TROGON TOURS AND NATE CHAPPELL PHOTOGRAPHY MAY 2008 NEWSLETTER |
This month's newsletter features information and photography from the trip that Angie, my brother Lee and
I took to Argentina last August and September, photography tips including information on shooting from a
boat and summaries about our tours to Ecuador and Thailand next fall and winter.
You can contact us at 253-512-1060 or nchappell@trogontours.net. Please check out our website
www.trogontours.net detailed itineraries of upcoming trips. If you would like to be removed from the email
list please let us know.
Angie and I both had always had an interest in visiting Argentina so when we had some vacation time last summer we
decided that was where we would spend it. My brother Lee had some time off work and he decided to join us as well.
Our first stop was the capital Buenos Aires. Besides having excellent food, culture, tango shows and shopping Buenos
Aires is blessed with having a large wetland reserve, the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve which is adjacent to
downtown. Over 200 species have been recorded in the Costanera. The lakes are filled with many species of
waterbirds, including Black-necked and Coscoroba Swans. Whether you are birdwatching or doing bird photography
be prepared to share the reserve with hundreds of locals who are there jogging, riding bikes or strolling through the
reserve. The reserve is equal parts nature reserve and busy city park. At the northern entrance to the reserve locals
have taken to feeding the birds bread and seeds. This attracts many song birds, blackbirds and Gray-necked Wood
Rails for close observation and photography.
Our next stop was Mendoza in the foothills of the Andes. It's a charming medium sized town with a European feel. The
next morning we took the highway that leads up into the Andes. There were many new birds on the way including the
gorgeous Long-tailed Meadowlark, very like our meadowlarks but with a scarlet breast instead of a yellow one. The
views of the Andes were spectacular on our way up to the pass. At the top of the pass you are at the foot of
Aconcagua, the tallest mountain in South America. It was their winter so the hillsides were covered with snow. It was
fun photographing the common Mountain Caracaras against snow covered backgrounds.. On the way back down we
were thrilled to see and photograph a pair of Andean Condors from a distance.
I took to Argentina last August and September, photography tips including information on shooting from a
boat and summaries about our tours to Ecuador and Thailand next fall and winter.
You can contact us at 253-512-1060 or nchappell@trogontours.net. Please check out our website
www.trogontours.net detailed itineraries of upcoming trips. If you would like to be removed from the email
list please let us know.
Angie and I both had always had an interest in visiting Argentina so when we had some vacation time last summer we
decided that was where we would spend it. My brother Lee had some time off work and he decided to join us as well.
Our first stop was the capital Buenos Aires. Besides having excellent food, culture, tango shows and shopping Buenos
Aires is blessed with having a large wetland reserve, the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve which is adjacent to
downtown. Over 200 species have been recorded in the Costanera. The lakes are filled with many species of
waterbirds, including Black-necked and Coscoroba Swans. Whether you are birdwatching or doing bird photography
be prepared to share the reserve with hundreds of locals who are there jogging, riding bikes or strolling through the
reserve. The reserve is equal parts nature reserve and busy city park. At the northern entrance to the reserve locals
have taken to feeding the birds bread and seeds. This attracts many song birds, blackbirds and Gray-necked Wood
Rails for close observation and photography.
Our next stop was Mendoza in the foothills of the Andes. It's a charming medium sized town with a European feel. The
next morning we took the highway that leads up into the Andes. There were many new birds on the way including the
gorgeous Long-tailed Meadowlark, very like our meadowlarks but with a scarlet breast instead of a yellow one. The
views of the Andes were spectacular on our way up to the pass. At the top of the pass you are at the foot of
Aconcagua, the tallest mountain in South America. It was their winter so the hillsides were covered with snow. It was
fun photographing the common Mountain Caracaras against snow covered backgrounds.. On the way back down we
were thrilled to see and photograph a pair of Andean Condors from a distance.
Mountain Caracara photographed August 2007 at the pass below Mt. Aconcagua in Argentina.
Canon 20D 500F4 lens, Handheld 1/2000 at F5 iso 400. Manual Metering. I added effectively about 1 stop to what
would have been the evaluative metering reading here because I wanted to hold some detail in the blacks and whites
against the white background.
