Canonical URL: https://natureslens.co.uk/2019/08/18/spanish-birdlife/ # 12 images of the fabulous Spanish Birdlife & other Wildlife of El Taray Published on August 18, 2019 [![A Crouched Hoopoe Photographed During The Spanish Birdlife Of Toledo Photography Holiday 1](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/a-crouched-hoopoe-photographed-during-the-spanish-birdlife-of-toledo-photography-holiday-1.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/a-crouched-hoopoe-photographed-during-the-spanish-birdlife-of-toledo-photography-holiday-1.jpg) **John’s** images of the Spanish birdlife & wildlife shows the enormous variety of species to be seen & images to be captured. For sure, favourite species do get photographed by the group as a whole, such as the [hoopoe](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/hoopoe/). But as a group, our guests found enough variety on this trip to add to their portfolio without overlapping with one & other, thanks to the widespread network of hides across the estate. [![A Marsh Harrier Lands At The Dedicated Harrier Hide Photographed During The Spanish Birdlife Of Toledo Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/a-marsh-harrier-lands-at-the-dedicated-harrier-hide-photographed-during-the-spanish-birdlife-of-toledo-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/a-marsh-harrier-lands-at-the-dedicated-harrier-hide-photographed-during-the-spanish-birdlife-of-toledo-photography-holiday.jpg) [![A Marsh Harrier Rests Outside The Hide Dedicated To This Amazing Bird Photographed During The Spanish Birdlife Of Toledo Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/a-marsh-harrier-rests-outside-the-hide-dedicated-to-this-amazing-bird-photographed-during-the-spanish-birdlife-of-toledo-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/a-marsh-harrier-rests-outside-the-hide-dedicated-to-this-amazing-bird-photographed-during-the-spanish-birdlife-of-toledo-photography-holiday.jpg) There are a pair of hides dedicated to capturing images of **harriers**. These diurnal hawks characteristically hunt by flying low over open ground, feeding on small [mammals](https://natureslens.co.uk/for/mammal/), reptiles, or birds. Typically, on the estate of El Taray, the harriers to be found are the **marsh harrier.** The **male**is characterised by the very clear chestnut brown mantle & the grey secondaries & black outer primaries. Meanhile, the **female** usually is identifiable by the rather dark plumage except for the creamy crown, nape, & throat. Both male & female are regular visitors to the various hides spread across the estate. [![A Crouched Hoopoe Photographed During The Spanish Birdlife Of Toledo Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/a-crouched-hoopoe-photographed-during-the-spanish-birdlife-of-toledo-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/a-crouched-hoopoe-photographed-during-the-spanish-birdlife-of-toledo-photography-holiday.jpg) [![A Perched Hoopoe Takes A Break Before Returning To The Nest Photographed During The Spanish Birdlife Of Toledo Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/a-perched-hoopoe-takes-a-break-before-returning-to-the-nest-photographed-during-the-spanish-birdlife-of-toledo-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/a-perched-hoopoe-takes-a-break-before-returning-to-the-nest-photographed-during-the-spanish-birdlife-of-toledo-photography-holiday.jpg) The **hoopoe**is an iconic bird of [Spain](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/spain/) & John captured some strong images of this tiny icon. The background here is what, in my opinion, makes the image, as the bird pops from the out of focus areas of the image while the tones compliment one & other. [![A Juvenile Lesser Kestrel Stretching Its Wings On The Farm Building Rooftop Photographed During The Spanish Birdlife Of Toledo Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/a-juvenile-lesser-kestrel-stretching-its-wings-on-the-farm-building-rooftop-photographed-during-the-spanish-birdlife-of-toledo-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/a-juvenile-lesser-kestrel-stretching-its-wings-on-the-farm-building-rooftop-photographed-during-the-spanish-birdlife-of-toledo-photography-holiday.jpg) [![A Group Of Six Juvenile Lesser Kestrels On The Farm Building Rooftop Photographed During The Spanish Birdlife Of Toledo Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/a-group-of-six-juvenile-lesser-kestrels-on-the-farm-building-rooftop-photographed-during-the-spanish-birdlife-of-toledo-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/a-group-of-six-juvenile-lesser-kestrels-on-the-farm-building-rooftop-photographed-during-the-spanish-birdlife-of-toledo-photography-holiday.jpg) Next, a couple of images from the **Lesser Kestrel colony.