. There are steppe areas that provide the ideal habitat for Montagu’s harriers, great bustards, and little bustards, and even desert landscapes where you can spot Dupont’s larks and cream-colored coursers.

Why is Spain such a great place for birdwatching?

Situated between Europe and Africa, it offers the best of both continents: African sunshine and European rainfall. It is the route chosen by 70% of soaring birds migrating across the Strait of Gibraltar, making it a fascinating destination at this time of year.

“Ultimate Iberian Endemics & Specialities – 14 Days”

• Over 220 species in spring.
• 12 target species, including the Spanish Imperial Eagle, Bearded Vulture, Great Bustard, Iberian Magpie, Iberian Green Woodpecker, Black vulture,  Dupont’s Lark, Marble duck, Whiteheaded duck, Bluethroat.
• Spain’s key habitats: the Pyrenees, steppes, *dehesas* (wooded pastures), Mediterranean mountain ranges, wetlands, and the Strait of Gibraltar.
• Optional: a 4-day extension to the Canary Islands to complete the list of island endemics. Endemic target birds: Tenerife Blue Chaffinch, Laurel Pigeon, Bolle’s Pigeo, Canary Islands Chiffchaff, Canary Islands Goldcrest, Hubara Bustard. 

Ground Support for International Birding Tour Operators

Planning and delivering a successful birding tour in Spain requires much more than finding the target species. It requires local knowledge, careful logistics, reliable partners and the flexibility to adapt to changing conditions in the field.

As a professional birding guide based in northern Spain, I provide comprehensive ground support for international tour operators, travel agencies and overseas tour leaders. Whether you need a local guide for a single day or assistance throughout an entire tour, I can help ensure your clients enjoy a smooth and memorable experience.

Services

Professional Bird Guiding
Experienced field guiding for international birdwatchers, from beginners to advanced birders and photographers.

Pre-tour Scouting
Checking key sites before your group’s arrival to assess bird activity, weather conditions, access, and any recent changes that may affect the itinerary.

Itinerary Planning
Advice on the best birding routes, seasonal timing, target species, travel distances and daily schedules to maximise success.

Logistics Management
Coordination of daily operations, including driving routes, meeting points, timing and local arrangements, allowing tour leaders to focus entirely on their clients.

Accommodation & Restaurant Recommendations
Assistance in selecting comfortable birding-friendly hotels and quality local restaurants that fit your group’s needs and schedule.

Airport Transfers
Collection and drop-off from major Spanish airports, ensuring a seamless start and finish to your clients’ journey.

Reservations
Support with booking accommodation, hides, local guides, restaurants and other services when required.

Bird Photography
Guidance for photographers seeking Spain’s most iconic species, with advice on light conditions, seasonal opportunities and the best photographic locations.

Photography Hides
Recommendations and coordination with reputable hide operators across Spain for both birds and mammals.

Driving & Local Transport
Extensive experience driving throughout Spain and planning efficient routes between birding sites while avoiding unnecessary travel time.

Cultural Experiences
Where appropriate, I can incorporate local gastronomy, traditional villages, natural history and cultural highlights, providing visitors with a richer understanding of Spain beyond its birds.

Working with International Tour Leaders

I am equally comfortable leading tours independently or working alongside overseas tour leaders, providing local expertise, species knowledge and logistical support throughout the trip.

Flexible Birding Tours

I offer:

• Day trips
• Weekend birding breaks
• Multi-day birding tours
• Tailor-made itineraries
• Private guiding
• Photography tours
• Ground support for international tour operators
• Local guiding for overseas tour leaders

My aim is simple: to provide a professional, reliable and friendly service that allows both tour leaders and their clients to enjoy the very best birding Spain has to offer.

“Why work with me?”

• Local expertise across Spain’s main birding destinations.
• Flexible itineraries tailored to your clients’ target species.
• Fluent communication with international visitors.
• Reliable logistical support from arrival to departure.
• Professional, friendly and conservation-minded approach.
• Passion for creating memorable birding experiences.

Write us to ask for more information.