2025 The Birds of Southern Spain
Birding Southern Spain with the Grassland Bird Trust
Discover why European Birders Flock to Southern Spain
Benefitting the Grassland Bird Trust
12 Nights - 13 Days
Discover the resident and migratory birds of Central and Southern Spain
Steeped in history and famous for unique regional cuisine and wines
$7593.00 ex flights double occupancy
$675.00 - single supplement
Destination: Wildlife donates $1000.00 of each ticket to the Grassland Bird Trust in YOUR name
Guides, lodging, meals, climate-controlled vehicles, and unforgettable moments are included.
March 16 - March 28, 2025
6 Guests
March 31 to - April 11, 2025
6 Guests
Leader: Katinka Domen, International Bird Expert
Leader: Roberta Kravette, Co-Founder Destination: Wildlife
Destination: Wildlife donates 1000.00 of each ticket to the Grassland Bird Trust in YOUR name
Extensions:
Tenerife, Canary Islands (Birding the Endemics) March 11-15
4 nights, 5 days, Lodging, meals, a professional birding guide
Madrid (Culture and Cuisine) are available.
Why This Tour is Special
Near-threatened Red-legged partridge
Discover European, Mediterranean, African, and Asian birds in Spain’s Unique Land and Seascapes. Spain is Europe’s second most mountainous country after Switzerland - but it also has (bird!) habitats as diverse as wetlands, semi-arid steppes, and cork-oak dehesas in Spain’s heartland, and the iconic limestone and granite Sierras and more within a relatively small and comfortable geographic region. Its diverse habitats, combined with Spain’s exceptional location, make it a bird hotspot.
Explore a Crossroads of Ancient Cultures and History. Our journey introduces us to the rich cultural heritage of the region, including: the iconic Pueblos Blancos in the mountains of Andalusia, the Roman archaeological site of Baelo Claudia, the Pillars of Hercules in the Strait of Gibraltar, and the main square of Trujillo, the birthplace of Francisco Pizarro and other Spanish explorers.
Enjoy Fabulous Cuisine and Wine We can thank Spain’s location and history for its famously unique cuisine and delicious wines. Gifted with abundance from the Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea, inspired by the kitchens of its neighbors, Portugal and France, and influenced by “visits” from the ancient Romans, Greeks, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Visigoths, and Arabs—all of which contributed delicious legacies that are today refined to cuisine-perfection with must-try specialties in each region!
Be Welcomed and Comfortable: We will travel in a climate-controlled vehicle. Our accommodations are mostly family-run establishments steeped in history and warmth.
And importantly, our trip directly helps protect birds (and ecosystems) on two continents. Searching out locally owned accommodations and other businesses brings direct benefit to the local community, economic value to the birds, and personal reasons to protect vital ecosystems at our destinations. Plus, each ticket sold for the tour includes a tax-deductible (for you) donation that helps the Grassland Bird Trust protect vital habitats in New York State.
You are choosing an Unforgettable Journey That Does Good.
Detailed Itinerary
Detailed Itinerary
The Near-threatened Eurasian Griffin Vulture soaring high over Ronda. Image: Thanks to ©Birding the Strait
Day 1
Welcome to Spain!
Today, we will all arrive in Seville, the largest city in the autonomous community of Andalusia! Check into our hotel and relax! Your time is free to acclimate yourself to Spain’s gentle pace or explore the city. In the evening we will gather together to enjoy a wonderful welcome dinner.
Overnight in Saville
Day 2
Saville, Brazo fel Este and Chioiona
We will meet at our hotel and drive to Los Palacios and Brazo del Este. This nature reserve, on the east side of the Guadalquivir River, can be enormously productive, with highlights such as Purple and Squacco Heron, Eurasian Penduline-Tit, Whiskered Tern, Western Swamphen, Great Reed Warbler, and Savi’s Warbler. Here, it’s also possible to see introduced populations of Yellow-crowned Bishop, and Black-headed Weaver. After a day of productive birding, we will drive to Chipiona, where we will visit Europe’s only colony of Little Swift, and here we will stay after our first day of birding.
