We have no courses currently scheduled for 2024. Due to instability in Ecuador, future tours will be done in a different destination. Please check back.
Ecuadorian Hummingbirds
- At the northwest Pichincha region and around Quito.
- Minimize changing of hotel locations.
- Minimal travel time in a comfortable bus.
- Ample time for photographing birds.
- Short, easy walking excursions.
- Incredible diversity (Up to 40 different species of hummingbirds in this tour)
- Scouting of birds by local guide.
- Multi-flash photography and LED instruction with two different set-ups.
- Teaching also includes conventional techniques using natural light and fill-in flash and LED as well.
- Novice and seasoned photographers, are all welcome.
- Lodging, transportation and food are included.
- Only 8 participants (minimal 4 to run the tour)
- Learn not only hummingbird photography but also the biology of these beautiful birds
Itinerary
Friday, September 15, 2023
Arrive to Quito. It is the second-highest capital in the world at 9,350 feet (2,850 meters) above sea level. It's also the closest city to the equator.
Our driver will meet you at the airport and bring you to your comfortable, double-occupancy room. We are staying very close to the airport in the town of Tababela in a lovely lodge. (www.quintalaconstanza.com).
Please plan to arrive by 3:00 pm if possible, so that you'll have a chance to rest up before our 6:00 pm Welcome Dinner. Daniel Zdonczyk and Juan Bahamón, your tour leaders, will present an overall tour outline.
Mother Nature is, at times, unpredictable, and the itinerary might change due to unsuspected weather conditions or if our local guide spots a better hummingbird density at an alternative location.
Our driver will meet you at the airport and bring you to your comfortable, double-occupancy room. We are staying very close to the airport in the town of Tababela in a lovely lodge. (www.quintalaconstanza.com).
Please plan to arrive by 3:00 pm if possible, so that you'll have a chance to rest up before our 6:00 pm Welcome Dinner. Daniel Zdonczyk and Juan Bahamón, your tour leaders, will present an overall tour outline.
Mother Nature is, at times, unpredictable, and the itinerary might change due to unsuspected weather conditions or if our local guide spots a better hummingbird density at an alternative location.
Saturday September 16, 2023
After an early breakfast, we will take a two-hour trip to the Northwest of the Pichincha province, considered by some to be the world's richest ornithological region.
We will stay at Sachatamia Lodge, which will provide comfortable double-occupancy cabins. There is a pool for relaxing. The food is excellent. Internet available.
We will visit the feeders at Los Dos Corazones (www.los2Corazones.com). A specially- designed hummingbird photography studio will allow us to try creative macro, silhouettes, and out-of-the-box compositions with the numerous hummingbirds. Species include the fantastic Violet-tailed Sylph, Fawn-breasted brilliant, Booted Racket-tail, Green-fronted Brilliant, Tawny Hermit, and Brown Inca. The gardens will provide us all the flowers necessary for our props.
An Ecuadorian lunch will replenish our energy before continuing with the afternoon session. The tame hummingbirds feeding at photogenic flowers will give ample opportunities to photograph. The numerous, colorful tanagers will pose at close range for your delight.
We will stay at Sachatamia Lodge, which will provide comfortable double-occupancy cabins. There is a pool for relaxing. The food is excellent. Internet available.
We will visit the feeders at Los Dos Corazones (www.los2Corazones.com). A specially- designed hummingbird photography studio will allow us to try creative macro, silhouettes, and out-of-the-box compositions with the numerous hummingbirds. Species include the fantastic Violet-tailed Sylph, Fawn-breasted brilliant, Booted Racket-tail, Green-fronted Brilliant, Tawny Hermit, and Brown Inca. The gardens will provide us all the flowers necessary for our props.
An Ecuadorian lunch will replenish our energy before continuing with the afternoon session. The tame hummingbirds feeding at photogenic flowers will give ample opportunities to photograph. The numerous, colorful tanagers will pose at close range for your delight.
Sunday, September 17, 2023
This morning will travel to a nearby town, Pedro Vicente Maldonado Lodge to practice more multi-flash techniques at Tutti-frutti Ecological farm. We will have plenty of opportunities to photograph the Rufous-tailed hummingbird, White-neck jacobin, Green thorntail, Brown violetear, White-whiskered hermit, Purple-chested and Andean Emerald among others.
