FOREST WINTER OWL PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR – Quest for Northern Hawk Owls and Great Gray Owl
Private Tours
2024 – 2025 Private 2-day and 3-day Tours Available:
December 1 – 7, 9 – 20, 2024
January 2 -9, February 1, 8 – 16, 22 – 28, March 1 -15, 2025
Current Recommendation for Winter 2024-2025
Based upon the behaviour of owls during last winter, we currently recommend our 4-day Northern Hawk Owl / Great Gray Owl / Willow Ptarmigan Private Tour (Option B) for your best chance at viewing and photographing Great Gray and Northern Hawk Owls.
Email your phone number to birdtours [at] sasktel [dot] net and we will call you back as soon as possible to discuss details.
Public Group Tours
- 1-day Great Gray Owl Photo Tour: December 22, 2024
Fee from USD $575 per vehicle with 1 – 4 persons.
See details in Public Tour Option F below.
- 2-day Northern Hawk Owl Photo Tour: January 31 -February 1, 2025
Fee from USD $935 per vehicle with 1 – 4 persons.
See details in Public Tour Option G below.
Northern Owl Photography Workshops
January 3 – 5, 2025
Feb. 19 – 21, 2025
CLICK HERE for workshop details
Self-drive guided owl photo tours from Saskatoon, Canada.
Where Can You Do Owl Photography in Canada?
Based upon experience in previous years, we expect to find Great Gray Owls and Northern Hawk Owls during 1-day or 2-day Private Self-Drive Owl photography Tours.
Tour Description – Northern Hawk Owl / Great Gray Owl / Willow Ptarmigan Photography Private Tours offered during Winter 2024 – 2025
- Join our experienced local birding guide for a 3-Day or 4-Day Forest Owl Photography Tour. We will drive to visit the Boreal Forest habitat north of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.
- This description applies to options A and B below.
- Our 4-Day option B offers the best value for the money and has the greatest chance of encountering a maximum number of owls.
- Visit best areas for viewing and photography of Northern Hawk Ow and Great Gray Owl!
- Although we expect to find owls, we can make no guarantees because numbers fluctuate significantly.
- Participants must drive their own personal or rented vehicle and cover transportation costs for the leader in their non-smoking vehicle.
- Hotel accommodation and meals are not included in tour fee.
- Day 1: Tour departs Saskatoon at 8 am making a stop in Prince Albert city about 9:45 am. We then continue north where we expect to photograph 2 Northern Hawk Owls in the afternoon.
Overnight at motel.
- Day 2: After breakfast, we search for possible Willow Ptarmigan and then drive back south where we should again be able to photograph 2 Northern Hawk Owls.
3-day and 4-day tours overnight at hotel in Prince Albert National Park.
- During the third day of a 4-day tour, we will explore the region north and east of Prince Albert National Park in search of more Great Gray and Northern Hawk Owls. Overnight at hotel in Prince Albert National Park.
- During the last day of a 3-day or 4-day tour, we will also visit best areas for finding other forest birds in or near Prince Albert National Park. Some possible species include American 3-toed Woodpecker, Black-backed Woodpecker, Boreal Chickadee, Canada Jay, Ruffed Grouse, Spruce Grouse, Pine Grosbeak, Evening Grosbeak, Common Redpoll, Hoary Redpoll.
- If interested, please complete and submit the form at the bottom of this webpage.
Tour Description – Forest Owl Photography Tour (Owl Quest) offered during winter of 2024-2025
- This tour option available during December 2024 plus January – March 2025.
- Join our experienced local birding guide for an Extended 1-Day or 2-Day Forest Owl Photography Tour. We will drive to visit the Boreal Forest habitat in or near Prince Albert National Park and adjacent areas north of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.
- Visit best areas for owl photography including the Great Gray Owl!