** As I have said previously, this is probably the most fantastic colony & hide setup that I have seen. Everyone was pleased with opportunities at the hides located at the [Lesser Kestrel](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/lesser-kestrel/) colony. The young **Lesser Kestrels** were emerging from the tiles & demonstrating all types of new behaviour. If you look closely at the second image, you will see this clutch consists of six of young kestrels. Can you imagine the squabbling that erupted when the parents returned with fresh food for the young! [![A Cheeky Hare Drinking From One Of The Drinking Areas Photographed During The Spanish Birdlife Of Toledo Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/a-cheeky-hare-drinking-from-one-of-the-drinking-areas-photographed-during-the-spanish-birdlife-of-toledo-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/a-cheeky-hare-drinking-from-one-of-the-drinking-areas-photographed-during-the-spanish-birdlife-of-toledo-photography-holiday.jpg) [![A Solitary Juvenile Woodchat Shrike Grasps Onto A Reed Photographed During The Spanish Birdlife Of Toledo Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/a-solitary-juvenile-woodchat-shrike-grasps-onto-a-reed-photographed-during-the-spanish-birdlife-of-toledo-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/a-solitary-juvenile-woodchat-shrike-grasps-onto-a-reed-photographed-during-the-spanish-birdlife-of-toledo-photography-holiday.jpg) John visited the waterholes, but he also made use of some of the hides near the, currently dried out, lagoon. Here, he captured some impressive images of smaller birds on the reeds in the area, such as this **Woodchat Shrike**. [![A Crested Lark At One Of The Many Estate Drinking Pools Photographed During The Spanish Birdlife Of Toledo Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/a-crested-lark-at-one-of-the-many-estate-drinking-pools-photographed-during-the-spanish-birdlife-of-toledo-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/a-crested-lark-at-one-of-the-many-estate-drinking-pools-photographed-during-the-spanish-birdlife-of-toledo-photography-holiday.jpg) [![A Little Ringed Plover Takes A Dio In One Of The Drinking Pools Photographed During The Spanish Birdlife Of Toledo Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/a-little-ringed-plover-takes-a-dio-in-one-of-the-drinking-pools-photographed-during-the-spanish-birdlife-of-toledo-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/a-little-ringed-plover-takes-a-dio-in-one-of-the-drinking-pools-photographed-during-the-spanish-birdlife-of-toledo-photography-holiday.jpg) [![A Red Legged Partridge On The Edge Off One Of The Drinking Pools Photographed During The Spanish Birdlife Of Toledo Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/a-red-legged-partridge-on-the-edge-off-one-of-the-drinking-pools-photographed-during-the-spanish-birdlife-of-toledo-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/a-red-legged-partridge-on-the-edge-off-one-of-the-drinking-pools-photographed-during-the-spanish-birdlife-of-toledo-photography-holiday.jpg) the waterholes attract many different species. Here we see a **crested lark**, a **little-ringed plover** & a **red-legged partridge,** all of whom turned up at the various waterholes & provided photographic opportunities for whoever was in the hides at the time. A wide range of lenses may be used at these hides, ranging from 400mm to 600mm but I would personally recommend something like the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x which is extremely versatile for photography portraits & action shots. [![A European Roller Drinking From One Of The Larger Drinking Pools Photographed During The Spanish Birdlife Of Toledo Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/a-european-roller-drinking-from-one-of-the-larger-drinking-pools-photographed-during-the-spanish-birdlife-of-toledo-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/a-european-roller-drinking-from-one-of-the-larger-drinking-pools-photographed-during-the-spanish-birdlife-of-toledo-photography-holiday.jpg) [![A Perched European Roller With Food Photographed During The Spanish Birdlife Of Toledo Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/a-perched-european-roller-with-food-photographed-during-the-spanish-birdlife-of-toledo-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/a-perched-european-roller-with-food-photographed-during-the-spanish-birdlife-of-toledo-photography-holiday.jpg) While the **European Rollers** were present at the water holes, there were also dedicated hides for this species. Here, the adult of the species could be seen feeding their young. Finally, we close the post with a pair of images of the **Stone Curlew.