Charles Bush Photography – May 2026 Newsletter
Spring Bird Photography in Louisiana
Roseate Spoonbill Family
Spring bird activity continues to increase here in Louisiana, and the swamps and rookeries are becoming more active every week.
The birds are now active at both Cazan Lake and Miller’s Lake, and we’re beginning to see more nesting, courtship behavior, and feeding activity throughout the area.
May 17 Spring Tour Begins This Weekend
My May 17, 2026 Spring Bird Photography Tour begins this weekend, and conditions are looking very promising for the group.
I still have space available for my May 31, 2026 Spring Bird Photography Tour if you would like to join me later this month.
You can find full details here: Spring 2026 Tour Details
Fall Tour Availability
Looking ahead to fall, my November 30, 2026 Cypress Swamp Tour is nearly full. At this point, only 2 spaces remain for that trip, and the November 15th Tour is Full. I am considering adding another tour. Contact me if you’re interested.
More information on the fall tours is available here: Fall Cypress Swamp Tours
Cazan Lake Access Change
If you’re planning to visit Cazan Lake on your own, there has been a change to the entrance process:
Annual passes are no longer available
Entry is now handled at the gate
A $25 per person fee is paid in the box at the entrance
The phone number listed on their website is currently not being answered
Despite these changes, access to the rookery is still available, and it remains an excellent location for photography.
Consulting Availability
I’m also available for one-on-one consulting sessions. If you need help with:
Photo processing workflows
Lightroom or Photoshop
Macintosh backup strategies and system setup
You can learn more or book a session here: Book Consulting Services
If you have any questions about the tours or would like to reserve a spot, feel free to reach out.
Charles Bush Photography February 2026 Newsletter
Spring Bird Photography Tours
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been monitoring activity at the rookeries, and the first clear signs of the nesting season are already underway.
Great Egrets have begun courtship displays, stick passing, and early nest building. This is always the first wave of activity and signals that the rest of the nesting season is right behind them. As we move into April and May, additional species will arrive, nests will fill in, and activity will build quickly.
If you’ve been considering joining one of the Spring bird photography tours, this is shaping up to be an excellent season.
Current Spring Tour Status
Each tour is limited to a small group to ensure plenty of working room and individual attention in the field. With nesting already beginning, these dates should align beautifully with peak behavior and photographic opportunities.
If you’ve been thinking about joining us this spring, now is a very good time to secure a place.
A New Boat Partner for 2026
For the 2026 season, I’ll be working with a new boat operator, Corey Borel of Borel Swamp Tours.
Corey is local, knows these waters extremely well, and operates a stable, comfortable boat that works beautifully for small-group photography. Our goal has always been to provide a calm, focused photographic environment, and this partnership allows us to continue doing exactly that.
I’m looking forward to working with Corey throughout the spring and fall seasons ahead.
You can learn more about Corey and his operation here
Fall Cypress Swamp Tours — Nearly Full
Fall tours are also filling quickly.
November 15–17 Fall Cypress Swamp Photo Tour — Only 1 space remaining
November 30–December 2 Fall Cypress Swamp Photo Tour — 3 spaces remaining
Fall in the cypress swamps offers a completely different photographic experience from spring — glowing foliage, low-angle light, misty mornings, and quiet reflective water. These small-group boat sessions are designed specifically for photographers and typically fill well in advance.
If you have questions about conditions, mobility, equipment, or what to expect, feel free to reply anytime. I’m always happy to help you decide if a trip is the right fit.
Hope to see you in the swamp this season.
Season’s Greetings from Louisiana
A Simple December Note
As the year winds down, I wanted to take a moment to say thank you. Whether you joined me on a tour, followed along through the blog, or simply enjoy the photographs, your support truly matters.
This season has been a reminder of how fortunate I am to spend my time creating photographs in places that still feel wild and timeless—quiet mornings on the water, soft winter light, and moments that ask us to slow down and really look.
A Favorite Image from the Season
Lone Cypress in Fog–Lake Fausse Pointe
This image felt like the right way to close out the year—calm, reflective, and rooted in the landscape that continues to inspire my work.
Looking Ahead
As we move into the new year, I’m already looking forward to sharing more photographs, stories from the field, and details on upcoming projects and tours.
Until then, I wish you and your family a peaceful holiday season and a healthy, fulfilling New Year.
Warm regards,
Charles Bush