- As time permits, we will also visit best areas for finding other forest birds. Some possible species include American 3-toed Woodpecker, Black-backed Woodpecker, Boreal Chickadee, Canada Jay, Ruffed Grouse, Spruce Grouse, Pine Grosbeak, Evening Grosbeak, Common Redpoll, Hoary Redpoll.
- Good opportunities for owl photography especially on private tours!
- 1-Day Forest Owl Photography Tour departs Saskatoon 9 am and returns about 9 pm.
- 2-Day Forest Owl Photography Tour departs Saskatoon at 9 am on Day 1 and overnights in or near Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Tour returns to Saskatoon at end of Day 2.
- Alternately, participants may opt to join this owl photography tour in Prince Albert about 11 am and/or end the tour there about 6 pm. See below for Prince Albert area accommodation options.
- Other locations where this owl photography tour may be joined include Rosthern and Christopher Lake, Saskatchewan.
- Participants drive their own personal or rented vehicle while the leader drives in a separate vehicle. We will use hands-free cell phones or CB radios to talk during the owl photography tour.
- Car Rentals from many companies available at Saskatoon airport.
- This Forest owl photography Tour is part of our Northern Owl Adventure Tour Series organized by Saskatoon Custom Bird Tours. This tour can be taken following our Snowy Owl Photography Tour.
- Your guide volunteers his time so that all funds support the work of Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation charity. The person paying for the tour will receive a tax receipt for 50% of the tour fee.
- We do NOT bait owls. Any owls we observe should be behaving naturally.
How many owls will we see?
For the past 30 years, your leader has enjoyed taking winter day trips into this part of the boreal forest in search of Great Gray Owls and Northern Hawk Owls. The number of owls seen on each trip fluctuates from year to year due to differences in snow depth (deeper is better) and differences in mouse populations.
In a typical year we normally find roughly 3 – 6 Great Gray Owls and 2 – 3 Northern Hawk Owls. During the best years, we may find up to 25 Great Gray Owls and 15 Hawk Owls. On very poor years (rare) due to very low snow depth and low mouse abundance, one of the owl species might be absent from the area we visit.
Ethical Owl Photography Policy
We feel it is important that we follow ethical owl photography techniques when photographing owls in the wild during our tours and workshops. We suggest clients read the Owl Observation and Photography Tips suggested by Birds Canada.
Our owl observation and photography policy includes the following key points designed to avoid disturbing any owls we find. Whenever we are near an owl, we will let you know what is permitted depending upon the distance and behaviour of the owl.
- We do NOT bait owls. Baiting owls with food may alter their behaviour near people. Any owls we encounter should exhibit natural wild behaviour and may be wary of humans.
- Clients should use a telephoto lens on your camera for the best images or view the owls using binoculars or with a spotting scope. When appropriate and requested, we will set up a high magnification spotting scope at a reasonable distance to avoid disturbing the owls.
- In some situations, it is best to observe and photograph owls from inside a vehicle which may act as a blind. Bring a bean bag or window mount for your camera. Also bring 2 dark pieces of cloth (t-shirts, pillow cases, towels) to cover the windows on the opposite side of your vehicle from the owls so that they are less likely to see you move inside your vehicle.
- In some circumstances, you may exit the vehicle on the side away from the owl and then crouch down to hide behind the vehicle for photography or observation.
- Avoid talking loudly or making noise when an owl is close to us. We want the owl to be able to listen for its prey.
Possible Weather Delays
The long-term average climate information for the area we visit is published here. It shows that the average expected daily high temperature in mid-afternoon in February will be -8 C (+18F) . The average minimum temperature near sunrise will be -20 C (-4 F). These temperature values typically vary by +- 5 C on different days. Participants need to wear warm winter clothing (winter boots, winter coat, long underwear, etc.)
Although unlikely, it may be necessary to postpone the scheduled date of your tour to this region for the following possible weather related reasons.
- Unusually Extreme Cold Weather – Predicted high temperatures below about -20C.
