limosa bird tours

Frank Lambert Birding

Guided Birding, Rainforest and Nature Trips in Malaysia, Borneo, Indonesia, Mongolia, Colombia and beyond

Supporting your global birding

 ©Frank Lambert

I am an experienced international birder, and rainforest ecologist, as well as an avid bird sound recordist, and since 2009 I have guided dozens of birding tours and nature trips to Malaysia, Borneo, Indonesia, Mongolia and elsewhere in Asia, as well as to many destinations in Australasia and the Americas.

Post-pandemic, I am leading tours for Limosa ,  Wildwings  and Heritage Expeditions to various destinations, but I am also able to offer a personalised guiding service for anyone interested in being accompanied by a professional guide on their private birding, rainforest or wildlife trips. I can also provide expert advice and assistance in planning trips. This website aims to promote those services, as well as my bird sound recordings , and will enable you to learn about my experience and to contact me if you if you wish to do so. 

Bird Guiding, Rainforest and Nature Trips

Malaysia, Borneo, Indonesia, Mongolia, Colombia and Beyond

Guiding Birding Trips

Hiring a professional bird guide to accompany you on your private birding trip can be a smart move. An experienced international birding guide who is familiar with the local birds at your destination, who knows the majority of bird vocalizations and has access to a full set of relevant sounds for playback and a network of local contacts can make the difference between a successful trip and one potentially beset with problems. I can also assist in targeting rarer species, and help you plan and organize your trip if required.

( photo: Canopy Walkway in Sabah, Borneo ).

Guided Rainforest and Nature Trips

As an experienced rainforest ecologist who has spent years studying birds and wildlife in the rainforests of Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, Borneo, I am very well qualified to offer professional guiding services to tourists visiting Malaysia or north Borneo on nature and wildlife trips. I am also able to guide small nature tour groups, individuals or couples on bird and mammal watching trips to Mongolia, where I have been working with a professional wildlife tour operator for five years.

( photo: Bornean Orang Utan in Sabah, Malaysia ©Nigel Voaden )

Book Reviews

I regularly review bird and mammal books for publishers, some of which are to be found on this website. Please follow the link below to see my most recent in-depth reviews. Recent reviews include Birds of the Middle East , Birds of Ghana , Birds of Senegal and the Gambia; Birds of Costa Rica ;  Europe's Birds ; Birds of Greater Southern Africa ,  Gulls of Europe, the Middle East and Africa; Birds of the Indonesian Archipelago 2nd Ed; Birds of Malaysia ; Birds of Argentina ; Birds of Colombia ; and All Asian Primates .

( photo: Rufous-collared Kingfisher , Borneo ©Nigel Voaden ).

Upcoming Tours with

Confirmed dates.

Tours I am guiding for Limosa, Wildwings, or Heritage Expeditions: ( click on tour name for more information )

Bali to New Guinea: Indonesian Cruise

13th to 30th october 2024 .

Explore Indonesia and New Guinea for Birds-of-Paradise, Komodo Dragons, Whale Sharks, and speciality island endemics

Melanesian Islands Explorer  2024

30th october to 15th november.

New Guinea to Vanuatu via Solomon Islands

Ghana 2025 

10th to 24th january.

Rainforests of West Africa

Argentina - Cape Verdes: The "Atlantic Odyssey" 2026 1st April  to 4th May

South America and South Georgia to St Helena, Ascension and the Cape Verde Islands: seabirds, island endemics and cetaceans

Sound Recordings

Bird and mammal Sound Recordings

I have made sound recordings of over 4,600 species of bird. Thousands of birders, bird photographers and bird taxonomists use my bird sounds for a variety of reasons, in particular for playback and taxonomic research. Various birding DVDs and Apps have licensed sounds from me for commercial use: if you are interested in doing the same, please don’t hesitate to contact me . Below is a small selection of bird sounds from recordings that I have made. 

People I work with

Any international birding trip takes a significant amount of time to organise, even if only guiding is involved. Although I prefer to work alone, in some cases it is necessary to work with various people, including local agents and guides. In particular, I sometimes work with fellow ecologist John Howes for nature trips in Malaysia and Borneo, and it is essential to work with a local team in Mongolia. 

( photo: Mongolia 2019 ©Frank Lambert )

Photography

Photography is something that I mainly leave to clients. I am not an avid photographer and will not waste your time whilst trying to get good photos for myself. Guides from many bird tour companies are under enormous pressure to take high quality photos for their trip reports, but I would rather use the photos of clients and birding companions.

Many of the photos on this website have been kindly contributed by people who have travelled with me. To see who they are, and view some of their photos from trips to Malaysia, Borneo, Indonesia and Mongolia please click below. 

( photo: Knobbed Hornbill, Sulawesi ©Nigel Voaden )

Testimonials

Get in Touch

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Fuerteventura Tour – Limosa Holidays

Fuerteventura, The Canary Islands 3rd – 9th November 4014.

Trip Report With Tour Leader: Stephen Daly Tour Participants: John Green, Cecile Gillard, Aland Mackereth and Jane Walker, Geoff Phillipson and John and Nadine Shearman

Tour Highlights: Several close encounters with the rare Houbara Bustards, good views of all the desert species, watching Barbary Falcon hunting, Cory’s Shearwaters off El Cotillo

Day 1 – Monday 3rd November 2014

The sun was setting quickly as Stephen met the group late in the afternoon at Fuerteventura airport. So without further ado we loaded the minibus and travelled north to our hotel at La Oliva which was going to be our base for the week.

After an excellent meal and lots of enthusiastic chat about our forthcoming plans for finding the rare bird species on the island we said goodnight and retired for the night. Stone Curlews called from a nearby hillside.

Day 2 – Tuesday 4th November 2014

The sun came up around 0730hrs and the warm temperature and blue skies peppered with some small clouds over the weathered volcanic landscape looked amazing. Already some of the group had spotted a Desert Shrike and Common Chiffchaff in the hotel gardens and a Black Redstart flitted around the rooftops. There were plenty of Spanish Sparrows close to the hotel and we had excellent views of this smart looking sparrow. Collared Doves were flying around the village and singing and Ravens were calling as some Lesser Black-backed Gulls and the larger Yellow-Legged Gulls flew past.

Breakfast was excellent and we left the hotel and travelled south towards Tindaya and the coast. Taking our time and scanning the rocky landscape we soon found a party of Cream-coloured Coursers feeding. These fascinating desert birds blend into the background colours of pink and creamy hues of the island’s rocky deserts and eroded volcanic slopes and are not so easy to spot. We enjoyed good views and then continued our birding.

Berthelot’s Pipits flew across the tracks as did one or two fast flying Trumpeter Finches but we were confident we’d get good views of these lovely birds later. There were some darters around and some managed a few photos for later identification of these small dragonflies.

A short while later a single Black-bellied Sandgrouse flew overhead and we watched more Ravens and a few distant Common Kestrels were seen. We checked out a small gulley or Barranco where there was some green vegetation and saw more Berthelot’s Pipits on the edge of a small freshwater pool.

