Short Eared Owl Photography Workshop (Finger Lakes)

This workshop takes place in some of the most productive winter grasslands in the Finger Lakes — wide-open fields and expansive horizons where short-eared owls thrive. As daylight fades, these landscapes come alive with low-gliding owls, quartering harriers, and flocks of winter songbirds moving across the fields.
 
You can expect to spend most of the workshop scanning open habitat for movement, watching the subtle shifts in behavior that signal hunting, territorial displays, or interactions between species. Once activity begins, the pace can get intense: owls rising into the wind, banking just feet above the grasses, or diving on prey with incredible precision. Northern harriers frequently share the same airspace, and disputes between the two species can produce some of the most dramatic photographic moments of the session.
Throughout the workshop, we’ll cover:
 
• Short-eared owl habitat – What defines ideal wintering habitat and how to read a field for the highest-probability activity zones.
• Diet and hunting behavior – How prey availability, temperature, and wind shape their low-altitude hunting style.
• Finding active sites – Techniques for identifying productive fields, flight corridors, and behavior that indicates an active hunting area.
• Photographing owls in flight – Tracking, timing, backgrounds, positioning, and maximizing sharpness in fast action.
• Territorial interactions – How to safely and ethically photograph disputes between short-eared owls and northern harriers, as well as mid-air chases or displays.
 
These fields are also excellent for photographing snow buntings, horned larks, vast flocks of snow geese, sandhill cranes, red-winged blackbirds, and potentially even great horned owls roosting nearby. The variety of subjects makes this workshop a high-energy winter session with plenty of opportunities for action shots, flight photography, and behavioral storytelling.
 
 
This trip is open for ANY skill level and is a relatively easy trip. We wont do a lot of walking during this trip (anywhere between 0 - 0.25 miles depending on wildlife activity). Expect cold, open-country conditions — these grasslands offer no shelter from wind, blowing snow, or dropping temperatures. Once the owls start flying, we’ll be standing still for long stretches, so proper layering is non-negotiable. Bring insulated boots, windproof outerwear, hand warmers, and enough layers to stay comfortable while remaining stationary in strong winter winds. The better you’re bundled up, the longer you’ll be able to stay focused on fast action when the owls begin to hunt.
 
Recommended Gear
DSLR or mirrorless camera with telephoto lens (300mm or longer recommended)
Tripod 
Headlamp or small flashlight (with red light mode preferred)
Binoculars for locating and observing owls before photographing
Warm, quiet clothing — muted colors to blend with surroundings
 
Dates, Cost, and Location
$145 per person
There are currently two workshop scheduled. Click Here to be notified when more dates are set, or email me a date you would prefer!
 
This trip will be held within a 45 minute drive of the Montezuma Audubon Center. Location is dependent on owl activity and will be privately communicated to attendees. The workshop will begin at the specified location 45 minutes before sunset.
 
Private workshops are available if you are not able to attend the dates listed above. Please email me!
 
Please email me with any questions or if you are interested in joining me on a workshop at andrewhudnut247@gmail.com