- Blizzard conditions that have or might close roads
The date for weather-delayed private tours will be discussed with clients. If you are travelling to Saskatoon for this tour, plan to stay for a few extra days in case of tour delays due to bad weather.
What to Wear
Dress for the weather.
Wear winter hat, winter coat, warm pants and long underwear and winter snow boots.
Transportation
Participants on these tours need to drive their own personal or rented vehicle. Snow Tires are recommended. RVs and vehicles pulling trailers are permitted on private tours but not on group tours. This tour may not be suitable for owners of full electric vehicles due to the distances travelled. EV charging stations exist at Prince Albert. One needs to check if the charging station in Prince Albert National Park is accessible in deep snow.
Carpooling
If you would like to share the costs of a group tour with other interested birders, then complete the Carpooling Section of the Registration Request Form below or email the tour name, your name, phone number and email address to birdtours@sasktel.net
PRIVATE Tour Options
Option A: Private 3-Day Great Gray Owl / Northern Hawk Owl / Willow Ptarmigan Photography Tour
- Offered most days during December 1, 2024 – March 15, 2025.
- Extended 3- Day Private Escorted Bird Photography Tour from Saskatoon to Creighton and Prince Albert National Park plus adjacent forests to seek out Northern Hawk Owl, Great Gray Owl, Willow Ptarmigan and other forest birds.
- Ideal for bird photographers who wish to do Northern Hawk Owl, Great Gray Owl and Willow Ptarmigan photography.
- Day 1. Tour begins at your Saskatoon hotel about 8 am making a stop in Prince Albert about 9:45 am. We will continue north to attempt to photograph 2 Northern Hawk Owls in the early afternoon. Overnight at a motel.
- Day 2. After breakfast, search for possible Willow Ptarmigan. Then drive back south for another chance to photograph Northern Hawk Owls. Overnight at hotel in Prince Albert National Park.
- Day 3. After breakfast, look for Great Gray Owls, grouse, woodpecker and winter finches plus elk, otter and fox. Tour normally ends at Saskatoon about 7 pm.
- 3- Day Private Tour Fee: USD $1995 (about CAD $2730, £1570) for your party of 1 – 3 persons.
Fee includes guiding services. Meals and accommodation and transportation are NOT included.
- Tax receipt issued for 50% of fee. All proceeds support Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation charity.
- Client must cover leader’s transportation costs in your non-smoking vehicle from Saskatoon and back.
- Snow Tires are recommended.
Option B: Private 4-Day Great Gray Owl / Northern Hawk Owl / Willow Ptarmigan Photography Tour
- Most value for the money.
- Offered most days during December 1, 2024 – March 15, 2025.
- Extended 4- Day Private Escorted Bird Photography Tour from Saskatoon to Creighton and Prince Albert National Park plus adjacent forests to seek out Great Gray Owls, Northern Hawk Owls, Willow Ptarmigan and other forest birds.
- Ideal for bird photographers who wish to do Northern Hawk Owl, Great Gray Owl and Willow Ptarmigan photography.
- Day 1. Tour begins at your Saskatoon hotel about 8 am making a stop in Prince Albert about 9:45 am. We will continue north to attempt to photograph 2 Northern Hawk Owls in the early afternoon. Overnight at a motel.
- Day 2. After breakfast, search for possible Willow Ptarmigan. Then drive back south for another chance to photograph Northern Hawk Owls. Overnight at hotel in Prince Albert National Park.
- Day 3. After breakfast search for Great Gray Owl and Northern Hawk Owls north and east of Prince Albert National Park. Overnight at hotel in Prince Albert National Park
- Day 4. After breakfast, look for Great Gray Owls, grouse, woodpecker and winter finches plus elk, otter and fox. Tour normally ends at Saskatoon about 7 pm.
- 4- Day Private Tour Fee: USD $2395 (about CAD $3370, £1570) for your party of 1 – 3 persons.
Fee includes guiding services. Meals and accommodation and transportation are NOT included.
