EricB

Thanks for sharing a nice collection of species, your guide clearly did well to find you a Scops Owl you could photograph.Many people never see this bird!The Orphean Warbler and Black Wheatear are also quite hit and miss.
If you are really keen to get great photos there is a  guide who has some strategically placed hides.He's unlikely to get you as many species as Martin Kelsey, but it is always a trade off when time is limited.This is Steve Fletchers website for information. http://extremaduraphotos.webs.com/
Some people prefer to combine Extramadura with the Sierra Gredos, a nearby mountain range. The additional species include Rock Thrush,Citril Finch,Western Bonelli's Warbler,Melodious Warbler,Water Pipit,Honey Buzzard,Rock Sparrow,Iberian Green Woodpecker, Dipper, "Gredos' Bluethroat (Blue-spotted Bluethroat)& Ortolan Bunting.The main attraction here is the Spanish Ibex,which is very common. The mythical Pyrenean Desman occurs but is very difficult to find, this is probably the best view you'll ever get!  -  http://www.arkive.org/pyrenean-d ... aicus/video-00.html
With kind Regards,
Eric

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10/06/2012 16:06

EricB

As you know Extremadura is  a special place and can be regarded as 'Europe's Raptor Breeding Capital' with nearly 20 species in the area ; this plus the 2 available Sandgrouse and Bustards make it an attractive destination.
However, for European bird photography you might want to consider the Greek island of Lesvos during Spring migration.Many tricky European species like Ruppell's Warbler, Isabelline Wheatear, Kruper's Nuthatch,Cretzschmar's and Cinereous Bunting; in addition to a supporting cast of flocks of Red footed Falcons, Little Crakes and the likes.Click on some  of these photos to whet your appetite.
http://www.kitday-uk.com/lesvos_2008.html
Enjoy.
E

EricB

An interesting question Cherry. Unfortunately , I don't know what the answer is!
You clearly get more value for money in Africa or Australia, where there are many more species and the lighting is better.
Here are a few random thoughts on European photographic opportunities.

GREECE
1.I still like Lesvos for the number of interesting species, photo opportunities and migration mayhem.
(2.NE Greece, including Lake Kerkini.)

UK

This is limited to a small number of select species.

1.White tailed Eagles. There are specialized tours and local regular boat trips.
http://www.portree-boat-trips.co.uk/wildlife-boat-trips.html

2.Red Kites. http://www.gigrin.co.uk/hide.php

3.Island Seabirds: Farne Islands (near where I live)/Handa Island/Shetland Isles
http://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/reserve/handa-island/
http://www.shetlandphotographyholidays.co.uk/nature_images.html

SPAIN

1.There are a number of vulture feeding stations.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQYBvQMq3aw

2.Extremadura, but the lighting can be rubbish. Still , I could spend a lot of afternoons up the top of Monfrague castle trying to photograph Griffon Vultures at eye level.Go to the very top of the castle. Best to bring a torch to navigate the stairs.

NORWAY

1.Centred mainly round White Tailed Eagles/Divers/Grouse/Owls.
http://birddintur.blogspot.co.uk/
http://bird.dintur.no/default.aspx
http://wild-norway.com/archives/580

(Note Norway is expensive. A BigMac will cost around US$8.
See relative index http://www.economist.com/blogs/g ... 12/01/daily-chart-3)

BULGARIA

1. Seems to be an up and coming bird photography place but I have no direct experience.
http://www.spatiawildlife.com/en ... hy-tours/index.html

You might be interested in this thread  http://www.birdphotographers.net ... phy-sites-in-Europe
or this professional company.
http://www.focus4nature.co.uk/en ... s-Europe/index.html

Hope this helps a little.
E

P.S Wish I had taken Kit Day’s photos but I’m not him!
I’m me!
http://www.naturetrek.co.uk/leader.aspx?id=8

With kind regards,
Eric