February 2009 Newsletter

We had our first photo tour of the year from February 8–11. Originally scheduled from January 18–21, it was rescheduled for the February date to allow photographing Osprey building their nests at Cow Island Lake. With only two participants, both requesting the Osprey opportunity, it was an easy decision to make the switch. The decision turned out to be a great one, as the opportunities for photographing Osprey in flight were extraordinary. We timed the tour perfectly as the Osprey were just starting to build their nests and the birds were in top form.

Cow Island Lake is a small Lake fed by the Atchafalaya River near the small town of Butte La Rose. The lake is typical Atchafalaya Basin habitat with large old cypress trees growing from within the water of the lake which provide the platform for the Osprey to build their nest. Its remote location, reduces the amount of boat traffic on the lake making for an ideal location for Osprey to nest. During the May tour last year, we counted 8 active osprey nests and made numerous images with the Osprey flying to the nest. Many of the nests were very low on the water, providing stellar opportunities to photograph the birds as they brought food to the nest with an eyeball to eyeball proximity. Here are several examples of images made from that tour.

Only accessible by boat throughout the year, during much of the year the water is too low to enter the Lake from the River it is only accessible via a trail from the river to the Lake. Requiring a boat trip to the trail head and then a hike to the Lake. Such was the case for the tour, however, due to incredible efforts on the part of Kim and Andrea of Atchafalaya Experience, a plan was hatched to place a shuttle boat in the Lake as well as a floating camouflaged photo blind that provided unparalleled opportunities to photograph the Osprey, here are shots of the shuttle boat and shooting blind.

Here are some incredible shots taken by Darlene Boucher to give you and idea of the opportunity (©Darlene Boucher).

In addition to the Osprey, there were thousands of Tree Swallows on the Lake, here are some of Darlene’s shots of the tree swallows (© Darlene Boucher).

Given the great success of both the May and February tours Cow Island will be high on the list of places to photograph on future tours.

I’ve already had quite a few photographers sign up for my Spring tours. I've visited many of the shooting sites already this year, and while it's still too early for many of the birds to have arrived, things look good for nesting activity again this year. As of today, February 22th, I have the following openings remaining:

April 5–8
2 spots remaining

April 19–22
2 spots remaining

May 10–23
3 spots remaining

I also have one three day custom tour booked and there is time on the schedule for at least one more custom tour so let me know if you’re interested.

If these workshops fill I may add more tours so call and if things are full I may suggest another date not yet established.

The schedule for this year’s tours and workshops is up to date.

As always if there is anything I can help you with please let me know.

Charlie