A Photographer’s Paradise
The Great Bear Chalet is situated on the bank of the Atnarko River in an interior Douglas fir forest. Certainly other tree species dominate the riparian zone – Western red cedar, black cottonwood, paper birch and red alder.
The diversity of vegetation and the presence of freshwater (everywhere) makes this ecosystem a veritable smorgasbord for avian seed and insect eaters. Within an hour, we can travel up into an alpine environment where an entirely different collection of resident & migratory birds flourish.
Highlights for us include:
Raptors
| Bald Eagles (resident, nesting nearby) |
| Northern Goshawks |
| Red-tailed Hawks |
| Osprey |
| Various Owls – whose ‘hoot’ is who? |
Woodpeckers
| Pileated Woodpecker |
| Downy Woodpecker |
| Hairy Woodpecker |
| Red-breasted Sapsucker |
| Northern Flicker |
| “Drumming on our hot tin roof” |
Songbirds & More
| Common Dipper (‘uncommon’ song) |
| Ravens (many voices) |
| Stellar’s Jay |
| Clark’s Nutcrakcer |
| Ruffed Grouse |
| Flycatchers, Wrens, Sparrows |
| Thrushes, Tanagers, Vireos, Warblers |
| Rufous Hummingbirds (May return) |
Year-Round Opportunities
Light, landscapes, seasons, flora and fauna – one can’t possibly capture it all but, you can burn up your memory cards trying!
Spring
Migrating birds, wildflowers, bear emergence
Summer
Peak wildlife activity, lush landscapes
Fall
Salmon runs, bears fishing, fall colors
Winter
Snow landscapes, winter birds, tracks
Photography Tips
- Best light: Early morning and late afternoon
- Bring telephoto lens for wildlife
- Macro lens for flora details
- Tripod essential for low light
- Extra memory cards and batteries
- Weather protection for equipment
What We Provide
- Expert guidance to best locations
- Wildlife behavior insights
- Transportation within the area
- Photography blinds/hides access
- Early morning/evening access
- Local knowledge and timing
Photography & Birding FAQs
Capture the Wild
Rapturous raptors await your lens