Our top bird hide in Ronda, Málaga
This hide will allow you to photograph some of the most iconic mountain birds, wheatears and warblers of the Serranía de Ronda, Málaga.
AVAILABLE: mornings all year round.
MEETING POINT: Ronda.
DURATION: 4 h.
SEATS: the hide is 2 m wide and hence can fit 2 photographers with plenty of space even for tripods. A third seat inside the hide is possible to arrange, but it will be a bit tight. Up to 2 additional photographers could also be accomodated separately in pop-up hides if requested. We do not mix unknown people inside the hides: if you book, the hide is just for you!
SHOOTING DISTANCE: 4 - 10 m. Main activity at 4.50 m.
HIDE TYPE: Wood cabin with 1.75 m long spyglass and good insulation. Comfortable and overlooking wild scenery. Beautiful distant backgrounds and landscape.
FARES:
1 person 150 €.
2 people 200 € (100 € each).
3 persons 270 € (90 € each).
4 persons 320 € (80 € each).
BIRDS
Main species: Black Wheatear, Black-eared Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Rock Sparrow, Dartford Warbler, Rock Bunting, Thekla Lark, Stonechat, Chaffinch.
Occasional birds: Iberian Grey Shrike, Wryneck, Spectacled Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Western Bonelli's Warbler, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Black Redstart, Bee-eater.
*Please query us to know species-by-species status before your visit! We do not guarantee any species and do not offer refunds or free sessions in case of no show.
Bird occurence
A family of Black Wheatears in the nearby valley and therefore visit the hide every now and then. It is normally the male the only one that shows up. Please note its occurence is variable and you need to contact us for updated status. It can be photographed all year round.
A pair of Dartford Warblers live in the gorse near the hide and can always be heard. Sometimes they show up quickly on the Hawthorn, so it is a challenging species that only fortunate photographers may be delighted to see at close distance.
Some years a pair of these breed near the hide. It is then when the male occupies the Hawthorn top as a favourite perch for singing. Its presence takes place from May till July and not every year. A powerful lens will be recommended as this very wary species just stays at some 10 m from the camera frame.
This is another migratory bird that nest in the area and is therefore possible to photograph from mid April till early September.
A pair live in the area and can be photographed 1 day out of 10 as they just scout their territory. We do not provide bait for this species.
Some years a stunning male Blue Rock Thrush takes the command at the hide and can be photographed quite well. "A real poser", shows its best blue plummage from mid Febrary till summer, but does occur throughout the year. Please ask us for updated status for this species if it is one of your primary targets.
A pair of Thekla Larks have been photographed regularly since the hide's beginning. It is interesting to see the colour variation both have, and same for other subtle features within this species.
The Rock Buntings are among the most realiable birds to photograph at the Majoleto, as they've been around in nearly all our sessions to date. Different age/sex plummages can be photographed at short distance.
If you book this hide from mid August till mid October you may come across migrants such as Spectacled Warbler, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Black Redstart, Bonelli's Warbler, Bee Eater and Pied Flycatcher. The species and numbers have been proved to be highly variable in different years. As a curiosity, we've even had records of migrating Osprey and Black Kite.
Some species occur by pure chance and they are very unlikely. The following have been photographed still at the hide: Wryneck (November), Bee-Eater (August), Misthle Thrush (December). There's also flight records of Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Booted Eagle, Short-toed Eagle and Kestrel. You must not expect to photograph any of these.
Wild Andalucía offers special prices for the use of several of our hides on the day. We work together with different companys offering other amazing photo hides and can advice and help you book their services.
The use of our bird hides in Ronda can be combined with other wildlife photography, from macro to pop-up hides and safaris. Please query us if you are interested in a tailormade wildlife phototography tour.
Please read our Hide rental conditions