Later we came across a small colony of Barbary Ground Squirrels on an old stone wall and watched their antics as they scuttled around trying to get good views of us!

Making our way along to El Cotillo we found Ruddy Turnstone and Great Cormorant before taking our tapas lunch overlooking the small harbour.

Leaving the town we took one of many of the coastal tracks searching the small agricultural plots and ruined buildings and walls. A few distant Hoopoes were seen and we had some excellent close up views of Berthelot’s Pipit only a few feet away.

Desert Shrikes were fairly common and we managed to get good views of this recently taxonomically split shrike.

At Los Molinos we found a group of around forty Black-bellied Sandgrouse feeding. Some flew off but a few small groups stayed and we were able to set up our scopes and enjoy the views of this special bird.

Close to the sandgrouse and quite close to the group were more Berthelot’s Pipits as well as Trumpeter Finches and Lesser Short-toed Larks. A few Ruddy Shelduck flew overhead and later at another site we found more shelduck on the ground.

At the reservoir we came across Greenshank, Common and Green Sandpiper, Black-winged Stilts and Little Ringed Plover. A pair of White Wagtails also fed on what was left of last year’s water on the dried out bottom of the reservoir. Two Common Buzzards sat on a nearby slope as we drove back to the main road. Close to La Oliva we saw some very pure Rock Doves and a small flock of Common Linnets.

To end the day we had excellent views of the lightly ochre coloured form of Fuerteventura’s Common Buzzard that flew overhead and responded to whistling and obligingly came in to have a good look at us!

Back at the hotel Mack and Jane saw our first Fuerteventura Chat in the gardens.

Our evening meal was delicious and later we retired for a good nights sleep.

Day 3 – Wednesday 5th November 2014

During the night a cold storm front was racing down the Atlantic from the Arctic bringing severe weather to Europe and right down to the West African coast and the Canaries. This was the first time the north of Fuerteventura had had any rain since March and we knew how important water was to this parched island.
At breakfast we saw that there were large puddles around the paths but staff at the hotel commented that there needed to be a considerable amount of rain to fall to make any impression on the landscape and usually the first rains were immediately absorbed on contact or ran off into gullies and gorges that scar the landscape.

Hoping that there might be some water run-off in the small lake at Catalina Garcia and subsequent bird and other wildlife, we drove south only to find that the south of the island was still bone dry and no water had fallen.

We drove north east to look for some of the islands special birds and soon we found two adult Egyptian Vultures sitting on electric cables, hunkered down facing into the wind. Fuerteventura is the only place that it seems such birds do this, preferring rather to find a rock face or tree or perhaps a pylon, but not on the cables themselves. Lack of trees on the island and craggy rock faces are limited so this natural adaptation in using any convenient lookout post is taken.

The birds stayed a while allowing us better scoped views and soon departed and landed on the ground. Our activity had made them curious and we watched another four birds come in. It wasn’t until we checked out a site where local goat farmers threw carcasses of their dead goats in the base of a shallow quarry that the vultures came over to look at what we were up to. This was excellent as far as we were concerned and all of us had good fly-pasts with six birds in the air including a first year bird and a sub adult.

Ravens were then seen at close quarters and three or four Common Buzzards were seen and also heard calling.

Stopping at a small irrigation pond we found a Desert Shrike with a freshly caught gecko and two Ruddy Shelduck on the bank of the earthen scrape. Moorhens, Black-winged Stilt, Common Sandpiper and Black Redstart were present and Spanish Sparrows were abundant.

Later we took a tapas lunch on the coast then headed back north through the centre of the island towards Tindaya.

Another slow and patient drive down toward the coast from the town was needed to look for the special birds of the island. We stopped often and set up our telescopes then continued again scanning with our binoculars. We managed to see many Berthelot’s Pipits in amongst the stone strewn flat plains and there were Trumpeter Finch and two overflights of Spectacled Warbler over the edge of the roadside scrub but our elusive Houbara Bustard was proving tricky to find.

In the end our patience was rewarded when we came across a Houbara right at the edge of the road. The bird had been sheltering behind a small scrubby bush literally three meters from the vehicle and obligingly stood up and walked away from us…. Success!

We watched the Houbara for some time following her with the scopes for some time as she continued walking away almost blending into the background with her amazing cryptic plumage.

Moving down to the coast we parked up and walked along the very dramatic black basalt cliff where Lesser Black-backed Gulls wheeled with Yellow-legged along the coast. Common Kestrel was around but we didn’t find any patrolling or perched Barbary Falcon that afternoon.

On the way back to Tindaya, one bonus was watching two Cream-coloured Coursers seen close by the track, walking quickly across the landscape.

Back at the Hotel the Fuerteventura Chat was on duty and the Black Redstart was ‘clicking and bobbing’ on the gables.

Another delicious and very generous meal was taken at the hotel and we retired as the wind dropped and we had a calm night with no rustling leaves.

Day 4 – Thursday 6th November 2014

Some early birders in the group had found the islands chat in the gardens before breakfast as well as Desert Shrike and the other local birds. Stone Curlews had been heard calling at dawn from a nearby hillside.

The weather was warm and sunny and the wind was light. A great day for birding!

After breakfast John and Nadine were watching a Grey Heron as we were getting into the minibus. Driving over to the west coast we watched a flock of eleven Barbary Partridge in flight and quickly managed to turn off the road into a flat field to look for them. They had landed out of sight behind some earthen walls on agricultural land and couldn’t be that far away. We quickly spotted the birds walking quickly away from our elevated position and all of us had very good views of this often difficult to find bird.

We stopped at Betancuria and explored the barranco or gorge that runs through the town. This former capital of the island has the best soil on the island and also has more rainfall than most other areas in Fuerteventura.

A Hoopoe was seen in flight and perched and a Desert Shrike called from a tall aloe flower stem. Several Monarch butterflies were watched as were Red Admiral, Common Blue and Geranium Bronze, with Painted Lady butterflies in profusion. A Lesser Emperor Dragonfly was also seen as were several Canary Island Lizards.

The Fuerteventura Blue Tit was seen, which with the Barbary Partridge was another new bird for the trip and ‘lifers’ for many on the trip. Ravens were calling and displaying overhead and Common Kestrels and Common Buzzards patrolled overhead.

We took a coffee in the town then walked further down the gorge finding another Hoopoe which very obligingly let many take close photos. Several Common Blackbirds were seen and a male Spectacled Warbler came in very close and gave everyone excellent views of this lovely Sylvia warbler. Better views of the Fuerteventura Blue Tit were had a short while later as Blackcap, several Sardinian Warblers and Canary Islands Chiffchaff were also watched.

After our tapas lunch we stopped at one of the several observation points high on the road to the south of Betancuria. Apart from stunning views from on high there were lots of very tame Barbary Ground Squirrels coming in to be fed by the tourists. A couple of lower pools of water could be seen from the parking area and Common Linnets, Trumpeter Finches, Spanish Sparrows, Berthelot’s Pipit and Spanish Sparrows were coming in to drink. Another Grey Heron was seen flying across the main road in the town.

