Acorn Woodpeckers and Granary Tree
Apr 15 - August 31st
Acorn Woodpeckers not only look like clowns, but sound like them too. However even with this silliness, their look and behaviors are incredible to watch and amongst my favorite birds to spend a day with. We will see where they hang out, and the granary tree they work all day. This day involves being out at a relatively remote nature park and will bump into few humans, therefore receiving an “Excursion” rating. We will be setting up in a stationary position in a “Blind” like scenario, although the blind may not be needed. Since I have a deep knowledge of this specific group’s patterns and environment, we will get great opportunities to photograph this family of Acorn Woodpeckers, receiving a “1” on the challenge scale.
Excursion/BL/1
Remote Peaceful Mountain Meadow Wildlife
May 1st - July 31st
My favorite area within an hour’s drive from me is this hidden meadow few ever trek too. An absolutely beautiful scenario and day to to be out as we watch the sunrise in this mountain meadow and photograph the many migrating and summer mountain birds that live here. This day involves being out in an area where will we encounter no humans and go off the beaten trail, therefore receiving a “Expedition” rating. We will be dressed in camouflage in a “Hybrid” photographing scenario, allowing for us to move around as needed but taking advantages of stealth as we need. This day can be challenging due to the high majority of mountain wildlife being hard to photograph, and therefore receives a “3” on the challenge scale.
Expedition/HY/3
Sooty Grouse Hike and Search
May 10th - June 15th
The Grouse species across the world an incredible to witness, and the Sooty Grouse are no different. This is by far my most challenging workshop as there is little chance that we will be able to find the species, let alone photograph it. But it is available for those up to the challenge! We will be hiking a mountain trail in which I have seen Sooty Grouse along the way before, and heard every time I have done the hike. Their calls will resonate through the forest throughout the hike giving an eerie feeling as we make our way up the mountain. This is a more remote location receiving an “Adventure” rating and a physically demanding hike, so being in good shape is required. We will be using a “Hybrid” technique of photographing since getting a blind into location is near impossible, but being stealthy and camouflage is still a must. This is the hardest workshop I offer in all aspects and therefore receives a “4” on the challenge scale and has no unsuccessful outing price or guarantee.
Adventure/HY/4
Park Wood Ducks
May 1st - July 31st
Wood Ducks are a visually stunning species. Especially the drakes are often a coveted subject to photograph. At a local park, you will have a good opportunity to photograph Wood Ducks and their young chicks as well in a relaxing scenario, receiving a “Casual” rating. We will be using a “Run and Gun” technique due to their comfortability with humans and trafficked location, however, to get good shots, expect being in prone often. This workshop receives a “2” on the challenge rating due to the fact that they are slightly difficult to work with, even though they are much more comfortable than most Wood Ducks you will see out in nature.
Casual/RG/2