Overnight in Chipona
We will look for Slender-billed gulls in the lagoons on the outskirts of Doñana National Park. Image: thanks to ©Birding the Strait.
Day 3
Bonanza Salt PAns, Cetina Marshes, and Our Drive to Tarifa
Today, we will depart early from the hotel to visit the outskirts of Doñana National Park in Cádiz (1:45 hours drive from Tarifa), East of Guadalquivir River. This is one of the least visited and most rewarding birding areas in Doñana.
A mosaic of fish farming, salt work facilities, lagoons, vineyards, and pastures creates a diverse wetland. Large numbers of Flamingos, Waders (ca. 20 species), Egrets, and Herons will be present in the area, along with Slender-billed Gulls, Little and Caspian Terns, and Western Swamphens.
Some of our main targets will be the White-headed Duck and the Marbled Teal, which often provide good views in the pools. Then, we will head to Cetina Marshes, where Mediterranean Short-toed Larks are easily spotted. Afterward, we will drive to Tarifa where we will stay for three nights.
Overnight in Tarife
Day 4
Los Lances, Migration, and Cork Forest
After breakfast at the Hotel we will visit the nearby Los Lances beach observatory, overviewing a coastal lagoon. Here, we will look for Audouin’s and Mediterranean Gulls, Kentish Plovers, and Terns. The surrounding pastures are excellent for an array of passerines, including Zitting Cisticola, Tawny Pipit, Corn Bunting, and the Iberian race of the Yellow Wagtail. Then, we will head to the best raptor migration observatories in the Tarifa area, just at the moment when thermal updrafts take power activating the movement of raptors. In the afternoon we will take a walk in one of the best trails of the Cork-Forest in Los Alcornocales Natural Park.
Overnight in Tarifa.
On the western side of the Anadusian mountains, between the provinces of Cadiz and Malaga, the ancient forest of Los Alcornocales are some of the oldest still standing in Europe. Image
Day 5
Birding the Strait of Gibraltar, Whale Watching, and the Northern Bald Ibis
We will dedicate a full day in the vicinity of Tarifa. We will visit Baelo Claudia, an ancient Roman town established in the late 2nd century BC. It became a significant port for trade with North Africa, particularly for producing garum, a fish sauce. Today, it's a well-preserved archaeological site offering insights into Roman urban planning, architecture, and daily life.
Another highlight will be the visit to the newly established breeding colony of the Northern Bald Ibis, a critically endangered bird that has been successfully reintroduced in the region. In the afternoon, we will embark on an exciting 2.5-hour whale-watching trip off Tarifa, targeting Pilot Whales, Bottlenose Dolphins, and the scarce Balearic Shearwater
Overnight in Tarifa.
Day 6
Grazalema and Ronda Mountains
Today, we will head inland to the mountains of Cádiz and Málaga province, which have radically different landscapes. The limestone outcrops create beautiful scenery, and the area is home to the Spanish Ibex. Here, we will have the chance to observe black wheatear, rock bunting, and rock sparrow. Regarding raptors, griffons are widespread, and we will have the chance to observe Bonelli’s and golden eagles. Along the way, we will pass through several “Pueblos Blancos” (White villages) typical in this region of Spain.
We will spend the afternoon in Ronda, one of the most charming historical cities in the country.
Overnight in Ronda.
The unique limestone mountains in Monfragüe National Park. Image: ©Annegordon
Day 7
Fuente de Peidra Lagoon, Grazalema and Serrania de Ronda Natural Parks
We will spend the day in the productive lagoon of Fuente de Piedra and the nearby area of Campillos, which holds one of Europe's largest colonies of greater flamingos. In addition, we will find good numbers of waterbirds and waders, with high chances of Marbled and White-headed ducks. A healthy population of Western olivaceous warbler is found in the bushes around.
Overnight in Osuna.
