Eastern Screech Owl Photography Workshop (Central New York)

Held November - April

This is my newest workshop, and one I have been excited to put together for many years now. During this workshop, you can expect to build a deeper understanding of the elusive eastern screech owl. Together, we’ll explore the habitat these owls call home while learning how to ethically locate and photograph them in a variety of settings.

Throughout the workshop, we’ll explore:

• Screech owl habitat – We’ll explore a mix of wooded areas, forest edges, and parks to learn what makes the perfect home for screech owls. You’ll discover how tree species, cavities, nearby food sources, and surrounding environment all play a role in where these owls choose to nest and roost.

• Diet and hunting behavior – As daylight fades, we’ll talk about what screech owls eat throughout the year and how their hunting strategies shift with the seasons and weather. You may even have the chance to watch one silently scan for prey from a perch.

• Active cavity locations – We’ll visit known screech owl cavities and discuss how to safely identify and monitor active sites without disturbing the birds — a crucial skill for any ethical wildlife photographer.

• Owls in cavities – Photograph owls naturally framed within their tree hollows, using soft light, careful distance, and thoughtful composition to capture expressive, intimate portraits.

• Owls outside the cavity – As evening approaches, we’ll watch as the owls emerging to hunt. This is your chance to capture moody, low-light images of screech owls perched on branches, calling, or scanning their surroundings — some of the most rewarding moments of the workshop.

This trip is open for ANY skill level and is a relatively easy trip. Expect a moderate amount of walking during this trip (anywhere between 0.5 - 3.00 miles depending on wildlife activity). We will be moving quietly through wooded areas at dusk, so layers, warm footwear, and patience are essential.

Recommended Gear

• DSLR or mirrorless camera with telephoto lens (300mm or longer recommended)

• Tripod for low-light or long-exposure photography

• 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

• Remote shutter release and extra batteries (sessions often extend into the evening),

Dates, Cost, and Location

$200 per person

There are currently no workshops scheduled. Click Here to be notified when dates are set, or email me a date you would prefer!

This trip will be held within a 30 minute drive of SUNY ESF/Syracuse University Campus. Location is dependent on owl activity and will be privately communicated to attendees. The workshop will begin at the specified location an hour 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

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