The Saskatoon: Dancing Grouse Photography Tour offers a captivating experience for nature enthusiasts and photography aficionados alike. Participants will have the unique opportunity to witness the mesmerizing mating dance of the Sharp-tailed Grouse at sunrise, a mesmerizing spectacle that’s truly a sight to behold. Conducted over four hours, this tour accommodates a small group of up to ten guests, ensuring an intimate and personalized encounter with these stunning birds. What sets this experience apart is its commitment to supporting the Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation charity, making it a meaningful way to contribute to local wildlife conservation efforts.
This experience made our list of the 4 Best Tours In Saskatoon.
Key Points
- A premier wildlife photography experience focused on the mating dance of Sharp-tailed Grouse, offered in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
- 4-hour tour priced at £309.24 for up to 4 participants, with a maximum group size of 10.
- Opportunity to photograph birds from vehicle at close range of 2 meters, with the use of telephoto lenses.
- Tour includes a 15-minute drive to the viewing site and observation of the grouse mating dance at sunrise.
- Proceeds from the tour support the Saskatoon’s Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation charity, contributing to local conservation efforts.
Tour Overview
The Saskatoon: Dancing Grouse Photography Tour is a premier wildlife photography experience that takes participants on a 4-hour journey to witness the captivating mating dance of the Sharp-tailed Grouse.
Priced at £309.24 for a group of up to 4 people, the tour offers a unique opportunity to photograph these birds up-close from the comfort of your vehicle.
The tour is limited to 10 participants and is conducted in English. Accessibility is ensured, as the tour is wheelchair-friendly.
Participants can also take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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Experience Details
Witnessing the mating dance of Sharp-tailed Grouse at sunrise is the highlight of this tour.
Participants will have the opportunity to listen to the unique sounds made by the birds during their performance. Using a telephoto lens from the comfort of their vehicle, they’ll photograph the grouse as they engage in their captivating dance just meters away.
The tour also offers the chance to spot migrating hawks, geese, deer, or coyotes. Throughout the experience, participants must maintain silence to avoid disturbing the birds.
This tour isn’t suitable for children under 10 years old, but the proceeds support Saskatoon’s Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation charity.
Itinerary
Participants typically meet before sunrise at the Flying J Travel Center, located at 3850 Idylwyld Dr N, Saskatoon, SK Canada S7P 0A1.
From there, it’s a 15-minute drive to the viewing site. Once at the location, participants can quietly observe the mating dance of the Sharp-tailed Grouse. The birds may come as close as 2 meters, allowing for excellent photographic opportunities using a telephoto lens.
The tour returns to the starting point after the majority of the birds have finished their display, typically within 3.5 to 4.5 hours of the initial meeting time.
What to Bring
To make the most of the photography tour, participants should bring along a few essential items. A warm winter coat, long underwear, and a blanket will keep everyone cozy during the early morning viewing.
Participants should also bring a towel to cover their vehicle windows, creating a makeshift blind to avoid disturbing the birds.
Of course, a camera with a telephoto lens is a must-have to capture the sharp-tailed grouse’s mesmerizing mating dance.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyImportant Notes
During the Saskatoon: Dancing Grouse Photography Tour, it’s crucial that participants maintain silence to avoid disturbing the birds.
Participants should be mindful of their movements and voices, as any disturbance could disrupt the delicate mating rituals of the sharp-tailed grouse.
The tour isn’t suitable for children under 10 years old, as they may have difficulty remaining quiet and composed.
Plus, participants should dress warmly in layers, as the early morning hours can be quite chilly.
Importantly, the tour’s proceeds support the Saskatoon’s Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation charity, making it a meaningful experience for nature enthusiasts and photography buffs alike.
Pricing and Availability
The Saskatoon: Dancing Grouse Photography Tour is priced at £309.24 per group, accommodating up to 4 participants.
The tour lasts 4 hours, with a flexible duration of 3.5 to 4.5 hours. Group size is limited to 10 participants, ensuring an intimate experience.
The tour is accessible to wheelchair users and is offered in English. Participants can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.
This photography tour provides a unique opportunity to witness the mating dance of Sharp-tailed Grouse and capture breathtaking images, while supporting Saskatoon’s Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation charity.
Accessibility and Cancellation
The Saskatoon: Dancing Grouse Photography Tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing participants of all abilities to enjoy the unique wildlife viewing experience.
The tour also features a flexible cancellation policy, providing peace of mind for travelers. Specifically:
- Participants can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
- This policy ensures flexibility in case of unexpected circumstances or changes in plans.
The tour’s accessibility and cancellation options make it inclusive and convenient for a wide range of nature enthusiasts.
Proceeds from the tour support Saskatoon’s Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation charity, adding to the experience’s positive impact.
Supporting Charity
Along With the tour’s accessibility and cancellation policy, the Saskatoon: Dancing Grouse Photography Tour also supports a local charity.
The proceeds from the tour go towards Saskatoon’s Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation charity, which provides care and rehabilitation for injured and orphaned wildlife. This helps to ensure that the tour not only offers an exceptional wildlife photography experience but also contributes to the conservation efforts in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour has an age restriction, as it’s not suitable for children under 10 years old. The tour is designed for participants aged 10 and above who can maintain silence to avoid disturbing the birds.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Participants can bring their own food and drinks for the tour. However, it’s recommended to avoid any loud or crunchy snacks that could disturb the birds during the quiet observation period. Participants should be mindful of their impact on the natural environment.
Is the Tour Guide an Expert Photographer?
The photography tour is led by an experienced guide who is a skilled photographer. They provide expert advice on camera settings and techniques to help participants capture the best photos of the grouse dance.
What Is the Weather Like During the Tour?
The weather during the tour is typically cold and brisk. Participants should dress in warm layers, as the early morning viewing takes place outdoors in potentially subzero temperatures. A blanket and towel to cover windows are recommended to stay comfortable.
Can I Purchase Additional Photography Equipment On-Site?
No, participants cannot purchase additional photography equipment on-site. The tour focuses on observing and photographing the grouse dance, so participants are expected to bring their own camera and telephoto lens for the experience.
Recap
The "Saskatoon: Dancing Grouse Photography Tour" offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness and capture the mesmerizing mating dance of Sharp-tailed Grouse. With a focus on conservation and supported by the Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation charity, this tour provides exceptional photographic experiences while contributing to local wildlife preservation efforts. Whether a seasoned photographer or nature enthusiast, this tour promises an unforgettable and meaningful experience in the heart of Saskatoon’s enchanting landscape.
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