You haven’t really seen a Gannet until you see the activity at a breeding colony. Bonaventure Island is perhaps one of the world’s best places to teach avian flight technique. Other photographic opportunities will include all aspects of breeding behavior; courtship display, bowing, sky pointing, fencing (two mates clashing their bills together while pointing skyward), mutual preening and copulation. Most of the nests will be occupied and will contain babies at various stages of development. We’ll be feet away from adults feeding their young on their nests.

Access to the Island is by a two mile boat trip only, during specific times and is tightly controlled. We have arranged daily boat transportation with special permission to land early. Once landed on the island, we’ll be hiking (with our gear) approximately 1.75 miles (mostly up hill) to the colony, where we’ll spend the entire day.

Equipment: Our close proximity makes this an ideal workshop for those who don’t have super telephoto lenses. 17-40, 28-135, 70-200, 100-400mm lenses are all put to good use, as are 300 and 400mm fixed focal lengths. Optional 500mm lenses are not mandatory, but could prove useful. Bring lots of memory, as the photo opportunities are endless.

Other possible species from the boat include: Kittiwakes, Gulls, Murres and Guillemots that nest on the 250 foot cliffs of Bonaventure Island.

Dates:

August 12-14 , 2007 with introductory slide show the morning of August 12.

Price:

US $895 (Includes three days instruction, slide shows/digital editing tips in classroom setting in the evenings and special "early" direct boat transportation each day as well as all Park access fees.

Hotel and meals are not included.

Getting there:

77km from Gaspe Airport
776km from Quebec City Airport
1029km from Montreal Pierre Elliot Trudeau Int’l Airport

Hotel:

Though not mandatory, we strongly recommend staying at the Auberge de la Montagne in the picturesque French fishing village of Perce where we have secured a block of rooms at a special reduced rate of CAD$96.83 single or CAD$103.65 twin per night including breakfast each day.

Reservations and check-in:

Riotel Perce, 261, Route 132, Perce, QC, G0C-2L0 1-800-463-7468
Accomodations : Auberge de la Montagne (owned by Riotel Perce), 10 Chemin de l’Auberge, Perce, QC, G0C-2L0 Please call before June 15 to secure your guaranteed room via credit card.

If you would like to register for this workshop, please fill out the registration form below. ( * = Required Field ) A non-refundable deposit of $450 is required to reserve your spot.