Western Himalayan Birding Workshop/Tour
March 11th - March 23rd 2013
Duration : 11 nights 11 days Group Size: 8 maximum
In this exciting workshop we will spend time in some of the most bird abundant and beautiful places on earth!
Come with us to see and photograph species such as Greater Yellow-Napped Flameback and Speckled Piculet.
Travel one of the world's most spectacular mountain roads as we go towards Pangot known as "The Lake City". On the way there we will see and photograph species such as Red Billed Blue Magpie, Blue whistling Thrush and Blue-Capped Redstarts.
Travel through a fantastical Rhododendron forest and spot the Crimson Sunbird.
Ride on Elephants through grasslands and dense forests to see and photgraph tigers!
Photograph species such as Lesser Fish Eagles, Tawny Fish Owls and Stork Billed Kingfishers in India's most renowned National Park Corbett National Park.
A rare and splendid Biodiversity
The Corbett National Park is an excellent and largely inviolate specimen of the rich dense stands of Sal cloak the higher ridges, mixed deciduous forests are found throughout the park. Because of its rich bio- geographic diversity, the Park is a natural haven for the flora and fauna of the plains, the sub mountainous regions and high altitude areas.
The lifeline of the Park is the sparkling Ramganga river which provides safe harbour to mahaseer fish, crocodile and other species.
There are over 110 varieties of trees, 51 species of shrubs and over 33 kinds of bamboo and grasses.
A Home for Vanishing species
The protective environment of Corbett Park has kept some endangered species of the world hit list have been safe and thriving, like the hog deer which has been virtually saved from extinction.
Project Tiger, which was set up with the help of the World Wildlife Fund, was launched at Dhikala, in the Corbett National Park on April 1, 1973. This project was aimed at saving the Indian Tiger (Panthera Tigris) from extinction.
At last count, the numbers had increased substantially. Apart from Tigers (90 in number in 1984), leopards as well as lesser cats such as the leopard cat, jungle cat, and fishing cat are also found here. The sloth bear, Himalayan black bear, dhole, jackal, yellow throated marten, Himalayan palm civet, Indian grey mongoose, common otter, porcupine, black naped hare are the other attractions of this area. It is possible to see elephants all over the park. Corbett is also the only home of the rare Indian pagolin. Consider yourself supremely blessed if you spot one!
AN INTRODUCTION TO THIS PHOTO ADVENTURE
In this exciting workshop we will spend time in some of the most bird abundant and beautiful places on earth!
India is a vast country with diverse ecosystems such as rainforests, deserts, grasslands, deciduous and evergreen forests, and a long coastline. This wide variety of habitats is home to approximately 1400 species of birds. Apart from the resident species a huge number of migratory birds arrive in the country every year during the winter from as far as Siberia and Europe.
In short, it is a paradise for birds. Apart from the spectacular avian life, this country is home to one of the world's richest array of wildlife, probably even comparable to the great African bush. Tigers, Elephants, Panthers, Rhinos, Asiatic Lions, Snow Leopards, Sloth Bears, Wild Dogs, and the list goes on. It just takes a visit to one of the many wildlife sanctuaries and national parks that lie scattered all over the country, to be amidst these magnificent animals of the wild.
You just have to be there!
PHOTO ITINERARY
On this photo adventure we will focus on the following opportunities:
Eagles & Vultures: India is home to numerous species of Eagles and Vultures. Here are some of the species we will be looking for and shooting. Pallas Fish Eagle, Lesser Fish Eagle, Black Eagle, Egyptian Vultures, Himalayan Griffon Vulture, Changeable Hawk Eagle and Spot Bellied Eagle Owls.
Hawks, Falcons, Kites, Harriers, Kestrels and Buzzards: There are a wide variety of these species in Western India, here a some of these species that we can expect to see and photograph. Long Tailed and Grey Back Shrikes, Common Kestrel, Red Collared Falconet, Black Shouldered Kites, Brahiminy Kites, Montagues Harrier and White Eyed Buzzards.
