Bird Photography Field Experiences
Join me for a relaxed small-group bird photography experience in the field designed for beginner and intermediate photographers looking to improve their wildlife photography skills while photographing birds in active local habitats.
These walks focus on real-world bird photography techniques including camera settings, autofocus setup, lighting, composition, bird behavior, and fieldcraft while spending time photographing birds together in the field.
Whether you're new to bird photography or looking to become more confident with your camera setup, these walks are designed to provide a supportive and approachable learning environment.
What to Expect
During the walk we will:
Photograph active bird species in local habitats
Discuss bird photography camera settings and autofocus techniques
Learn how to work with light, backgrounds, and composition
Discuss wildlife behavior, habitat preferences, and ecological process to improve your ability to find wildlife in the field.
Spend time shooting alongside other local photographers
Have opportunities for questions and limited one-on-one guidance throughout the session
These walks are intentionally kept small to create a relaxed experience with time for interaction and instruction in the field.
Who These Walks Are For?
Bird enthusiasts looking to improve their bird identification and field skills.
Nature lovers who want to better understand wildlife and the habitats they depend on.
Wildlife photographers seeking practical, in-the-field instruction and guidance.
Beginners wanting to build confidence finding and observing birds.
Intermediate photographers looking to improve their fieldcraft, composition, and wildlife photography techniques.
Anyone who enjoys learning in a relaxed, small-group outdoor setting.
Bring your binoculars, camera, or simply your curiosity—these experiences are designed for all skill levels.
What Participants are Saying
“My first bird photography walk with Todd was a wonderful experience. He was not only highly knowledgeable about bird behavior, habitats, and camera techniques, but also patient and very easy to learn from.
His clear and practical guidance helped me understand why certain things weren't working in my photography and how to make adjustments for more consistent results. Learning in the field with him taught me how to better set up my camera and position myself to capture the images I had always wanted.
I highly recommend him to anyone looking to improve their bird photography skills in an enjoyable and supportive environment.”
— YC
June 20th Grasslands Walk“I had the pleasure to join Todd on a Grasslands walk and can whole heartedly recommend it to anyone looking to improve their photo and/or birding skill set. Todd's knowledge of field craft for both photo and birding is what I believe makes his walks/education so valuable.
If you wish to move from just taking a snap shot of birds to getting in the field experience to create birding photographs, please join one of his nature walks.”
— Brian R.July 11th Grasslands Walk
Upcoming Walks
Forest Birding Experience - August 23rd
Explore a mature forest with cold flowing brooks, beaver meadows, and spring fed ponds. This area is one of my favorite locations, and on this experience I will share my knowledge of how I locate and photograph the different species that call the area home.
Details
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Time: 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Group Size: Limited to 4 participants
Location: McLean Game Refuge, Granby, CT
Exact meeting location provided upon booking
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Please note:
Trails are relatively flat and beginner friendly, slight elevation change from parking to pond
There are no restroom facilities onsite
Walks are rain or shine, except in extreme weather circumstances
(See weather and cancellation policy below)
Sunrise Grassland Bird Photography Experience -
August 22nd
Experience the magic of sunrise over the grassland habitat. This is when the bird activity comes alive in this habitat with amazing golden light offering unique lighting opportunities. We will take advantage of the late season wildflowers to create interesting compositions, while looking out for migrants such as early season Northern Harriers.
Details
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Time: 5:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Group Size: Limited to 4 participants
Location: Suffield/ Southwick Wildlife Management Area, Suffield, CT
Exact meeting location provided upon booking
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Please note:
Trails are flat and beginner friendly
There are no restroom facilities onsite
Walks are rain or shine, except in extreme weather circumstances
(See weather and cancellation policy below)
Coastal Shorebird Experience- August 30th
Explore the diverse habitat along Connecticuts coast in search for shorebirds, heron, egrets, and waterfowl during this small-group experience. Learn how tides, weather, and habitat influence bird activity while developing the skills to identify species, locate wildlife, and observe birds responsibly.
August is a great time to see migrating shorebirds along the Connecticut Coastline and this walk is timed to take place at low tide. This walk is intentionally limited in group size to offer the best opportunity to approach and observe the birds in this habitat.