Day 8
Osuna and Our Drive to Monfrague
This morning, we have our first chance to see steppe specialists, like the Great Bustard and Little Bustard, European roller, and black-bellied sandgrouse. Then, we will drive to the charming town of Hornachos, where we will look for Black Wheatear and Rock Runting. Also, near Hornachos, we will have a good chance for the Spanish Imperial Eagle. From here, we will drive to Monfragüe National Park, where we will stay for the next three nights.
Overnight in Montfrague.
Day 9 and 10:
Monfrague National Park and Santa Marta Plains
This fabulous region of mountains, gorges, forests, and woodlands holds Spain’s major breeding sites for the rare Spanish Eagle. The area is also home to the world’s largest breeding colony of Cinereous Vulture. Other birds that we’ll be searching for during our time here include Black Stork, Bonelli’s Eagle, the smartly plumaged Iberian Magpie, Black-winged Kite, European Roller, Eurasian Golden Oriole, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Red-rumped Swallow and Spectacled Warbler.
Overnight near Monfragüe National Park.
The black stork breeds in Eastern Europe and winters in Africa, although some remain in Spain year-round. Looks for the beautiful glossy plumage and red bill. Image: ©Larry Blau
Days 11 & 12:
Montfraue to Gredos
This morning, we will explore the wetlands of Arrocampo, where we will look for the Black-winged Kite and Water Rail, among other species. In the afternoon, we will drive towards the Sierra de Gredos.
We will have a full day in Gredos to enjoy the cooler temperatures and many new bird species. The dramatic Pico Almanzor and verdant pine forests serve as a splendid backdrop as we search for Iberian Green Woodpecker, Western Bonelli’s Warbler, Eurasian Nuthatch, Goldcrest, Northern Wheatear, Rock and Cirl Buntings, Dunnock and Citril Finch. At higher elevations, Bluethroat, White-throated Dipper, Grey Wagtail, European Crested Tit, European Pied Flycatcher, and Red Crossbill are possible.
Tomorrow was head to Madrid, so this will be our final evening with our wonderful guide. We will share our favorite memories during our final farewell dinner together.
Overnight in Gredos
Day 13:
Gredos to Madrid.
This morning, we may have one final opportunity to target any remaining species near our hotel. Ultimately, we will drive to Madrid, where our Birding tour will conclude.
The tour is concluded. Our driver will bring us to the airport for flights home.
If anyone would like to stay in Madrid for the night or an extension - please let us know.
Wildlife
Birds
Southern Spain is one of the best places in Europe for birding. Diverse habitats and strategic geographic placement on the migration route place our itinerary at the top of the top. These are some of our target birds. The names in bold indicate IUNC listed Vulnerable to Critically Endangered species. * Indicated Endemic
Marbled Teal or Marbled Duck - Near Threatened, White-headed Duck - Endangered, Red-legged Partridge - Near Threatened, Greater Flamingo - LC, Pied Avocet - LC, Northern Bald Ibis - Endangered Great Bustard - Endangered, Little Bustard - Endangered, Common Cuckoo - LC, Western Swamphen - LC, Black-billed Sandgrouse - LC, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse - LC, Red-knobbed Coot - LC, Kentish Plover - LC, Eurasian Curlew - Near Threatened, Collared Pratincole - LC, Slender-billed Gull -LC , Audouin’s Gull - Vulnerable, Mediterranean Gull - LC, Little Tern - LC, Whiskered tern - LC, Scolopi’s Shearwater - LC, * Balearic Shearwater - Critically Endangered, Endemic, Black stork - LC, Egyptian Vulture - Critically Endangered, Eurasian Griffin Vulture - Near Threatened, European Honey Buzzard - LC, Short-toed Eagle Snake - LC, Booted Eagle -LC, * Spanish Imperial Eagle - Vulnerable, Endemic, Bonellis Eagle - LC, Montagu’s Harrier - LC, Eurasian Sparrowhawk -LC, Red Kite - LC, Black Kite - LC, Black-winged Kite - Eurasian Hoopie - LC, Eurasian Turtle Dove - Threatened, Red-Necked Nightjar - LC, Alpine Swift - LC, Pallid Swift- LC, Little Swift - LC, Eurasian Bee-eater - LC , Iberian Green Woodpecker - LC, Iberian Grey Shrike - Vulnerable, Lesser Kestrel - LC, Woodchat Shrike - LC, Calandra Lark - LC, Mediterranean Short-Toed Lark -LC, Thekla’s Lark - LC, Red-Rumped Swallow -LC, Sardinian Warbler - LC, Western Olivaceous Warbler - LC, Black Wheatear - LC, Black-eared Wheatear-LC, Blue Rock Thrush - LC, Spotless Starling- LC, Western Yellow Wagtail - LC, Tawny Pipit-LC, European Serin -LC, Cirl Bunting - LC, Rock Bunting - LC, Corn Bunting - LC, Spanish Sparrow- LC, Rock Sparrow - LC
The Spanish Imperial Eagle: Spain’s National Bird Aquila adalberti
The Spanish Imperial eagle once soared across the Iberian peninsula and into Morocco, northern Africa. However, by 1974, habitat loss, deadly diseases that struck their main prey, European rabbits (see above), poisoning, and other pressures reduced their numbers to fewer than 50 breeding pairs. These last breeding pairs took refuge in Spain’s most remote mountains and reserves: Monte del Pardo (Madrid), Sierras de San Pedro and Monfragüe (Cáceres), Montes de Toledo (Toledo), and Sierra Morena and Doñana National Park (Andalusia). Some survived thanks to a series of remote private estates where the birds could thrive and recover.
Since 2019, thanks to concentrated conservation efforts and protection, supplemental feeding programs for chicks during the rabbit crisis, and the slowly recovering rabbit population, the population has grown and been downgraded to IUNC: Vulnerable.
Baleric Sheerwater
Wildlife
Land Mammals
The Iberian Ibex, also known as the Spanish Ibex or “Spanish wild goat” has long been hunted for its impressive horns. Image: Thanks to ©Birding the Strait
Southern Spain, specifically a few nature reserves and National Parks we will visit, is home to the endangered and vital European rabbit and the last populations of Iberian Ibex and wild Iberian Lynx.
Iberian Ibex - Least Concern
At one time, there were four Iberian Ibex subspecies, but two, the Portuguese Ibex and Pyrenean Ibex, are now extinct, leaving only the Western Iberian and the Southeastern Iberian Ibex. Both males and females have impressive long curled horns that make them so unfortunately popular as hunting trophies. Their specially adapted short, muscular legs and large hooves allow them to leap and run in their steep, rocky limestone mountain habitat. The females are much smaller than the males and mature up to two years sooner. These “wild goats” live in separate same-sex herds except during the November / December mating season. We may be able to see the Iberian Ibex in Cadiiz and Malaga province.
Iberian Lynx: Endangered
In 2002, the Iberian Lynx was on the verge of extinction, with fewer than 100 individuals surviving in the wild. Today, thanks to the efforts of conservationists, governments, and the public, the beautiful cat's number has grown to about 1200 individuals.
Iberian Lynx, struggling back from the brink of extinction but still the world’s most endangered Big Cat. Image: ©Ondrej Prosicky
But still under pressure from range restriction and human activities, including car strikes, hunting with dogs, and trapping, they have the dubious distinction of being the world's most endangered Big Cat.
Iberian Lynx are similar in size to our Bobcats but only about half as big as their much more populous Eurasian Lynx cousins. Their range once extended from the Pyrenes along the Spanish / French border, meeting the European Lynx's range. However, they are now restricted to a series of tiny "islands" of habitat in Southern Spain's national parks and reserves, most notably the Donaña National Park.
Since 1990, Iberian Lynx has been extirpated in Portugal.
