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Cardinal Photo: Specialists in Wildlife & Nature Photography | ||||||||||
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South Texas:
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Wherever you've photographed before in the US, you'll be awed by South Texas. With a density and diversity of bird species matched only by a couple remote areas of Africa, the four counties making up "The Valley" as south Texas along the Rio Grande is called offer over 600 species of birds including 30 endemic species. Better yet, many of these birds are colorful and spectacular to look at. By itself the presence of birds is not enough to
create a photographic opportunity. We've all been to "birdy" locations where the
birds were heard and not seen, or seen only through a scope. But fortunately for
bird photographers, several of the ranch owners in southern Texas have created
photo paradises within their ranches by adding feeders, watering holes and
photographer friendy blinds. The most well known of these groups is Texas Lens
& Land, the brainchild of long-time photographers and conservationist John
Martin as well as Steve Bentsen, who now manages the loosely organized
group. |
Moose Peterson and I were fortunate enough to be able to spend a few
days shooting on the Lens & Land ranches in 2006, including the Martin's properties
and Steve's ranch. In my case I was looking for new destinations for my photo
safaris as well as great images of hard to get species for my own files and
after a week there I was totally sold. The species diversity combined with the
improvements made for photographers and the local hospitality make the location
a no-brainer winner. In a few days of shooting we got stunning images and captured
commercial quality images of 39 species of woodland birds. This year I brought a group of participants back for another exciting week. Texas had more rain this year so in addition to the birds we were treated to a stunning display of blooming cactus flowers.
At all the ranches the feeding and watering stations were well designed with attractive backgrounds. In a semi-desert area like southern Texas water in particular is an incredible bird magnet. Birds you could spend days trying to find in the open will flock to a drip watering station. This enabled us to get nearly non-stop action most of the time. Several ranches also put out carrion at feeding stations designed to bring in raptors including the unique and colorful Crested Caracara and the hard to find Harris's Hawk.
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Local specialties include Green Jays, Painted and Indigo Buntings, Curved-bill and Long-billed Thrashers, a variety of Sparrows and Orioles as well as the beautiful Great Kiskadee, Golden-fronted Woodpecker and many others. Between sessions photographing birds we were also treated to views of mammals including Coyotes and Javelina. |
I'm always sceptical about photo blinds. There are so many ways to build them wrong that they can often be more trouble than they are worth. But the blinds on the Lens & Land properties are a joy to use. They are comfortable, with chairs and even outdoor carpeting in some. And using the blinds allowed us to be quite close to the action at the carefully situated feeders and watering holes. That not only allowed us to photograph some species which might not have approached if we were out in the open but allowed me to be very effective with my 200-400mm lenses--while allowing those participants with 500's or 600's plenty of room to work.
Painted Bunting |
The Lens and Land ranches are one of the best places to photograph Painted Buntings, one of North America's most colorful birds. If you have it, make sure to bring your macro gear as well. Cactus flowers will be in bloom and make for some great "flower portraits". Plus there are all sorts of little creatures if you're interested in photographing them. |
Bronzed Cowbird |
The bane of many native birds and birders, even the Bronzed Cowbird can look magnificent in the right light. Itinerary: April 12: Arrive at McAllen airport. We'll pick you up and take you out to the Lodge for a welcome dinner. April 13-17: 5 days of shooting on private ranches inter-mixed with some workshop sessions on digital workflow and image editing--along with plenty of great home-cooked food along with the ever popular "happy hour" each evening. April 18: Transfer back to McAllen airport. |
(the trip sold out this year, so try to plan soon!)
P.S. If you have an RV or camper and want to save money on accomodations, or are willing to tent camp,
let us know and we can work something out.
For more information:
E-mail: safaris [at] cardinalphoto.com
or Call +1.650.851.8350
New Image Galleries:
Alaska Grizzly Bear safari July, 2006
Botswana Wildlife safari May, 2006
For digital
photo info, |
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