Images Taken During the 2025 Spring Photo Tours
Spring Bird Photo Tours in Louisiana–2026
Why Join Our 2026 Louisiana Spring Photo Tour?
Join me for the 2026 Louisiana Spring Photo Tour, part of the Charles Bush Photography Tours series, where we’ll photograph nesting herons, egrets, spoonbills, and more at the height of the season. These intimate tours are limited to just 3 participants, giving each person more time, flexibility, and access — whether we’re on the boat or exploring from shore.
What Sets This Tour Apart
Visit Three Wading Bird Rookeries: Each rookery provides unique lighting and composition opportunities with a variety of species.
Explore the Atchafalaya Basin: Photograph Osprey as they soar and dive in one of Louisiana’s most iconic natural settings.
Expert Guidance: Locations and times are selected to maximize light and bird activity based on real-time conditions.
A Well-Balanced Itinerary
Morning Shoots: Land-accessible rookery with soft morning light
Afternoon Shoots: A second rookery perfect for late-day photography
Flexible Options: A third rookery or Osprey shoot at the Atchafalaya Basin, depending on conditions
Expert Boat Operators:
We partner with the legendary guides at The Atchafalaya Experience, who utilize double-hulled aluminum skiffs designed explicitly for navigating the swamps. See our boats here.
Group Size
Each of our Spring Louisiana Photo Tours is limited to just 3 participants, ensuring plenty of space on the boat, personalized instruction, and a better shooting experience.
Tour Duration: Tours begin at 3 p.m. on the first day and conclude after the morning shoot on the fourth day, providing three full days of immersive photography.
Not familiar with my work? Learn more about me and the story behind Charles Bush Photography Tours on the About page.
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Roseate Spoonbills
Cattle Egrets
Snowy Egrets
Little Blue Herons
Great Blue Herons
Green-backed Herons
Ibis
Least Bittern
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This is a small-group photo tour, not a workshop. The emphasis is on maximizing your time in the field during peak bird activity. I’ll be with you on every boat trip and shore session, offering guidance and help as needed—whether that’s fine-tuning camera settings, spotting behavior, or suggesting compositional ideas.
Each day includes a boat-based morning shoot, followed by an afternoon shore session or additional boat access when available
Tour size is limited to just 3 participants, ensuring plenty of space on the boat and personalized attention
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Our Spring Bird Photography Tour visits several of the most productive wading bird habitats in South Louisiana. Depending on water levels, bird activity, and access, we typically visit:
Cazan Lake at PJF Farms – known for nesting herons and egrets in beautiful cypress-lined surroundings
Miller’s Lake – one of the best locations for photographing Roseate Spoonbillsduring courtship and nesting
Rip’s Rookery – offering close views of spoonbills, egrets, and lush vegetation for clean compositions
Lake Martin – often included as a shore-based option or an afternoon location depending on conditions
Explore the best of spring bird photography in Southern Louisiana with three tour options spanning April through June. Each month brings distinct bird behavior, lighting conditions, and photographic opportunities. Here's what you can expect — and what makes each part of the season unique.
Louisiana Spring Tour Dates and Booking Information
📅 April 19–22, 2026
Expect courtship displays and early nesting behavior.
💵 Tour Price: $1599
💰 Deposit: $200 due now — remainder invoiced 60 days before tour
👉 Reserve your spot
📅 May 17–20, 2026
Peak chick activity is with feeding and interaction behavior.
💵 Tour Price: $1599
💰 Deposit: $200 due now — remainder invoiced 60 days before tour
👉 Reserve your spot
📅 May 31–June 3, 2026
Larger chicks, more action, and the best chance for nesting spoonbills.
💵 Tour Price: $1599
💰 Deposit: $200 due now — remainder invoiced 60 days prior to tour
👉 Reserve your spot. Each tour includes 3 morning boat sessions and 3 afternoon on-shore photo walks.
Contact charlie@charlesbushphoto.com for questions or custom arrangements.
April: Courtship and Plumage at Its Peak
Early spring is full of vibrant color and energy. Birds are actively courting, displaying their finest plumage, and establishing territories.
May: Nesting and Feeding Behavior
By May, birds have settled into nests, and feeding activity increases. Some chicks are newly hatched while others are growing fast.
June: Activity Peaks, Chicks Grow Bold
Late spring offers intense, high-action scenes. Spoonbills are highly active, and larger chicks begin wing-stretching and competing for food.
Still Considering–Book Here!
📅 April 19–22, 2026
Expect courtship displays and early nesting behavior.
💵 Tour Price: $1599
💰 Deposit: $200 due now — remainder invoiced 60 days before tour
👉 Reserve your spot
📅 May 17–20, 2026
Peak chick activity is with feeding and interaction behavior.
💵 Tour Price: $1599
💰 Deposit: $200 due now — remainder invoiced 60 days before tour
👉 Reserve your spot
📅 May 31–June 3, 2026
Larger chicks, more action, and the best chance for nesting spoonbills.
💵 Tour Price: $1599
💰 Deposit: $200 due now — remainder invoiced 60 days prior to tour
👉 Reserve your spot. Each tour includes 3 morning boat sessions and 3 afternoon on-shore photo walks.
Contact charlie@charlesbushphoto.com for questions or custom arrangements.
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Camera Gear
Telephoto lens (400–600mm)
Wide-angle or mid-range zoom for landscapes
Tripod or monopod for stability
Extra batteries, memory cards, rain protection
Clothing
Neutral-colored, lightweight layers
Waterproof shoes or boots
Bug spray and sun protection
Essentials
Water bottle or hydration pack
Compact snacks for field days
Notebook or voice memo app for tracking sightings