Iberian Lynx's habits parallel their primary food source, European rabbits. They prefer Mediterranean woodlands with lots of native oak and thick scrub for hiding. The Lynx move along the edges of meadows and grasslands in the dawn and dusk – just when the rabbits are most active. An adult Iberian Lynx requires a rabbit a day – but when the kittens arrive, they will look for three or more!
European Rabbit: Endangered
This endangered species is ironically considered a pest outside of the Iberian Peninsula. But their reputation is mainly man-made. Small, cute, a favorite for hunting, and easily transportable, the Iberian Peninsula natives were deliberately introduced in places as diverse as Texas and Tasmania. Once introduced, they quickly adapted and multiplied like …rabbits… overrunning native species and habitats and degenerating into a problematic invasive species.
In their native southern Spain, the European rabbit population has declined drastically due to myxomatosis, rabbit hemorrhagic disease, overhunting, and habitat loss. In turn, the rabbit's decline precipitated the decline of the Iberian Lynx and the Spanish Imperial Eagle—both species rely heavily on it as their primary food source. Conservation efforts are ongoing.
Marine Mammals
The Strait of Gibraltar is a feeding ground for several pods (families) of Pilot whales and other marine mammals. Look for their distinctive round head Image: ©Lunamarie
The Strait of Gibraltar is an 8.7 mile (14km) wide body of water separating Europe from Africa. It is where the Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea meet, their unique currents creating essential feeding grounds for at least seven regularly seen species of whales and dolphins. The four dolphins to look for year-round are Common, Stripped or Blue-White, and Bottlenose dolphins and Pilot whales, also part of the dolphin family. A fifth dolphin, the Orca (yes, killer whales are dolphins) is also seen here – but usually only in July and August. The whale species to watch for are Sperm and Fin.
Pilot Whales in the Gulf of Gibraltar: Least Concern
Although usually nomadic, the Strait is the feeding grounds for several families of Pilot whales and they are regularly seen in the Strait's deepest waters, sometimes mixing with Bottlenose dolphins.
Pilot whales have one of the most complex vocal systems of all mammal species, producing clicks, whistles, pulsating sounds, and hums – depending on the situation. Pilot whales spy-hop with their head and body entirely above the water.
Pilot Whales form large communities with older females past reproductive age, helping to teach the young to hunt and to properly "socialize" within the family group. Although they are weaned by two years old, both sexes stay with their mothers until adulthood (6 years for females, 12 years for males) and may remain for their lifetime. The males who stay reproduce with other groups' females when they aggregate. The populations of Mediterranean Pilot whales form groups of ten to thirty individuals.
Today, their population is considered of Least Concern. Still, historically, Pilot whales were extensively hunted. Whalers used a system of many boats cooperating to "drive" the whales together, surround them, and push them toward the shore, where they would be slaughtered. This method is still used in the Faroe Islands.
Orcas or Killer Whales IUNC: Data Deficient
Recently, Killer Whales have become the most famous animals in the region, but for nefarious reasons. It seems that a pod or pods of the marine mammals are annoyed with the yachting traffic and have decided that ramming the boats is an excellent way to convey their feelings. The elder Orcas were seen “teaching” the new generations, who have quickly adapted to the game, much to the horror of human boat owners. The boat-bashing orca pods mainly visit the Strait in July and August, but as I write this, today, May 14, 2024, orcas sunk another 50 Ft (15.2m) yacht. The couple aboard alerted the Spanish authorities and were rescued. The sailboat was sunk. No one knows why the orcas are doing this – the orcas are not talking.
Striped (Blue-White Striped) Dolphins Least Concern
Their distinctive blue flank strip gives this small, active dolphin its name. It enjoys riding the bow waves in front of container ships, jumping, and hunting. This all-year Strait resident often congregates with the larger Common dolphin. Still, during the last part of the summer, Striped dolphin groups aggregate, sometimes massing into groups of hundreds of animals.
Sperm Whales - Vulnerable
Sperm whales pass through the Strait in the deepest sections, especially in the late spring and early summer. Sperm whales, the whales with the biggest teeth, are also master divers. They stay underwater for up to 80 minutes but like to float after every two dives, filling their blood with oxygen.