- Tax receipt issued for 50% of fee. All proceeds support Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation charity.
- Client must cover leader’s transportation costs in your non-smoking vehicle from Saskatoon and back.
- Snow Tires are recommended.
Option C: Private 1-Day Forest Owl Photography Tour
- Extended Full Day Private Escorted Birding Tour from Saskatoon to Prince Albert National Park and/or adjacent forests to seek out the majestic Great Gray Owl. We might also find a Northern Hawk Owl.
- Ideal for bird photographers who wish to do owl photography.
- Available most days December through mid-March
- Tour begins at your Saskatoon hotel about 9 am and returns about 9 pm.
- Extended Full Day Private Tour Fee: USD $650 (about CAD $910, £500) for your party of 1 – 3 persons .
Fee includes guiding services. Meals and accommodation and transportation are NOT included. Clients drive their own personal or rented vehicle.
- Clients must cover leader’s transportation costs from Saskatoon and back in your non-smoking vehicle.
- Snow Tires are recommended.
- Tax receipt issued for 50% of fee.
Option D: Private 2-Day Forest Owl Photography Tour
- Offered starting in December 2024.
- Private 2-Day Escorted Birding Tour from Saskatoon to Prince Albert National Park and adjacent forests to seek out the majestic Great Gray Owl.
- Ideal for bird photographers who wish to do owl photography.
- Day 1. Tour begins at your Saskatoon hotel about 9 am. We will drive back roads near the southern edge of the forest boundary to look for owls until about 6 pm. Overnight at a hotel/motel/ bed & breakfast of your choice in or near Prince Albert.
- Day 2. Tour will visit Emma Lake, Anglin Lake and Prince Albert National Park to look for spruce grouse and winter finches. Alternatively, we can choose to spend much of the second day driving additional roads north of the park to look for more owls. Tour normally ends at Saskatoon about 9 pm although we can choose to return by 6 pm if you prefer
- 2- Day Private Tour Fee: USD $1160 (about CAD $1630, £895) for your party of 1 – 3 persons.
Fee includes guiding services. Meals and accommodation and transportation are NOT included.
- Tax receipt issued for 50% of fee.
- Client must cover leader’s transportation costs in your non-smoking vehicle from Saskatoon and back.
Option E: Combined Forest Owl Photography Tour with Snowy Owl Tour or other Saskatoon winter tours.
In addition to registering for the above 1-day or 2-day Forest Winter Birding Tour, you may also choose to join 1 or both of the following private birding tours out of Saskatoon.
Click Title for more information.
SPECIAL PUBLIC GROUP TOUR DESCRIPTION –
Forest Owl Photography Tour (Great Gray Owl Quest)
Day 1
- Our small tour group departs Flyin J Travel Center in Saskatoon at 9:00 AM.
- Alternatively, you may join tour at Rosthern about 9:45 AM or at Prince Albert about 11:00 AM.
- During the remainder of daylight hours, we will drive the best back roads north of Prince Albert to search for Great Gray Owls that often visit roadsides at this time of year.
- We will stop long enough for everyone to observe and/or photograph each owl.
- Participants drive their own personal or rented vehicle while the leader drives in a separate vehicle. We will use hands-free cell phones to talk during tour.
- Day 1 tour ends at Prince Albert about 6 pm.
- 2-day tour participants should plan to stay overnight in or near Prince Albert
- 1-day tour participants may opt to drive back to Saskatoon in the evening or stay overnight in Prince Albert to avoid having to drive at night.
- Car Rentals from many companies available at Saskatoon airport.
Day 2
- Our small tour group departs Prince Albert at 9:00 AM.
- During the morning, we plan to make birding stops at Emma Lake and Anglin Lake and hike a trail in Prince Albert National Park to search for Spruce Grouse.
- During the afternoon, we can decide to either explore other park trails or drive to other spots near the park in search of more owls.
- Tour ends at Prince Albert about 6 pm.
