Trogon Photo Tours

MALHEUR OREGON PHOTO WORKSHOP (Sold Out)

April 18-23, 2017

Workshop April 18-23: Join professional photographer  Ken Archer for an exciting 6 days of photographing birds and wildlife at one of the top breeding bird locations in the US. This trip is limited to 4 students to ensure a lot of personal instruction for each of the attendees. Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Southeastern Oregon attracts large numbers of nesting and migratory birds, along with quite a few mammals.  Large numbers of curlew, avocet, snipe, stilt, phalarope and willet all nest on the refuge.  Other avian highlights include several nesting pairs of Great Horned Owls, displaying Sage Grouse and nesting waterbirds of many varieties.  The shorebirds, waterbirds and Sage Grouse provide consistently excellent photo opportunities.  As far as mammals go Pronghorn Antelope, Mule Deer, and Black-tailed Jackrabbit are common, there are large herds of wild horses that we spend some photographing. 

Ken will provide in field instruction and answer any photographic questions that you may have.  Ken will also be giving  digital presentations on photographing birds in the wild and technical photography discussions featuring his images.  In the evenings we will do some image review and critique of photos for whoever wishes to participate.

Cost and Logistics:  

April 18-23: 2,095 per person, $250 single supplement.  This includes all lodging, instruction, guiding and permits.  It does not include meals, snacks, beverages or transportation.  The fee for a nonphotographer spouse or companion to join the trip is $400. Deposit is $500.

For the  workshop for transportation you will need to arrange your own vehicle  We will carpool locally around the refuge. The nearest airport to Burns is Boise, Idaho, about a 3 hour drive.  To reserve your place on the tour we are requesting a deposit of $500.



Number of participants: Maximum of 4 photographers

Equipment needed:  The longer the lens the more opportunities you will have at Malheur. The minimum size lens that you would want to have would be 300mm. 

April 18, 2017 - Arrive in Hines/Burns, Oregon. Meet at the hotel at 5pm.  After dinner Ken will give his presentation, photographing birds in the wild. Lodging:  Best Western Rory and Ryan Inn, Hines, Oregon.

April 19, 2017 - We will have an early morning breakfast at the hotel and head out for a morning photo shoot.  The agricultural fields southeast of Burns attract lots of curlews, avocets, ibis and other species such as Yellow-headed Blackbirds.  After lunch Nate will give a presentation back at the hotel on using flash for bird photography.  We will go out in the evening to explore the roads around Burns and the abundance of wildlife there.  Lodging: Best Western Rory and Ryan Inn, Hines, OR.

April 20, 2017 - In the morning we will drive to the northern part of the refuge.  The fields and marshes here attract Burrowing and Short-eared Owls as well as a host of waterbirds such as Eared Grebe and Ruddy Duck.  We will return to Burns and check out. Then we will drive to Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.  We will check a Golden Eagle nest that has been active most years and can be photographed from one of the refuge roads. Then we will drive through the central and southern part of the refuge (about a 40 mile drive) stopping at a few of the better ponds on the way.  That evening we will stay at the historic and comfortable Frenchglen Hotel.  Lodging: Drovers Inn,  Frenchglen Hotel comfortable accommodation.

April 21, 2017 - In the morning we will drive down south of the refuge looking for wild horses.  In the afternoon we will photograph waterbirds from the central refuge road.  This road is excellent for Ruddy Duck, Eared Grebe, Cinnamon Teal, Redhead, Ring-necked Pheasant and many other birds.  We will be shooting from our vehicles this afternoon, so a beanbag for support is very helpful.  In the evening we will review images together. Lodging: Drovers Inn, Frenchglen Hotel.

April 22, 2017 - This morning we will visit a Sage Grouse lek   This is a spectacular experience with male birds sometimes fighting near the cars.  In the afternoon we will visit the refuge headquarters.  At this time of year the Belding's Ground Squirrels have just had their young and they make for great photo opportunities.  All of those ground squirrels also attract predators.  Red-tailed, Swainson's and Ferruginous Hawks as well as Golden Eagles and Prairie Falcons are often seen on this workshop. After dinner we will review and critique images.  Lodging: Drovers Inn, Frenchglen Hotel.

April 23, 2017 - After an early morning breakfast we will go the Sage Grouse lek again. After checking out we will head back toward Burns stopping at the refuge headquarters on the way back.