Later in the afternoon we searched the Tefia area and found hundreds of Painted Lady butterflies sheltering from the wind and feeding at a small plantation of Tamarisk bushes. We scanned the flat fields nearby and found several small groups of Black-bellied Sandgrouse close to the track that allowed us good views as they fed close to a large goat herd. As we continued on the track we found White Wagtails and Trumpeter Finches feeding at a farm building and a flock of over eighty Ruddy Shelduck were also seen on the stony open field. Several groups of this pretty duck took to the air and flew towards us and as we scanned some of the birds on the ground we saw three Houbara Bustards walking across the landscape, two males and a female. The bustards walked towards us and we quietly set up our telescopes to watch them feeding with the shelduck.

Once back at La Oliva we found a pair of Fuerteventura Chats that happily posed for the group and some took some very good photos.

This had been another good day out in the field and a few in the group had caught up with some birds that they had never seen before.

Day 5 – Friday 7th November 2014

Before breakfast Mack and Geoff had been watching Chiffchaff, Black Redstart and Fuerteventura Stonechat was seen around the hotel and Cecile had hear the Stone Curlews calling earlier on just before dawn.

Later we took a tour of the upper part of the town and after watching Spectacled Warbler found a single Laughing Dove sitting on a tall post.

A slow drive around the stony open plain around Tindaya revealed a few mixed flocks of Lesser Short-toed Larks and Common Linnets and we had close views of a male Fuerteventura Chat perched close to the cliffs on the coast. Here we took another cliff walk following the dramatic edge of the western side of the island towards El Cotillo looking again for Barbary Falcon but alas didn’t see it.

We walked back to the parked minibus then drove along other tracks through one of the barrancos to El Cotillo and took a tapas lunch and drinks in the shade. Outside the restaurant we had a clear view of the Atlantic Ocean and Mack spotted a group of Cory’s Shearwaters following a small fishing boat heading back to Corralejo. Just then a lady from the town’s tourist board told us that there had been quite a few young shearwaters landing in the town’s streets during the night, apparently attracted by the lights. A national Spanish TV crew had been reporting this incident and locals and the environmental agency has been checking the birds condition, returning them to sea.

Spurred on by the birds close presence out on the water we negotiated a price for a pelagic trip for a few hours from a local fisherman in his fishing boat and off we went to look at sea birds, particularly shearwaters. Leaving the small harbour at El Cotillo we said goodbye to the numerous Ruddy Turnstones, Rock Doves and Lesser Black-backed Gulls and headed out to the deep blue Atlantic Ocean. After fifteen minutes we spotted one or two distant Cory’s in flight and headed in their general direction. We then saw small groups of Cory’s swimming on the sea. Motoring slowly back and forth, Juan our new fisherman friend and his two lookouts found lots of birds for us to see and photograph. A very large Loggerhead Turtle was spotted by the crew and was briefly seen before it dived and was lost from view. The boat trip was an excellent experience and one that will be remembered by all who took part for a long time to come.

We had dinner back at the hotel and slept well after all that sea air!

Day 6 – Saturday 8th November 2014

Another warm sunny day greeted us as we drove from La Oliva down the coast to Caleta de Fustes. At the rocky shoreline and small beaches we scanned through the rocks and crevices finding Little Egret and a single first year Slender-billed Gull. Sanderlings and Whimbrel were also new birds and later at La Torre we watched Sandwich Terns fishing for whitebait just off the shore. Common Kestrel, Desert Grey Shrike and Trumpeter finches were seen in the nearby Barranco de La Torre but there were no Egyptian Vultures at the well known nest site.

We travelled inland looking for Egyptian Vultures going over some of the ground where we’d seen the birds earlier in the week but there were none showing.

Stopping off at Agua de Bueys we took an early lunch at a rural bar and drove back up the island towards the north and taking the road to Tefia and down some small tracks leading to a goat farm. Here we slowly approached small flocks of scattered Black-bellied Sandgrouse, managing to get some fairly close shots of birds feeding. Diving around the farm buildings we found Trumpeter Finches under the gables and a singing Desert Grey Shrike close by. Ruddy Shelduck, Berthelot’s Pipits, Lesser Short-toed Larks, Trumpeter Finches and a single Grey Heron were scattered across the landscape with lots more Black-bellied Sandgrouse and just as we were enjoying these birds a Barbary Falcon came in fast chasing a fleeing Rock Dove. The chase went on for a few minutes with the falcon completing a full circle around our group and allowed us to get great views as it passed through the bright sky then in front of a nearby hillside which was perfect light showing us that it was a first year bird, typically brown in colour. The Rock Dove made good its escape and the Barbary Falcon slowly gained height over the hillside then was eventually lost from view. The sight of the falcon chasing the dove had also caused confusion, putting around one hundred ‘honking’ and very nervous Ruddy Shelduck into the air.

After searching for this elusive raptor at various locations during the week our efforts had finally paid off. This was one species on what is essentially a small but rare list of birds that’s on the island that all wanted very much to see and the sight of this special episode of a young bird still learning how to hunt effectively, I’m sure will stay with us.

Our last destination was further up the coast to Los Molinos where a very impressive three-masted tall ship was under full sail heading south down the coast. At the barranco at Los Molinos there was quite a lot of water and this was probably the only one with any water to speak of at this time of year. Another Little Egret was fishing but apart from the villages collection of multi-coloured Muskovy Ducks there wasn’t much else of note.

We took our last evening meal after completing our bird lists and talking about the week’s tour and the highlights and special moments on the trip.

Outside a flamenco guitarist played on the terrace and it was the perfect way to spend our last evening on the island.

Day 7 – Sunday 9th November 2014

After breakfast we said our farewells to the very attentive hotel staff and loaded the minibus to head south to the islands airport, but there was time for one quick look at a site en route around Tefia.

Driving slowly towards a goat farm we approached a lone Houbara Bustard feeding on the stony ground with some Trumpeter Finches, Common Linnets and Berthelot’s Pipits. Black-bellied Sandgrouse and Ruddy Shelduck flew close to the site and Collared Doves and White Wagtails fed around the goat farm steading.

We arrived at Fuerteventura’s airport in good time, returned the minibus and our check-in and flights were trouble free.

Hopefully we’ll see some of those who took part on this years trip to the island on another Limosa tour and also hope that this diary report will entice others to join us on Fuerteventura for another birding and wildlife adventure. Thanks to all who participated and for your good company during the week.

