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Whooping Crane Photography Workshops: Autumn 2026
The Saskatoon region is situated on the central flyway for migrating geese and Whooping Cranes in North America.
Every fall, hundreds of thousands of geese stop in Saskatchewan for several weeks while they feed on spilled grain in fields. Our region is the best location for finding Ross’s Geese in migration. In addition, hundreds of thousands of Snow Geese occur plus tens of thousands of Greater White-fronted Geese. Canada Geese and Cackling Geese are also plentiful.
Each year, Whooping Cranes fly south to the Saskatoon region from their nesting grounds in Canada’s boreal forest where they remain for up to 6 weeks. Our wheat fields have become the best dependable location in the world to view and photograph rare Whooping Cranes, the tallest bird in North America. As local bird guides, we know the best historical places to find these spectacular birds.
The recovery of the endangered Whooping Crane population in Canada has become a tremendous success story for wildlife conservation. The Canadian population of these birds once dipped as low as 14 individuals but now exceeds 550 birds
For many decades, our Saskatchewan Whooping Crane tours led by Stan Shadick have dependably found the locations where these birds feed and rest during fall migration. Whooping Cranes normally raise at most a single young bird. During our 2022 tours, we found up to 3 families with twins!
This year, we are offering a 2-day Whooping Crane and Geese Photography Workshop on September 29 & 30, 2026 and again on October 10 & 11, 2026 led by our local expert bird photographer Boyd Coburn.
Whooping Crane Photography Instructor: Boyd Coburn
Boyd Coburn has over 30 years experience as a wildlife photographer in Saskatchewan. He is knowledgeable about operating cameras and processing and editing images. He claims he is always learning new techniques for imaging and post processing.
Boyd has a keen eye to find wildlife and the patience required to wait for the best opportunities for photography. He is passionate about being ethical when interacting with wildlife and their natural environment. He enjoys nature and is always looking for those uncommon birds and mammals that we don’t often see.
His approach to bird photography: “It is not always about getting the shot though, sometimes you miss the shot but get a spectacular experience.”
Fees for Whooping Crane and Geese Photography Workshops and Photography Sessions.
FEE for 2-day Whooping Crane and Geese Photography Workshop: CAD $1690 per person
(about USD $1040, £805).
Fee includes only leadership services during 2-day workshop (about 12 hours each day). Clients must cover transportation costs in their personal or rented vehicle. Guide will ride in your non-smoking vehicle. Accommodation, transportation and meals are not included in this fee.
FEE for 2-day Whooping Crane and Geese Private Photography Session: CAD $1990 per vehicle with 1 – 3 persons + leader (about US $270, £210). Fee includes only guiding services of leader during 2-day sessions (about 12 hours each day). Client must cover transportation costs for leader and themselves in their personal or rented vehicle. Accommodation, transportation and meals are not included. This 3-hour tour will focus on observing and photographing Sandhill Cranes near Saskatoon. CLICK for more details.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Refunds less a $50 administration fee will be given if cancellation notice received 60 days before date of this Whooping Crane and Geese Photography Workshop.
No refunds if cancellation notice received less than 60 days before date of tour unless another client takes your place.
TAX RECEIPT: A tax receipt for 50% of the tour fee will be issued to the person paying for the Whooping Crane and Geese Photography Workshop.
All guiding fee proceeds will be donated to Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation.
What to Wear
What to Wear. In case of an early snowfall or cool wet weather, bring a winter coat, raincoat, hat, gloves and long underwear. Bring your cameras and tripod. Binoculars and a scope (optional).
