Florida Birds Photo Tour
March 16-21, 2023
SOLD OUT – Sign up for 2024
Feeding Frenzies
We’ll capture the AWESOME feeding frenzy of Osprey and various Terns diving for fish after fish. This is an ALL NEW Florida Birds photo tour & workshop started first in 2022, with ALL NEW locations and experiences. Participants will get EXCELLENT images. Travel with an area expert who knows exactly where to be to get the best photos.
Immersive Experience
During the Spring breeding and nesting season, many spectacular species concentrate on nest building, attracting members of the opposite sex, and feeding their young and thus they ignore people. This allows photographers to GET CLOSE – which is a great thing when it comes to photographing birds.
March 16, 2023
Arrive at the designated hotel in Palm Bay, Florida anytime this afternoon or evening. We have a group meeting at 7pm to cover a meet and greet, tour logistics, etc. Those flying will want to fly into Orlando International Airport (airport code MCO), or Melbourne/Orlando International Airport (airport code MLB) arriving anytime before 5pm on the 16th. The hotel in Palm Bay is about 75 minutes (65 miles) from the Orlando airport or 22 minutes (8 miles) from the Melbourne airport. Rental cars are available at either airport.
March 17-20, 2023
Sunrise bird/wildlife photo shoot each day at locations chosen by your professional leader. We’ll get there via carpool and caravan with your leader, Don leading the way. Afterwards there is usually time for a meal, then a classroom get-together or a break to rest. In the afternoon each day, we’ll drive to another photo location chosen by Don. We’ll stay out as long as necessary to get the best bird and other wildlife photography. Overnight each night at the designated hotel in Palm Bay.
March 21, 2023
Sunrise photo shoot at a location determined by Don. We’ll photograph until the light fades or gets harsh, then the tour ends. Ending time will be 10-11am this day. Those flying home from the Orlando airport or the Melbourne airport will want to book a return flight after 3pm or so.
- Tour is based out of Palm Bay, Florida. This town is located in the middle east coast area of the state.
- Nearest airport for flying is Melbourne/Orlando International Airport (MLB), about a 22 minute drive (8 miles) from Palm Bay.
- You could also fly into Orlando International Airport (MCO), about a 75 minute (65 miles) drive from Palm Bay.
- Your own ground transportation for this tour is very helpful. Rental vehicles are available at either airport.
- Any type of passenger vehicle is fine for this tour.
- Low.
- Most photo locations are within 1/2 mile of where we’ll park the vehicles.
- Trails/boardwalks can be wet and slippery – bring proper hiking shoes.
- Florida heat can be tiring for those not acclimatized.
- Drinking plenty of water or energy drinks helps. – Bring a refillable water bottle.
- Mostly sunny, with daytime temperatures in the 80’s Fahrenheit.
- Early morning/nighttime temperatures generally in the 50’s – 70’s Fahrenheit.
- Rainstorms might hit anytime in Florida and this means wet, slippery trails, boardwalks and walkways.
- Digital camera body or 2 in order to have a backup
- Wildlife zoom lens such as a 200-600mm, 100-400mm or similar
- All-around scenic lens such as a full frame equivalent of 28-200mm or similar
- Sturdy tripod
- Polarizing filter for your all-around scenic lens
- Extra batteries and battery charger
- Plenty of memory cards – you might shoot up to 3,000 images/day
Includes
- 5 nights accommodations.*
- In-depth photo instruction and leadership from a professional photographer and area expert.
- Guided sunrise and sunset photo sessions every day of the tour.
- 2 hour private group pontoon boat rental where we’ll photograph a primordial lake with tons of nesting ospreys.
- The advantage of traveling with a like-minded, small photo group who doesn’t mind waiting in order to get the best photos.
- True small group (maximum of 8) which facilitates even more learning and inspiration.
- Group and/or one-on-one image critique and photo sharing sessions.
- Classroom type discussions and learning sessions.
- Tons of fun!
Not Included
- Flights (or ground travel) from your hometown to the Palm Bay area.
- Ground transportation (we’ll carpool and caravan once everyone arrives at the first hotel).
- Meals.
- Drinks.
- Travel insurance.
- Gifts and items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry etc.