Details:
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Time: 8:00 AM -10:00 AM (coincides with state park gate opening)
Group Size: Limited to 4 participants
Location: Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison, CT
Exact meeting location available upon booking
Skill level: Beginner to Intermediate
Please Note:
Trails are relatively flat but can get rocky
There are restrooms available
Walks are rain or shine, except in extreme weather circumstances
(See weather and cancellation policy below)
Pricing
$49 - $89 Per Person
What You’ll experience:
Learn proven field techniques for locating wildlife.
Improve your bird photography with personalized in-field instruction.
Build confidence identifying birds by sight, sound, behavior, and habitat.
Discover how different habitats support wildlife and why birds use them.
Enjoy a relaxed small-group experience with plenty of opportunities for questions and individual guidance.
Led by a former forest ranger, and professional wildlife photographer Todd DeWald, each experience combines birding, ecology, and photography in the field.
Weather/Cancelation Policy
Walks take place in light rain or overcast conditions. In the event of severe weather (heavy rain, thunderstorms, high winds, or unsafe conditions), the walk will be canceled and participants may transfer to another walk or receive a full refund.
Because group sizes are limited, cancellations within 72 hours of the event are non-refundable unless the spot can be filled.
Field experiences require a minimum of two participants to be run. In the event two participants do not book a walk, those registered will have the option of transferring to a future walk, or a full refund.
Those registered will be notified via e-mail of any cancelations.
Book Your Session
Walk starts 5:30 AM (approximately 3 hours)
Experience the magic of sunrise as Connecticut's grasslands come alive with birdsong and golden morning light. Designed for wildlife photographers and bird enthusiasts, this small-group field experience focuses on finding and photographing grassland birds while learning the fieldcraft behind successful wildlife photography.
You'll discover how to anticipate bird behavior, work with changing light, choose stronger compositions, and position yourself for natural images—all while exploring one of Connecticut's most productive bird habitats. Limited to just 4 participants to provide personalized instruction throughout the morning.
This walk is designed to have a slower pace to allow time to build compositions. Participants are encouraged to bring a small stool or sitting mat.
Leave with more than a species list—leave with the knowledge and confidence to find wildlife on your own.
Minimum of two participants for session to run. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, those registered will be able to transfer to another walk, have option to choose private session at updated rate, or get full refund.
Walk starts 5:30 AM (approximately 3 hours)
Experience the magic of sunrise as Connecticut's grasslands come alive with birdsong and golden morning light. Designed for wildlife photographers and bird enthusiasts, this small-group field experience focuses on finding and photographing grassland birds while learning the fieldcraft behind successful wildlife photography.
You'll discover how to anticipate bird behavior, work with changing light, choose stronger compositions, and position yourself for natural images—all while exploring one of Connecticut's most productive bird habitats. Limited to just 4 participants to provide personalized instruction throughout the morning.
This walk is designed to have a slower pace to allow time to build compositions. Participants are encouraged to bring a small stool or sitting mat.
Leave with more than a species list—leave with the knowledge and confidence to find wildlife on your own.
Minimum of two participants for session to run. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, those registered will be able to transfer to another walk, have option to choose private session at updated rate, or get full refund.
Walk starts 6:00 AM (approximately 2 hours)
Discover the hidden world of Connecticut's forests during the most active hours of the morning. In this small-group experience, you'll learn how to locate birds by sight and sound, understand the habitats they depend on, and recognize the subtle clues that reveal where wildlife is most likely to be.
As we explore mature woodland and a secluded beaver meadow, I'll share the same field techniques I use as a professional wildlife photographer to find wildlife and anticipate natural behavior. Along the way, you'll also gain practical tips for photographing birds in the forest, including how to use light, positioning, and habitat to create stronger images.
Limited to just 4 participants, this experience offers plenty of opportunities for questions, personalized instruction, and a deeper understanding of the birds and wildlife that call Connecticut's forests home.
Leave with more than a species list—leave with the knowledge and confidence to find wildlife on your own.
Minimum of two participants for session to run. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, those registered will be able to transfer to another walk, have option to choose private session at updated rate, or get full refund.
