March/April Photography in Alaska/Canada

[Claudia Brassel]

Dear friends,

maybe there is anybody of you here that can share any experience in photographing during this months in Alaska and west Canada (Rockies, Calgary, etc.)

I'm thinking of going to Alaska and west Canada during end of March begin of April for wildlife photography.

Since I suppose that during this time Alaska has still snow it would be interesting if anybody can tell me how the photography situation is there.
I have been in Alaska and Canada but always during summer month.

I'm thinking of going to Nome (sure there will be snow there .. ) and maybe to Homer to photography the Eagels.

Would be nice to find some Moose too, maybe on some part of Kenai or to find some Owls ... not an easy job !

Maybe some of you has also good ideas for places to go for wildlife ...

I know, Alaska as well as Canada is very big :-) .. I have not yet decided where exactly I want to go .. it depends where I can find something interesting to photography.

Thanks for sharing experiences.
Claudia

[robert_baker]

Originally Posted by Claudia Brassel

Dear friends,

maybe there is anybody of you here that can share any experience in photographing during this months in Alaska and west Canada (Rockies, Calgary, etc.)

I'm thinking of going to Alaska and west Canada during end of March begin of April for wildlife photography.

Since I suppose that during this time Alaska has still snow it would be interesting if anybody can tell me how the photography situation is there.
I have been in Alaska and Canada but always during summer month.

I'm thinking of going to Nome (sure there will be snow there .. ) and maybe to Homer to photography the Eagels.

Would be nice to find some Moose too, maybe on some part of Kenai or to find some Owls ... not an easy job !

Maybe some of you has also good ideas for places to go for wildlife ...

I know, Alaska as well as Canada is very big :-) .. I have not yet decided where exactly I want to go .. it depends where I can find something interesting to photography.

Thanks for sharing experiences.
Claudia

Hi Claudia,

Coming to Alaska with the goal of wildlife photography should have low expectations....Meaning I have lived and shot here for about 7 years and I still have a LONG LIST of wildlife shots not captured.

The lighting is fabulous in march/april up here and we probably average 18 hours of daylight...which should help you.

Yes, most areas will still have snow...expecially Nome. FINALLY, they banned the Eagle Lady from feeding eagles in Homer so that majority population has flown to other easier feeds....obviously there is still a strong group of homeboys who fly there year 'round waiting for the salmon which start arriving in late april.

Your best moose shots believe it or not will be by the Anchorage airport.

Personally, if I were you I would fly into Anchorage, rent a 4X4, head north and traverse across the Denali Highway and then head out the Dalton, head over to Dawson City, Yukon head down to Whitehorse and Skagway...then, either head back up the Alcan highway or take the Ferry to Juneau.

Be forewarned, we typically get our latest LARGEST snow dump in the time frame you have mentioned...so, you should be comfortable traveling in the snow.

So, not to bum your trip out, but that time of the year visiting Alaska is great...but, not for wildlife...many of the critters are still in a deep nap.

[robert_baker]

Oh....here is a coupla links for you...

www.travelyukon.com
Alaska Bald Eagle Festival
Wildlife Viewing
DOI: BLM: Glennallen Field Office Home Page

[Claudia Brassel]

Hi Robert,

many thanks for your information.
Also I will go to your links and see what else I found.

I can agree with the Moose sights near Anchorage Airport.
Early in the morning, the day we left Anchorage, we saw two Moose (young Bull and Cow) near a pond.
It was really beautiful and I thought what a thing ! so many Kilometers we drove and found the Moose right in the city ... that's funy.

What about Moose in Chugach State Park ? is it "open" this time a year (end of March) ...

Thanks again,
Claudia

[robert_baker]

Originally Posted by robert_baker

FINALLY, they banned the Eagle Lady from feeding eagles in Homer so that majority population has flown to other easier feeds....obviously there is still a strong group of homeboys who fly there year 'round waiting for the salmon which start arriving in late april.

I was informed by another member in Homer this info....

In your posting you said that Jean was banned from feeding in Homer this is not correct. The city council banned people such as us from feeding. She can feed for two more years if she asked for an extension they would give it to her. She is just getting to old to continue. I help her four weeks a year this is how I know.

[robert_baker]

Originally Posted by Claudia Brassel

What about Moose in Chugach State Park ? is it "open" this time a year (end of March) ...

Hi Claudia,

Yes, the Chugach State Park is open...but, depending on the location, it can be buried in snow and avalanche risky....Again, moose can sorta be like white-tailed dear around here...I do not go out of my way to find them...but, have total respect for them (fear), and when I do see them it certainly compliments the composition.

Sorta kidding but not....From Feb-Apr I think the best wildlife to shoot is our classic Alaskan events...

www.irondog.org
The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race
GCI Arctic Man Ski and Sno-Go Classic

I guess the ultimate point is...enjoy your trip to the Great White North but prepared to shoot anything...