Stephen Daly, November 2014

Species List

Barbary Partridge Alectoris Barbara ssp. KoenigiGreat views of a flock of eleven birds near Tindaya

Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferrugineaVery common seen most days

Cory’s Shearwater Calonectris diomedeaGreat views of over sixty birds off El Cotillo

Cattle Egret Bulbulcus ibis Two birds seen near the airport

Little Egret Egretta garzetaSeen twice

Grey Heron Ardea cunereaA few birds seen on the coast

Egyptian Vulture Neophron percuopterus ssp. MajorensisVery good views of six perched and flying birds

Common Buzzard Buteo buteo ssp. InsularumFairly common

Houbara Bustard Chlamyditis undulate ssp. FuerteventuraeGood views on three days

Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus dacotiae canariensisFairly common

Barbary Falcon Falco peregrinoidesOne juvenile recorded

Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropusSeen on two days

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopusSeen twice

Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus ssp. InsularumHeard onlyWhimbrel Numenius phaeopus Seen at Costa de Fustes

Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres Lots of birds around El Cotillo harbour

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropusOnly one bird seen

Common Sandpiper Acticus hypoleucosSeen three times on tour

Common Greenshank Tringa nebulariaSeen once

Yellow-legged Gull Larus michaellisCommon and seen every day

Lesser Black-Backed Gull Larus fuscusVery common

Slender-billed Gull Chroicocephalus geneiA first year bird was seen at Costa de Fustes

Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensisA few birds seen fishing on the East coast

Black-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles orientalisGood numbers seen feeding and in flight

Cream-coloured Courser Cursorius curso bannermaniSeen twice on tour with very good views

House Martin Delichon urbicumOne bird seen in flight

Rock Dove/Feral Pigeon Columba liviaA common sight with pure Rock Doves seen on west coast

Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaoctoCommon

Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensisGood views of one bird at La Oliva

Barn Owl Tyto alba Heard only

Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epopsSeen on six days

White Wagtail Motacilla albaSeen most days

Lesser Short-toed Lark Calandrella rufescensFairly common seen most days with some large flocks

Black Redstart Wintering birds at our hotel and other sites

Fuerteventura Chat Saxicola dacotiaeSeen most days. Present in hotel gardens

Blackcap SylviaatricapillaOnly seen once at Betancuria

Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephlaSeen only once

Spectacled Warbler Sylvia conspicillataFairly common and present near the hotel. Great views at Betancuria

Common Chiffchaff Phylloscpus collybitaA few seen each morning at the hotel and other sites

European Robin Erithacus rubeculaA few seen

Common Blackbird Turdus merulaSeen at Betancuria

Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatusThree in flight early morning near hotel and one at Betancuria

Desert Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor ssp. koenigiFairly abundant and confiding views had

Common Raven Corvus CoraxCommon

Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis Common and seen daily at our hotel

Berthelot’s Pipit Anthus berthelotiiCommon, watched also feeding with other species

Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis One bird seen feeding with Berthelot’s Pipits

African Blue Tit Parus teneriffae degener Present in towns and villages

Common Linnet Carduelis cannabina hartertiSeen most days

Trumpeter Finch Bucanetes githagineus amantumCommon

Algerian Hedgehog Atelerix algirus (Road-kill) Barbary Ground Squirrel Atlantoxerus getulus Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus (Road kill) Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus Pipistrelle Bat

Amphibians & Reptiles Loggerhead Turtle Carretta carretta Moorish Gecko Tarentola angustimentalis Atlantic Lizard Gallotia atlantica Tortoise species introduced to the island

Butterflies Bath White Pontia daplidice Green-striped White Euchloe belemia Greenish Black Tip Elphinstonia charlonia African Migrant Catopsilia florella Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae Clouded Yellow Colias crocea Monarch Danaus plexippus Painted Lady Vanessa cardui Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta Dragonflies Vagrant Emperor Dragonfly Anax ephippiger Blue Emperor Anax imperator Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura saharensis Scarlet Darter Crocothemis erythraea Red-veined Darter?

Other Taxa Crimson Speckled Moth Hummingbird Hawk-Moth Lacewing sp.

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Stephen Daly

Stephen Daly, has been birding since he was eight years old in his native Scotland. After living in Germany and France he established Andalucian Guides the successful birding and wildlife tour company on The Strait of Gibraltar in Spain and has been living here since 2001. Photographing birds in flight is one passion and his photos can be found in many books, magazines and journals. Studying bird behaviour and bird migration are two other positive aspects of being based on one of the busiest migration routes on Earth.

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Founded in 1985, Limosa is proud to be recognised as one of the world’s leading specialist operators of birding and wildlife tours.

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Limosa Holidays - Classic Costa Rica tour March 2015

• Thread starter kstennett
• Start date Mar 30, 2015

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Well-known member.

• Mar 30, 2015

Leader: Harry Barnard Pros • Genuinely fully inclusive we spent very little during the tour • The guide was very knowledgeable about the birds and wildlife of Costa Rica (and elsewhere) - however see below • Excellent accommodation and food with exception of one location - see below • Over 400 species of bird seen including good views of male and female Queztal. • Many good opportunities for photography • Wide range of habitats visited • Vehicle used was large enough and comfortable. Very well driven. • Limosa and their agents Costa Rica Gateway were helpful with hotel bookings and transport when our flights were cancelled due to volcanic activity. However see below Cons • Only 11 of the days are guided (in this case 2nd - 12th March) • The guide's inexperience in dealing with diverse groups was very obvious and the cause of some dissatisfaction amongst participants. In particular he seemed unable to pace or vary the tour to suit varying birding and physical abilities . He also had little patience with those who could not remember the identification of a previously seen bird or with those not as dedicated to ticking the list as himself! • The final hotel Punta Leona was disappointing - too much of a tourist hotel for a birding group. • No representative of any kind accompanied the group to the departure airport. This created difficulty for us when flights were cancelled and had to be rebooked. We had to use a mobile phone to summon help, communication by mobile phone was expensive and so far no reimbursement has been offered despite repeated requests.  

kstennett said: Cons • Only 11 of the days are guided (in this case 2nd - 12th March) • The guide's inexperience in dealing with diverse groups was very obvious and the cause of some dissatisfaction amongst participants. In particular he seemed unable to pace or vary the tour to suit varying birding and physical abilities . He also had little patience with those who could not remember the identification of a previously seen bird or with those not as dedicated to ticking the list as himself! • The final hotel Punta Leona was disappointing - too much of a tourist hotel for a birding group. • No representative of any kind accompanied the group to the departure airport. This created difficulty for us when flights were cancelled and had to be rebooked. We had to use a mobile phone to summon help, communication by mobile phone was expensive and so far no reimbursement has been offered despite repeated requests. Click to expand...

Robin Edwards

kstennett said: • The guide's inexperience in dealing with diverse groups was very obvious and the cause of some dissatisfaction amongst participants. In particular he seemed unable to pace or vary the tour to suit varying birding and physical abilities . Click to expand...

Yes, I can see the difficulty and there were several times when I sympathised with the guide. Gary, the holiday was 1 - 14 March, it was clear that - as usual - the first and last would be taken up with travel but actually there was no guide for the morning of 13th before we left for the airport either which I felt was disappointing. I think the description of my post as a "recommendation with cautions" is a good one. There are more pros than cons after all and we did have a good holiday. I hope it will inform anyone thinking of doing a similar tour and perhaps help them know what questions to ask In Europe my husband and I tend to bird more independently, perhaps hiring a local guide for a few days. If returning to Costa Rica that is probably what I would do.  