- Participants may choose to stay overnight in or near Prince Albert or drive back to Saskatoon during the evening.
GROUP Tour Options
On a group tour, your vehicle will be one of up to 5 vehicles plus the leader on the tour.
Option F: SPECIAL 1-Day Public Group Forest Owl Photography Tour for your group of 1 – 4 persons
- Extended Full Day Public Group Escorted Birding Tour from Saskatoon to forests near Prince Albert National Park to seek out the majestic Great Gray Owl.
- Although we expect to find a single Great Gray Owl, no guarantees can be made.
- Part of Northern Owl Adventure Series
- Clients may photograph birds at each stop.
- Special 1-day Public Tour: December 22, 2024
- Tour begins in Saskatoon at 9:00 AM and returns to Saskatoon about 8:00 PM.
- SPECIAL 1-DAY Public Group Forest Winter Birding Tour Fee: USD $575 (about CAD $810, £440) for your party of 1 – 4 persons . Date: December 22, 2024
Fee includes guiding services. Meals and accommodation and transportation are NOT included.
- Tax receipt issued to person paying for tour for 50% of fee.
- There is a minimum number of parties needed for this group tour.
Option G: SPECIAL 2-Day Public Group Forest Winter Birding Tour for your group of 1 – 4 persons
- 2-Day Public Group Escorted Birding Tour from Saskatoon to northern forests to seek out the Northern Hawk Owl.
- Although we expect to find 2 Northern Hawk Owls, no guarantees can be made.
- Part of Northern Owl Adventure Series
- Clients may photograph birds at each stop.
- Special 2-day Tour: January 31 – February 1 , 2025
- Day 1: Tour begins in Saskatoon at 9 am and ends at Creighton about 5 pm.
- Day 2: Tour begins in Creighton at 9 am and ends at Prince Albert about 6 pm or at Saskatoon about 9 pm.
- SPECIAL 2-DAY Public Group Forest Winter Birding Tour Fee: USD $935 (about CAD 1310, £725) per vehicle for your party of 1 -4 persons. Date January 31 – February 1, 2025
Fee includes guiding services. Meals and accommodation and transportation are NOT included.
- Tax receipt issued for 50% of fee.
- Accommodation is limited so please book as early as possible.
Option H: SPECIAL combined Forest Winter Birding Tour with Snowy Owl Tour or other Saskatoon winter tours.
In addition to registering for the above 1-day or 2-day Special Public Group Forest Winter Birding Tour, you may also choose to join either of the following public birding tours out of Saskatoon.
Click Title for more information.
SPECIAL HALF-DAY Snowy Owl Public Group Tour Add-On Fee: CAD $290 (about US $200, £165).
Fee includes guiding services. Meals and accommodation and transportation are NOT included.
Tour begins in Saskatoon at 2 pm and ends about 5:30 pm.
Dates: December 8, 2024 and January 8, 2025
SPECIAL 1-DAY Combined Saskatoon Winter Birdwatching Tour / Snowy Owl Public Half-Day Group Tour Add-On Fee: CAD $390 (about US $275, £250).
Fee includes guiding services. Meals and accommodation and transportation are NOT included.
Morning: Saskatoon Winter Birdwatching Tour begins in Saskatoon at 9 am and ends about 12 noon.
Afternoon: Snowy Owl Tour begins in Saskatoon at 2 pm and ends about 5:30 pm.
Date: December 8, 2024
TAX RECEIPT: A tax receipt for 50% of the tour fee will be issued to the person paying for the tour.
RESERVATIONS – Forest Winter Birding Tour
RESERVATIONS: Please complete and submit the following form or email us your full name(s), mailing address, email address and requested tour dates.
E-mail: birdtours@sasktel.net
Phone: 306-652-5975
Full payment due at time of booking. Payment instruction will be emailed to you after registration form is received.
If you do not hear back from us within 24 hours, then please email: birdtours@sasktel.net or phone 306-652-5975.
