The largest Bald Eagle Migration, and a host of other bird species all in one location
Did You know that British Columbia in Canada has one of the largest bald eagle migrations in the world every fall and winter?
If birds of prey are something you like to photograph, Jeff Wendorff and I have just the trip for you.
This photo workshop is centered on the largest bald eagle migration in North America. Between 2000 to 8000 bald eagles find their way to this area beginning in late October to feed on the spawning salmon. They then stay in the area until later in the winter months to have their young before returning to their summer area in Northern BC and the Yukon.
Your guide for this workshop will guide you to the best locations for photographing the eagles in the Fraser Valley that is surrounded by the Cascade Mountain range. This is the fifth year I have returned to the location to run these workshops.
We will also visit between peak eagle viewing time. We have seen the following species at these locations in previous years: Snowy Owl, Red Tailed Hawk, Pacific Loon, Red Throated loon, Grebe, Golden Eyes, Wood Ducks, Sandhill Cranes, Herons, Pintails, Belted Kingfisher, Short Eared Owls, Bard Owls, Barred Owls, Buffleheads, Mergansers, Egrets, Snow Geese, Mute Swans, Rough Legged Hawk, Canvas Back, Golden Eagles, Peregrine Falcon, Virginia Rail, Common Snipe and Great Horned Owl.
White trumpeter swans and snow geese also converge on the productive Harrison region every winter. These birds migrate to the Harrison Valley during the cold winter months, feeding mostly on corn left over from the fall harvest. Trumpeter swans and snow geese are often spotted swimming in the region’s many sloughs or feeding in the corn fields along the roads we drive on during the workshop.
Dates of Workshop: November 26 to December 1, 2017
The cost for the six day workshop is $2995USD (Until Feb 1, 2017 do not pay single supplement to get your own room)
To reserve a spot, a $500USD deposit per reservation. The final installment to be made 90 days prior to the start of the workshop.
Guides for these workshops: Jeff Wendorff and Kevin Pepper
The Maximum attendees per session are 8, the minimum attendees per session are 4.
The tour cost includes all the following: Shared accommodation at a local hotel along the beach. Personal hides to use during the workshop. A welcome meeting/dinner with your fellow photographers and your guides. All breakfasts, Instruction in the field with your photographer guides with a maximum of 3 photographers per guide, Image critique (optional)
The tour cost does not include: International or domestic airfare. Travel Insurance, Alcohol, Items of personal nature, Anything not outlined as included. We begin the tour with a welcome meeting in the afternoon of day one as we get to know everyone and discuss the plans for the coming days. For the next five days we will make frequent visits to the different viewing grounds. Once on site, your instructors will utilize their knowledge of the area and the eagles; then guide you to that perfect location for obtaining your “once in a lifetime” shot in the picturesque British Columbia scenery.
We can also head out to some of BC's pristine landscape and waterfall photography locations in the lower mainland of British Columbia.
The tour size is limited to six photographers so you can count on minimal interruption throughout your journey in British Columbia.
What you will learn: We will focus on planning for a successful bird of prey shoot... from clothing, to gear, to positioning and planning techniques.
When we are out photographing raptors we will discuss camera settings, holding your camera properly and what settings to consider using to maximize the number of shots that you consider a "keeper". We will also discuss bird habits to watch for to increase your success.
When we return to the hotel we will then open up our laptops and discuss editing techniques to achieve sharper images, composition from cropping and introduce you to some techniques we use to create more appealing images.
Day One Events - Pick Up attendees from the Vancouver airport or local area hotel at noon and taken south of Vancouver to photograph species such as Red Tailed Hawk, Pacific Loon, Red Throated loon, Grebe, Golden Eyes, Wood Ducks, Sandhill Cranes, Herons, Pintails, Belted Kingfisher, Short Eared Owls, Bard Owls, Barred Owls, Buffleheads, Mergansers, Egrets, Snow Geese, Mute Swans, Rough Legged Hawk, Canvas Back, Golden Eagles, Peregrine Falcon, Virginia Rail, Common Snipe and Great Horned Owl.
After our afternoon shooting we will check into our local hotel in Delta, BC and go have a group dinner to go over the rest of the weeks activities.
Day Two Events - Today we will be visiting all our scouted locations to photograph the same species as yesterday from 730am till 330pm.
We will depart this area after our day taking photos and check into our hotel near the bald eagle migration area in Mission, BC.
Night time editing session to look at your photos and help you make adjustments to capture better photos in the coming days
Day Three Events - Today we will be visiting all our scouted locations where the eagles traditionally hunt and rest. Expect to be out photographing eagles from 730am till 330pm.
Night time editing session to look at your photos and help you make adjustments to capture better photos.
Day Four Events - Today we will be visiting all our scouted locations where the eagles traditionally hunt and rest. Expect to be out photographing eagles from 730am till 330pm.
Night time editing session to look at your photos and help you make adjustments to capture better photos.
Day Five Events - Today we will be visiting all our scouted locations where the eagles traditionally hunt and rest. Expect to be out photographing eagles from 730am till 330pm.
Night time editing session to look at your photos and help you make adjustments to capture better photos.
Day Six Events - We will check out of our hotel and head back to an area south of Vancouver to look for owls that call this area home during the fall and winter season. After that we will take you to the airport. Please schedule your departures after 3pm and you will be transported to airport
If you are ready to see the largest Bald Eagle Migration in North America, and many other species of birds, or have some questions, please click here to contact me.
Kev