Monday, September 18, 2023
After breakfast, we will travel a short distance to the nearby Bird-Watchers House (www.birdwatchershouse.com), where the Gorgeted Sunangel, Speckled Hummingbird, Andean Emerald, Empress Brilliant, among others, will give us many opportunities for memorable images.
Both perched hummingbirds and multi-flash set ups will allow us plenty of chances to hone your skills.
Box lunch provided.
Both perched hummingbirds and multi-flash set ups will allow us plenty of chances to hone your skills.
Box lunch provided.
Tuesday, September 19, 2023
Today, we will return to Los Dos Corazones Nature Reserve for another chance at the hummingbird feeders. You will explore the changes created by using different backgrounds and you will also learn to choose the appropriate flowers to match the birds' colors.
We will experiment with hummingbird silhouettes and macro lenses to visualize the minuscule mites living on their beaks and even hummingbird water reflections!
We will practice with photogenic perches for the multiple colorful tanagers and toucanettes that are abundant there.
After lunch, we will visit a nearby place called Balcon Tumpique. There we will have the chance to photograph the Green-fronted Lancebill and similar species.
We will experiment with hummingbird silhouettes and macro lenses to visualize the minuscule mites living on their beaks and even hummingbird water reflections!
We will practice with photogenic perches for the multiple colorful tanagers and toucanettes that are abundant there.
After lunch, we will visit a nearby place called Balcon Tumpique. There we will have the chance to photograph the Green-fronted Lancebill and similar species.
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
We will visit Alambi, where we will have the entire lodge reserved for the day. Mr. Favian Luna, the owner, has been devoted to maintaining multiple hummingbird feeders for 18 years resulting in a high density of hummingbirds. Regular visitors are: White-necked Jacobin, all three species of Violetear Hummingbirds, the Green-crowned Brilliant, the Purple-throated Woodstar, the Andean Emerald, the Green-crowned Woodnymph, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, the Purple-bibbed Whitetip and many more.
Thursday, September 21, 2023
After breakfast, we will depart Mindo to Zuro Loma. This reserve sits on the northeastern slope of the Guagua Pichincha Volcano.
Situated at 10,500 feet in the cloud forest, this spot is known for its unique hummingbirds, many species of which are found only in these high elevations. Yanacocha is the highest elevation we will reach on this tour.
Sword-billed Hummingbirds should be star of the show at this reserve. These birds are the only species in the world with bills longer than their bodies! Their bills and super-long tongues allow them to feed on and pollinate the gorgeous Passiflora mixta (common name in Ecuador: Taxo). We will also photograph Shining Sunbeams, Great Sapphirewings, Buff-winged Starfrontlets, and Sapphire-vented Pufflegs.
Please see the gallery page for more photographed examples.
Lunch will be provided.
One of the highlights is to hold a miniature feeder and have tiny hummingbirds bravely perch on your finger to steal a sip of nectar! A close-up portrait will be memorable.
After a full day, we will return to the lodge near Quito for dinner and for the night.
Situated at 10,500 feet in the cloud forest, this spot is known for its unique hummingbirds, many species of which are found only in these high elevations. Yanacocha is the highest elevation we will reach on this tour.
Sword-billed Hummingbirds should be star of the show at this reserve. These birds are the only species in the world with bills longer than their bodies! Their bills and super-long tongues allow them to feed on and pollinate the gorgeous Passiflora mixta (common name in Ecuador: Taxo). We will also photograph Shining Sunbeams, Great Sapphirewings, Buff-winged Starfrontlets, and Sapphire-vented Pufflegs.
Please see the gallery page for more photographed examples.
Lunch will be provided.
One of the highlights is to hold a miniature feeder and have tiny hummingbirds bravely perch on your finger to steal a sip of nectar! A close-up portrait will be memorable.
After a full day, we will return to the lodge near Quito for dinner and for the night.
Friday, September 22, 2023
On this day, after an early breakfast, we will travel to Tambo Condor, where there will be plenty of opportunities to photograph the iconic Giant Hummingbird. After lunch, we will head to the Antisana Reserve to capture the Ecuadorian Hillstar.
