Marbled Godwit by Maxis Gamez - Fort DeSoto Park, St. Petersburg, Florida

"Being in the field before the sun rises can be extremely rewarding. Birds actively feeding and going about their business allows you to create dramatic images like this silhouette of a Marbled Godwit captured in front of the color-reflected water. So, get up early and have some fun!"

To see more of Maxis' work visit his website at www.gvisions.org.

Equipment Used: Canon 7D, Canon 800mm L @ f/8, 1/500 sec, ISO 400.

Think Tank Airport Security V2.0: The Ultimate Rolling Bag for the Nature Photographer »

There are now 3 openings for NSN's Bears and More workshop in late August of this year due to a couple of last-minute cancellations. Join us! »

Greg Downing will be instructing this intimate small group field workshop to one of the best places on earth to photograph these incredible animals at close range! Special note: EJ Peiker will also be in attendance and is always generous in sharing his vast technical knowledge.

I recently returned to Baltimore from an 18-day trip to British Columbia, Canada where I conducted my annual Loons and More workshop.

Upon arriving late on June 7 at Lac le Jeune, Derick MacDonald was there to greet me himself and it was as if I was arriving at my second home - everyone at Lac le Jeune makes me and all of their guests feel as if we are a part of their family.

Based on my pre-trip discussions with Derick and the chill that was still in the air, I knew I had a challenge in front of me - the weather in Kamloops and the surrounding areas in Canada had been downright awful this spring, and now into summer. As a result of the rainiest Mays on record, coupled with unusually cold spring temps, all of the waterfowl and Loons that breed in the area were nesting 2-3 weeks later than usual. Most other species, such as perching birds and woodpeckers, are behind as well but the rain affects waterfowl and loons to a greater degree due to rising water levels and ice - Lac le Jeune thawed about 2 weeks late in mid May.

The following morning I set out to scout the areas outside of the resort area in search of anything I could find. A quick drive into Kamloops with Derick turned up a new location and a gold mind of opportunities with all sorts of things including Ruddy Ducks in full display, Horned Grebes, Redheads (with chicks) the all too common and easily overlooked American Coot - with several clutches of their bizarre yet cute chicks. I didn't take a single picture that first day but was well on my way to compiling some opportunities for the following days to come, both for myself and for the arriving participants!

For the next two days I searched for all the regular list of characters such as Red-naped Sapsucker, Northern Flicker, Three-toed Woodpeckers, various Passeriformes, a number of species of Waterfowl, Grebes and of course Loons with chicks. My list was coming together nicely as I was successful in finding a good variety of subjects and opportunities.

The first two workshop groups were faced with day after day of heavy overcast, which is great for some things but not so great for Loons. Each day started at 4AM with the anticipation of clear skies. It seemed more often than not participants were met with "back to bed" orders, as it was just too dark to shoot! Although it was frustrating some mornings, I was thankful for the opportunities we did have and how both groups remained positive despite the clouds and rainy times. We did quite well in terms of image opportunities and we made the most of what opportunities were available - that's for sure!

As the last group arrived for the final workshop I was sitting on pins and needles with anticipation for a Loon chick hatch at any time. At this stage we were looking at 10 days past the first hatch dates of the past three years. The weather still presented some challenges but things were starting to turn around. Workshop veteran Graeme Guy who came all the way from Singapore had already spent 6 days with me and was in for 5 more. We were both feeling optimistic and, as we reflected back on what we did photograph, we were pleased so far - but we wanted the loon chicks - mostly I wanted them for him and for everyone else. I already have enough of my own shots! We were both excited that the sun was shining when everyone else arrived and met for our intro dinner.

During the next morning we were treated to the most active displays I have seen of Loon bachelors on the big lake - and in good light!

We would spend the next 4 days in search of photo opportunities of loons, grebes, ducks, woodpeckers, and while we were getting lots of great stuff we were still anticipating loon chicks. But it was not to happen. Until...9:30PM the eve before the final morning. Loons chicks were discovered on a lake just a few miles away - there were reportedly two pairs with chicks - one pair at least was freshly hatched! Upon hearing this I immediately set out to check out the logistics of how we might actually get some images. It required moving 3 small boats onto the lake with electric motors and all the gear. I was ready to do it immediately that night, but I had to wait until 4:30AM the next morning - again hoping for some sun to go along with our recent good fortune. At this stage I had already assessed everyone's departure schedule and while most were staying an extra day or two Graeme was to leave the following morning before dawn. Naturally he was the first to get on the lake, along with Caryl who had just joined us for the last workshop and who was also leaving the following day. As the first two set off across the lake the rest of us scurried to get the next boat, and then the next, until all 6 were safely on the lake safely and with two pairs of loons bearing chicks and at least one more single loon.

We carefully worked our way around them making sure not to disturb the birds or separate the adults from their chicks - or to otherwise get in each other's way. We had a great morning and were finally rewarded with the miracle of loon chicks. Ironically, after a late post shoot breakfast, the Loons on the small lake right outside our windows hatched two healthy newborn chicks as well! With the workshop scheduled to end at noon, but most staying on, I made special arrangements to now split the boats up and get everyone on the various loon chicks we had around and all ended with happy faces and satisfied travelers! Despite the first two groups getting skunked for chicks this is what some had to say about this year's Loons and More workshop. See all testimonials »

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