Sandra Lee Photography presents … UTAH – Photographic Workshops
“March Meadowlark Madness”
March 29, 2021 March 30, 2021 March 31, 2021
Pick one or more dates!
Birding, Wildlife and History of Antelope Island State Park, Utah
Workshop leader – Sandy Zelasko
INTRODUCTION
Antelope Island State Park is one of 44 in the Utah State Park system. It is the largest island, at 42 square miles, and one of ten islands located in the Great Salt Lake (GSL). Its beautiful basin and range mountain landscape is a pleasant surprise to those not familiar. Equally unexpected is the diversity of resident wildlife and migrating birds. The Central Flyway intersects the GSL where migrating shorebirds, songbirds and birds of prey find the island a place to rest and feed.
This workshop will encompass the early history of the island, all the wildlife we can spot and some of the early migrants. We’ll be entertained by the ever-loving Western Meadowlark, you can’t miss its beautiful song, the American Bison and a Pronghorn or two as we drive the paved and dirt roads.
John C. Fremont and Kit Carson were the first known Anglos to explore Antelope Island in 1845. Fielding Garr established the first permanent residence on the island in 1848. Today it is the oldest Anglo-built structure still standing on its original foundation, now on the National Register of Historic Places. We will tour the homestead and Audubon’s Important Birding Area in search of the resident Great-horned Owl family, barn owls and more.
The island’s 600+, managed American Bison herd can be found wandering the entire island. An occasional Mule Deer, Coyote, Black-tailed Jackrabbit or North American Porcupine all await you and are just some of the mammals who make the island their home! Other birds we’ll seek out include the Long-billed Curlew, Ring-necked Pheasant, Chuckar, Killdeer, American Avocet, Eared Grebe, Raven, Red-winged Blackbird, Barn Swallow, American Kestrel and many more.
Find a link to a printable bird list for Antelope Island SP HERE. And HERE is an iNaturalist Check List of species found on the island including pictures!
Groups will be very small at just 3 participants each day. As originally planned, your workshop leader will drive and each photographer will have a window seat. However, with coronavirus restrictions it may be necessary to drive separate vehicles. A decision will be made for the comfort of the group. Masks will be required indoors and suggested in the field. We’ll do our best to answer all your photography, birding, wildlife and island questions. Your instructor will get you in the right place at the right time for stunning landscapes in addition to the magnificent wildlife. Yes, there will be time for landscape photography too!
TRIP ITINERARY
“March Meadowlark Madness” Photography Workshops at Antelope State Park, UT offers three dates to choose from, Monday, March 29th, Tuesday, March 30th and/or Wednesday, March 31st 2021. You can mix and match these three dates or attend a single day. Days will begin at 6:30 AM and end the same day at Sunset. Photographers of all levels are encouraged to participate. A low student to instructor ratio affords individual attention and flexibility. (See below for multi day discounts if booking more than one day.)
Please plan to arrive and check into your hotel in Layton, UT the day before your scheduled workshop. We will meet in front of the La Quinta Inn & Suites, 1965 North 1200 West, Layton, UT 84041 at 6:30 AM and travel to the park as a group. You are responsible for transportation to and from Layton, UT but will travel in our vehicle during the day of your workshop (depending on coronavirus guidelines).
If you are flying to the area, you can reserve and pick up a rental car at Salt Lake City International. Your drive from the airport to Layton is approximately 28 miles or a 45-minute drive north on Interstate 15. Layton, UT has all conveniences you will need. Fuel (unleaded & diesel), lodging, eateries and shopping.
Your instructor has an exciting workshop planned for you. Note that this itinerary will be flexible in response to weather, lighting, location of animals, client safety and/or desires of the group. Midday is set aside for lunch, personal errands, rest and/or image review. Your instructor will be available and welcomes your questions during workshop hours but will need time to review upcoming activities during midday hours.
A typical day will go something like this: Photograph the beautiful scenery of Antelope Island and its wildlife with an emphasis on Western Meadowlarks and other migrating birds. Depending on what we find, we may stay in a location a significant length of time before moving on to the next scheduled spot. We will break for lunch (picnic or back to town) and then resume photographing in the afternoon until sunset (approximately 8:30 PM). There is no night photography scheduled for this workshop as the park closes at dusk.