The Sperm whale's head equals about a third of its body length. The spermaceti organ in its head produces an oily, waxy liquid (spermaceti) used for sonar – but it must be in liquid form. When the whale wants to dive, it cools the liquid by pumping water through its right nasal passage. The wax solidifies, becoming heavier and helping the whale to dive down the first 100 meters.
Spring is a time for love - and many birds we will see are either on their way to breeding grounds or have already arrived, ready to raise the next generation in Spain. Image: ©Juan Carlos Martinez
Accommodations
Accommodations
At Destination: Wildlife, we strive to apply the principles of conservation tourism - travel that supports wildlife, habitats, and local communities. This implies a commitment to ensure your tourism dollars stay local, creating jobs and improving the livelihoods of those that live there. We strive to use locally owned and operated accommodations, restaurants, and other providers for these reasons. This commitment also ensures you receive the personal touch only a small business can provide while giving you a more authentic experience.
Tarifa, the Mesòn de Sancho
The ancient city of Tarifa, located on the Strait of Gibraltar, Spain’s (and Europe's) southernmost point, has a fascinating history replete with an old castle and Arab-inspired architecture topped off with invigorating sea breezes.
This conveniently located 40-room hotel is just outside the city with lovely countryside views, a gym, an outdoor pool, and lovely gardens. WiFi, central heating.
Gredos, Hostal Almanzor
Located high on the northern slope of the Sierra de Gredos (5270ft /1600m) nestled on a working farm, relax in the gardens and enjoy the spectacular views. This is a nature and bird lovers paradise.
Solarium and bar - no pool.
Montfragüe, Hospedería Parque de Monfragüe
Our hotel is located at the entrance to the Monfragüe National Park, in the heart of Extreamdura’s ‘dehesa’ pastureland. Here we slip from traditional to avant-garde with elements by artists including Vostell, Canelo, Mariscal, Le Corbusier, and Morgas.
This hotel has a Starlight Certification and an Astronomical viewpoint “to indicate the celestial bodies visible from the hotel. WiFi, a gym, and gardens ( the pool is presently closed)
Tour Information
Tour Information
We will explore diverse habitats such as coastal areas, wetlands, cork-forest, and limestone mountains, as well as storied towns and villages full of history, romance, and delicious cuisine. Map thanks to Birding the Strait.
Dates
Group 1: March 16 - 28, 2025
Group 2: March 31 - April 11, 2025
Price
$7593.00 ex flights. There is a single-room supplement of $675.
$1000 of your ticket price is a direct donation (Tax deductible for US residents) to the Grassland Bird Trust. You will receive a receipt directly from the GBT.
Deposit
The initial deposit ($4000) confirms your participation.
The second payment is due November 15, 2024
Participants
Adult birders - beginner (our guides will help you learn) to experienced.
Sighting lists will be updated nightly.
This is a birding trip, but photographers who respect birders are welcome.
Group Size
Limited to 6 Guests. The group size on this tour is limited to 6 guests plus a professional tour leader and a local, professional bird guide.
Our small group size is less likely to influence bird behavior and allows each of us to enjoy more meaningful interaction with our guides, more scope time (!), and more flexibility in our daily itinerary decisions. An important aspect of responsible tourism is the limited group size, which gives us the opportunity for smaller, locally-owned lodges and restaurants.
Included
► Tour Price Includes: Accommodations, services of a trip leader plus a professional, English speaking, local bird guide, a comfortable vehicle, all meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on the final day, snacks during the excursions, and airport transfers on the first and final days.
► Donation: $1000 of your ticket cost is a tax-deductable (US tax-payers only) donation to the Grassland Bird Trust. You will receive a separate receipt for your donation from the GBT.
Not Included
Travel to and from Spain, alcoholic beverages, gratuities, items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry and internet, etc.), airline baggage fees, airport and departure taxes (if any), travel insurance protection, and medical evacuation insurance.