Walk starts 8:00 AM (approximately 2 hours)
Explore Connecticut's coastline in search of shorebirds, herons, egrets, terns, and other coastal wildlife during this guided small-group experience. Learn how tides, weather, and habitat influence bird activity while developing the skills to identify species, locate wildlife, and observe birds responsibly.
Whether you're carrying binoculars or a camera, you'll gain a deeper understanding of coastal ecosystems and leave with practical techniques for finding and enjoying birds long after the walk ends. Limited to just 4 participants for a relaxed, interactive experience.
Leave with more than a species list—leave with the knowledge and confidence to find wildlife on your own.
Minimum of two participants for session to run. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, those registered will be able to transfer to another walk, have option to choose private session at updated rate, or get full refund.
This session is timed for state park gate opening and to coincide with low tide.
Walk starts 6:00 AM (approximately 2 hours)
Discover the hidden world of Connecticut's forests during the most active hours of the morning. In this small-group experience, you'll learn how to locate birds by sight and sound, understand the habitats they depend on, and recognize the subtle clues that reveal where wildlife is most likely to be.
As we explore mature woodland and a secluded beaver meadow, I'll share the same field techniques I use as a professional wildlife photographer to find wildlife and anticipate natural behavior. Along the way, you'll also gain practical tips for photographing birds in the forest, including how to use light, positioning, and habitat to create stronger images.
Limited to just 4 participants, this experience offers plenty of opportunities for questions, personalized instruction, and a deeper understanding of the birds and wildlife that call Connecticut's forests home.
Leave with more than a species list—leave with the knowledge and confidence to find wildlife on your own.
Minimum of two participants for session to run. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, those registered will be able to transfer to another walk, have option to choose private session at updated rate, or get full refund.
Walk starts 8:00 AM (approximately 2 hours)
Explore Connecticut's coastline in search of shorebirds, herons, egrets, terns, and other coastal wildlife during this guided small-group experience. Learn how tides, weather, and habitat influence bird activity while developing the skills to identify species, locate wildlife, and observe birds responsibly.
Whether you're carrying binoculars or a camera, you'll gain a deeper understanding of coastal ecosystems and leave with practical techniques for finding and enjoying birds long after the walk ends. Limited to just 4 participants for a relaxed, interactive experience.
Leave with more than a species list—leave with the knowledge and confidence to find wildlife on your own.
Minimum of two participants for session to run. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, those registered will be able to transfer to another walk, have option to choose private session at updated rate, or get full refund.
This session is timed for state park gate opening and to coincide with low tide.
Past Trip Reports
Grassland Bird Walk
July 11, 2026
Participants: 6
Weather: 73°F, calm, sunny
Species Observed
Common Yellowthroat
Indigo Bunting
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Grasshopper Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Northern Mockingbird
Eastern Towhee
Orchard Oriole
Mourning Dove
American Goldfinch
Trip Highlights
Today's walk focused less on simply finding birds and more on learning how to locate them on your own in grassland habitats.
We encountered Indigo Buntings almost immediately after leaving the parking area, while Tree and Barn Swallows filled the skies overhead. One particularly cooperative Common Yellowthroat gave everyone excellent views as it perched out in the open along the trail.
Throughout the morning we discussed how habitat, bird vocalizations, and behavior can be used to predict where birds are likely to appear. We also spent time talking about one of the most overlooked wildlife photography techniques—finding promising locations and patiently allowing birds to come to you rather than constantly chasing them.
One highlight was visiting an area where Grasshopper Sparrows have nested this summer. Although they remained hidden in the tall grasses, their distinctive insect-like song could be heard. We discussed how this species depends on large, open fields for survival, and why their numbers are in decline across the region.
As we continued through the grasslands, we found several sparrow species, Eastern Towhees, Orchard Orioles, Northern Mockingbirds, and American Goldfinches while discussing how blooming wildflowers can be used to create stronger wildlife photographs.
Every walk is different, and this morning was a great reminder that learning to read the landscape is often more valuable than simply adding another species to your life list.
What We Learned
Reading grassland habitat to locate birds
Using bird songs to narrow down locations
Why patience often beats chasing birds
Using wildflowers to improve bird photographs
Understanding habitat preferences to find wildlife more consistently
Participant Images
Photo Credit: Brain R.
Photo Credit: Larry S.