I have lived year-round on a peninsula of Lake Huron since 2007. This peninsula concentrates migrant songbirds (especially warblers) going north and south, as well as many other birds. I have developed vast knowledge of the birds here and on other peninsulas and within the diverse habitats not far away inland. So, I offer many opportunities outside of my regular workshops. They are detailed below.
A favorite time for many clients has been when flight photography (with prey items) of American Kestrels, Belted Kingfishers, and Eastern Bluebirds (all in the same visit) is available.
CONTACT: Paul Rossi
email: paulrossiphotography@proton.me
phone: 906 287-8829
Daily rate (full day in-the-field): $600
Typical best dates below:
Eastern Bluebird natural cavity nest boxes (also Tree Swallow): June 12 – July 1
Eastern Bluebird natural cavity nest box video
Client image of Bluebirds – Wally Taubenslag
American Kestrel natural cavity nest boxes: June 20 – July 17
American Kestrel natural cavity nest box video
Client image of male American Kestrel – Wally Taubenslag
Belted Kingfisher look-out perch and nest: June 13 – July 12
Belted Kingfisher lookout perch photography video
Common Loon photography can be available at the same time (along with other opportunities)
Sharp-tailed Grouse lek photography: March 12 – April 4
Sharp-tailed grouse lek photography video
For a layout of all opportunities throughout the season, with dates, scroll down this page.
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I teach bird photographers how to take better bird photos by demonstrating how to evaluate what they can do with their equipment, under the circumstances they have.
I provide opportunities from my blinds – at nests, leks, ponds, from my van window at times. I teach you how to capture spectacular images when the possibility is present, and how to anticipate intelligently. You will learn to see composition in-the-field and capture it. And learn to leverage the newer technology to accomplish what was often extremely difficult or virtually impossible before. I am very familiar with Canon, Sony, and Nikon cameras, and adept at ensuring clients get the most out of their specific equipment.
I talk with all persons inquiring about workshops to make sure they have what is necessary to be successful during the workshop, which includes the following:
- Mirrorless camera and a high quality 500mm lens, at minimum.
- A sturdy tripod and gimbal head, and the plates, so everything connects properly and works smoothly.
- An understanding of the relationship between ISO, shutter speed, and aperture, as well as exposure compensation. A good knowledge of how to manipulate your camera to change those variables.
Daily rate (full day in-the-field): $600
2 day minimum. If you want to stay for 4 days you can. I fill up my schedule based on first come, first scheduled. I always take a break day between clients to find opportunities.
Contact Paul Rossi
email: paulrossiphotography@proton.me
phone: 906 287-8829
While I talk with you, we can make a plan for your visit – the number of days and the target species, and what dates are available at that time. I can email you with what we discussed, so you can think about it for a few days if necessary, and look at your schedule, and you can get back with me.
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Airports:
An option is to fly to Detroit, Michigan and then drive 5 hours to Cedarville. From Detroit drives on I-75 to M-134 after the Mackinac Bridge, and go east on M-134 for 38 miles to Cedarville. Canadians can fly to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and drive 1 hour to Cedarville.
MORE GOOD OPTIONS: Daily flights from Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP) or Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) or Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to Chippewa County International Airport (CIU), which is about 35 minutes from your lodging in Cedarville.
MSP to CIU: DL4242 with Delta Airlines
DTW to CIU: DL4278 with Delta Airlines
ORD to CIU: UA5087 with United Airlines
Return flights from CIU to Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP) or Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) or Chicago O’Hare (ORD):
CIU to MSP: DL4251 with Delta Airlines
CIU to DTW: DL4231 with Delta Airlines
CIU to ORD: UA5087 with United Airlines
You have options for car rentals at the CIU airport. Your drive to Cedarville (where your motel is) from CIU (Chippewa County International Airport) is 25 miles (35 minutes)
Below is a list of the opportunities (based on species) available in 2026, along with the expected date ranges (based on years of experience). The species listed in bold are highly likely to be photographable. Many of the opportunities are weather dependent, especially in late March, as well as certain opportunities in early April, and warblers/songbirds in early May. I know what is and is not available, because I scout every day – you will be given the choice of what is available.
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Early spring 2025 testimonial: “Paul and I spent two days photographing Sharp-tailed Grouse and Ducks during March 2025. He is an excellent naturalist and knows the behavior of these birds and can anticipate what they will do before they do it, which makes for excellent photo opportunities. He lives in the area and routinely scouts locations, and knows what species are where and when. I learned so much and came away with great photos. It was the best workshop ever. Thank you so much Paul Rossi!” – Cathy Jackson
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Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek fighting/flight/dancing: March 12 – April 4
Barred Owl Flight: April 20 – May 12
Northern Harriers (flight from my van window): April 10 – May 5; Also October 7-31
Rough-legged Hawks (flight from my van window or perched): April 5 – 30
Wilson’s snipe flight (for high level flight photographers): April 25 – May 20
Spotted Sandpiper flight: May 5 – May 30
DUCK COURTSHIP/FLIGHT/FIGHTS
Long-tailed Duck: March 17 – April 10
Hooded Merganser: March 25 – April 15
Common Goldeneye: March 25 – April 15
Bufflehead: April 10 – April 25
Common Merganser: April 15 – May 15
Red-breasted Merganser: April 26 – May 13
Wood Duck: April 20 – May 10
Blue-winged Teal: April 20 – May 10
American Wigeon: April 15 – May 10
Green-winged Teal: April 20 – May 10
Pied-billed Grebe: April 20 – May 10
WOODPECKERS
Red-bellied: March 25 – April 10
Pileated: flight for high level photographers April 5 – May 5; nests June 20 – July 10
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: nests June 20 – July 5
Northern Flicker: April 15 – May 5; nests June 20 – July 5
Red-headed: May 15 – May 30
Client image of Northern Flicker nest – Wally Taubenslag
Ruffed Grouse on drumming log/boulder (display/drumming): April 10 – May 5
American Bittern in flight: April 12 – May 20
Early Warblers and songbirds (before May 19 – 24 workshop), May 4 – May 18: Yellow-rumped W, Pine W, Palm W, Black-throated Green W, Nashville W, and Black and White W, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Brown Creeper, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Blue-headed Vireo, Wood Thrush. The birds in bold are likely if the weather is warm enough just before or at the beginning of the date range.
May feeder birds Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Purple Finch, Baltimore Oriole: May 12 – May 22
Eastern Bluebird natural cavity nest boxes (also Tree Swallow if desired): June 12 – July 1
American Kestrel flight with prey: June 20 – July 17
Belted Kingfisher flight with prey to and from perch; flight to nest with prey sometimes possible; flight from nest: June 13 – July 12
Northern Parula nests: June 15 – July 15