Bird Guides of the World: Mohamed Bargache, Morocco

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: [email protected], Phone: +212615885199