Member since 2007

Robin Edwards said: I think tour companies need to pitch their tours carefully and honestly so as to minimise confusion and resulting disatisfaction. Click to expand...

I did this tour a few years ago. It was brilliant. Long days, 483 species recorded. We all thought Punta Leona was a hoot! We also met Harry, who joined us for a few days and was very helpful.  

• Mar 31, 2015

I think all participants had been on one or more birding holidays before and had no expectation of any shopping or any sun bathing. In fact that could have been achieved by taking a day out with no problem if anyone wished to. And Jon yes, Harry was knowledgeable and could be helpful sometimes. Actually I was able to keep up quite well but others could not and the tour was described as easy. Two of us asked for the ID of a common bird (I realised later) and were pointedly ignored .. and yes, he did hear us. It would have cost nothing to answer. It's all a matter of opinion I guess. I'm just giving mine.  

Jim M. said: they do have the advantage of minimizing the carbon footprint and disturbance of birds vs. everyone in the group visiting independently. Think subjecting a bird to playback once vs 8 or 10 times for each member of the group. Click to expand...

kstennett said: In Europe my husband and I tend to bird more independently, perhaps hiring a local guide for a few days. If returning to Costa Rica that is probably what I would do. Click to expand...

Gallery Moderator

• Apr 1, 2015

Independent but with a couple of days guided is the model I usually prefer - and what I used on my single visit to CR. Niels  

Jim M. said: Can certainly understand that some group tours can be frustrating, but they do have the advantage of minimizing the carbon footprint and disturbance of birds vs. everyone in the group visiting independently. Think subjecting a bird to playback once vs 8 or 10 times for each member of the group. Click to expand...

Hamhed said: When you think about it, we've all already blown our carbon footprint by jetting back and forth a few thousand miles for a couple of weeks in birding heaven. Click to expand...

• Apr 2, 2015

Playback and light pen I was interested in the mentions of "playback" by which I take you to mean playing recordings of song/calls in order to draw in a bird. This technique was used very heavily by our guide in Costa Rica and is something we don't do at all when birding privately. It does seem to work quite well in some cases. I wondered, has any study been done on it's affect on the birds? It seems a little unfair on the bird to trick it. But perhaps it just "shrugs it's shoulders" and gets on with it's life? On one amusing occasion he had been playing a recording for some time and hearing a response when we bumped into another group doing the same. We'd been listening to each other's playback for 10-15 minutes! The guide also used a laser light pen. He was very careful not to point this directly at birds but it was extremely useful in locating a bird "two foot to the left of my light" etc. This is one that might even be useful when hubby and I bird together, saving time in trying to describe trees to each other!! Kath  

I think most birders will agree that limited use of both playback and a laser pen is not harmful. As Jim pointed out, the potential for overuse of these devices by overlapping groups, whether guided groups or self-guided birders, is very likely and can make it tough for the bird to get on with its natural life. It's a jungle out there! Steve  

Playback has been discussed elsewhere on BF, but one good write up with some advice is on Sibley's blog: http://www.sibleyguides.com/2011/04/the-proper-use-of-playback-in-birding/ One funny thing that happened to me once: I was in an area where playback is prohibited, so before leaving the car I listened to the voice of a bird I wanted to see/hear (I wanted to have it fresh in my mind). Seemingly it could hear me, because an answer came right away but from more than 200ft away. That was the only time I heard the bird that day. Niels  

kstennett said: I was interested in the mentions of "playback" by which I take you to mean playing recordings of song/calls in order to draw in a bird. This technique was used very heavily by our guide in Costa Rica and is something we don't do at all when birding privately. It does seem to work quite well in some cases. Click to expand...

Thanks everyone your comments are interesting and helpful. Niels, that is a very interesting article. Kath  

• Apr 5, 2015

kstennett said: Leader: Harry Barnard Pros • Genuinely fully inclusive we spent very little during the tour • The guide was very knowledgeable about the birds and wildlife of Costa Rica (and elsewhere) - however see below • Excellent accommodation and food with exception of one location - see below • Over 400 species of bird seen including good views of male and female Queztal. • Many good opportunities for photography • Wide range of habitats visited • Vehicle used was large enough and comfortable. Very well driven. • Limosa and their agents Costa Rica Gateway were helpful with hotel bookings and transport when our flights were cancelled due to volcanic activity. However see below Cons • Only 11 of the days are guided (in this case 2nd - 12th March) • The guide's inexperience in dealing with diverse groups was very obvious and the cause of some dissatisfaction amongst participants. In particular he seemed unable to pace or vary the tour to suit varying birding and physical abilities . He also had little patience with those who could not remember the identification of a previously seen bird or with those not as dedicated to ticking the list as himself! • The final hotel Punta Leona was disappointing - too much of a tourist hotel for a birding group. • No representative of any kind accompanied the group to the departure airport. This created difficulty for us when flights were cancelled and had to be rebooked. We had to use a mobile phone to summon help, communication by mobile phone was expensive and so far no reimbursement has been offered despite repeated requests. Click to expand...

• I understand this is an old thread, but want to reply anyway

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High Atlas, Sahara and Agadir

An 11-day birdwatching tour to the coast, deserts and mountains of Southern Morocco

Limosa's improved itinerary exploring southern Morocco combines the best birding in North Africa with time to explore the deserts and mountains of the south along with the coast around Agadir.

Visiting these diverse and spectacular habitats gives us the opportunity to look for a fantastic range of species and the bird list reads like a veritable 'Who’s Who' of sought-after Western Palearctic specialties with Northern Bald Ibis, Cream-coloured Courser, Crowned, Black-bellied and Spotted Sandgrouse, Pharaoh Eagle Owl, Egyptian Nightjar, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Levaillant’s Woodpecker and Maghreb Magpie amongst the possibilities.

We also hope to see up to ten species of larks and eight wheatears, Moussier’s Redstart, Tristram’s and African Desert Warblers, Fulvous Babbler, African Crimson-winged Finch, Trumpeter Finch and Desert Sparrow, whilst also enjoying the spectacle of the northern migration as birds head up into Europe.

Tour Dates & Prices

Wed 12th March 2025

Sat 22nd March 2025

What's Included?

• Limosa Tour Leader
• 10 nights' accommodation in Morocco
• All main meals (with drinking water provided)
• Local travel by minibus
• 4WD vehicles at Merzouga (2 days)
• All excursions, entry fees, local guides, tour-based tips (drivers, guides etc) and taxes
• Limosa checklist of birds

Cost Excludes

International flights, insurance, drinks, airport meals/snacks, in-flight meals and other items of a personal nature.

The Land Only Tour Cost is the amount you will pay Limosa.

We have taken the decision to continue to price our holidays as excluding international flights.

