Early Spring Bird Migration Have you noticed birds flying north...it will be great!     

****THIS TRIP IS LIMITED TO 7 PARTICIPANTS****

Instructors Stephen and Bird Man Darrel!

BOOK TODAY - SMALL GROUP FOR BIRDING!

We will not add a second van or group!

3 Day Trip...March 8-10th, 2026

Join us on our “WE DRIVE YOU” photo birding trip during the start of spring migration.  This trip is led by Stephen Weiss and Darrell Eaton, our resident birding expert.  All images below are recently taken by Darrell.

We’ll drive on Day 1 with a stop at Watkins Woolen Mill State Park — the only 19th century textile mill in the U.S. with its original machinery intact. The we will have dinner and an early bedtime; we’ll rise very early the next morning. If skies cooperate the first evening we’ll look for the Milky Way before retiring.  The first night will be in Mound City Missouri

Sunrise is about 7:30 a.m.; we’ll arrive at Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge before dawn because birds feed at first light. We’ll spend several hours at the first site, then proceed to Big Lake State Park for a couple more hours. After lunch we’ll head south for a late afternoon shoot at Weston Bend State Park.  Dinner time will depend on birding.  Night 2 we will be staying near the KC airport.

On Day 3 we’ll be out early at Smithville Lake, hoping birds fly right by us. We’ll then return home, with possible photo stops along the way. 

Remember: birds have their own minds, but with spring migration beginning we expect to see eagles, ducks, snow geese, pelicans and more.

This price does not include food...Stephen will pay and add it up at the end.  It will be cheap!

Packing / Gear Checklist

• Camera body(ies) and backup (fully charged)

• Telephoto lens (300mm+ recommended) and midrange lens - 

• Tripod or monopod and fast release plate

• Extra batteries and memory cards

• Lens cleaning kit and microfiber cloths

• Polarizing and neutral density filters (optional)

• Binoculars and field guide / bird ID app

• Headlamp/flashlight with red setting

• Weather appropriate clothing: layers, waterproof jacket, hat, gloves

• Sturdy walking shoes or boots

• Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses

• Snacks, refillable water bottle

• Seat cushion or portable stool (optional)

WE WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH A FINAL EQUIPMENT LIST...LONGER LENSES ARE BETTER!

FROM DARREL…

I’m excited to be going on this trip to photograph birds with you all. I have been photographing all kinds of birds for around 4 years. My favorites are birds of prey. Looking forward to meeting everyone and sharing what I have learned over the years.

Things we will teach you,

1.      Be Patient.

2.      Learn your subject. Bird photography is different than photographing models. Birds will not sit still for you.  

3.       What lens is best to use for bird photography.

4.      What camera mode works for you.

5.      Best camera setting

No refunds or holds.