Owls and Nightjars: We can also hope to see and photograph Spotted Owlets, Jungle Owlets, Indian Nightjars, Tawny Fish Owls and Srilanka Frogmouths.
Flycatchers, Dippers, Lapwings, Woodpeckers, Sunbirds, Kingfishers, etc.: The list goes on and on as far as species we will encounter. Here are more examples of what we can expect to see and photograph on this amazing workshop. Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher, Green Backed Tit, Green-tailed Sunbird, Crimson Sunbird, Black Throated Sunbird, Crested Kingfisher, Himalayan Swiftlet, Siberian Rubythroat and Great Slaty Woodpeckers.
Digital Workshops: During the evenings for those who wish to participate, we will have image review sessions and talk about techniques and what we can expect to see the next day. In these post processing workshops participants will have ample opportunities to improve skills in Adobe Photoshop. Guided by David and Glenn, participants can learn how to take their images from straight out-of-the-camera RAW images to stunning final works of art (ready for printing or websites).
On the last evening, we will give out prizes for the top 3 images of the workshop!
KEY LEARNING OBJECTIVES
On this photo adventure participants will focus on the following learning objectives:
- Proper use of light, both ambient and flashHow to read light and make the proper exposure setting for each situationWhen to and when not to use a tripodHow to take exciting flight and action images
- How to take advantage of the best backgrounds to improve an image
WHY TRAVEL WITH NATURES PHOTO ADVENTURES?
- We have 2 professional photographer workshop leaders for more personalized attention – groups can be split into two separate destinations within a workshop and have personalized instruction and guidance.David and Clement are 2 of the world’s top photographers in bird portrait and flight photography.Our workshops are suited to photographers of ALL levels. We do everything we can to make sure that each participant gets the absolute most out of the nature photography workshop.We utilize local guides with years of experience in their home areas. We have more experience. We have been to the places we will take you – not for a week or two – but for months!! We know where to get the best possible images and can show you how to achieve them. We are environmentally and socially aware. When we visit communities around the world we give something back to these places and the people who live there. We also offer guests the opportunity to offset their carbon footprint made during the trip.
- At the end of each of our workshops we hold a final nights “banquet” where we share images, stories and give away prizes for best images, most improved, and other categories.
LOGISTICS
This workshop/tour is limited to 8 participants to ensure the best photographic opportunities and instruction possible.
Price:
- The cost of this photo workshop is U.S. $5,499.00/ person.
- Payment can be made through paypal below or by check or money order.
- Accommodations are designed to be two persons per room. If you will be traveling alone and would like a private room there will be an additional charge of $700.00
- We offer a non-photographer discount for nature lovers, spouses or guests: 10%
Prices include:
- All expert photo instructionLocal guides and driversAll entrance fees to natural wildlife parksAll accommodations, based on double occupancy, except for first and last night.All meals inclusive of restaurant staff tipsLand transportation during workshopAirport transfers to and from hotels
- Bottled water for the duration of the workshop
HOW TO JOIN THIS PHOTO ADVENTURE? WHAT SHOULD YOU DO NEXT?
We like to keep our workshops small, so space is extremely limited. Once the workshop seats are full – that’s it… If this exciting photo adventure sounds like fun to you, then now is the time to register.
Please read our booking policies page
Click on the paypal link to reserve your place or send us an email to register by mail (via check or money order). Emails can be sent to: info@naturesphotoadventures.com
If you have any questions before registering, send us an e-mail with any inquiries to:
Once you have signed up we will send you specific details re. What to bring and help you arrange any travel details that you need assistance with (e.g. flights, visas). As well we will send our booking and refund policies as well as our standard waiver form.
Please note:
- Natures Photo Adventures strongly recommends that you purchase travel insurance.
- We will attempt to stay true to this itinerary. However, certain unforeseeable conditions (political, climatic, environmental, cultural, or wildlife migrations) may require changes to the itinerary. We reserve the right to alter any itinerary at any time, if necessary. We will do our absolute best to notify participants of changes as far in advance as possible.
