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.
We birded with Mohamed in the fall of 2021 and were so impressed by his ability to find and identify birds. He took us to the desert and within minutes spotted several kinds of larks that blended in so perfectly with the sand that without his expert eye we would never have located, much less ID’d. His ear is incredible, too. We were driving a narrow road in the Atlas Mountains and he suddenly stopped the car because he heard a Levaillant’s Woodpecker. We jumped out and sure enough there it was in all it’s glory. We spent five days birding with Mohamed and not only saw amazing birds and beautiful vistas but had a lot of fun, too. He also arranged accommodations at local places where we felt we saw the real Morocco, not just what tourists experience. All in all it was a memorable five days and we’d love to return and bird with him again!
In mid-December 2025, I had a wonderful two days birding south of Agadir in Massa and Guelmim with Mohamed, who proved to be an outstanding guide. His dedication and persistence in locating every target species on my wish list were truly impressive. Mohamed’s expertise was evident time and again, especially in the desert, where he confidently guided the taxi driver along the correct tracks to reach remote birding hotspots. Beyond birding, he generously shared insights into the local culture and religion, which enriched the experience even further. This trip was so rewarding that I hope to return in another season to discover more African bird species with Mohamed.