Dinner and overnight stay at Quinta La Constanza.
Dinner and overnight stay at Quinta La Constanza.
Saturday, September 23, 2023
On this last day, we will concentrate on getting or improving images of the hummingbirds that you might be most interested in. There will be plenty of opportunities at the following two sites that have been reserved exclusively for our group.
After an early breakfast, we will head to Papallacta Pass to reach Guango Lodge by 9 AM. We have reserved this magical place just for us. Two multi-flash setups will allow you to photograph the Sword-billed Hummingbird again. Other readily available species are: Tourmaline Sunangel, Collared Inca, Tyrian Metaltail, Golden-breasted, Glowing Puffleg, Mountain Avocetbill, White-bellied and Gorgeted Woodstars.
Lunch at Guango will be followed by an afternoon session at La Brisa, a newly discovered place close to the town of Baeza, there the star will be the tiny Gorgeted Woodstar. Other hummingbirds include the rare Rufous-gaped hillstar, the Long-tailed Sylph and the Booted Racket-tail (peruanus race with cinnamon-colored boots)
After a farewell dinner at La Constanza, you will have the opportunity to ask any further questions about your course. We will welcome your feedback to improve future trips.
After an early breakfast, we will head to Papallacta Pass to reach Guango Lodge by 9 AM. We have reserved this magical place just for us. Two multi-flash setups will allow you to photograph the Sword-billed Hummingbird again. Other readily available species are: Tourmaline Sunangel, Collared Inca, Tyrian Metaltail, Golden-breasted, Glowing Puffleg, Mountain Avocetbill, White-bellied and Gorgeted Woodstars.
Lunch at Guango will be followed by an afternoon session at La Brisa, a newly discovered place close to the town of Baeza, there the star will be the tiny Gorgeted Woodstar. Other hummingbirds include the rare Rufous-gaped hillstar, the Long-tailed Sylph and the Booted Racket-tail (peruanus race with cinnamon-colored boots)
After a farewell dinner at La Constanza, you will have the opportunity to ask any further questions about your course. We will welcome your feedback to improve future trips.
Sunday, September 24, 2023
Depending on your return flight time, we will provide breakfast and/or lunch and transportation back to the airport.
We sincerely hope that your hard drives and digital cards will be full of thousands of keeper-photos and that your hearts and minds will carry the memories of a beautiful Ecuadorian experience.
We sincerely hope that your hard drives and digital cards will be full of thousands of keeper-photos and that your hearts and minds will carry the memories of a beautiful Ecuadorian experience.
Why us?
Being so fast and colorful, hummingbirds are challenging subjects to photograph. However, the learning curve becomes straightforward with proper instruction. Bird photography is a gratifying and rewarding hobby, and attending a workshop is a great way to immerse yourself in this activity and have fun while learning.
Our workshop will take care of the logistics, including scouting (assuring that the subjects and their density will be there). It will also include a professional driver who knows the roads and traffic laws well. The food can be tailored to your dietary needs and will be screened so as not to make you sick. You also will avoid "gringo" prices and find cooperative nature reserve owners that will not mind if you rearrange the feeders or take flowers or other props.
Hummingbirds are speedy and small. Therefore, it is often necessary to use sophisticated equipment to photograph them, such as multiple flashes, tripods, light stands, backgrounds, etc. This paraphernalia can be very heavy and expensive. But at our hummingbird course, it will be provided at no charge, tested and compatible with your camera, with spare parts to ensure no hiccups on your enjoyment. Not to mention that using artificial light (from Einstein's flashes and LED's) liberates you of the whims of the natural light that, often in the cloud forest, is scarce or unreliable.
Available helpers will be ready to carry your luggage or heavy equipment and find flowers, perches, or other props so you will concentrate on just picture taking.
Photography workshops are an excellent opportunity to meet other photographers and exchange ideas and experiences. You may even make new friends who share your passion for photography. Camaraderie and respect are emphasized, no matter your level of expertise.
You can get creative by learning new techniques. Workshops , upon your request, include reviews of your work, which can help you identify areas for improvement and guide you on taking your photography to the next level. You can also learn these charismatic birds' natural history and fascinating facts if interested.
We know that taking a workshop requires an investment in money (quite scarce nowadays). Still, our knowledge will multiply the opportunities of taking superb images that you will treasure.
