Join us on a bird and wildlife photo workshop or photo tour to some of the best locations in Southeast Arizona. Southeastern Arizona is renowned for its rich biodiversity and is a popular destination for birders. The region boasts diverse habitats, including mountains, canyons, grasslands, and desert, which provide a home to a wide variety of bird species.

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. Other bird species may include Phainopepla; Pyrrhuloxia; Cactus Wren; Green-tailed, Canyon, Spotted, and Abert’s Towhee’s, Curve-billed and Bendire’s Thrasher; Gambel’s and Montezuma Quail; Summer, Western, and Hepatic Tanagers; Hooded, Scott’s, and Bullock’s Orioles; 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 Owls, Pygmy Owls, Crested Cara Cara, Great-Horned Owls, and other raptors.

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.

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.

Enjoy Arizona during prime birding time and expect to photograph thousands of species! You will also get the chance to photograph other wildlife such as Javalina, coyotes, bobcats, and the many reptiles that call this place home.

Dress appropriately: Arizona's climate can vary, so check the weather forecast before your trip and pack accordingly. Wear comfortable, lightweight clothing suitable for outdoor activities. Consider wearing muted or camouflage colors to blend in with the surroundings and avoid disturbing the birds.

Since we will be shooting a high volume of pictures, please bring a lot of memory cards. We also recommend you bring a portable external hard drive to back up your images. We recommend a 400+ mm lens. The longer the better. Many companies rent lenses if you don’t already own one. Please contact us for suggestions.

When:
Tour 1: April 12- April 19, 2025 (2 spaces left)
Tour 2: April 22-April 29, 2025 (1 space left)

Itinerary:

Day 1: Meet at the hotel at 3 p.m. The hotel has a free shuttle from the airport. Our initial meeting will involve planning for the week ahead. Following our discussion, we’ll head out for an afternoon photo session in the Tucson area. Our aim is to spot fascinating bird species like the Vermilion Flycatcher, Hooded and Bullocks Orioles, Gambel’s Quail, many species of Warblers, Woodpeckers, and more.

Day 2: We will start the day with a sunrise photoshoot at a local wetlands in Tucson, where we may encounter Roadrunners, Bobcats, and various duck species. We will then check out of the hotel and head east to Portal. Along the way, we will make a stop to look for American Avocet, Black-Necked Stilt, and other birds at a well-known playa.

Day 3: We will spend the day photographing birds in and around the popular birding town of Portal. Visits to local birder’s 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 4: We will begin the day with a sunrise shoot before heading west to explore several canyons. Here, we’ll look for various hummingbirds, Elf, Pygmy, and Great Horned Owls, along with a variety of other bird species.

Day 5: Our focus will be photographing birds in the surrounding area, particularly the picturesque Ramsey Canyon. Utilizing bird blinds and backyard setups, we’ll have the opportunity to observe and photograph bird behavior up close.

Day 6: Another sunrise photo session kicks of the day. After checking out of our hotel, we will return to Tucson, making a stop at the well-known Patton Center for Hummingbirds. Here, we may spot various hummingbirds, Gila Woodpeckers, Yellow-breasted Chats, Wester and Summer Tanagers, Northern Cardinals, and many other species. En route to Tucson, a stop at Madera Canyon may offer sightings of hummingbirds, wild turkeys, Hepatic Tanagers, Tufted Titmouse, Acorn Woodpeckers, Black-Headed Grosbeak, and more.

Day 7: Sunrise shoot and we will spend the day exploring the Tucson area visiting several birding hotspots including a stop at Saguaro National Park.

Day 8: Another early morning shoot precedes our return to the hotel for check-out, marking the conclusion of the tour.

Getting There:
Tucson International Airport (TUS)

Skill and Fitness Levels:
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 3 miles. Participants should be in good health and self-sufficient.

What’s Included:

Lodging is double occupancy. If you prefer your own private room (single occupancy). it is an additional $300. 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 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.

After the Tour: 
You will be invited to zoom classes exclusive to past tour participants at no additional cost. Topics will be Lightroom, Photoshop, Wildlife Photography and Landscape Photography.

We will help you create beautiful images but also teach you skills and techniques you can use to take your photography to the next level. When the tour is over, you will have a solid understanding of nature photography and your camera.

Price: $4995 per person

Deposit: $1000

The balance is due 6 months before the start date of tour.

Payment:

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

Cancellation Policy:

Click here to see Testimonials.

Tour Guides:

John Slonina and Jenny Bowlden (leaders)

Two professional nature photographers who have been photographing for several decades. Jenny resides in Tucson, Arizona and has been photographing birds for the last ten years. She knows Tucson and the surrounding areas well. We will help with bird identification and teach you how to get the best bird compositions. During the workshop, you will receive information on photography techniques and the natural world. Understanding nature not only increases your appreciation of it but also helps you become a better nature photographer.

We hope you can join us at this incredible place.

If you have any questions, please contact us.