Snowy Owl trip to Canada

If you want to see and photograph snowy owls flying over a snow-covered landscape and sitting just a few meters away, then you have the opportunity to do so by joining us on this trip.

One of the world’s most exclusive bird species is the snowy owl. It has a circumpolar distribution around the North Pole. In Norway, it breeds sporadically in years with abundant small rodents. It is a very rare owl and is seldom seen. When they breed, the locations of their nests are kept secret. During the winter, some snowy owls gather at specific locations in Canada, specifically near Ottawa. Natur&Foto has contacted one of the most well-known guides in the area, who has been running snowy owl workshops for many years.

In collaboration with him, Natur&Foto will organize an exclusive snowy owl workshop. For a full five days, we will work with the owl. The snowy owl often hunts during the day and in suitable photographic light. It is not very shy, and we will have good photo distance. We will work on photographing it flying over white snowfields, against the sky, perched in its environment, and more. The snowy owl leads a nomadic life and is only together during the breeding season. If multiple individuals appear, confrontations between them can occur.

This is a unique opportunity to see one of the most magnificent species in the world—and not just see it, but also photograph it in wintery surroundings. Our main focus will be the snowy owl, but if other interesting species appear, we may also dedicate some time to them. There could be other owl species and small birds at feeding stations. Common species to photograph may include the great horned owl, boreal owl, cardinal, blue jay, etc.

Photo: Rick Dobsen, Tom Schandy, and Baard Næss

Program

Day 1:
We arrive in Ottawa on Sunday, January 24, depending on the flight schedule. We travel directly to the hotel. If we arrive early, there will be a lecture on snowy owl photography.

Day 2:
We head out early to photograph the snowy owl. We spend the whole day outside with a couple of hours break around midday. We either bring a packed lunch or eat out. In the evening, we review the day’s session and discuss any photographic challenges.

Day 3:
We spend the whole day outside with a couple of hours break around midday. We either bring a packed lunch or eat out. In the evening, we review and edit our photos.

Day 4:
We head out early to photograph the snowy owl. We spend the whole day outside with a couple of hours break around midday. We either bring a packed lunch or eat out. In the evening, we review and edit our photos.

Day 5:
We head out early to photograph the snowy owl. We spend the whole day outside with a couple of hours break around midday. We either bring a packed lunch or eat out. In the evening, we review and edit our photos.

Day 6:
We head out early to photograph the snowy owl. We spend the whole day outside with a couple of hours break around midday. We either bring a packed lunch or eat out.

Day 7:
Return home.

The program may change depending on flight schedules and photographic opportunities. We can never be certain the owls will appear, but they have done so for the past 16 years. It is recommended to have travel cancellation insurance for your flights. We usually know at the beginning of January whether the owl activity will be good or not.

If you want a single room, there is an additional cost. If it is necessary due to the distribution of males and females so that someone must have a single room, the additional charge applies to that person.

Key information

PRICE:
39,950 NOK (The price has been adjusted according to current hotel rates and currency and does not account for future price increases).

Included:
5-day snowy owl photography workshop. Evening photo editing. Transport to and from the hotel and to the snowy owl area. Hotel stay with breakfast for 6 nights. If extra accommodation is needed due to flight dates, it will be added to the price.

Not included:
Flights and meals other than breakfast. We can prepare a packed lunch from the hotel.

Level:
You must be able to move around on flat snowy terrain, but not over long distances. Photographically suitable for everyone from enthusiastic amateurs to professional level. The workshop leader will assist with photographic challenges. Participating photographers should know their own equipment, as the workshop leader cannot be familiar with all camera systems.

Conditions:
10,000 NOK deposit must be paid immediately after registration and is non-refundable in case of cancellation.

Photography equipment: