Best of Texas

Photo Safari & Expedition

April 22 - 26, 2013 (5 Days)

STILL SPACE LEFT!

Based out of Edinburg, Texas, this workshop includes two days in the dug-out blinds of the coveted Laguna Seca Ranch, two days in the predator blinds of the renowned Martin Refuge (the first Texas ranch to offer private photography and the founding force of the Texas Valley Land Fund contest) and a day out in the amazing wetlands of Estero Llano Grande State Park.The locations have been carefully selected and their owners feed the birds daily and maintain water drips and ponds; this ensures a steady flow of avian visitors accustomed to the activity in the blinds - and lots, and lots of birds.

Greater Roadrunner MEEP! MEEP! Geococcyx californianus, Grand Géocoucou GRRO (Also known as: chaparral cock, ground cuckoo, snake killer) Laguna Seca Ranch, Linn, Texas. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon 1D MK IV, 500mm F4 L IS, 2X Teleconverter III . ISO 250, F9 @1/500s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION

This workshop is designed to target a wide array of highly sought after Texas specialties including the Crested Caracara and Harris Hawks of the Martin Refuge and the Audubon's Oriole, Olive Sparrow, Long-billed and curved-billed thrashers, Golden-fronted Woodpecker, Green Jays, Northern Cardinals and, of course the Greater Road-Runner of Laguna Seca. A day out between the blinds at the ranches to Estero Llano Grande State Park will round-out our portfolios nicely with the abundant wetland birds. Estero Llano Grande State Park is the equivalent of Disneyland for birds with it's huge and accessible wetlands environment and shallow lake, fringed with marsh cane. Among it's impressive bird list are the Commonly seen species include the great kiskadee, plain chacalaca, Altamira oriole, green jay, groove-billed ani, tropical parula and three different kinds of kingfishers. Grebes, coots, black-bellied whistling ducks, and an assortment of wading birds like the great blue heron, roseate spoonbill and long-billed dowitcher also are plentiful. Rabbits, frogs, toads, turtles, snakes, raccoons and the occasional bobcat are just some of wildlife that may be spotted.

Harris's Hawk  (Parabuteo unicinctus, Buse de Harris, HAHA) Martin Refuge, Edinburg, Texas. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DsMKIII, 500mm F4 L IS,  & 1.4X Extender III. Jobu Jr. 3 (save 15% OFF use the coupon code "NATURE" at the Jobu website store checkout HERE) & tripod. ISO 800, f/6.3 @1/2,500s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION

We'll get together for a pre-workshop get together on the evening before the workshop starts at the hotel in Edinburg. This will be followed by five days of intense and action filled photography and instruction. Two days in the blinds of Laguna Seca followed by a day at Estero Llano Grande State Park and then two days in the blinds of The Martin Refuge. There will be plenty of time to break for lunch and return to the hotel for mid day breaks each day.

Harris's Hawk  LANDING (Parabuteo unicinctus, Buse de Harris, HAHA) Martin Refuge, Edinburg, Texas. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS-1D MKIV, 500mm F4 L IS. Jobu Jr. 3 (save 15% OFF use the coupon code "NATURE" at the Jobu website store checkout HERE) & tripod. ISO 1,600, f/5.6 @1/1,600s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION

Who should attend:

This workshop is highly recommended for any level photographer. Whether you are completely new to nature photography, an experienced amateur, or a seasoned pro. There will be something to photograph and we will have plenty of time to tailor your instruction to your abilities. The seasoned pro can take full advantage of the logistics, my site and subject knowledge.

Harris's Hawk  (Parabuteo unicinctus, Buse de Harris,HASH) Martin Refuge, Edinburg, Texas. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon 1D MK IV, 500mm F4 L IS, Jobu Jr. 3 (save 15% OFF use the coupon code "NATURE" at the Jobu website store checkout HERE) & tripod. ISO 1,000, F6.3 @1/800s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION

Getting there:

Our base of operations is the The Best Western Plus Edinburg Inn & Suites, located just 11 miles (20 minutes drive) from McAllen International Airport (MFE) in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas.I have a block of rooms reserved at The Best Western Plus Edinburg Inn & Suites at amazingly low prices (Executive Suite $79.99/night or Juniour Suite at $69.99/night plus tax).

Harris's Hawk  Banking (Parabuteo unicinctus, Buse de Harris, HAHA) Martin Refuge, Edinburg, Texas. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS-1D MKIV, 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L IS USM @300mm. Jobu Jr. 3 (save 15% OFF use the coupon code "NATURE" at the Jobu website store checkout HERE) & tripod. ISO 2,500, f/5.6 @1/1,600s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION

Group size....

Our group will be limited to six participants.

Price:

Price: $2, 295.00 per person. Workshop fee includes personalized instruction, daily ranch access fees, use of the blinds and bird food and bait. Fees do NOT include your food, accommodations, transportation or any other items of a personal nature. Sales Tax: Canadian residents add 5% GST - Quebec Residents add 5% GST and 9.5% QST.

Questions....

Feel free to email me at: chris@chrisdoddsphoto.com or call me at +1 (450) 264-5757

Greater Roadrunner PORTRAIT Geococcyx californianus, Grand Géocoucou GRRO (Also known as: chaparral cock, ground cuckoo, snake killer) Laguna Seca Ranch, Linn, Texas. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon 1D MK IV, 500mm F4 L IS, 2X Teleconverter III . ISO 250, F9 @1/500s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION