Join us on a birding photography workshop in Southeast Arizona, the country’s hummingbird capital and one of its top birding destinations. The region’s mountains, canyons, grasslands, and deserts create diverse habitats that support an incredible variety of species.

This is prime birding season, with opportunities to photograph a wide range of birds along with other wildlife such as javelina, coyotes, bobcats, and reptiles.

SPRING MIGRATION
We will be spending seven days photographing birds during the heart of spring migration. This is an excellent time for observing a greater variety of bird species. Our goal is to photograph the many hummingbirds found in this region, including broad-billed, Costa’s, violet-crowned, blue-throated mountain gem, Lucifer, and Rivoli’s.

Other bird species may include phainopepla; pyrrhuloxia; cactus wren; green-tailed, canyon, spotted, and Abert’s towhee; curve-billed and Bendire’s thrasher; Gambel’s and Montezuma quail; summer, western, and hepatic tanager; hooded, Scott’s, and Bullock’s oriole; greater roadrunner; black-headed and rose-breasted grosbeak; vermilion flycatcher; lazuli bunting; and bridled and juniper titmouse.

There are many warblers, including painted redstart, red-faced, Lucy’s, and olive. Arizona is home to 12 types of woodpeckers, and we may spot several, including acorn, Gila, Arizona, Lewis’s, and ladder-backed. Other highlights might include elf owl, pygmy owl, crested caracara, great horned owl, and other raptors.

THE ELEGANT TROGON
Birders and nature enthusiasts flock to Arizona in hopes of catching a glimpse of the elegant trogon. Observing these birds often requires patience and a keen eye, as they can be quite secretive and well-camouflaged in their natural habitat. Nonetheless, the opportunity to see such a magnificent bird in the wild is a remarkable experience for bird lovers. We will take you to several hotspots where we might get the chance to photograph this elusive bird.

LOCATIONS
We will be visiting several A+ locations, some of the best in the state. Each area is handpicked to provide the best photographic opportunities in a wide variety of habitats. This includes several wetlands and parks in the Tucson area, as well as the Huachuca, Chiricahua, and Santa Rita mountain ranges. We will also be visiting the homes of several bird experts who have created backyard sanctuaries for hummingbirds and other species. Their set-ups allow for diverse backgrounds and allow you to get fairly close to the action.

WHAT TO BRING
Arizona’s climate varies, so pack accordingly. Lightweight, comfortable clothing is recommended, along with muted or camouflage colors to avoid disturbing the birds. Bring plenty of memory cards and a portable external hard drive to back up images. For lenses, we recommend 400mm or longer. If you don’t own one, many companies rent lenses. Feel free to contact us for suggestions.

WHEN
April 15- April 21, 2027 (sold out)
April 23-29, 2027 (4 spaces left)

GETTING THERE
Tucson International Airport (TUS)

GROUP SIZE
The size of our group is limited to just 5 participants, with two leaders guiding the workshop. Small groups are especially important for bird photography. Larger groups can make it harder to approach birds without disturbing them. With only five participants, everyone has more space, better opportunities in the field, and plenty of individual attention.

ITINERARY

Day 1: We will meet in the hotel lobby at 11 a.m. and check out before starting the drive to Portal. On the way, we’ll stop at a well-known playa to look for American avocet, black-necked stilt, and other birds. The hotel provides a free airport shuttle for those arriving that morning.

Day 2: We will spend the day photographing birds in and around the popular birding town of Portal. Visits to local birders’ backyards will provide opportunities for close-up shots of numerous bird species, including various hummingbirds like the broad-billed, blue-throated mountain gem, Costa’s, Lucifer, and Rivoli’s. Our itinerary also includes a visit to Cave Creek Canyon to look for the elusive elegant trogon.

Day 3: A sunrise shoot starts the day before heading west to explore several canyons. Here, we will look for various hummingbirds, elf, pygmy, and great horned owls, along with a variety of other bird species.

Day 4: Our focus will be on photographing birds in the surrounding area, particularly the picturesque Ramsey and Ash Canyon. Utilizing bird blinds and backyard setups, we will have the opportunity to observe and photograph bird behavior up close.

Day 5: Another sunrise photo session kicks off the day. After checking out of our hotel, we will stop at the well-known Paton Center for Hummingbirds. Here, we may spot various hummingbirds, Gila woodpecker, yellow-breasted chat, western tanager, summer tanager, northern cardinal, and many other species. En route to Tucson, a stop at Madera Canyon may offer sightings of various hummingbirds, hepatic tanager, bridled titmouse, acorn woodpecker, black-headed grosbeak, yellow-eyed junco, and more.

Day 6: Sunrise shoot, and we will spend the day exploring the Tucson area, visiting several birding hotspots.

Day 7: We will start the day with a sunrise photoshoot at a local wetland in Tucson, where we may encounter roadrunners, bobcats, and various duck species. Then we will return to the hotel by 10 a.m. for check-out, marking the conclusion of the tour.

SKILL & FITNESS LEVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Anyone with an interest in photography, from beginner to professional. The participants should have a love of birds and enjoy the company of other people in a small group setting.

• This trip will involve some short flat walks. Some of the walks will be up to 2 miles. Participants should be in good health and self-sufficient.

PRICE INCLUDES

• 6 nights double occupancy lodging. If you prefer your own private room (single occupancy), it is an additional $350. Please select the Single Room option on the shopping cart if you want this option.

• Professional instruction on nature photography and wildlife behavior.

• Permits, admission, and entrance fees.

• Transportation from the hotel to the field locations. There is a free shuttle to and from the hotel. No need to rent a car.

NOT INCLUDED

• Food and drinks. We will eat at local restaurants. Each participant is responsible for their own food tab.

• Air travel is not included.

PRICE
$4995 per person
Deposit: $1000 per person (this reserves your spot)
Balance: $3995 (due six months before tour begins)
Single Room Upgrade: $350 (this will give you a private room)

PAYMENT
Payment can be made by check to Slonina Photography. We also accept credit cards through our online shopping cart.

Cancellation Policy:

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TOUR GUIDES

John Slonina (Leader)
John Slonina is a professional nature photographer with decades of experience leading photography tours and workshops across North America. His work has been published in books, magazines, and calendars, and he is known for combining technical instruction with a deep knowledge of natural history. In this workshop, John will share both photography techniques and insights into the natural world, helping you strengthen your skills and appreciation for nature.

Jenny Bowlden (Leader)
Based in Tucson, Jenny Bowlden is a nature photographer with extensive experience photographing birds and wildlife in Southeast Arizona. She has traveled widely, teaching photography and capturing landscapes and wildlife across North America. Jenny brings a strong background in both field photography and guiding, and she looks forward to helping participants connect with the remarkable birdlife of Arizona while improving their photography skills.