Collared Pratnicole
Physical Requirements
Easy to moderate. This bird-watching tour in southern Spain requires the participants to be able to take short walks on rough, uneven pavement, possibly gaining and losing some elevation. There may be drive times of up to two hours at a stretch.
Meals
Spain is famous for its wonderful cuisine and good wines, and we will be experiencing them every day. Europe’s second most mountainous country is also an isthmus, boarded by the Gulf of Cadiz (Atlantic Ocean) in the south and the Mediterranean and Baleric seas in the West (think: seafood!). Its borders with France and Portugal add their influences on Spain’s cuisine. And “visits” by the ancient Romans, Greeks, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Visigoths, and Arabs - all left delicious legacies! Each region has specialties and flavors all their own.
Andalusia is famous for its special ham made from acorn-fed pigs. Veggies and Tapas are plentiful everywhere including not-to-be-missed regional specialties.
Most dietary restrictions (plant-based or gluten-free diets, etc.) can be accommodated if we are notified in advance.
Need to Know
The Weather:
Below are the average traditional highs and lows for the areas we will be visiting. Please remember that we are not living in traditional climate times - use these temperatures as suggestions only. Bring layers and light-weight rain gear. See the Packing List for further suggestions.
Seville: March 48F to 70F, April 55F to 72F
Tarife: March 54F to 62F, April 55F to 65F
Monfrague: March 41F to 70F, April 45F to 80F
Gredos: March 31F to 77F, April 23F to 57F
Madrid: March 42F to 60F, April 46F to 65F
Getting There and Back
Please schedule your flights to arrive by 3 pm to allow time for delays and to be able to attend the orientation dinner on Day 0 of the tour. You are free to depart at any time on Day 12 when we arrive back in Madrid - or stay overnight and join us for dinner.
Please let us know if you would like to arrive a day early.
Please let us know if you would like Destination: Wildlife to book your flights. There is a $125.00 one-time booking fee. No extra charge if we need to make changes
Cancellation Policy
Due to the nature of our tours, no refunds are available once a tour has started or for any package, accommodation, meals, or other services included. We understand that sometimes, even the most eagerly anticipated plans may need to be canceled. Please see below for our cancellation policy. We strongly recommend that every traveler purchase travel insurance.
Cancellation: More than 120 Days
Forfeiture of 20% of trip fees, including extensions, plus any specified donations to the sponsor, any non-refundable train/airfare, and a $150 cancellation processing fee.*
Cancellation 120 to 90 Days
Forfeiture of 30% of trip fees, including extensions, plus any specified donations to the sponsor, any non-refundable train/airfare or other, and a $150 cancellation processing fee.*
Cancellation 90 to 61 Days
Forfeiture of 50% of trip fees, including extensions, plus any specified donations to the sponsor, any non-refundable train/airfare or other, and a $150 cancellation processing fee.*
Cancellation 60 Days or Less
Forfeiture of 100% of trip fees, including extensions, plus any specified donations to the sponsor, any non-refundable train/airfare or other, and a $150 cancellation processing fee.*
*Where another guest fills the space, a portion of your fees may be eligible for an additional partial refund, subject to Destination: Wildlife's sole and exclusive discretion.
Travel, Medical and Evacuation Insurance
Travel Insurance: We strongly suggest travel insurance to protect you from travel delays, cancellations, luggage, medical, or other unexpected occurrences. There are many good travel insurance providers. We have worked with Allianz for many years and recommend them as cost-effective, comprehensive, and fair.
They have multiple policy choices and will cover couples or families traveling together under one plan. We are happy to provide a comparison of their policies for you. Just ask.
Evacuation Insurance: This is NOT travel insurance. Evacuation insurance will evacuate you in case of medical or other emergency. It is a membership plan that covers you for a year or more regardless of the location of the emergency, from your backyard to the Himalayas.
