This is a life-changing venture, inspired by walks with my brother as a young boy in search of herons and woodpeckers and rekindled during three years of zoology at university.

But its been a long time coming and, during the first seaon and a half, it's been absolutely fantastic. I love showing people the incredible range of habitats and breath-taking landscapes here in Catalonia as well as talking about the behaviour and natural history of its birds.

This season alone I've been visited by over a dozen nationalities and seen well over 260 bird species.

Apart from the tours, I've been involved in Programa Migres, counting raptors and storks over the Straights of Gibraltar for S.E.O. (Spain's equivalent of the R.S.P.B.), begun a five-year project called Programa Noctua, surveying owls and nightjars, and I'm about to start work on their winter bird atlas.

Incidentally, I'm more than happy to answer queries about birds and birding in Catalonia - even if you're planning a trip without me.

Just email me but remember to let me know how you found the website.

I can send you a species summary if you tell me the time of year you're considering or, include a species wish list, and I'll recommend a location or time to visit.

For a quote I'll need to know your preferred tour and dates, the size of your group and whether you want to use your own car.

All the best

Stephen Christopher