Although my approach has always been "do-it-yourself", there's no doubt that, for those unsure of their abilities, short on time or just wanting it all on a plate, using a local guide is a very good option. Not only do they offer expert help but they also have their 'finger on the pulse' and are up to speed on what's happening in a way that my notes can never hope to rival. I am sometimes asked whether I take people out for the day to which my usual answer is a) if I'm around then people are always welcome to tag along with me but b) if they want a professional guide then there are a number available that can do a much better job than an episodic visitor like me! But which guides? This is not an easy question to answer since I'm acutely aware that there are a number operating in the area that I've not met (or have done so only fairly briefly) or that I know very little about. So the list below only includes those with whom I've either spent a substantial time with (usually at least a day in the field) or that come very highly recommended by friends who have used their services. I wiII will add more recommended companies if or when I've managed to spend time with them or have had good independent feedback from friends. Several well known birding tour companies based outside Andalucia or Spain regularly run tours to the area (often employing the guides noted below) but are too many to list on full here.
At this point I should note that, unfortunately, Stephen Daly (Andalucian Guides) no longer lives in the area so is unavailable for daytrips although he still leads longer trips to the area for various tour companies. Despite this, his blog "Never Mind the Finnsticks" (http://andalucianguides.blogspot.co.uk/) continues to be very interesting reading and often has items about Spain and its birds. If your budget doesn't stretch to employing one of the guides listed (although not doing so may turn out to be a false economy!) then check whether the Andalucia Bird Society (andaluciabirdsociety.org/) is running a field trip when you're in the area. Several of the guides listed are actively involved in the society.
At this point I should note that, unfortunately, Stephen Daly (Andalucian Guides) no longer lives in the area so is unavailable for daytrips although he still leads longer trips to the area for various tour companies. Despite this, his blog "Never Mind the Finnsticks" (http://andalucianguides.blogspot.co.uk/) continues to be very interesting reading and often has items about Spain and its birds. If your budget doesn't stretch to employing one of the guides listed (although not doing so may turn out to be a false economy!) then check whether the Andalucia Bird Society (andaluciabirdsociety.org/) is running a field trip when you're in the area. Several of the guides listed are actively involved in the society.
Inglorious Bustards (www.ingloriousbustards.com) are the newcomers on the block having recently been established by Simon Tonkin & Niki Williamson. Simon & Niki have a wealth of experience having worked for the RSPB for a number of years but what makes them stand out is that they are resident guides at Huerte Grande (see under accommodation). Huerte Grande is not only a wonderful site but the management have been keen supporters of birdwatching in the area (having organised & hosted several bird fairs). Thanks to this association Simon & Nikki can set up complete packages or just day trips based on this fantastic eco-lodge. Simon and Niki are also great supporters of the Salarte project (see www.salarte.org/ & my previous blog entry) and skilled photographers. Like other guides here, they also run trips to Morocco. Do check out their amusingly named & illustrated website.
Spanish Nature (see www.spanishnature.com). was co-founded by my good friend Peter Jones who is based near Ronda in Malaga Province. Peter is the expert's expert having been involved in a great many environmental projects and has had several works published over the years. He is also a founder of the Andalucia Bird Society. However, he wears his learning lightly thanks to his enthusiasm and passion for birds. None of this, though, is what comes first to mind since spending time with Peter is always huge fun thanks to his great sense of humour. He is also one of nicest, kindest people I know whose only flaw is to support West Ham (which may well acount for his sense of humour!). Peter can also arrange access to an excellent bird photography hide at Algaba de Ronda. He is well supported by a team of guides and is an associate member of Andalucia Wildlife Guides (www.andaluciawildlifeguides.com/) Spanish Nature organises breaks in Serrania de Ronda, Osuna, Strait of Gibraltar, Doñana and elsewhere in Andalucia plus Morocco.
'Birding the Strait' - (birdingthestrait.com) comes highly recommended by Stephen Daly and little wonder since the team includes two of the foremost birders in the area, both of whom are world class birders and fluent English speakers. Javi Elorriaga is has established a reputation for being THE man to ask about two much sought after species in the region; cirtensis Long-legged Buzzard and Ruppell's Vulture since he has written definitive papers on both. Javi has also contributed articles for the ABS magazine and helped with organising their field trips. Yeray is similarly talented although as a partner in Whitehawk Birding (http://whitehawkbirding.com) he also leads trips to South American and elsewhere. Both are talented photographers. As the name suggests Birding the Strait specialise in tours in the straits (both Spain and Morocco) and can organise seawatching from the otherwise closed Isla de las Palomas at the southernmost tip of Iberia. See also Tarifa Bird Tours http://tarifabirdingtours.com/ & https://www.facebook.com/javi.elorriaga). Despite their stellar talents, they're both great company and patient tutors.
Andalusian Birding Holidays (http://andalusianbirdingholidays.com/en/) - I count it a very lucky day when I bumped into LuisMi Garrido Padillo on the shores of Embalse de Barbate near Alcala de los Gazules where he was working on the successful project to re-introduce Osprey to the area. Since then he has become a good personal friend so I'm biased but he's one of the most affable and amusing companions with whom you could wish to spend a day in the field. A native of the province, LuisMi speaks good English and his company specialises in walking local senderos, (seneros) birdwatching and, particularly, bird photography (specially provided hides are available). He is also an expert on Chameleons. (NB - as I write this blog LuisMi's link does not seem to be working so send me a message if you want to contact him)
Aviantours - (http://www.aviantours.net/) Andrew Fortuna who runs Aviantours is based in Gibraltar and offers birdwatching tours, nature walks in Gibraltar, Spain & Morocco. His particular specialism is bird photography (inc.digiscoping) and his photography work-shops come highly recommended. We've regularly corresponded for some years but kept missing one another in the field. Hence I was delighted to finally catch up with him at the UK Bird Fair in 2016 where he helped to man the Gibraltar stand.
Birdaytrip Tours – see www.birdaytrip.es Luis Alberto Rodriguez is a keen supporter of the Andalucia Bird Society for whom he often leads walks in his 'patch' (which includes well known sites like the. Guadalhorce & Montes de Malaga). I've been delighted to meet him of several ABS jaunts and am pleased to count him as a friend. Luis Alberto is based in Malaga area so makes an ideal guide if you're visiting the Costa del Sol. However, his trips are not limited to that area and he regularly visits the Osuna area and the straits. Luis Alberto speaks good English, knows the area well and has gained an enviably high reputation as a guide to the area amongst ex-pat birdwatchers and visitors alike.
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