(All photos by me)

For the past six years, holidays have been something of a foreign concept to me. Work, commitments, and life in general have taken priority, meaning travel has been placed firmly on the back burner. But that is all about to change! In the first week of April, I will finally be taking a well-deserved break, and not just anywhere – I’m heading to Tarifa, Andalucía, the southernmost tip of Spain, just a stone’s throw from Morocco. But why Tarifa? The answer is simple: Birds! No, no, no, not just any birds – I’m talking about the awe-inspiring raptors and an abundance of spectacular species that make this region a birdwatcher’s paradise.

Why Tarifa? A Birdwatcher’s Dream

Andalucía is home to a wide variety of native birds, but what makes April so special is the extraordinary spectacle of raptor migration. As the seasons shift, thousands of birds that have wintered in Africa make their way north into Europe, crossing the Straits of Gibraltar – the narrowest point between the two continents. Tarifa serves as one of the best locations in the world to witness this breathtaking migration.

I cannot wait to experience it firsthand! Imagine looking up and seeing an endless stream of raptors soaring across the sky, powered by nothing but the warm thermals and their natural instinct to migrate. It’s a bucket-list event for any birdwatcher and a prime opportunity for bird photography.

The Raptors: Kings of the Skies

The variety of raptors that can be spotted during migration season in Tarifa is nothing short of incredible. Here are some of the main species I’m hoping to photograph:

Black Kites – One of the most numerous migrating raptors, these birds of prey travel in large flocks.
Honey Buzzards – Known for their distinct flight patterns and elegant appearance.
Booted Eagles – Small but mighty, these agile hunters come in light and dark morphs.
Short-toed Eagles – Specializing in snake hunting, their piercing yellow eyes are striking.
Griffon Vultures – Enormous birds that rely on thermals to glide effortlessly across the skies.
Egyptian Vultures – Smaller than their Griffon counterparts, easily recognizable by their contrasting white and black plumage.
Montagu’s Harriers – Slender and graceful, these raptors are a thrilling sight in flight.
Marsh Harriers – Masters of low-flight hunting over wetlands.
Sparrowhawks – Quick and agile, these birds specialize in hunting smaller prey.
Ospreys – Fish-hunting specialists often spotted along coastal waters.

Seeing just one of these species would be a thrill, but the prospect of observing and photographing them all is beyond exciting!

Beyond the Raptors: More Avian Wonders

While raptors steal the show, Tarifa and its surrounding landscapes are also home to an astonishing variety of other bird species. Inland habitats, wetlands, and coastline provide perfect conditions for many rare and sought-after birds, including:

White-rumped and Little Swifts – Speedy aerial acrobats that are always a delight to watch.
Great and Little Bustards – Among the heaviest flying birds, these species are always a treat to observe.
Black-winged Kite – A striking and elegant bird of prey with hovering abilities similar to kestrels.
Spanish Imperial Eagles – A true jewel of Iberian wildlife and a globally threatened species.
Marbled and White-headed Ducks – Unique waterfowl often found in wetlands.
Purple Swamphens – Vibrant and unmistakable, often seen along the edges of marshes.
Slender-billed Gulls – A distinct gull species that stands out among coastal birds.
Collared Pratincoles – Elegant and fast-flying waders that breed in Andalucía.
Great Spotted Cuckoos – Parasitic birds with striking crests and bold behaviors.
Red-necked Nightjars – Masters of camouflage that come alive in the twilight hours.
Rollers – Stunning blue-colored birds with spectacular acrobatic flights.
Iberian Chiffchaff – A songbird known for its distinctive call and lively movements.
Lesser Short-toed Larks – Found in open, dry habitats, blending seamlessly into their surroundings.
Iberian Grey Shrike – A predatory songbird with a formidable hunting style.
Rufous Scrub-robins – Skulking songbirds often found in shrubby habitats.

Each of these species represents a potential highlight for my trip. I’m already envisioning the early morning excursions, camera in hand, scanning the horizon for movement.

The Photography Experience

As a keen bird photographer, Tarifa presents a golden opportunity to capture some unforgettable moments. The combination of dramatic landscapes, coastal backdrops, and golden sunlight makes for an incredible setting. Whether it’s a Griffon Vulture soaring against a blue sky, a Booted Eagle hunting along the cliffs, or a Marbled Duck gliding across still waters, each moment will be a chance to tell a unique story through my lens.

Photographing birds in flight is always a challenge, but that’s part of the excitement. I’ll be relying on my telephoto lens to capture fine details, while my binoculars will help track movement before taking the shot. Shutter speed, focus, and patience will be key—raptors can appear in an instant, and I’ll need to be ready.

The Journey Ahead

With my itinerary planned and excitement levels through the roof, this trip to Tarifa is shaping up to be an adventure of a lifetime. After six years without a holiday, I can’t think of a better way to spend my time than immersing myself in the beauty of Andalucía and witnessing one of nature’s greatest migrations.

This isn’t just a holiday—it’s a long-overdue reconnection with my passion for birdwatching and photography. The thrill of seeing species I’ve only read about, the joy of capturing them through my camera lens, and the peace of being in nature all make this trip deeply meaningful.

April can’t come soon enough. Tarifa, I’m ready for you!

Back to Weddings

Of course, after this incredible adventure, it will be back to weddings! Wedding photography is my passion, and while I’m looking forward to a break, I know I will return refreshed and inspired. There’s something truly special about capturing people’s happiest moments, and I can’t wait to apply my sharpened photography skills from this trip to my work. Whether it's a soaring raptor or a joyful newlywed couple, storytelling through photography remains at the heart of what I do.