To keep the process as simple as possible, we are working very closely with a dedicated agent at Travel Counsellors, Sacha Barbato, who is essentially now our “in house” flight consultant.

Sacha is a highly experienced independent ATOL bonded travel agent, and his contact details are as follows: [email protected] and 01603 360099

He will be able to advise you which flights we are recommending for each holiday and will be able to book these for you.

This will also sometimes give you the option to travel from a regional airport if you prefer.

Tour Highlights

• Enjoy the best birding in North Africa
• Two days of excursions by 4WD vehicles into the Sahara for desert birds at Merzouga
• Look for Northern Bald Ibis, Egyptian Nightjar and Desert Sparrow plus a host of other Moroccan specialities
• Migration in full flow plus up to a dozen raptors, ten larks, eight wheatears and twenty warblers
• Incredible and varied landscapes from the snowy peaks of the Atlas mountains to the towering sand dunes of the Sahara desert
• Small group with a maximum of just 10 participants
• Expertly led by Limosa's Fernando Navarrete, an expert on Morocco’s birds

Outline Itinerary

Fly to Marrakech. Night Ourika

High Atlas Mountains around Oukaimeden (2500-3000m / 8200-9800ft). Night Ourika

We cross the Tizi n’Tichka pass and head east to Boumalne Dades (2 nights)

Tagdilt track, Imiter and Gorges de Dadès

We continue east for the first of a three-night stay on the edge of the Sahara Desert. Night Merzouga

4WD desert excursions looking for Egyptian Nightjar, African Desert Warbler and Desert Sparrow. Merzouga (2 nights)

Heading west. Night Ouarzazate

From Mansour Lake, up and over the Atlas Mountains. Drive to Agadir (2 nights)

Explore the coast at Tamri and visit Oued Massa.

Explore Oued Massa. Flight to UK from Agadir

Magnificent in any season, the Atlas Mountains and desert regions of Morocco boast the richest birdlife in North Africa. Set against an ever-changing backcloth of spectacular scenery, our spring tour finds this beautiful and incredibly varied country at its best. The northward rush of migration through the desert oases and mountain passes is in full flow, and this is also the optimum time to seek out Morocco’s long list of outstanding breeding birds from Pharaoh Eagle Owl, Egyptian Nightjar and Blue-cheeked Bee-eater to Thick-billed and Greater Hoopoe-Larks, Desert Sparrow and African Desert Warbler. The list of specialities seems almost endless!

While Morocco is a big country, our itinerary concentrates on the south thereby cutting down significantly on the amount of time spent travelling. We also spend two days in the desert, which is always a highlight, to allow longer enjoying the unique and fascinating birdlife of this very special place.

Arriving in Marrakech, we start our birding in the mountains with the exciting prospects of Atlas Horned Lark, Atlas (Seebohm’s) Wheatear and African Crimson-winged Finch as we ascend to more than 2500m (8000ft) in the snow-capped mountains of the Atlas range. In the forests on the approach road, we shall look for Levaillant’s Woodpecker, plus Barbary Partridge, Moussier’s Redstart and African Chaffinch amongst many specialities that are endemic to Northwest Africa.

Descending to the oasis town of Ouarzazate, we then swing east to Boumalne Dades for our first real taste of desert birding. Larks abound on the stony hamada at Tagdilt, where we shall be especially keen to find Temminck's Horned and Thick-billed Larks, alongside Cream-coloured Courser, a variety of sandgrouse and Desert Wheatear.

Continuing east, we check out sites for Streaked Scrub Warbler, Maghreb Lark and Fulvous Babbler, before heading deeper into the desert to enjoy an extended three-night stay at an excellent hotel in Merzouga, on the fringes of the mighty Sahara.

Over the next two days, we shall make exciting excursions by 4WD vehicle that will carry us around the flowing skirts of the huge red dunes of Erg Chebbi. Assisted by our local guides, we shall visit the current hotspots amidst this spectacular but shifting landscape in our quest for African Desert Warbler, Brown-necked Raven and the rare and rapidly declining Desert Sparrow.

Egyptian Nightjars also breed here and, although not present every year, our last ten tours have all been lucky! We also plan to visit some cliffs where the impressive Pharaoh Eagle Owl nests.

Retracing our steps to Ouarzazate, we have a chance to visit El Mansour Reservoir, on the edge of town. At this time of year, and depending on the water levels, the area can be alive with migrants. Wetland species can include Marbled Duck, storks and Collared Pratincole, while parties of Yellow Wagtails and Meadow Pipits often hold Red-throated Pipit. With luck, we may also find Bluethroat and Western Olivaceous Warbler before we shall head for Agadir for two nights.

With its warm, Mediterranean-type climate and fine diversity of habitats, from arid coastal scrub to dramatic mountains, the Agadir region not only attracts good numbers of European migrants but is also home to a fascinating resident bird population that has a distinctly African flavour.

Barbary Partridge, Brown-throated Martin, Moussier’s Redstart, Black-crowned Tchagra and the sought-after Northern Bald Ibis are among many specialities we hope to see, while the cheery calls of Common Bulbuls enliven the hotel gardens and Spotless Starlings and House Buntings sing from the rooftops.

Two of Morocco’s very best birding spots, the estuaries of the Oued (river) Souss and the Oued Massa, lie within an easy drive of our comfortable Agadir hotel. Shorebirds abound, with herons, Eurasian Spoonbill, Greater Flamingo, waders, gulls and terns being numerous on the Souss, and the likes of Marbled Duck, Black-winged Kite, Laughing Dove and Maghreb Magpie among more exotic species to look for in the Massa valley.

MARRAKECH AND ATLAS MOUNTAINS

Our spring birding tour to Morocco begins in Marrakech, where Fernando will be waiting to welcome you. We head directly south, out of town, and climb up into the Atlas Mountains that loom large in the distance to arrive at our first hotel near Ourika, which will be our base for two nights. Situated well away from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, Ourika is the perfect base from which to explore North Africa's highest mountain range. Night Ourika

THE HIGH ATLAS

Our birding reaches a literal high today as we make the short drive up to an altitude of between 2500-3000m (8000-9800ft) in the High Atlas Mountains. If the visibility is clear, the views can be spectacular!

Ringed by ragged snow-capped peaks, the ski-resort of Oukaimeden gives us access to the realm of Red-billed and Alpine Choughs, Atlas Horned Lark, Rock Sparrow and Atlas (Seebohm’s) Wheatear, the dapper males with their distinctive black throats.

The chunky Black Wheatear is also possible and, with any luck, we shall come across the splendid African Crimson-winged Finch, another of the region's endemics. This altitudinal species can be relatively easy to find one year and seemingly absent the next, so can never be guaranteed, but we shall check several favoured haunts.

As we head back down for a second night at Ourika, we may find the local Atlas race of White-throated Dipper ( minor ) in the streams and scan the rocky slopes for shy Barbary Partridges which always seem to scarper just as soon as you find them!