** Many thanks to John for sharing his wonderful images with us. We hope to see you again soon! [![A Stone Curlew Its Reflection At One Of The Drinking Pools Photographed During The Spanish Birdlife Of Toledo Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/a-stone-curlew-its-reflection-at-one-of-the-drinking-pools-photographed-during-the-spanish-birdlife-of-toledo-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/a-stone-curlew-its-reflection-at-one-of-the-drinking-pools-photographed-during-the-spanish-birdlife-of-toledo-photography-holiday.jpg) [![One Of The Visiting Stone Curlew Walks Into The Drinking Pool Ooutside The Hide Photographed During The Spanish Birdlife Of Toledo Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/one-of-the-visiting-stone-curlew-walks-into-the-drinking-pool-ooutside-the-hide-photographed-during-the-spanish-birdlife-of-toledo-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/one-of-the-visiting-stone-curlew-walks-into-the-drinking-pool-ooutside-the-hide-photographed-during-the-spanish-birdlife-of-toledo-photography-holiday.jpg) - NaturesLens wildlife photography holidays are structured around photographic opportunity — every schedule decision is made around light, behaviour, & access. - Small groups of 4–8 photographers ensure unhurried positions & individual guidance. - Single occupancy accommodation is included as standard across the majority of our trips. ## Share this post - - - - [![Beautifully Reflected In The Waters Of Kerkini A Quartet Of The Pelicans Photographed By Tony Berry During One Of The 2019 Natureslens Dalmatian Pelicans Of Lake Kerkini Photography Tours](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/beautifully-reflected-in-the-waters-of-kerkini-a-quartet-of-the-pelicans-photographed-by-tony-berry-during-one-of-the-2019-natureslens-dalmatian-pelicans-of-lake-kerkini-photography-tours.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/2019/03/23/mesmerizing-dalmatian-pelicans-of-kerkini/) ### [12 mesmerizing images of the Dalmatian Pelicans of Kerkini](https://natureslens.co.uk/2019/03/23/mesmerizing-dalmatian-pelicans-of-kerkini/) March 23, 2019 Earlier this year, Tony attended our Dalmatian Pelicans of Kerkini photography holiday. 2019 saw the return of snow & ice… - [![An Inquisitive Stallion Walks Up The Beach As Photographed During The Natureslens White Horses Of The Camargue Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/an-inquisitive-stallion-walks-up-the-beach-as-photographed-during-the-natureslens-white-horses-of-the-camargue-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/2019/04/18/inspiring-white-horses-of-the-camargue/) ### [10 inspiring images of the White Horses of the Camargue](https://natureslens.co.uk/2019/04/18/inspiring-white-horses-of-the-camargue/) April 18, 2019 I wanted to share more images from our White Horses of the Camargue photography trip in September 2018 to give… - [![One Of The Stunning Golden Eagles Photographed During A Snow Storm This Image Was Captured On The Natureslens Golden Eagles Of The Swedish Winter Photography Holiday 1](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/one-of-the-stunning-golden-eagles-photographed-during-a-snow-storm-this-image-was-captured-on-the-natureslens-golden-eagles-of-the-swedish-winter-photography-holiday-1.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/2019/04/14/magnificent-golden-eagles-of-the-swedish-winter/) ### [10 images of the magnificent Golden Eagles of the Swedish Winter](https://natureslens.co.uk/2019/04/14/magnificent-golden-eagles-of-the-swedish-winter/) April 14, 2019 Robin reports back from his trip to photograph the Golden Eagles of the Swedish Winter with 10 amazing images of… Next step ### Find your next wildlife photography holiday Browse small-group trips by destination, subject, season and photographic goal. [Browse Holidays](https://natureslens.co.uk/wildlife-photography-holidays/) ### Related articles [![A Focus On The Charismatic Atlantic Puffins Of Skomer Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/one-of-the-puffins-of-skomer-in-flight-with-a-beak-full-of-sandeels-150x150.jpg) **A focus on the Charismatic Atlantic Puffins of Skomer Island**](https://natureslens.co.uk/2023/07/26/atlantic-puffins-of-skomer-island/) [![16 Images Showing The Diversity Of The Reptiles & Amphibians Of Bulgaria](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/a-pair-of-eastern-green-lizard-both-male-female-together-photographed-during-the-natureslens-reptiles-amphibians-of-bulgaria-photography-holiday.jpg) **16 images showing the diversity of the Reptiles & Amphibians of Bulgaria**](https://natureslens.co.uk/2019/09/08/the-reptiles-amphibians-of-bulgaria/) ### Field notes by email New articles, trip reports and wildlife photography holiday announcements from NaturesLens. [Join The List](https://natureslens.co.uk/newsletter/)