Golden Oriole
Making a Difference
How Your Trip Makes A Difference
The Grassland Bird Trust
Conserving critical habitat for endangered, threatened and rapidly declining grassland birds
The Grassland Bird Trust, Inc. (GBT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit land trust conserving critical habitat for endangered, threatened, and rapidly declining grassland birds in the Washington County Grasslands Important Bird Area (IBA) in Fort Edward, New York.
The Washington County Grasslands IBA is critical to the survival of the New York State endangered Short-eared owls and threatened Northern Harriers, according to wildlife biologists at the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The IBA is listed in the New York State Open Space Plan as a regional conservation priority. It supports 10 of 11 grassland birds listed as “species of greatest conservation need” in the New York State Wildlife Action Plan. This area is one of eight “Grassland Bird Conservation Centers” at the heart of the state’s grassland bird conservation efforts.
Since GBT’s founding in 2010, we’ve acquired and permanently protected 78 acres of critical habitat in the heart of the IBA and assisted New York State DEC with the acquisition of another 180 acres of critical habitat nearby.
GBT also constructed and manages the Alfred Z. Solomon Grassland Bird viewing area and covered viewing blind that overlooks GBT’s conserved lands. In 2022, the AZS view area was added to the New York State Birding Trail. GBT is in the process of building a 2-mile hiking trail through the viewing area to introduce birding enthusiasts to the IBA.
A portion of your trip’s cost is donated directly to help support The Grassland Bird Trust.
Go to grasslandbirdtrust.org to learn more about this wonderful organization.
Short-toed snake eagle in active migration across the Strait of Gibraltar. Image: Thanks to ©Birding the Strait
Reviews
Guest Reviews
Reviews for Destination: Wildlife
Liz and Alan G, New York
Birding Costa Rica
We are in awe of the care that you took to make our trip successful. The attention to detail, your ready availability when things didn’t go as plan. Your excitement as our trip progressed and supervision to the very end to make sure everything turned out alright. Thank you for all that you do.
Roy (the guide) ... made the whole experience a joy. He is extremely knowledgeable not only about birds but Costa Rica in general. He was very concerned with our safety and comfort. He was flexible and open to suggestions. He was the perfect companion and guide.
Kathy R, New York
Birding and Safari in Namibia
We were so impressed with Destination Wildlife's meticulous organizational skills as well as the wonderful choice of lodges. Marc (the guide) more than exceeded our expectations. What was your favorite part of the trip? Seeing new birds for the first time with all of our new friends on the trip.
John C, Connecticut
Birding and Safari in Namibia
When asked for a “favorite moment,” I am at a loss, as the whole trip was filled with so many memorable moments. One just has to go and see, and they’ll understand. The guides were more than expected and so knowledgeable in so many other areas. Roberta, Les, and Destination Wildlife met my expectations 100%. The whole experience for me was a 10.
Roberta R, New York
Southern Colombia Birding and Culture
Exceed - Roger was amazing… talented, professional, passionate about his work, skilled, kind, helpful in every way, and a good sense of humor.
Cathy H, Maryland
Southern Colombia Birding and Culture
It was a10+. Communication was great. I feel taken care of on your trips.
Doug J, Utah
Winter Wolves in Yellowstone, Watching and Learning
Thanks for a wonderful trip. I thoroughly enjoyed interacting with everyone involved. It was the best trip of its kind that I have attended. All in all, it was a grand time, and I look forward to another adventure with you. I really like the learning mixed with the photography. I thoroughly enjoyed interacting with everyone involved. It was the best trip of its kind that I have attended.
Amy G, New York
Winter Wolves in Yellowstone, Watching and Learning
An absolute 10!!! This trip was a total home run and delivered on wolves and wildlife well above my hopes and expectations.
[What was your favorite part of the trip?] Definitely getting to see wolves in the wild-- but really all of our wildlife viewing was exciting and spectacular. Cara McGary [Guide] was an absolute gem--the depth of her knowledge and experience, as well as her personality, elevated the experience, and you did an excellent job in seeing that all arrangements, meals etc. ran timely, that accommodations were comfortable etc. Looking forward to future trips-- and definitely Namibia.