MY FIRST WILDLIFE TRIP ABROAD - EMILY JANE TAYLOR

While most wildlife adventures begin with a checklist of dream species and camera gear, it’s often the location, the accommodation, and the atmosphere that leave the deepest impressions. That was certainly the case for me on my first trip abroad with Apex Adventures — destination: Madrid, Spain. But it wasn’t the city that left its mark. Just over an hour outside the capital, we arrived in a small, rural gem that truly stole the show: Segovia.

We arrived late afternoon, driving through untouched landscapes — sweeping national parks wrapped in mountainous backdrops. As we reached our base, I was instantly charmed. Our accommodation, a small, rustic, family-run hotel (if you could even call it that — it felt more like a countryside home) sat across from open grasslands with breathtaking views of the distant hills.

Terracotta pots overflowed with vibrant geraniums, stone steps led to sturdy wooden doors, and the scent of fresh mountain air hit me like a hard reset. Greeted warmly by the Spanish family who ran the place, we were shown to our rooms — traditional, peaceful, with cast iron décor and timeless wooden furnishings. I instantly felt at home and quickly slipped into the laid-back Spanish pace of life.

Within the first hour, walking into the nearby village to sample the local wine, we spotted storks nesting above a village building and swallows dancing through the meadows — a sign of what was to come.

Some standout moments? Too many to name — but the Bee-eaters certainly top the list.

There were two photographic sessions per day, with six of us on the trip, usually two per hide — or chair hide, depending on the species. We were transported by our expert private guides, who weren’t just there to drive or point out birds; they were deeply embedded in conservation work in the region. Their passion was evident — not only could they identify calls and species in a heartbeat, but they gave insight into how local wildlife thrives in pesticide-free environments, with support from nearby farmers. It was eye-opening and inspiring.

A pair of Bee-eaters - Emily Jane Taylor

The Bee-eater hide — a personal highlight — was why I had booked the trip in the first place. The moment we settled into the chair hides, their distinctive calls echoed across the meadow surrounded by pine trees . Within minutes, there they were — perched, fluttering, feeding one another. I managed to capture everything: perched pairs, food passes, flight shots, even mating behaviours — the very reason these dazzling birds migrate to Spain. I was in awe. In that moment, I felt completely at peace. A memory carved into my soul. Thank you, Adam and Mike.

But the magic didn’t stop there.

Each species and setting brought something special — but if I had to pick another unforgettable moment, it would be the Golden Eagle. It hadn’t even been five minutes in the hide when I looked up to see a majestic female landing gracefully on a rugged perch. The rising sun lit her feathers, creating a golden aura that took my breath away. It felt like stepping into a scene straight out of a David Attenborough documentary. I held my breath, camera poised, completely mesmerised. Watching her feast on fresh prey, gliding effortlessly from branch to branch, was nothing short of humbling. Her sheer wingspan — in the famous words of Mike Phelps — was simply “incredible.”

Then there was the Hoopoe — Spain’s iconic bird with its unmistakable call and eccentric crest. I photographed it perched on a rustic stone wall, surrounded by the rugged, raw beauty of Segovia’s countryside. A surreal moment I’ll never forget.

Over those four days, I saw and photographed birds I’d only dreamed of. These weren’t just ticks on a list — they were encounters that filled memory cards and etched themselves in my heart.

But this trip wasn’t just about the birds. It was about the people, the atmosphere, and the effort Adam and Mike put into every detail. They researched everything — the region, the hides, even the guides — to ensure every moment was meaningful.

Each evening, we gathered at Olegario’s — a local bar and restaurant owned by the larger-than-life Olegario himself. His passion for food and his hilarious, welcoming personality made our debriefs all the more enjoyable. From sizzling steak with fried vegetables to melt-in-the-mouth calamari — all washed down with a cheeky traditional Spanish gin — it was the perfect end to our action-packed days.

The six of us bonded quickly, sharing laughs, Sony vs Canon, editing session in Lightroom and stories. We’ve all stayed in touch, and I can honestly say — I can’t wait for the next time.

Emily Jane Taylor - July 2025