WILD Lord Howe
8 - 15 Dec 2024
* 7 Nights Twin Share studio unit Accommodation at Blue Lagoon
* Return Qantaslink flights ex Sydney
* Airport transfers on Lord Howe Island
* Expert Photographic and Ecological Tuition
* Morning and Afternoon field sessions focussing on different birds & techniques including wide-angle and super telephotos, birds in flight and more
* Classroom sessions on composition and post processing
* Boat trip to Balls Pyramid (weather permitting)
* Glass Bottom boat cruise & Snorkelling at North Bay
* All Dinners included
$8595 PER PERSON*
*Twin Share. Price subject to availability at time of booking as airfare costs are constantly changing.
Single Supplement cost approx $1300 available on request.
Watch a quick video above showing some highlights!
Join Henry and Dave as we venture to the bird photography paradise that is Lord Howe Island!
Our Wild Lord Howe Bird & Nature Photography Workshop will be a unique opportunity to flock together to hone your skills and capture some breathtaking images.
Lord Howe Island is an island paradise 600km off the east coast of the Australian mainland. Dominated by the iconic mountain skyline of Mts Lidgbird and Gower to the south, and fringed by the most southerly coral reef in the world, this truly is a magical place.
It is home to the endangered endemic Lord Howe Woodhen, endemic subspecies of Golden Whistler and Pied Currawong, as well as numerous breeding seabird species such as the angelic White Tern and noisy Red-tailed Tropicbird.
Obviously we'll be capturing plenty of bird images, plus some great vistas for landscape photography. And don't forget your GoPro or underwater camera as there will also be opportunities for snorkelling the reef and looking for turtles!
CAMERA SKILL
We pride ourselves on helping everyone get more from whatever camera you have, and increasing your skills regardless of your experience.
You definitely don't need to be an expert photographer with a super telephoto lens to enjoy this tour. A lot of the species we will encounter allow a closer approach, so whatever camera you have there is no doubt that you will still learn a lot and have great fun doing it!
FITNESS
There is only one Medium difficulty walk during our Wild Lord Howe tour. A reasonable level of fitness is required to walk up Malabar Hill. This bushwalk has a fairly steep climb and decent. We will always walk slowly taking everyone into account however it might not be for everyone. This is the only slightly difficult walk we attempt during the week.
* We always factor a day off during the week to allow guests to do the Mt Gower walk or go scuba diving if they would like to (at your own cost)
“Thank you Dave and Henry for your easy going and considerate natures.
As over 60’s both my sister and myself were concerned that our abilities to get to where we had to go with a small group of birders was going to be difficult but Dave and Henry both assisted us and understood that we had limitations that younger people did not. Not only that, but we were complete novices when it came to photography and again patience and understanding was freely given. Their help and explanation/demonstration on how to operate our not real flashy cameras was fantastic. Our trip to Lord Howe Island with this tour group was the best and we achieved some pretty good photos because of it. I for one would highly recommend any tour that Flock Wildlife hosted. The combination of the professional photography of Dave and Ecologist and general wildlife knowledge of Henry made this tour fun, informative and an experience I for one will not forget.
Again, thank you Dave and Henry”
Ball’s Pyramid
There is nothing like a boat trip to the imposing Ball's Pyramid. This imposing sea stack rises 550m above sea level and is surrounded by seabirds such as Kermadec Petrels, shearwaters, and White-bellied Storm-petrels. We are often entertained by flying fish along the edge of the lagoon too!
It’s also a great opportunity to test your sea-legs and bird in flight skills as we circumnavigate both Lord Howe Island and Ball’s Pyramid.
North Bay
We also visit North Bay for Black Noddy, Grey Ternlet and some shorebirds, with some snorkelling and turtle spotting on the way on a glass bottom boat.
Ned’s Beach
This famous beach is a short walk from our accommodation and the perfect place to snorkel, have a BBQ dinner, and of course photograph birds! We have early morning sessions here to photograph Sooty Terns of all ages, as well as Common Noddys. Late afternoon sessions focus on capturing the Black-winged Petrels jetting around doing their courtship displays.
Walking
One of the best things about Lord Howe is we walk almost everywhere. Almost all of it is pretty flat and always leisurely!
Flights to and from the island (ex Sydney) are included, and we'll be spending 7 nights together staying at Blue Lagoon Lodge. Accommodation is in twin share studio units with a queen and single bed. Single supplement is available on request.
Blue Lagoon is perfectly situated between the lagoon and Ned's Beach, and also a stones throw from the wonderful Anchorage cafe/restaurant
… mmm coffee...
Lord Howe Woodhen
White Tern
Sooty Tern
Red-tailed Tropicbird
Black Noddy
Common Noddy
Grey Ternlet
Golden Whistler
Pied Currawong
Pacific Emerald Dove
Buff-banded Rail
Black-winged Petrel
Silvereye
Masked Booby
White-bellied Storm-Petrel
Flesh-footed Shearwater
Wedge-tailed Shearwater
Kermadec Petrel
NOTES
* All Dinners are included, however Drinks, Breakfast, Lunch, snacks are not included. On arrival we will go to one of the small supermarkets to allow people to buy provisions. Each unit has full cooking facilities.
* Weather is quite variable so be prepared for a range of conditions including heat/cold/rain/sun!
* As with any tour, unfortunately we cannot control the weather or indeed the wildlife. The itinerary will be flexible to make the most of the weather - especially in regards to boat trips.
* The boat trip to Ball's Pyramid is dependant on the weather conditions and will be decided on by the skipper. Our itinerary typically revolves around this opportunity.
* Ensure that you have relevant sea-sickness medication. Contact us for tips.
