This is a unique field trip / workshop experience for a limited group of photographers with advanced skills. Both parts are included in the event price, and please note that the field trip is on either Thursday or Friday and the workshop is on Saturday. The field trip will take you to San Luis Pass, an area of beaches located on the west end of Galveston Island. The mud flats and dunes hold a wide variety of photo opportunities for area birds. Exact locations visited will be based on light, wind, tides and availability of birds.

During the workshop, images captured the day before will be shown and critiqued. Topics discussed will depend on the group but could include shooting techniques, equipment, processing and bird behavior.

Suggested equipment for the field trip: Digital SLR camera with a 300mm or greater lens, 1.4 xs or 2.0x extender for added magnification, flash, tripod, small camera bag, water sandals, towel, hat, snacks and water. There is the possibility most of the trip will be spent on foot outside the bus.

To register for this package, you must click on both the field trip and workshop activities. The price listed includes both.

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You can learn certain rules and guidelines to help you take better nature pictures, but it can be quite difficult to develop your own style and artistic vision, or to capture really unique images. Learn how to go beyond the basic rules of composition to take pictures that are uniquely your own and have that "something extra" that sets them apart. You will learn what it takes to take the difficult images and learn the shooting techniques and strategies you need in the field to capture that decisive moment that defines a special image.

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This inside workshop and outside walk are for those who are new to birding and want tips on using binoculars and watching and identifying birds. After an hour inside discussion, you will take a leisurely walk (about two city blocks) over to the docks, where numerous species of birds are easily seen around the shrimp boat fleet.

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Chimney Swifts chatter over Houston from March to October every year, consuming massive amounts of mosquitoes and other bugs. Chimney Swifts build their nests, raise their families and sleep just feet from where we live. During this workshop, participants will explore the fascinating and secretive home life of these aerial acrobats, and what Houston birders are doing to conserve their declining numbers. Pam will share her experiences of saving a swift roosting tower and developing a citizen science project.

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This seminar is an introductory program on dragonflies, the raptors of the insect world. You may sign up for this seminar by itself, but the Butterflies and Dragonflies Experience, which includes this seminar and a field trip, is recommended. On the field trip, you will have an opportunity to identify all of these creatures in the air.

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Early stage birders will find this event the perfect opportunity to learn about birding and experience the fun of FeatherFest. Attend a seminar on birding tips and songbird information, then go on a field trip to practice what you’ve learned.

Both seminar and field trip are included in this package. To register for both parts, you must click on both the seminar and field trip activities.

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Galveston Island has a rich variety of habitats, including beaches, wetlands, grasslands, woods, ponds and bays, all in a small geographic area. Dr. O'Donell will explain the dynamics of bird appearances throughout the year, why this barrier island is so important to birds, why the birding in the area is among the best in the USA and arguably even the world, and lastly, where you should go and what you should do if you decide to do some local birding on your own.

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For those who have moved ahead of the written word and use iPods and PDAs – and for those who wish they have – this workshop will demonstrate how to take birding high tech! Bird song identification in the field took a big step forward when bird songs and photos became easily accessible on the Apple iPod. If you don’t have an iPod, or just don’t have the birding software, come learn what this easy-to-use yet innovative bird ID tool is all about. Palm pilots and other personal data devices also make it easy to carry around loads of birding information. Find out what’s available at this session.

Note: Adam is not a vendor and does not bring loaded iPods for sale. He will bring a demonstration unit so people can see it in action. Popular field trip leaders Bill Thompson, Bill Schmolker, Jeff Bouton, Jeff Gordon and others use iPods...so join the pros!! Adam is one of those young birding experts who test and employ all the new gadgets. If anything comes on the market prior to FF 2011 he will know about it.

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After this class, you will wonder why you waited so long to start photographing birds on the wing! Flight photography can be made easier if you do the following: (1) Select the right digital camera and auto focus telephoto lens; (2) Learn the right settings to take full advantage of the technology at your fingertips; (3) Learn what it takes to make a good flight photo (best shutter speeds, ISO settings, f-stop recommendations, and more); (4) Learn more about where to go and when to be there; and (5) Know about other equipment that can make you even better at flight photography. Time permitting, a few tricks of the trade in flight photography will be discussed.

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According to the Organic Gardening Web site, lasagna gardening is a no-dig, no-till organic gardening method that results in rich, fluffy soil with very little work from the gardener. The name "lasagna gardening" has nothing to do with what you'll be growing in this garden. It refers to the method of building the garden, which is, essentially, adding layers of organic materials that will “cook down” over time, resulting in rich, fluffy soil that will help your plants thrive. Also known as “sheet composting,” lasagna gardening is great for the environment, because you're using your yard and kitchen waste and essentially composting it in place to make a new garden. Your instructor will explain how to use this gardening method to benefit birds.

Glenn has been involved with the Native Plant Society of Texas for 16 years and has served as State Board President as well as Houston Chapter President. He co-founded the “Wildscapes Workshop: Landscaping to Attract Wildlife.” Glen is also an excellent birder and is teaching an “Introduction to Birding” class at Rice University, Continuing Education Department.

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Photographers don’t need to spend hours processing a single image. A simple workflow is the key to getting images processed and uploaded to the web or in the hands of clients in a short period of time. Demonstration of techniques that can be applied to Lightroom 3, Photoshop CS5, or Aperture. No need to bring your laptop or camera to this class.

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Glenn Olsen has developed this workshop for those who are already “birders” but wish to advance their ID skills. Glen is an excellent birder and is teaching an “Introduction to Birding” class at Rice University, Continuing Education Department.

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Birds and wildlife move and we learn a lot from their movement. Still cameras capture color and posture but video lets us see, hear, and experience birds and wildlife. Come learn how to capture good video with your Digital SLR camera or a video camera. Learn how to capture scenes to tell a story, how to process and edit the clips, and how to upload to YouTube and other online sites. No need to have a video camera or Digital SLR with video capabilities. No need to have video editing software. Learn what you need to know to move into this technology. If you have a video camera or Digital SLR with video capabilities, bring to class for reference.

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