If you are interested, please call and reserve your spot at our hummingbird photography workshop at 678-522-4955
The 2023 course is full
Price of the tour : $ 4500 per person, double occupancy . $4800 for single occupancy.
A maximum of 8 photographers (4 per tour guide ) will be taking part in the tour.
Reservation : $ 1000 Non refundable. Full payment due by July 1st, 2023.
Daniel Zdonczyk at dez.atlanta@gmail.com or call USA (678) 522 - 4955
What is included:
- Bilingual tour leaders (English and Spanish).
- Personalized instruction
- Welcome dinner on arrival date.
- Airport transfers in Ecuador.
- Transportation between lodges and accommodations.
- Entrance fees to photography sites.
- Upscale accommodations
- All meals at the lodges.
- Tips at the lodges, driver and local guide.
- Use of multiflash photography and LED equipment
- We will provide flowers, props and perches.
What is not included:
- Anything not included in the included list.
- Extra tips that you want to give to the local workers.
- Bar tab at the lodges.
- Hospitalizations (God forbid).
- Evacuation expenses in case of illness.
- Air transport to and from Quito.
- Government fees on passports, airport fees, and the like.
- Laundry and phone fees of the individual participants.
Book Now!
Please email dez.atlanta@gmail.com or call 678-522-4955
What kind of birds can I expect to photograph on the photography tour?
Our photography tours focus on a wide variety of bird species, including , waterfowl, songbirds, hummingbirds and many more. You can expect to capture stunning images of these beautiful creatures in their natural habitats.
Team
Hummingbird list
- White-necked Jacobin
- Brown Violetear
- Speckled Hummingbird
- Brown Inca
- Buff-tailed Coronet
- Velvet-purple Coronet
- Booted Racket-tail
- Purple-bibbed Whitetip
- Fawn-breasted Brilliant
- Green-crowned Brilliant
- Empress Brilliant
- White-bellied Woodstar
- Purple-throated Woodstar
- Andean Emerald
- Rufous-tailed Hummingbird
- Giant Hummingbird
- Sword-billed Hummingbird
- Collared Inca
- White-whiskered Hermit
- Tawny-belied Hermit
- Green-fronted Lancebill
- GreenThorntail
- Sparkling Violetear
- Purple-chested Hummingbird
- Green-crowned Woodnynph
- Western Emerald
- Ecuadorian Hillstar
- Shinning Sunbeam
- Great Sapphirewing
- Buff-winged Starfrontlet
- Violet-tailed Sylph
- Glowing Puffleg
- Sapphire-vented Puffleg
- Golden-breasted Puffleg
- Tyrian Metaltail
- Gorgeted Sunangel
- Tourmaline Sunangel
other birds
- White-tipped Dove
- Black Vulture
- Turkey Vulture
- Toucan Barbet
- Crimson-rumped Toucanet
- Andean Toucan
- Pale-mandible Aracari
- Orange-crowned Euphonia
- Orange-bellied Euphonia
- Flame-rumped Tanager
- Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager
- Black-chinned Mountain-Tanager
- Blue-gray Tanager
- Lemon-rumped Tanager
- Golden-naped Tanager
- Metallic-green Tanager
- Masked trogon
- Red-headed Barbet
- Flame-faced Tanager
- Golden Tanager
- Powerful Woodpecker
- Golden Tanager
- Silver-throated Tanager
- Black-capped Tanager
Gallery
Miscelaneous
Testimonials
Why Ecuador?
Because that's where the hummingbirds are!
Ecuador is the country that has the largest number of hummingbird species in the world . We have visited multiple countries, but we keep coming back to Ecuador because it gives the best hummingbird experience. We are impressed by how tame and accessible they are. These beauties can be photographed at close range ( even with a point-and-shoot camera). People who have taken the tour keep talking about it long after returning home.
That is our objective.
Ecuador is the country that has the largest number of hummingbird species in the world . We have visited multiple countries, but we keep coming back to Ecuador because it gives the best hummingbird experience. We are impressed by how tame and accessible they are. These beauties can be photographed at close range ( even with a point-and-shoot camera). People who have taken the tour keep talking about it long after returning home.
That is our objective.
