After picking you up at Barcelona airport, we'll immediately get a feel for birding in Catalonia with a relaxing visit to the adjacent wetland reserves on the Llobregat Delta, where around eighty bird species breed, including Purple Swamphen, Audouin's Gull, Common Waxbill and Penduline Tit.

Sit back and enjoy a restful spectacle of ducks, warblers, waders and herons, including Little Bittern, and may be even a Crested Coot or Collared Pratincole before we move on to the villa, on the edge of the Garraf Natural Park, where you can settle in, unpack and have a glass of Penedés vino or a refreshing cava.

If you fancy it, you can take an easy stroll through the local woodland, vineyards and scrub before eating yourselves through the evening at an ocean-side restaurant.

"I had doubts of coming in August, however, I have never seen so many birds in one week. Each different habitat had its surprises, ever-increasing numbers for my wish list, birds I had always wanted to see.

I loved the many kinds of Eagles and Lammergeyer circling in the Pyrenees - it was wonderful. The sheer number of herons and bitterns was incredible, as were the seabirds, terns and waders, so many kinds in so great number.

However without your guidance I would have probably only found fifty percent of what was there, I certainly would not have got within 3 yards of a Red-necked Nightjar. I would recommend your birding tours without reservation."

Andy Strouthous, UK, 8 - 15 August 2007

"An outstanding wonderful day. Thank you for an absolutely fabulous day's birding during my trip to Spain. I appreciated your excellent preparation, great communication before the trip and your outstanding field abilities. You planned the trip out well, to the last detail. Your knowledge of the surrounding area helped us pick up virtually all my target species and your knowledge of the birds themselves was tremendous!

I could not have been more pleased with the experience. In addition to getting a great list of birds for the day, as well as a number of “lifers,” it was just plain fun to be with you!! I hope we have a chance to go again!"

Robert Parsons, USA, 22 July 2009

A short trip south along the coast lies the best of Europe and a place that will remain in your thoughts forever, the Ebro Delta.

After the first day's practise, you won't be over-whelmed by the circus of herons, warblers and shorebirds but there is more on offer here with 'all year round' Audouin's Gull, Glossy Ibis, Lesser Short-toed Lark, Moustached Warbler and Caspian Tern hosting a summer influx of breeding Savi's Warbler, Collared Pratincole and Gull-billed Tern.

Throw in Water Rail, Short-toed Lark, Red-crested Pochard and thousands of early-passage waders and you won't want to stop for the picnic lunch.

"I really enjoyed the bird tour and want to thank you again for accommodating my family and conducting the whole trip in such a professional manner. Cathy was commenting on your safe driving skills while birding, which apparently I haven't mastered!

Thanks again, and I hope we can hook up again if I ever get back to Spain."

David McConnell and family, USA, 2 July 2009

Catalonia's unique range of habitats is demonstrated no more so than by this rocky peninsular and the spectacular oceanic and mountain birds it has to offer.

Where else, given the right weather conditions, can you watch sea birds such as Cory's, Balearic and Yelkouan Shearwaters without the aid of binoculars?

Turn around and, against a backdrop of such astounding beauty, the pallete is completed with Bonelli's Eagle, Rock Thrush, Western Orphean Warbler, Wryneck, Pallid Swift, Ortolan Bunting, Red-rumped Swallow, Blue Rock Thrush and Black-eared Wheatear.

"I was delighted at how many great birds Stephen could locate in three and a half days even though I had missed the main migration period. We saw nearly all the special birds of the Steppes and Ebro Delta. I didn't expect to see so many warblers and other 'little brown jobs' that are such a challenge for North American birders.

Stephen not only knew all their calls and songs, he had a knack for helping me see them well. I am looking forward to a return visit."

Elwood Hain, USA, 7 - 10 June 2007

Time for a little local-patch 'birding in Spain', with the coastal Garraf mountains near Barcelona providing the setting for our search for the breeding Bonelli's Eagle.

Spectacled and Bonelli's Warbler, Cirl and Ortolan Bunting, Black and Black-eared Wheatear, Pallid Swift, Southern Grey Shrike, Rock Thrush and Golden Oriole may keep us amused along the way until a late afternoon wander around the Llobregat roosts ties up the birding day.

Except that is for a twilight wait for displaying Common and Red-necked Nightjar, churring and 'siboc-ing' respectively before wing-clapping and butterfly dancing past your ears. And even if the occasional Eagle Owl hasn't put in an appearance, exhilirated and adrenaline-charged, you may just be in the mood to track down the local Scops Owl.

"Stephen is a fantastic guide. I had very limited time to bird around Catalonia and was particularly interested in some of the more difficult birds such as Lammergeier and Black Woodpecker.

Stephen knew exactly where to go was extremely knowledgeable about habitats, behavior and vocalizations. In just three days of birding we saw about 150 species during the last week of July, not an optimal birding time."

Ron Lockwood, USA, 21/22 and 27/28 July 2007

"I had a great day out with Stephen.  He was an excellent guide, knew exactly what I wanted to see on the day and made every effort to ensure that as many of these were on our route.

His knowledge of the area and the associated birds was fantastic and I would definitely call him up again if I was visiting Barcelona or the surrounding area."

Joel Lund, UK, 27 June 2008