Nearer to our hotel, there is a remnant area of mature pine forest where there are chances for Moussier’s Redstart and Levaillant’s Woodpecker and the Moroccan form of Short-toed Treecreeper. Gardens and orchards along the valley resound to the songs of Nightingales and Blackcaps in early spring, and we are also likely to encounter ‘African’ Chaffinches of the green-backed North African race, as well as Hawfinch and possibly the (Atlas) Common Crossbill. Night Ourika

HIGH ATLAS TO BOUMALNE

Leaving Ourika, we cross the mighty High Atlas range today via the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka pass, with further opportunities to watch for Levaillant’s Woodpecker along the way. In high mixed woodland, we shall look for African Blue Tit and singing Western Subalpine Warblers. Tristram’s Warblers love the low maquis-like scrub of the slopes as we rise higher towards the pass and we shall have a good chance to see this super Sylvia , another tricky Northwest African endemic.

Over the pass itself we should see 'North African' Raven and may encounter a migrant Western Black-eared Wheatear or two beside the road. Migrating raptors may be passing overhead and could well include Black Kite and Booted Eagle, harriers and kestrels.

Nearing Ouarzazate, we may make one or two stops to search for larks, including Greater Short-toed, and have our first chances of Trumpeter Finch and White-crowned (Black) Wheatear. With luck, we shall also come across the Maghreb Wheatear which is a recent split from Mourning Wheatear and by far the scarcest and hardest to find of all the Moroccan wheatears.

Continuing east along the Dadès Valley, we pass a string of villages and oases where rose petals are harvested for rose water. The riverbed itself can be interesting and a brief stop might reveal migrant White and Yellow Wagtails, the latter most often of the race iberiae, as well as the striking ‘Moroccan’ White Wagtail. Waders such as Green and Common Sandpipers also occur here on passage. Night Boumalne Dades

TAGDILT TRACK AND GORGES DE DADÈS

We plan to head out early this morning to explore one of Morocco’s most productive areas of stony desert or hamada . Situated at an elevation of 1600m (5200ft) and known to birdwatchers as the 'Tagdilt Track', this extensive, high arid plain is home to desert specialists such as Cream-coloured Courser and Black-bellied Sandgrouse. Crowned and Spotted Sandgrouse are scarcer and more elusive, but we sometimes see them here.

We plan to be in place to see dawn above the desert and, if it is clear, the distant Atlas Mountains may glow pink as the sun rises. As the light gradually starts to improve, we shall begin to hear the songs of Tagdilt's desert birds. Most of the region’s sought-after larks occur including Temminck’s (Horned) Lark, Greater Hoopoe-Lark and Thick-billed Lark. Desert Wheatears utter their ‘sad Robin’ song, and we may even be treated to a Red-rumped Wheatear’s rendition of a whistling kettle coming to the boil!

Later, we may head east to walk beside impressive wadi cliffs looking for Lanner Falcons and rare desert dwellers with further chances for Maghreb Wheatear. The spectacular road up into the pink mountains of Gorges du Dadès is another option where Crag Martin, Blue Rock Thrush and Rock Bunting breed and we have another opportunity for the secretive Tristram’s Warbler. Night Boumalne Dades

TAGDILT TRACK TO MERZOUGA

After paying a second early morning visit to the Tagdilt Track, we set off east towards Goulmima, stopping to look for the elusive and localised Streaked Scrub Warbler with the chance of also finding a flock of chattering Fulvous Babblers. Desert Wheatear and various larks can often be found beside the road with further chances to spot the hefty Thick-billed Lark.

After lunch, we swing south, following the Oued (river) Ziz towards Rissani, where the landscape changes to one of broad wadis and sweeping desert flats. Ancient earth-walled villages and enticing palm-fringed oases dot the route. We shall be keeping a sharp lookout for the exotic Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, a migrant that should be returning here to breed and check the skies for marauding Lanner Falcons.

Our destination is an excellent hotel in the remote desert settlement of Merzouga (south of Erfoud), where we enjoy an extended stay of three nights. Situated at the foot of the towering red sand dunes of Erg Chebbi, the largest and most spectacular dune system in all of Morocco, stands of palm and feathery tamarisks are a magnet to northbound passage migrants in spring. Wryneck, European Bee-eater and Melodious Warbler are among many species we could see making their way north across the Saharan sands. Night Merzouga

SAHARA DESERT AT MERZOUGA

We have two full days to explore the desert around Merzouga, where our excursions by 4WD vehicles into the plains of the Sahara could well be the highlight of the tour.

Leaving our hotel at dawn, we shall try for Egyptian Nightjar, an extremely scarce species which can be found in the desert around Merzouga. Although we have been lucky on many previous visits, we can’t promise to repeat the amazing good fortune of our last five tours, which were all treated to remarkable daylight views of birds roosting on the desert floor!

Maghreb Lark, African Desert Warbler and Brown-necked Raven may all be new to us today. We shall also be hoping to find that most reclusive of desert birds, the handsome and nomadic Desert Sparrow. Sadly, this is now a species in serious decline in Morocco having been ousted from many former haunts by the ever-spreading House Sparrow.

If the desert rains were good during the winter, we shall continue out to an ephemeral lake which (when present) proves irresistible to flocks of transient waterfowl and waders, even Greater Flamingos and Coots, as they wing their way across the Saharan sands. Set against the backdrop of Merzouga’s towering red dunes, it makes for a truly remarkable sight!

Sometimes Spotted Sandgrouse come to drink, while the surrounding stony desert may reveal Cream-coloured Courser and Greater Hoopoe-Larks looping the loop in song flight display.

After a thrilling morning in the desert, we return for lunch at the hotel, where those that wish will be able to take a break from birding and later enjoy watching the sun set on Erg Chebbi. If we haven't already been there, we may travel out to some cliffs that have rewarded several of our tours with fine views of two more Saharan specialities: Pharaoh Eagle Owl and Barbary Falcon (although the latter is now regarded as a race of Peregine), as well as Alpine Swift. The low bushes in this area are also a favoured haunt of Crowned and Spotted Sandgrouse.

With 4WD vehicles again at our disposal, our second full day at Merzouga gives us the chance to catch up with anything we may have missed before or to pay a return visit to any wetland areas or wadis in search of migrants. Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin and Western Olivaceous Warbler all pass this way in spring. At Rissani, amongst the pink-flowering tamarisks and palms of the oasis, we may find the smaller 'Saharan' form of Eastern Olivaceous Warbler singing its cyclical song. Two further nights Merzouga

MERZOUGA TO OUARZAZATE

We have a fair distance to cover as we travel back west towards the town of Ouarzazate, famed as Morocco’s answer to Hollywood. We will pass through varied habitats along the way, perhaps breaking our journey near Jorf, where Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters sometimes nest or investigate a shallow desert wadi for migrant Spectacled and Western Subalpine Warblers.

Raptors and White Storks are also on the move at this time and could well be seen spiralling over hilltops, seeking to gain height as they continue their northward journey to Europe. At Kelaa, we cross a river where 'Moroccan' White Wagtail and Little Ringed Plovers feed.

