21 - 23 January 2025
 

Ever wanted to know how to get fantastic images of shorebirds and waterbirds?
If you have then we have the perfect 2 night tour for you!
We’re heading to the South Coast of NSW, just a couple of hours south of Sydney to one of the states best locations to see and photograph migratory species just after they have arrived after flying from their breeding grounds in the northern hemisphere.

Our base in Nowra allows us to be ideally situated between the hotspots of Shoalhaven Heads and Lake Wollumboola.

These locations are not only pretty regular shorebird hotspots, for species like Bar-tailed Godwit, Red-necked Stint, Pacific Golden Plover, and Eastern Curlew, they have often turned up rarities such as White-rumped Sandpiper, Hudsonian Godwit and Beach Stone-Curlew.

We’ll also photograph terns, oystercatchers, cormorants, egrets and anything else that we come across including raptors and Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos.

Shorebirds
The weekend will focus on all the best techniques and equipment you need to get fantastic, intimate images of shorebirds and water birds.

Bush birds
Depending on weather and conditions we may also have one session focused on bush birds and species such as the endangered Eastern Bristlebird, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos and more.

Birds in flight
There will be great opportunities to hone your birds in flight skills! We’ll help you with the best techniques, settings, and even when to hit the shutter!

Camera Skill
We pride ourselves on helping you get more from whatever camera you have, and increasing your skills regardless of your experience.
We regularly have guests with everything from compact bridge cameras all the way to high end mirrorless bodies and super telephoto lenses.
Obviously for birds, the longer the focal length the better, however whatever camera you have there is no doubt that you will still learn a lot and have great fun doing it!

Fitness
Bringing a sense of adventure and moderate level of fitness will definitely help you to have the best experience!
The best shorebird photography comes from lying down in the wet sand and crawling whilst pushing your camera along in front of you on a body board. It definitely requires a certain level of strength and flexibility..
As with all of our tours though, nothing is compulsory and we will definitely help you to get the best images you can if you can’t get down low; it will simply mean you won’t be able to get super close to some of the birds. If you are unsure, just get in touch and we can discuss suitability.

We’ll be staying at the Pleasant Way River Lodge in Nowra.
Everyone will have their own room, with full motel conveniences including air conditioning, wifi and kitchenette.
We will also have access to their conference room where we can meet for some shooting tips before we head out, as well as some editing tips if time allows. And they also have a cafe on site!

Guides: David Stowe and Henry Cook

NOTES

* You need to make your own way to and from our accommodation Nowra, however we are more than happy to pick you up in Sydney if you are coming from interstate etc
* It will likely be warm out there so be prepared with hat, sunscreen, appropriate clothing etc
* Non-alcoholic drinks included. 
* Unfortunately we cannot control the weather or indeed the wildlife, but we will do everything in our power to find the best subjects to photograph and make the most of any conditions.
* Whilst we are always keen to see and photograph the best birds, our tours are never focused on trying to tick off as many species as possible.

keen to come or find out more?