BAYOU PHOTO TOUR

Great egret & spanish moss

May 4-8, 2020


**See itinerary below.

Why Take This Photo Tour With Us?

*Not only are we the only ones doing this tour, we’ve been doing it in some form for years.
*This is one of the few under-photographed scenic and wildlife locations left in North America.
*Special boat rides out into the swamp to photograph bird rookeries.
*Cajun cooking.

Historically swamps have been places to avoid, places to drain so they could be turned into "productive" acreage. Which is ironic because swamps are some of the most productive, most biodiverse areas on Earth. The Atchafalaya Basin is the largest river swamp in North America, and it is a magical place.

In May, a thousand shades of green assault your eyes and the air is filled with the sweet scent of jasmine and honeysuckle. There are surprisingly few mosquitoes and snakes. However, it is still no place to explore on foot.

We'll be exploring this watery wilderness in small boats especially designed for negotiating the narrow, twisting aisles through the flooded bald cypress and tupelo groves. The boats will be piloted by Cajun guides who grew up in these swamps. Those guides know the most scenic spots, they know where the birds are, and they are not bewildered by the green labyrinth that has most landlubbers utterly lost within a few minutes of leaving the dock.

swamp
Little blue heron chicks
In addition to the boat trips into different areas of the Atchafalaya, we'll also be spending some quality time at a couple of wading bird rookeries.  A variety of egrets, herons and ibis will be in their finest colors and exhibiting some of their most interesting behaviors, but for most photographers the star of the show is the roseate spoonbill.  Not only will these birds be close enough to fill your frame, but we should have some great opportunities for adult/chick interactions.

If you've always wanted to compose images of cypress trees dripping with Spanish moss and the wildlife that makes its home among these trees, this tour is worth looking into.
spoonbill fighting with egret chicks
Stacks Image 324
Cattle egret pair
ITINERARY:
Day 1: Travel to hotel, photograph in p.m.
Day 2-4: Boat trips into the bayou, rookeries from land and boat.
Day 5: Photograph in a.m.

+ Breakfast, dinner, lodging, critique and instruction as needed included.

$2,695

Deposit: $500

Airport: Lafayette Regional Airport, Lafayette, Louisiana (LFT)

Tour Cost Includes: Transportation, breakfast, dinner, snacks, water, lodging, boat fees, critique and instruction as needed.