What time do we start?
We’ll begin a little before sunrise in hopes of spotting any early birds (pun intended!), regardless of season.
Do you use audio playbacks to attract birds?
I rarely, if ever, use audio playback. For birds that require audio to identify (Empidonax flycatchers, for example), I take it on a case by case basis to see if it’s absolutely required to make a positive identification. Otherwise, I prefer not to.
How much walking will we be doing versus driving?
Unless you’ve booked a hiking trip, we’ll likely be in the car more than outside of it due to the distances needed to travel from place to place. This is especially true with Yellowtone trips. On Yellowstone trips, expect to walk roughly two miles as we explore many of the signature thermal features. This can vary depending on circumstances. With Grand Teton trips, there will be less walking, though we will still stop at various areas and “poke around.”
How close can we get to the birds to get good photos?
Like all wildlife, I like give a respectful distance to any wild animal, birds included. If possible, I do my best to avoid altering any natural behavior through my actions. This is, of course, especially true for any owls we might encounter. (That’s why a good telephoto lens is highly recommended.)
What kind of clothes should I bring?
Proper clothing will vary wildly depending on the season. For spring and fall, expect variable weather ranging from cold snowy days to abundantly pleasant sunshine. Mornings will likely be consistently cold, while afternoon highs can range from 30s to 60s. In summer, expect chilly mornings with warm days.
Winter can have large discrepancies in temperature depending on the month. In the coldest parts of the season, expect lows in the minus teens with highs in the positive single digits (Fahrenheit). Outside of the coldest months (which are typically December, January), you can expect highs in the teens or twenties with lows in the single digits (again, Fahrenheit). Be sure to bundle up appropriately so you don’t miss the shot in favor of getting out of the elements!
Expect temperatures in Yellowstone National Park to be colder than Jackson Hole. For Yellowstone trips, we’ll be spending the majority of the day above 7,000 feet above sea level, so temperatures will be more brisk than the pleasantly warm temps in Jackson Hole. This is especially true in the spring (May-June) and fall (September-October), so be prepared with warm layers!
For hiking trips, bring any clothes you’d normally go hiking in, plus a warm layer or two in case of chilly weather. Likewise, I’ll be in touch if any rain gear is necessary. If you’re new to hiking, focus on clothes that you’re comfortable moving around in a lot. While cotton is ok in warmer months, it’s generally discouraged due to its lack of breathability and hypothermia dangers in cold weather.
How many birds will we see?
This depends heavily on the season. Catching spring migration will, of course, yield plenty of great surprises and common migratory residents, many of which stay through the summer. In fall, the number drops off as they begin to head out, though picturesque opportunities still abound.
