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When I think of Sequoia I think of
black bears and giant sequoia trees ... but there is much more there than that.
The butterflies, songbirds, and wildflowers that call Sequoia National Park home
make beautiful subjects all by themselves. Like jewels hidden among the
meadows and forests, these subjects are there to photograph if you look for
them. I look for them. If we happen to see black bears we will
photograph them as well, but primarily we will be looking for birds and
wildflowers, and butterflies.
Bring your longest lens, as well as an
intermediate zoom like a 770-200, and a wide angle. The birds
are plentiful but hard to find, the butterflies never stop moving,
while the wildflowers are just waiting for us.
We do a considerable amount of walking
as we move along. The trails are relatively level, and
the weather is usually mild, warmer in the afternoon. |
We meet at 5am in Tulare, or 6am in Three
Rivers - depending upon where you stay if you come the night
before. At this time of the year the summer wildflowers are peaking,
and butterfly activity is at its zenith. This safari is limited to 4
photographers.
The deposit is 50% via check, Paypal, or credit card, and
the balance is due halfway between the deposit date and the
safari date unless you are booking within 3 months, then
full payment is due. Check the main safari page for other
information. Spouses can ride/walk along at no charge,
but you must have your own vehicle to travel in.
Link
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I've spent my 38-year wildlife photography
career shooting in the American West. The first 23
years shooting out of Utah, the past 15 years out of
California. With 1500 published photo credits, dozens
of magazine covers and article, and a lifetime wandering the
roads of the west, the photo safaris that I lead are all to
the best locations, at the best times, during peak wildlife
activity periods. |
| We walk
from meadow-to-meadow, looking for fields of flowers,
usually with butterflies and birds close by. The
meadows are still wet and vibrant, attracting a large
variety of birds, both insectivores and seed eaters. I
photographed a huge variety of birds. You have to
stalk the butterflies, but eventually we find those that sit
still for just long enough. Since the meadows are
still wet, waterproof boots work well. |
Because Sequoia transitions through many life
and plant zones, the variety of wildflowers is truly prodigious and
colorful. They are along the road, in the wet meadows, around
creeks and springs, and in the sequoia/pine forests. Knee pads
help getting down on their level, and citrus-based mosquito
repellant will keep the bugs of you - they are around. |