Canon 20D 500F4 lens, Handheld 1/2000 at F5 iso 400. Manual Metering. I added effectively about 1 stop to what
would have been the evaluative metering reading here because I wanted to hold some detail in the blacks and whites
against the white background.
After a flight back to Buenos Aires we boarded a plane for Puerto Iguazu and a trip to Iguazu Falls. The waterfalls, some
of the largest in the world, did not disappoint. We spent a lot of time on the boardwalks of Iguazu National Park
marvelling at the power and beauty of the falls. An added bonus was the variety of the bird life which makes its home in
the tropical forest surrounding the falls. We saw and photographed 3 species of toucans and I finally saw my first Bat
Falcon.
of the largest in the world, did not disappoint. We spent a lot of time on the boardwalks of Iguazu National Park
marvelling at the power and beauty of the falls. An added bonus was the variety of the bird life which makes its home in
the tropical forest surrounding the falls. We saw and photographed 3 species of toucans and I finally saw my first Bat
Falcon.
Our last stop was the one I had anticipated the most, the remote Ibera Marshes. These marshes are a on a par with
the more famous Pantanal of Brazil and Los Llanos of Venezuela. The birdlife and wildlife is abundant and much of it is
quite tame. We arrived at the Nandareta Inn, our first stay. Nandareta is a comfortable inn with very friendly and
helpful staff and excellent food. Much of the observation and photography at the marshes is done from small boats so
the next morning we set off on a boat trip. It was amazing how approachable the birds and wildlife were. 3 species of
kingfishers, Scarlet-headed Blackbird, White-headed Marsh Tyrant and the amazing Southern Screamers were some of
the more spectaclar bird species we were able to photograph. The birds were joined by hundreds of caimans and
many cabybara.
the more famous Pantanal of Brazil and Los Llanos of Venezuela. The birdlife and wildlife is abundant and much of it is
quite tame. We arrived at the Nandareta Inn, our first stay. Nandareta is a comfortable inn with very friendly and
helpful staff and excellent food. Much of the observation and photography at the marshes is done from small boats so
the next morning we set off on a boat trip. It was amazing how approachable the birds and wildlife were. 3 species of
kingfishers, Scarlet-headed Blackbird, White-headed Marsh Tyrant and the amazing Southern Screamers were some of
the more spectaclar bird species we were able to photograph. The birds were joined by hundreds of caimans and
many cabybara.
White-headed Marsh Tyrant photographed in the Ibera Marshes, September 2007
Canon 20D 500F4 lens, handheld from a boat at 1/2000 F5.6 iso 400, evaulative metering at -2/3, 580ex Fill Flash at -1
1/3
I shot this at -2/3 exposure compensation to hold detail in the whites while adding the fill flash to even the lighting and try
to bring detail to the blacks. The blacks were still a bit dark so I used a little shadow adjustment (amount 10) in
Photoshop to bring out more detail in the blacks.
TIPS ON SHOOTING FROM A BOAT - Getting good sharp images while shooting handheld from a boat requires using
certain techniques and settings. Ideally you would be using a lens with image stabilization or vibration reduction. I use
Canon lenses and set the image stabilization mode to 2 because you are constantly moving when shooting from a boat.
Additionally, I try to keep my shutter speed high so I would almost always shoot from wide open to 1 stop down from wide
open with as high an iso as possible without bringing much noise into the equation. With my old 20D this was 400 iso
while with my new Canon Mark III I use 640 or 800 iso. If possible try to get the boat operator to shut off the engine when
you get into position to take your shots. Shoot in bursts, some of your images will be sharper than others but you will
have more to choose from this way. Lastly, birds and animals can often be approched quite closely in a boat, so I tend
to not use teleconverters very often when shooting from a boat because I lose a stop (and with it I lose shutter speed)
and the teleconverter makes it more difficult to hold everything steady.
Canon 20D 500F4 lens, handheld from a boat at 1/2000 F5.6 iso 400, evaulative metering at -2/3, 580ex Fill Flash at -1
1/3
I shot this at -2/3 exposure compensation to hold detail in the whites while adding the fill flash to even the lighting and try
to bring detail to the blacks. The blacks were still a bit dark so I used a little shadow adjustment (amount 10) in
Photoshop to bring out more detail in the blacks.
TIPS ON SHOOTING FROM A BOAT - Getting good sharp images while shooting handheld from a boat requires using
certain techniques and settings. Ideally you would be using a lens with image stabilization or vibration reduction. I use
Canon lenses and set the image stabilization mode to 2 because you are constantly moving when shooting from a boat.
Additionally, I try to keep my shutter speed high so I would almost always shoot from wide open to 1 stop down from wide
open with as high an iso as possible without bringing much noise into the equation. With my old 20D this was 400 iso
while with my new Canon Mark III I use 640 or 800 iso. If possible try to get the boat operator to shut off the engine when
you get into position to take your shots. Shoot in bursts, some of your images will be sharper than others but you will
have more to choose from this way. Lastly, birds and animals can often be approched quite closely in a boat, so I tend
to not use teleconverters very often when shooting from a boat because I lose a stop (and with it I lose shutter speed)
and the teleconverter makes it more difficult to hold everything steady.
One of the species that I most wanted to photograph in the Ibera Marshes region was the endangered Strange-tailed
Tyrant, a beautiful flycatcher with long streaming tail feathers. With the help of the excellent guides at Nandareta Inn we
were able to locate several pairs along one of the roadsides. This species is threatened because much of its grassland
habitat in Northeast Argentina and Southern Brazil has been converted to agriculture and tree farming.
Tyrant, a beautiful flycatcher with long streaming tail feathers. With the help of the excellent guides at Nandareta Inn we
were able to locate several pairs along one of the roadsides. This species is threatened because much of its grassland
habitat in Northeast Argentina and Southern Brazil has been converted to agriculture and tree farming.
Strange-tailed Tyrant photographed in the Ibera Marshes region September 2007.
Canon 20D 500F4 lens, 1.4 Teleconverter, handheld out car window at 1/1600 F7.1 iso 400, evaluative metering -1/3
Photographing out my car window I actually use many of the same techniques as shooting from a boat. It's an excellent
way to get close to many bird species because they don't associate the car with humans so your car kind of works as a
moving blind. Again, be sure to turn off the car when you are ready to shoot to reduce vibration which will make it easier
to get sharp images and always be careful and aware of other vehicles.
Canon 20D 500F4 lens, 1.4 Teleconverter, handheld out car window at 1/1600 F7.1 iso 400, evaluative metering -1/3
Photographing out my car window I actually use many of the same techniques as shooting from a boat. It's an excellent
way to get close to many bird species because they don't associate the car with humans so your car kind of works as a
moving blind. Again, be sure to turn off the car when you are ready to shoot to reduce vibration which will make it easier
to get sharp images and always be careful and aware of other vehicles.
After a week of photographing dozens of beautiful bird species and many mammals in the Ibera region we returned to
Buenos Aires for a bit of souvenir shopping and then headed back to the States.
We don't currently have any tours planned to Argentina, however if you are interested in going to these places on a
tour with us please contact us and we can talk about putting one on the schedule!
Buenos Aires for a bit of souvenir shopping and then headed back to the States.
We don't currently have any tours planned to Argentina, however if you are interested in going to these places on a
tour with us please contact us and we can talk about putting one on the schedule!
UPCOMING TOURS - We still have room on all 3 of the tours that are on our schedule for this winter.
EASTERN ECUADOR - NOVEMBER 10-23, 2008
This tour will cover the Andes Mountains, Eastern slope of the Andes and the western edge of the lowland Amazonian
rainforests. Ecuador is one of the richest countries for birds in the world with over 1,500 species having been spotted
there. Some of the spectacular species and families that we have an excellent chance of seeing and photographing
include Harpy Eagle, Andean Condor, Sword-billed Hummingbird, antpittas and dozens of species of beautiful
hummingbirds and tanagers. This tour is also very good for nightbirds, both owls and potoos. Cost: $2,900. For
more information click on this link to our website or contact us at 253-512-1060.
WESTERN ECUADOR - DECEMBER 6-14, 2008
This tour will cover the highlands and Western slope of the Andes Mountains. A variety of habitats will be covered from
high mountain grassland to cloudforest to western lowland tropical forest. Some of the spectacular species and
families that we have an excellent chance of seeing and photographing include Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Giant and
Yellow-breasted Antpittas, Andean Condor and dozens of glittering hummingbirds and tanagers. Cost:$1,800. For
more information click on this link to our website or contact us at 253-512-1060.
Sword-billed Hummingbird photographed at Guango Lodge, Ecuador, September 2006
Canon 20D 500F4 lens, Gitzo Tripod, photographed at 1/60 F5.6 iso 400, with 580ex Fill flash exposure compensation
-1 1/3
The amazing Sword-billed Hummingbird is fairly reliable at both Guango Lodge and at the Yanacocha Reserve.
THAILAND - JANUARY 4-18, 2009
This tour will cover Central and Northern Thailand. We will visit 5 different national parks and wildlife sanctuaries with
habitats varying from tropical savannah to swamp forest to the highest mountain in Thailand. It is an excellent trip for
seeing and photographing a variety of both birds and mammals. Some of the spectacular species and families that we
have an excellent chance of seeing and photographing include hornbills, sunbirds, both Green and Blue Magpies,
gibbons, 3 species of deer and giant flying squirrels. We will also spent a bit of time visiting Thai ruins and temples.
Cost: $3,600. For more information click on this link contact Nate Chappell at 253-512-1060.
Next month's newsletter will include a trip report from our December 2007 tour to Ecuador. My best and
good birding and photography to all of you.
Nate Chappell, Trogon Tours
EASTERN ECUADOR - NOVEMBER 10-23, 2008
This tour will cover the Andes Mountains, Eastern slope of the Andes and the western edge of the lowland Amazonian
rainforests. Ecuador is one of the richest countries for birds in the world with over 1,500 species having been spotted
there. Some of the spectacular species and families that we have an excellent chance of seeing and photographing
include Harpy Eagle, Andean Condor, Sword-billed Hummingbird, antpittas and dozens of species of beautiful
hummingbirds and tanagers. This tour is also very good for nightbirds, both owls and potoos. Cost: $2,900. For
more information click on this link to our website or contact us at 253-512-1060.
WESTERN ECUADOR - DECEMBER 6-14, 2008
This tour will cover the highlands and Western slope of the Andes Mountains. A variety of habitats will be covered from
high mountain grassland to cloudforest to western lowland tropical forest. Some of the spectacular species and
families that we have an excellent chance of seeing and photographing include Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Giant and
Yellow-breasted Antpittas, Andean Condor and dozens of glittering hummingbirds and tanagers. Cost:$1,800. For
more information click on this link to our website or contact us at 253-512-1060.
Sword-billed Hummingbird photographed at Guango Lodge, Ecuador, September 2006
Canon 20D 500F4 lens, Gitzo Tripod, photographed at 1/60 F5.6 iso 400, with 580ex Fill flash exposure compensation
-1 1/3
The amazing Sword-billed Hummingbird is fairly reliable at both Guango Lodge and at the Yanacocha Reserve.
THAILAND - JANUARY 4-18, 2009
This tour will cover Central and Northern Thailand. We will visit 5 different national parks and wildlife sanctuaries with
habitats varying from tropical savannah to swamp forest to the highest mountain in Thailand. It is an excellent trip for
seeing and photographing a variety of both birds and mammals. Some of the spectacular species and families that we
have an excellent chance of seeing and photographing include hornbills, sunbirds, both Green and Blue Magpies,
gibbons, 3 species of deer and giant flying squirrels. We will also spent a bit of time visiting Thai ruins and temples.
Cost: $3,600. For more information click on this link contact Nate Chappell at 253-512-1060.
Next month's newsletter will include a trip report from our December 2007 tour to Ecuador. My best and
good birding and photography to all of you.
Nate Chappell, Trogon Tours
