Late March in Extremadura, Spain, is the peak of the spring bird migration and courtship season. In late March, the grass is still short on the steppes. This makes it easy to spot and photograph small birds on the ground. The famous Spanish countryside is lush, green, and full of wildflowers. By photographing in late March, you avoid the heavy summer “heat haze” that blurs camera focus.

Target species: Spanish Imperial Eagle, Egyptian Vulture, Black Kite, Booted Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, Lesser Kestrel, Great Bustard, Little Bustard, Iberian Magpie.

Using specialized hides now puts you inches away from rare species in breeding plumage. Photographers get clean, eye-level shots without disturbing the birds.

Great Bustard: One of the heaviest flying birds in the world. They gather on the plains to do their mating dances. Spanish Imperial Eagle: A rare and large bird of prey, you can photograph from premium raptor hides.