What is your favorite bird species?
Actually I have many favorite ones, but in general, I like them all.
Egyptian Nightjar
What is your name, and where do you live?
My name is Mohamed Bargache, I live in Massa, Morocco.
Levaillant’s Woodpecker
What are the main regions or locations you cover as a bird guide?
I lead tours to all Moroccan birding hotspots.
Tristram’s Warbler
How long have you been a bird guide?
Since 2018. I am officially a Landscape Tour Guide, licenced by the Ministry of Tourism Morocco.
Pharaoh Eagle-owl
How did you get into bird guiding?
I got into bird guiding because I live near a reserve area within Souss Massa National Park, where the elusive Bald Ibis occurs.
Bald Ibis
What are the aspects of being a bird guide that you like best? Which aspects do you dislike most?
Aspects I like as a field guide are being outdoors most of the time pursuing my passion, meeting people from all over the world, always learning something new, and traveling across the country. I dislike it when I am not able to fulfill my client’s target list.
Desert Sparrow
What are the top 5-10 birds in your region that you think are the most interesting for visiting birders?
- Crimson Winged Finch
- Levaillant’s Woodpecker
- Tristam’s Warbler
- Egyptian Nightjar
- Desert Sparrow
- Pharoah Eagle Owl
- Bald Ibis
- Small Buttonquail
- Marsh Owl
Marsh Owl
Can you outline at least one typical birdwatching trip in your area? Please briefly describe the locations, the key birds, and the approximate duration of such a trip
I can’t outline any specific trip – as a freelance guide, I customize every trip according to the target list of my client.
Small Buttonquail
What other suggestions can you give to birders interested in your area?
I always recommend to my customers to bring first of all their own gear ( Bins, Scopes, and Cameras), plus a good pair of hiking shoes, a waterproof jacket, sunglasses, a cap, sunblock, and a headlamp.
The best time to see the maximum number of birds is late November to May.
Crimson-winged Finch
If any reader of 10,000 Birds is interested in birding with you, how can they best contact you?
Email: mbargache@gmail.com, Phone: +212615885199
Morocco is a wonderful country – this post brought back many memories.