Client Testimonials

We have just returned from a four day trip to Lagunas De Ruidera. The setting is tranquil and beautiful; our hosts, Pete and his wife Janet, made us extremely welcome and looked after us wonderfully. They are both great communicators and easy company and quickly made us feel comfortable and relaxed.

We saw over a hundred bird species during our stay, in a variety of different habitats. As a keen birdwatcher, the birding for me was a joy, but Pete’s particular gift was in making the birds and the beautiful surroundings of such interest to all among our party, birdwatchers and novices alike.

I would recommend the experience to anyone.

Lynn Hickish - Hampshire, UK

This was our first birding trip to Castilla la Mancha and it certainly exceeded our expectations. The habitat was very varied and we obtained unrivalled views of many of the Spanish specialities, which included Spanish Imperial Eagle, Great and Little Bustards, Montagu’s Harrier, Lesser Kestrel and three species of vulture, all found in this beautiful, under watched area.

Our base was the Apartment Pico de Barco, above Peter and Janet’s house near Ruidera. It was spacious and well appointed, and our balcony over looked one of the lakes and gave stunning views across the valley. Our “garden” birds included Marsh Harrier, Purple Heron, Bee-eater, Nightingale, Subalpine Warbler and Scops Owl.

Peter and Janet were wonderful hosts and made us very welcome - nothing was too much trouble. Janet’s picnics were superb and Peter’s local knowledge ensured we visited all the key areas and saw a wide variety of birds.

This holiday was an adventure of discovery and we look forward to our next visit.

Brian and Jean Hallam - Findern, Derbyshire, UK

We spent 5 days in Ruidera during April 2008 and stayed in an apartment, which was very comfortable, above Peter's house.

Peter guided us every day and found us some superb birds including Imperial Eagle, Great & Little Bustard, and Lesser Kestrel and many more. Not only did he find us the birds but we had extremely close views of many including Montague Harrier, Booted and Short Toed Eagle and Black, Egyptian and Griffon Vultures.

At the end of the day we sat on the balcony overlooking a laguna and saw Purle Heron, Marsh Harrier, Red Crested Pochard and Bee Eaters. We heard Nightingale, Cettis warblers and Scops Owl in the evening.

We recorded a total of 113 birds during out stay. Peter's local knowledge and fluent Spanish made him an excellent guide.

We want to return at the earliest opportunity!

Chris & Anne Southgate

I have been on six trips with Peter so far and am returning to Ruidera in the autumn. The trips have been primarily fishing trips but I have appreciated seeing the large range of birds such as Imperial Eagles, vultures and other raptors. Also have seen other birds such as orioles, bee eaters azure winged magpies, shrikes and blue rock thrushes.

Peter has always taken great pains to meet his guests and look after their needs.

Ruidera has some great restaurants, friendly locals and fantastic scenery and wildlife. There are endless opportunities for photographers.

Five stars at least!

Kerry Jordan - Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk