Sharp-Tailed Grouse
Photography Tour
Highlights
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As a Target Species photo tour, we will spend the majority of our time focusing on creating a portfolio of images of one specific species – the Sharp-Tailed Grouse!
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Hands-on photo instruction for bird photography with Tamron Ambassador, Alyce Bender.
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Explore the underrated and underappreciated North American grassland ecosystem in northern Nebraska.
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Learn more about the unique biodiversity that takes place along the Niobrara River and how to capture various aspects as a visual artist.
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While a tour, we will have time for image reviews during the afternoons as well.
Join Tamron Ambassador Alyce Bender as she takes you into the heart of the American grasslands to witness one of Nature's unique performances - grouse courtship! Here we will be focusing on sharp-tailed grouse leks with the chance to potentially also have some greater prairie chickens join in the dance. As a tour targeted to photograph a particular species, we have access to blinds that will ensure the best viewing for PHOTOGRAPHERS! Close to the action and positioned with beautiful morning light at our backs, this is going to be one tour you do not want to miss if wanting to add sharp-tailed grouse to your portfolio.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive and Meet & Greet
We will meet in Sioux Falls with flights arriving no later than 12pm on our first day. From there we will make a long drive that will drop us into north central Nebraska where we will find our accommodations not far from the banks of the Niobrara River on a 5,000 acre wildlife sanctuary. That evening introductions will be made, expectations will be set, how to best photograph our subjects from our blinds will be taught, and safety will discussed. Meals: Afternoon Snack, Dinner
Day 2/3 – Sharp-tailed Grouse Leks & Nebraska Grasslands
Up very early, before dawn, we make the drive out into the dark grasslands to get set up before the sun rises on the first showing of the main event – sharp-tailed grouse males displaying on leks. We will be in the blinds for four+ hours with an average of three+ hours of photography time (depending on weather and wildlife). Blinds are positioned for optimal morning light with the sun rising behind us. Beyond the sharp-tailed grouse, other common subjects are western meadow larks, horned larks, and the potential for greater prairie chickens as well.
Once the birds have gone, we are able to leave the blinds and return to our accommodations to warm up and fill our stomachs with a hearty brunch.
Afternoon sessions are much more relaxing and are optional as we explore the Sanctuary to see what we can find, be it landscape, macro, bird, or mammal.
After sunset, dinner will be a group affair where we can discuss anything that came up during the day, review any images participants what to share, and prepare for the following day in the field.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Depart Nebraska
With a lengthy drive back to Sioux Falls, we will pack out early to head towards the airport, making a stop for a final group lunch before we say good-bye. Please book flights that depart no earlier than 4pm from Sioux Falls. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Post-Workshop Zoom Image Critique
We will have the group image critique session one week after the workshop ends on April 12th, 2026.
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Inclusions
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Ground Transportation in SD/NE during Tour
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In-field Photography Instruction w/Alyce Bender
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3 Nights Single Room Lodging w/shared baths
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Listed Meals
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Coffee, Tea, Water
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2 morning Blind Sessions
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1 Wildlife Sanctuary History/Ecology Tour
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Post-tour Zoom Image Critique Session
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All Entrance Fees & Permits
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Exclusions
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Transportation to/from your home to Sioux Falls, SD
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Any Meals, Snacks, and Beverages not listed
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Any pre- or post-tour SD/NE lodging or transportation
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Personal Purchases
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Guide & Instructor Gratuities
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