Nickerson Beach Shorebirds: 2026 Photography Workshop

Price: $349

Join Matt for a morning of shorebird photography at the bustling colonies of Nickerson Beach. During this workshop, we’ll focus on capturing stunning images of birds such as Terns, Oystercatchers, andBlack Skimmer. Our goal is quality over quantity, with a focus on shot composition and storytelling.

Available: June 15 - August 15th

Workshop Includes: 4-hours in the field instruction

This workshop runs rain or shine (unless it’s an absolute deluge).

What we may see:

Common Tern
Black Skimmer
American Oystercatcher
Least Tern
Piping Plover
Great Black-backed Gull
Herring Gull

What you’ll need:

Interchangeable lens DSLR or Mirrorless Camera with a 300mm lens or longer
Plenty of memory cards + batteries
Rain gear (for you and your gear)
Long pants and sturdy footwear. I recommend boots or water shoes.

Cost: $349 ($75 deposit to secure spot, remainder due 30 days prior to workshop. Over 60 days notice, refundable as credit toward any future workshops. Non-refundable deposit within 60 days of the workshop date.

- Close encounters with shorebirds as they feed, fly, and interact with young. The birds are within a protected colony, so a longer lens is ideal. We’ll need as much magnification as possible!
- The colony is roped off and in two sections. Where exactly we must go depends on where the birds are most active and photogenic.
- Some birds may come in close, others won’t. I will do everything in my power to put us in the right spot for a particular species, but the birds well-being is priority.
- This workshop is held on a sand beach that requires walking a distance of up to 1 mile.
Below, I’ll list some of the species way may see on our outing. Least Terns and Skimmers are most common later in the summer. See birds below for details.
- Common Tern (Late June)
- Black Skimmer (Late July-August)
- American Oystercatcher (Anytime)
- Least Tern (July)
- Piping Plover
- Great Black-backed Gull
- Herring Gull
Camera Gear
- Interchangeable lens DSLR or mirrorless camera with a 300mm lens or longer (The longer the better!)
- Plenty of memory cards and batteries
- Tripod or monopod if needed. Handheld is ideal as we’ll be moving around in some cases.
- Rain sleeve
Non-camera gear
- Sturdy footwear. Water shoes or boots recommended
- Long pants (tucked into socks for maximum insect shielding)
- Insect repellent (I treat my clothes with permethrin, but use what works best for you)
- Rain jacket (If needed)