Join us as we photograph nesting Wood Storks, Egrets, Roseate Spoonbills and more on this special Birding Boat Adventure!

Learn and practice in-flight and action photography with Greg Downing as we spend 3 full days touring 3 of the best and most populated wading bird colonies on the west coast of Florida. Greg has been teaching action and flight photography for more than a decade and is one of the best and most knowledgeable instructors on the subject. And the locations can not be beat!

These Rookery Islands offer the nature photographer an opportunity to photograph colonies of nesting Roseate Spoonbills, Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, Anhingas, Snowy Egrets, Cattle Egrets, Cormorants, White Ibis, Black-Crowned Night Herons, and Tri-Colored Herons at the peak of activity with many chicks on the nest.

Itinerary:

Day 1, April 14, 2012: (Plan to arrive in Bradenton/Sarasota in the afternoon)

Orientation and classroom program. Greg will present a teaching slide program entitled "Flight and Action Photography" which will be aimed at preparing everyone for the following days in the field. We will go over key camera settings and techniques as well as look at setting up your gear to get the most out of each field shoot. You will also be treated to hundreds of examples using Greg's images - some which have never been seen before.

Day 2, April 15, 2012:

Sunrise session to Roberts Bay Islands taking advantage of morning light and peak activity. These three tiny islands are an important colony for 800-1000 pairs of Brown Pelicans, Great Blue Herons, and Great Egrets. Afternoon/Sunset photo shoot to the Dot-Dash Colony at the mouth of the Braden River.

These three small mangrove islands (Dot, Dash, and Dit) are home to the only coastal colony of Wood Storks in the Tampa Bay area. In 2010 there were 140 pairs of storks among the 1000 pairs of wading birds present.

Day 3, April 16, 2012:

Sunrise trip to the Alafia Bank Sanctuary. This island is located in Hillsborough Bay at the mouth of the Alafia River. Each year, up to 7,000 nesting pairs of 16 to 20 species of birds nest on the Alafia Bank Sanctuary, making it one of the largest colonies in Florida and one of the most diverse colonies in the continental United States. The Alafia Bank Sanctuary is famous for Roseate Spoonbills.

Afternoon/Sunset photo shoot back to the Dot-Dash Colony for the great afternoon light.

Day 4, April 17, 2012:

Land-based Sunrise trip to Fort Desoto State Park (depending on conditions and participant preference).

Sunset photo shoot back to the Fort Desoto or other destination depending on conditions.

Note:

Workshop Itinerary is subject to minor changes based on weather conditions. The plan is to have 4 boat shoots and 2 land shoots perfectly planned around favorable weather and lighting conditions.

Please inquire for daily or half-day rates for boat trips outside of this workshop and other available dates.

Base Hotel:

Hampton Inn & Suites Sarasota/Bradenton Airport
975 University Parkway
Sarasota, FL 34243
Group Code: NPW

Phone: (941) 355-8140
Fax: (941) 359-2939

Website: Hampton Inn & Suites Sarasota/Bradenton Airport

Testimonials

"This is the 2nd NatureScapes Workshop that I have attended. Greg Downing is a great teacher & photographer. His trips are very informative & fun. The afternoon lectures are exceptionally good You definitely get your money's worth. I look forward to attending more of Greg's workshops in the future."

- Helen Jo P. - Florida

"I did not know what to expect going into these workshops as I have not taken a workshop in over 20 years, but was pleasantly surprised at Greg's easy going, helpful yet unobtrusive and friendly manner. As a nature photography instructor, I would recommend his workshops to my students without reservation and hope to participate in future workshops myself."

- Richard G. - Georgia

"I had a fabulous time.. both Florida workshops exceeded all my expectations I had imagined. I photographed more bird varieties in the one week with you than I have in my entire lifetime! Thanks for a great time and awesome learning experience!"

- Jim S. - Kentucky

Photo Gallery Click thumbnails for larger images

Note: A discount of $400 applies for participants who sign up for both this workshop and Osprey By Boat Series for a total cost of $2,190 and will be applied toward the final balance.

This Itinerary Includes:

• Evening program on the 14th
• 3-full days in the field
• Resident and licensed guide/boat drivers
• Personalized field instruction
• Mid-day image reviews, teaching programs and critiques throughout

The Itinerary Above Does Not Include:

• Transportation
• Lodging
• Cost of meals

If you would like to register for this workshop, please fill out the registration form below. (* = Required Field). A deposit of $400 is required to reserve your spot. Please refer to our workshop information section for our cancellation and refund policies.