We did have a decent time Saturday afternoon at Ottawa where I snagged a couple nice shots of Red-winged Blackbirds.  Ottawa actually brought us some nice birds including Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs, Blue-winged Teal, Snowy Egret, and a flighted Northern Goshawk that put on quite a show.

This was probably Kara’s first REALLY nice view of a flighted Gos which proved to be great as she really got to study the wing-beat and shape of the bird in flight.

Other than thousands of people on the boardwalk, it was still nice to be down here.  I didn’t capture a single good Warbler image this trip which is definitely a first but I came home with three images I’m happy with.  Definitely an odd group of images from Magee but another Warbler weekend is in the books.

Getting back into the game, we headed up to the UP for our annual trip to Whitefish PT. for hawk-watching and good birding.  My mom came along to help us with Lillian duty which proved to be great as even Kara and I were able to get some time outside together.  Each year we’re at the Point the end of April, we hit the hawk deck at sunset hoping for a migrant Owl flight.  It’s somewhat tricky for photography because an absolutely CLEAR sky is necessary.  A little luck with birds taking to the air earlier than pure darkness is also helpful.  Even after our long drive up Friday, Kara and I headed to the deck as it was clear evening.  As luck would have it, after around a half hour, a single Long-eared Owl took flight and floated in the winds up the beach until in front of us over some trees.  While tired and cold, it proved to be worth it.  The next evening was also clear but no Owls took flight until well after sunset.

I hope everyone  enjoys the nice spring image!!!

When: Friday, Aug 9th- Sunday, Aug 11th, 2013
Where: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Audience: Adults (limited to 4)
Fee: $450 single occupancy, $420 double occupancy

Join Josh on a trip to one of Michigan’s most prized areas, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This vast area has lots to offer by way of sweeping lakeshore scapes as well as many macro opportunities along the trails and beaches. This trip is all about landscapes and working skills such as creating panoramas in the field, creating multiple exposures in different lighting and working a scene rather than just pointing and shooting. A big aspect to landscapes is scouting and searching out spots during the day to be ready for the shot during the golden light hours. Josh will share his tips for hunting spots and knowing where to set up for the best images. Take advantage of his prep time and know-how and sign up today!

Lodging is covered in the price. Accommodations will be in the Traverse City, MI area. Car-pooling will be available from the Battle Creek area Friday morning. Payment and Registration due by Friday, July 26th, 2013. Click HERE to download registration form. For any questions, please call Josh at 269-420-9918.

When: Friday, May 3rd - Sunday, May 5th, 2013
Where: Western Ohio
Audience: Adults (limited to 6)
Fee: $350 single occupancy, $320 double occupancy

This trip combines birding and photography which proves to be popular among couples. Join Josh for a trip to the well-known and amazing Magee Marsh for an experience you will never forget. This is your chance to see Warblers and other songbirds dripping from the branches at a level much closer to the ground which also yield better photographs. Birders and Photographers of all levels are welcome. We will spend our time slowly searching for a diversity of species as well as individuals that are workable for images. For the birders along, Josh will share his bird knowledge, tips for IDing by field mark and song, and how to get more out of bird hikes. For the photographers along, better exposure techniques including using flash are sure to improve your skills for years to come.

Lodging is covered in the price. Accommodations will be in Port Clinton, OH area. Payment and Registration due by Friday, April 19th. Click HERE to download registration form. For any questions, please call Josh at 269-420-9918.

When: Friday, Feb 1st - Sunday, Feb 3rd
Where: Western Illinois, Eastern Iowa
Audience: Adults (limited to 4)
Fee: $450 single occupancy, $420 double occupancy

Join Josh for an amazing winter trip along the Mississippi River chasing stunning Bald Eagle images. Bald Eagles (especially adults) can be tricky to expose properly. This will be your chance to take advantage of the many years Josh has spent figuring out the best ways to find and capture Bald Eagle photographs easily and consistently. With the small group size, everyone will get ample 1-on-1 time with Josh in hopes of not only taking home great images, but the know-how to repeat the process on your own. Space is extremely limited so sign up today!!!

Lodging is covered in the price. Car-pooling will be available from the Battle Creek area Friday morning. Accommodations will be in Davenport, IA. Payment and Registration due by Friday, Jan 18th. Click HERE to download registration form. For any questions, please call Josh at 269-420-9918.

When: Friday, Oct 5th - Sunday, Oct 7th
Where: Munising area, MI
Audience: Adults (limited to 4)
Fee: $440 single occupancy, $405 double occupancy

Join Josh for an amazing fall trip to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan going after fall color images of foliage, vistas and waterfalls. If you’ve ever wondered how to get that dreamy affect with waterfalls, you’d like some tips and properly exposing scenes, or you simply want to find yourself creating great fall and macro images to add to your collection, this trip is for you. Josh has been photographing in the area for years. Take advantage of his time and preparation of spots and exposure techniques which will make this trip worth every penny. Space is extremely limited so sign up today!!!

Lodging is covered in the price. Car-pooling will be available from the Battle Creek area Friday morning. Accommodations will be in Munising, MI. Payment and Registration due by Friday, Sept 21st. Click HERE to download registration form. For any questions, please call Josh at 269-420-9918.

When: Saturday, June 2nd, 11:30am-3:30pm
Where: Otis Sanctuary (begins at barn)
Price: $75 per person (please click HERE to register)
Audience: Adults (limited to eight)
Recommended Equipment: SLR Camera (digital or film), medium
telephoto lens (100-300mm), macro lens if you already own one

Join Josh for a 1-day Butterfly & Macro Photography Workshop centered around getting up close and personal to nature! Techniques and time in the field photographing butterflies and finding macro opportunities will be the focus with an emphasis on better composition and tweaking exposure properly for cleaner results.

The workshop will be held on Saturday, June 2nd from 11:30am-3:30pm. Cost to participate is $75 per person. A limited group of 8 participants is the maximum to ensure ample 1-on-1 time and a comfortable/quality shooting environment for each participant. Given the limited space, sign up today!!!

In a nutshell, this is what I’ve done:
-threw the image Black & White (except the eyes & beak)
-cropped heavily to create more of a design look
-triple mat (inner 1/8″ charcoal gray, middle white 1/4″, outer black)

We hope everyone is enjoying their first day in 2012.  For us, snow is finally here.  Woohoo!!!

Hearing of a Great Gray Owl within a couple hours’ drive will perk many a birders ear and it more than perked mine!  It wouldn’t be until yesterday (Wednesday the 28th) that the lighting would be nice and I would have an opportunity to take a day and head over.  I left the house at 3:45am, picked up my good friend in Marshall and we were on our way to Canada, eh!

We made it in record time with dry roads and very little traffic.  After getting through the border, we were at the spot by 6:50am; more than enough time before sun-up.  As luck would have it, the bird was still there and we set up shop for the remainder of the day.  The bird had been given a squirrel the evening before and was content to sit in the brush the entire day while occasionally feeding on its large handout.  Whether right or wrong (let’s not get into that here), this was done the day prior and is the likely reason the bird stayed on the ground the entire day.  For the most part, all visitors were respectful during our visit.  It spent most the day in a slumber but every 60-90 minutes, it would awake and spend time ripping apart and devouring the squirrel.  It finally took flight after 8 hours of sitting and waiting and as misfortune would have it, it flew away and perched on the ground, yet again, this time in brush so thick, we wouldn’t see it again for the day.

As disappointing as it was not getting flight shots or open perched shots of the bird, we were fortunate enough to see this northern specialty and come away with a couple head shots of this very approachable bird.  All in all, a very successful day!