Birding stops permitting, we shall aim to arrive at Ouarzazate in time to visit El Mansour Reservoir for the last hour or so of the day. Much depends on water levels but, with the light behind us, we shall check the lake for wildfowl that can include Ruddy Shelduck and Marbled Duck, while the shore regularly attracts waders such as Avocet, Redshank and Collared Pratincole.

Migrating Black and White Storks often stop here to rest and refuel and we may find various races of Yellow Wagtail creeping about the vegetation. Any groups of pipits are well worth checking as these may include the handsome Red-throated Pipit with its fine brick-red throat. Night Ouarzazate

EL MANSOUR TO AGADIR

A pre-breakfast gathering in the grounds of our hotel might reward us with groups of Night Herons returning to roost or screaming Pallid Swifts over the town. After breakfast, we may take another look at El Mansour Reservoir in the hope of finding some additional species: Spoonbill, Little Stint, Wood and Common Sandpipers, Black-winged Stilt and Gull-billed and Whiskered Terns are all regular here in spring and our recent visits have also produced Osprey and Collared Pratincole.

Little Owls sometimes frequent the roof of a nearby ruin and Squacco Herons can also be seen along the waters’ edge, where we shall look for migrants such as Quail and Bluethroat.

Leaving Ouarzazate, we shall head southwest to Agadir stopping at suitable locations to look for birds as we go. Two nights in Agadir.

LOOKING FOR NORTHERN BALD IBIS, ATLANTIC COAST AT TAMRI AND OUED MASSA

Early risers will relish the chance to check out the environs of the hotel, where ‘strangers’ such as Spotless Starling, House Bunting, Spanish Sparrow and cheery Common Bulbuls mingle with the likes of Blackcap, Chiffchaff and other more familiar ‘British’ birds.

Our first stop is likely to be Agadir Kasbah (castle) which is just a short drive from our hotel and where we hope to find the dazzling Moussier's Redstart, the most striking of the region’s endemic birds. The wary Barbary Partridge, as well as Black Wheatear, Thekla Lark, ‘Desert’ Great Grey Shrike and Blue Rock Thrush are all possible and we also have our first opportunity to look for the vocal but elusive Black-crowned Tchagra.

The narrow threads of sand along the Atlantic shore are well worth checking in winter for flocks of Yellow-legged and Audouin’s Gulls. On the outskirts of Tamri, we enjoy a tagine lunch and take a walk at the lagoon, where we should find Zitting Cisticola, Spoonbill and Ruddy Shelduck.

Surprises sometimes occur and on one of our visits, we encountered both Ferruginous and Marbled Ducks plus a gaudy Western Swamphen lurking in the reeds! Barbary Falcon is another interesting possibility at Tamri and if the winds are onshore, we are likely to see Cory’s Shearwater and Northern Gannet passing along the coast, with Common Scoter and Arctic Skua also possible.

Our main goal near Tamri, however, will be to find one of the world’s rarest and weirdest-looking birds, the Northern Bald Ibis. Once a widespread and numerous species with a range that extended north to the Alps and east into Turkey and the Arabian Peninsula, this enigmatic bird is now highly endangered, and all but confined to this tiny corner of Morocco. The stretch of arid coastline that lies immediately to the north and south of Agadir is its final stronghold, with a population which has latterly increased to about 700 birds.

The following day, we pay a visit to the bird-rich estuary of the Oued (river) Massa, which lies about an hour’s drive south of Agadir. This shallow, reed-fringed river is one of Morocco’s premier birding spots, combining a mosaic of freshwater habitats protected from the ingress of tidal saltwater by a sandbar thrown up by the Atlantic Ocean.

Periodically (typically, once in around every seven years or so), the sea breaches the sandbar and inundates the river behind, dramatically changing the character of the Massa and with it, the range of birds to be found there. Irrespective of the current state of the wetland, be it fresh, brackish or intensely saline, the Massa River and its environs remain an outstanding spot for birds.

Brown-throated Martins fly bat-like over the baked-mud houses and date palms that are so characteristic of the villages here. ‘Desert’ Great Grey Shrike, Zitting Cisticola, Cetti’s and Sardinian Warblers, and Serin should all be about with Cirl Bunting, Osprey, Marbled Duck, Laughing Dove and the secretive Black-crowned Tchagra also possible closer to the river itself.

With luck, we may spot a flight of Black-bellied Sandgrouse coming to the water’s edge to drink and Barbary Partridge and ‘Desert’ Little Owl frequent the low arid hills that border the northern shore of the river where there are usually one or two white-breasted 'Moroccan' Cormorants.

After some final birding, we will reluctantly head to the airport on day 11 for our flight back to UK where our tour concludes.

WHAT TO EXPECT Our spring birding tour to Morocco combines the best birding in North Africa with time to explore the deserts and mountains of the south along with the coast around Agadir.

Morocco is a big country and we must necessarily cover a fair amount of mileage on this tour, however, the longer drives are punctuated with stops for birding, but even when we are travelling you will find the Moroccan scenery is fascinating and constantly changing.

We usually drive to each birding site and take short, gentle walks from the vehicle. There are one or two longer walks, always at an easy pace.

In March, the climate in southern Morocco is typically warm to hot (10-30C/50-86F) and sunny, however, it can sometimes feel surprisingly cool. It can even be cold at night and chilly first thing in the morning on both the high plains (Tagdilt) and in the desert.

Rainfall is generally unusual at this season but not impossible, especially at higher altitudes in the Atlas Mountains, where it can also be cold. In some years, snow may still be lying or even falling!

A good tour for opportunistic bird photography plus many great landscapes.

BIRDS 140-180 species

ACCOMMODATION Hotels range from a new (and very well reviewed) kasbah in the foothills at Ourika to an excellent contemporary hotel in the desert at Merzouga. Standards vary widely across Morocco, but overall the accommodation is surprisingly good and improving year on year. All rooms have private facilities.

MEALS All main meals are included in the tour price, commencing with dinner on Day 1 and concluding with lunch on Day 11.

Our evening meals and most breakfasts will be taken at the hotels. Most lunches (and the occasional breakfast) will be picnics, but some will be taken at local restaurants, where the food is good.

WALKING Easy walking at a gentle pace, but you should be prepared for early starts on this tour to see the best birds and to beat the desert heat. Mostly short walks (c.1-3km) over mainly easy terrain. It can be stony and uneven underfoot in places so we recommend good walking shoes or lightweight 'desert' boots with sturdy, corrugated soles for this tour.

Maximum elevation: we drive up to 2600-3000m (8000-9800ft) at Oukaimeden, where we spend a few hours birding.

Sacha will be able to advise you which flights we are recommending for each holiday, and he will be able to book these for you.

Ground Transport By minibus or small coach, switching to 4WD vehicles for our two days in the Sahara Desert at Merzouga.

• Morocco Trip Report and Systematic List March 2023

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