Spring 2021 Tours

I conducted three Photo Tours this year in the Spring. One in April and two in May. All three had great photo opportunities with many birds in all the locations we visited.

Cazan Lake at PJF Farms

We had excellent opportunities at Cazan Lake with numerous nesting wading birds, which yielded fantastic shots of Great Egrets with chicks and Roseate Spoonbills. There was also a cooperative Prothonotary Warbler with many participants capturing great images while he sang. Fortunately, we had access to the small house across from the Rookery for two tours, which was convenient for a break from the weather, particularly one morning with heavy rain before the shoot. Again, the folks at PJF Farms have been a great help doing everything they can to provide a great place to photograph at their fantastic location, and I look forward to visiting this location at each of the tours next year.

Miller's Lake

Always a favorite of participants, Miller's Lake was superb again this year. We spent more time in more open areas of the Lake, near the Tupelo trees and the canal leading to the spillway. This choice was a good choice with us capturing images of Purple Gallinule feeding, a Solitary Sandpiper, Green Backed Heron's feeding, and the normal egrets and herons in the Button Bush around the Lake.

Lake Martin

Conditions at Lake Martin were much better this year. Residents who had closed the area where we photograph have reopened it.Smaller birds are abundant, with participants capturing images of Pileated Woodpeckers and sighting indigo buntings and several warblers. One participant captured a picture of a Swallow-Tailed Kite. Another got a shot of a Rail. We also got on a Barred Owl and got some good images of it as well. While the Rookery is still not in range, the birds have moved closer to the road. Hopefully, they will move close enough for us to photograph nesting birds there as well.

Rip's Rookery–Jefferson Island

I checked this activity at Jefferson Island before each of the trips. Unfortunately, the conditions were just not right, with the few birds nesting on the distant side of the island. Hopefully, this will improve for next year.

Fall 2021 Tours

Only one spot remains for the November 14–17 tour, so you need to signup quickly if you want to attend that tour. More places are available for the November 29–December 2 tour. Both dates historically have been great times. Typically the early date has more intense fall colors, and the last photo tour having more days with thick fog.

Late Evening at Lake Martin–November 2020

Foggy Morning Lake Dauterieve December 2019

2022 Spring Tours

Purple Gallinule Miller’s Lake–April 2021