Quick Facts

Read a trip report from a previous tour.

Overview

Come shoot bats in flight in southeastern Arizona, and set yourself apart from the competition! Shoot several bat species, and also nighthawks, in flight in a controlled situation allowing you to obtain stunning, and unique, images.

We will be staying in a cozy lodge near the shooting location, and they have wireless internet! The attached cafe serves good food, and the shoot will begin with dinner and an orientation meeting there. Then we will transfer to the nearby shooting location where we will shoot nighthawks at dusk and then bats. In addition to shooting bats and nighthawks in flight, there will be opportunities to shoot portraits. We will continue to shoot until either the bats or the photographers get tired, usually around midnight. In the morning and afternoon, participants are free. You may catch up on sleep, edit images, shoot in the nearby Coronado National Forest and Chiricahua National Monument (birds, deer, landscapes), or shoot the hummingbirds and songbirds at the lodge.

This tour is intended for photographers who want to capture stunning, and unique, images of bats in flight. The flight and lighting setup will be provided. Participants will have to bring a tripod, a camera capable of operating in bulb mode, and a lens that will cover the 100-200mm range (not including any digital magnification). A 70-200, 80-400, 100-400, or similar, zoom is useful. For animal portrait work, your own flash and a macro lens are recommended.

The tour is limited to 5 participants to maximize shooting opportunities and provide a cozy small-group atmosphere. The tour is not physically demanding, but you must be able to carry your gear short distances and stand for prolonged periods.

Tucson is the nearest airport, but you could fly into Phoenix or Las Cruces, NM. Rent a car, then drive to Portal. A participant list will be provided so you can share transportation.

Bat species likely to be in the area during the shoot:

• Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus)
• California Myotis (Myotis californicus)
• Cave Myotis (Myotis velifer)
• Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus)
• Long-Legged Myotis (Myotis volans)
• Mexican Free-Tailed Bat (Tadarida brasiliensis)
• Pallid Bat (Antrozous pallidus)
• Western Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus Hesperus)
• Western Small-Footed Myotis (Myotis ciliolabrum)

Bat species possibly in the area during the shoot:

• Big Free-Tailed Bat (Nyctinomops macrotis)
• Fringed Myotis (Myotis thysanodes)
• Greater Long-Nosed Bat (Leptonycteris nivalis)
• Greater Western Mastiff (Eumops perotis)
• Lesser Long-Nosed Bat (Leptonycteris curasoae)
• Mexican Long-Tongued Bat (Choeronycteris mexicana)
• Pocketed Free-Tailed Bat (Nyctinomops femorosaccus)
• Silver-Haired Bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans)
• Southwestern Myotis (Myotis auriculus)
• Townsend's Big-Eared Bat (Chorynorhinus townsendii)
• Western Red Bat (Lasiurus blossevillii)
• Western Yellow Bat (Lasiurus xanthinus)
• Yuma Myotis (Myotis yumanensis)

Fee includes:

• All accommodation and evening meals
• Flight photography setup
• Experts to handle the bats and answer questions

Fee does not include:

• Meals for breakfast or lunch
• Transportation from the lodge to the nearby shooting location
• Personal expenses

to book or inquire about this tour.

Itinerary

Day 1	Aug 25	Arrive at the Portal Peak Lodge, Portal, AZ Dinner and kickoff meeting at the Portal Cafe Self-drive to the nearby shooting location Shoot nighthawks and bats until the bats and photographers are tired, approximately midnight
Days 2-4	Aug 26-28	Morning and afternoon to yourself Dinner at the Portal Cafe Self-drive to the nearby shooting location Shoot nighthawks and bats until the bats and photographers are tired, approximately midnight
Day 5	Aug 29	Depart at your leisure

to book or inquire about this tour.

Read a trip report from a previous tour.