Wild Birds of Costa Rica Photography Workshop
Experience Costa Rica while photographing beautiful
hummingbirds, tropical birds. plus much more. Enjoy
this relaxed setting at two comfortable lodges hidden
away in the rain and cloud forests.
I have spent a lot of time scouting and putting together this one week trip that offers the serious wildlife photographer more opportunities and a much higher quality shoot than they might get from a two week trip costing much more.
Quality not Quantity This will only be offered to three photographers at a time. This ensures that each guest has an equal opportunity at the multi-flash set up, the most active feeder, or the best seat to photograph the honey creepers.
Hummingbird Photography will be 3 different locations. All three are ideal for my multi-flash set ups. Each photographer will be taught how to use the set up as well as how to make adjustments to remove shadows or to control exposure without blurring the bird. While one photographer is using the multi-flash set up, the remaining two will be using a single flash mounted on their cameras. With such a small group everyone will have plenty of opportunities to capture fantastic hummingbird images.
An Incredible Sight to See, and Photograph. Wild Keel-billed and Chestnut-mandibled Toucans, Collared Aracari and several species of brightly coloured Parrots and Parakeets fly through the jungle around you landing in trees, sometimes in groups of six or eight.
Day 1
Arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport in Costa Rica. No need to wait or wonder what shuttle to take. Grab one of the dozen taxis waiting right at the front exit. Within seconds you will be on your way to the beautiful Hotel Bougainvillea. Taxis at the airport are dependable and accept US funds, trip costs about $26.00 USD or 13,000 colones. If you need spending money, there is an exchange right at the airport close to the baggage pickup, or you can exchange funds at the hotel. When you arrive,there will be a lovely hotel room waiting for you. Take the afternoon to photograph the beautiful orchids, birds and other tropical flowers in the hotel's huge 8 acre tropical garden. The Hotel has free wireless Internet throughout the grounds and in the rooms.
Day 2
Meet for a delicious early breakfast buffet, and after loading the 4x4 SUV we begin our journey. Our first stop will be in the Central Volcanic Mountain Range in which you will find both cloud and rain forest vegetation. Here we will spend half the day photographing Hummingbirds. Last time I was there I counted over a dozen different species. After lunch, we will do some more hummingbird photography before we head to our second location where a stunning waterfall will be our subject. When arriving at the lodge we will unpack and head to the dining area.
Day 3
While eating breakfast at the lodge we will be photographing several colourful species of birds. Such as the Black-headed Saltator, Blue Dacnis, Red-legged Honey Creepers, Green Honey Creepers, and the Great Curassow, just to name a few. We will also set up for hummingbirds at this location. Later we will make a short drive to an ecological reserve, where I have hired a naturalist to guide you and explain interesting habits and facts of the birds and animals that inhabit this bio diverse region;birds like the Chuchalaca, the boat-billed heron, or Costa Rica's largest rodent, the Agouti live here alongside three-toed and two-toed sloths. I have lots of back up locations where other species such as the White-throated Magpie Jay can be found and the Blue-crowned Motmot. Before dinner I have hired another guide who will take us into the rainforest for several different species of frogs such as the Poison Dart Frog and the Red-eyed Leaf Frog.
Day 4
Spend the morning photographing birds from our breakfast table. Tough life! Then we will be on the road again heading to our next lodge located in the wildlife-rich lowlands of Costa Rica. When we arrive at our lodge a quick walk around the property will offer dozens of photo opportunities for wild toucans, brown hooded parrots, orange-chinned parakeets, Montezuma Oropendula , Collared Aracari, just to name a few.
Day 5 & 6
From our base camp we will make short hikes and 10 minute drives to fantastic birding locations including more species of Hummingbirds. Many of Costa Rica's frog species can be found right around the lodge as well.
Day 7
Shoot in the morning, and then return to Hotel Bougainvillea. After freshening up, we will meet for a nice dinner and maybe a swim in their beautiful pool to celebrate a great week of Costa Rica's finest Wildlife Photography.
In the morning I will drive you to the airport.
To veiw other images from my scouting trip to Costa Rica Click Here
The Itinerary Includes:
All accommodations.
All transportation once arriving at your first hotel (Hotel Bougainvillea)
Transportation to the airport.
All breakfasts.
All lunches.
All dinners except the 2 dinners at Bougainvaillea (breakfast only included)
Use and instruction of multi flash setup.
Personlized instruction offered at all times.
Bottled water always on hand.
Not included:
Alcoholic drinks, non-meal time drinks or snacks except bottled water.
January 21 to January 28, 2013. 7 days & 7 nights Wild Birds of Costa Rica Tour/Workshop - Total Cost $ 2,995.00 U.S funds. (double occupancy) We suggest you fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport in Costa Rica on Jan, 21.2013 Depart on January 28th out of the same Airport. 2 openings available
January 28 to Febuary 4, 2013. 7 days & 7 nights Wild Birds of Costa Rica Tour/Workshop - Total Cost $ 2,995.00 U.S funds. (double occupancy). We suggest you fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport in Costa Rica on January 28, 2013. Depart on February 4th out of the same Airport.1 opening available
* Maximum 3 photographers *
Non-photographers: $250.00 discount
Single Supplement: $375.00 additional
Deposit & Registration for Tours/Workshops
A nonrefundable $700.00 USD deposit is required to reserve your spot with balance due 90 days prior to the trip.
If for any reason you cannot go and we can find another participant, you will receive a credit towards another trip.
Please make the check payable to Michael Bertelsen & send to:1 Lake Drive, Huntsville, ON, Canada P1H 1G1
Contact Michael if you have further questions or to check availability and to request a booking.