We’ve got all sorts of goodies today for bird photographers. First, I’ve written up some of my favorite “pro” tips for bird photographers in a blog post for Photodex (makers of ProShow, our favorite slide show software). Photodex also put together a cool video from some of the shots from our previous South Texas bird photo workshops to accompany the blog post.

And tonight (Wednesday, February 3rd) I’ll be speaking (and showing illustrative images, with plenty of tips and tidbits of advice) on South Texas Bird photography at the Bay Area Bird Photographers meeting (7:30pm at the Palo Alto Baylands). It is free and open to all. I hope you can join us! (Meeting info at the end of this article).

Valentine’s Day Special Discounts!

Finally, we’ve got two great discount offers for you. First, we’re running a Valentine’s Day Special on our April Texas bird photo workshop. $250 off for anyone signing up by February 14th. You can visit the trip website to learn more, or sign-up, or email us at safaris [at] cardinalphoto.com if you have questions or to register. Second, we’re pleased to pass along a special 20% discount on our favorite ProShow slide show software. Simply follow this link and then use Promo code CARDINAL20 when you check out!

The Bay Area Bird Photographers Meeting
Wednesday February 3 7:30-9:00 PM
Location: Lucy Evans Baylands Interpretive Center on East Embarcadero Rd., Palo Alto

Our February program will be "Birds and Bird Photography in South Texas" presented by veteran travel and nature photographer David Cardinal, who writes:

"South Texas, stretching from Padre Island on the Gulf of Mexico, across the Rio Grande Valley towards Big Bend, and up to the Hill Country, has not only one of the most varied bird habitats in the US, but one of the most productive areas for birders and bird photographers alike. It combines the awesome shorebird photography you find in California or Florida with world-class desert birding and a busy migration corridor connecting Latin American wintering grounds with North American breeding grounds for many species.

"Beyond the natural advantages, South Texans have also created a birding and bird photography paradise that caters to enthusiasts of all interests and ability levels. The combination even makes difficult to photograph species like woodland birds and raptors ripe for excellent images. Some of the most colorful birds in North America -- including three species of Buntiing, Green Jays, and Crested Caracara are plentiful. I'll show plenty of images of many of them, and provide some tips on photographing them. I'll discuss some of the options for increasing your chances of a successful bird photography trip, including parks, World Birding Centers, private ranches, and photo tours -- all illustrated with images of some of the many species I've photographed there. With over 500 species of birds living or moving through South Texas, it pays off to do some advance planning to make the most of your time."

2775 Embarcadero Rd. From 101, take Embarcadero Rd going East (towards the Baylands). At the stop sign at the very end of Embarcadero, take a left (staying on Embarcadero). The Interpretive Center is on the left along the jetty path after the Duck Pond. Parking is on Embarcadero, in the lot on the right (just as the road bends again). More...