Plan your breakfasts to go and have snacks, water and lunches available in the event we stay longer at a location than anticipated. Your host will have water and snacks for you while in the field but suggests planning carefully by purchasing your favorite treats to have handy. Please let us know if you have food allergies or a medical condition that might conflict with our snack choice. We will do our best to accommodate your needs. Bring a refillable water bottle.
DISCLAIMER: This workshop is designed for the nature photographer. We will spend time searching for birds and other wildlife with the best photographic possibilities from our vehicle. Conditions in the field can vary. There will be NO hiking just short walks on level, well-worn paths suitable for individuals who enjoy a less strenuous level of activity. There will be opportunities to photograph breathtaking landscapes, migrating birds, with an emphasis on western meadowlarks and wildlife such as pronghorn, bison, mule deer, flora and more. We will concentrate on getting the best possible images while adhering to responsible wildlife guidelines set forth by Utah State Parks. March is a perfect month to photograph on the island BEFORE the biting gnats and mosquitos arrive.
DETAILS
INVESTMENT: $225 per person for one day – 3 participant maximum each day (Minimum of 2 participants necessary at the quoted price. Note: In the event, there less than 2 participants, a small group supplement of $50 may be added to the price above for each person.)
*** INTERESTED IN BOOKING MORE THAN ONE DAY? Take $25.00 off your second or third day if booked by December 31st, 2020. ***
Deposit: Workshop total of $225 will hold your spot. Any balance is due by Friday, February 12, 2021. Make your payment out to Sandra Lee Photography and either mail to 15864 Severino Lane, Valley Center, CA 92082 or call 760-749-2174 to process your credit card. Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, Venmo, check and money order are all acceptable forms of payment.
What is included:
· Trip leader/instructor, Sandy Zelasko, who will work to get you in the right place at the right time for stunning imagery and fun wildlife.
· Transportation for each day of the workshop, to and from Antelope Island. All participants will have a window seat! (Covid dependant)
· Two field sessions per day, personal photographic instruction and image reviews as schedule permits.
· Antelope Island State Park entry fees.
· 25+ years of instructional experience, insured, licensed, CPR/AED/First Aid certified and a National Park, NWR & State Park permit holder.
· Snacks and water during the workshop. (Please bring a reusable water bottle.)
· An enthusiastic, passionate and experienced nature photographer professional at your side!
Not included:
· Lodging, airfare to/from Layton, UT, transportation and meals.
· Trip insurance. You are encouraged to purchase trip insurance in case of an unforeseen emergency which requires you to cancel.
Cancellation policy:
· Cancellations 46 days prior to workshop, full refund, less $75 processing fee.
· Cancellations made 45 days from the start of the workshop are non-refundable.
Thank you for considering Sandra Lee Photography for your Antelope Island State Park adventure. We know there are many photography workshops to choose from. You will find our small class size leaves time for enhanced personal attention and photographic discussion. Please visit InvestInNature.org for information on our other photographic workshops.
RESOURCES
To help plan your trip, visit the links below. Workshop dates were selected so that participants may have an opportunity to explore additional attractions in and around the Salt Lake City area.
Lodging recommendation:
· Visit https://www.wyndhamhotels.com, search for the La Quinta Inn & Suites, 1965 North 1200 West, Layton, UT 84041-1939 or call 1(801)776-6700.
(Easy access off I-15 and a straight 10-mile, 15-minute drive to Antelope Island.)
Additional attractions in the Salt Lake region:
· Bear River National Wildlife Refuge - https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Bear_River_Migratory_Bird_Refuge/visit/plan_your_visit.html for Tundra Swan migration.
· Utah State Parks - https://stateparks.utah.gov
· Salt Lake City Tours - https://www.saltlakecitytours.org
· You are less than a day’s drive from Grand Teton National Park so why not extend your stay? Look for Sandy’s next workshop in the park!
Suggested packing:
· Bring a laptop with photo editing software. (A more extensive packing list will be sent upon registration.)
· Suggested packing and equipment list will be available upon receiving your deposit.
These pages contain lots of information. If you have questions, please feel free to call. Sandy can be reached at 760-749-2174. Thank you!
Sandy Zelasko, DBA Sandra Lee Photography maintains the proper permit in all National Wildlife Refuges and National & State Parks where workshops are offered for the purpose of field guided photography instruction. It is good practice to make sure any company you use have the proper permit and insurance to conduct business safely and lawfully.
ENJOY THE GALLERY (See more HERE)
