There is nowhere in North America as iconic as Yellowstone National Park. Towering mountains, spewing geysers, vast forests and valleys harbouring the highest megafauna density on the continent make this a must-visit destination for anyone wanting to experience the classic American West. But the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, as it is known by locals and researchers, is much more than what is found within the National Park’s borders, despite its enormous size. The ecosystem includes huge, pristine prairies, alpine crags and meadows, near-arid desert, and the most diverse and lovely scenery one could hope for.
For birders, a visit to the Yellowstone region means Longspurs parachuting over Mountain Plover chicks, Western Tanagers at the same feeders as Red Crossbills, Black Rosy Finches foraging at the feet of Mountain Goats, Brown-headed Cowbirds on the back of the original bovine of the continent – the Bison. Yellowstone means time spent observing wolves and bears foraging, hunting, in their natural habitats, otters and Barrow’s Goldeneye frolicking in the Lamar River, and some of the most spectacular geothermal sites on Earth. Any visit to Yellowstone is memorable and unique, but there is so much more to be seen and enjoyed than most visitors could conceive.
*2024 Prices are estimated and dates may change*
Black Rosy Finch; Sprague’s Pipit; Thick-billed & Chestnut-collared Longspurs;, Mountain Plover; Dusky Grouse; Three-toed Woodpecker; Williamson’s Sapsucker; Sagebrush Sparrow;, Baird’s Sparrow.
Gray Wolf; Grizzly & American Black Bears; Bighorn; Mountain Goat; American Bison
shortgrass and mixed-grass Prairie, Riparian Deciduous Forest, Sagebrush Steppe, Lake and Marsh wetlands, Montane Coniferous Forest, Alpine grassland
daytime temperatures typically range 65 -80F, with cool evenings in the 50s – 60s. Though the odd afternoon thunderstorm is likely, weather is typically very enjoyable with little precipitation.
6 with 1 Rockjumper Leader and local leaders where necessary
tour pace is relaxed, with a few short hikes that are best for species like Black Rosy-Finch and Grouse. Overall, easy and pleasant walking conditions on road and trails.
3-4 star accommodations throughout the tour.
generally easy, though sometimes species like Northern Pygmy Owl or Gray Partridge can be a little tricky to pin down.
220+
wildlife and photography, of course, are amazing. Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park, driving the Beartooth Highway over the second-highest drivable pass in the country, art galleries and shops in Livingston, visit the Yellowstone Film Ranch.
incredible photo ops of dozens of bird species and some 14 species of mammal, minimum
Great trip overall. Stephan is a great guide, knows where the birds are and makes sure everyone sees them. Very enjoyable trip.
Our guide was superb. The experience was really beyond my expectations. This was “awesome” in the traditional sense of awesome not the common vernacular.
Stephan and Claudia are a great team: Stephan is simply amazing hearing, spotting and helping all get on the relevant bird(s). As the only non-master birder and the oldest person on the trip, I thought that they both were helpful, careful and mindful of the needs of me and each of the group. Claudia often got on the bird as quickly as Stephan spotted it. The group worked for the best interest of the group. .... During a pandemic, the group acted responsibly and carefully.
I would rate my experience on the Texas Coast trip with Stephan and Claudia as excellent. They are both superb at what they do.
An excellent tour, and Stephan and Claudia were both very knowledgeable guides. I was also very grateful to them for so conscientiously researching the options for the Covid test I needed to travel back to the UK (following the UK Government’s announcement after I had already left for the tour) and ensuring I got the test. All in all a very enjoyable experience and with lots of good birds!
23 Jun 2024 - 30 Jun 2024 (8 days)
USD4,595 - No Spaces Available
Tour Leader: Forrest Rowland
Tour price (Per person): USD4,595 * GBP3,637 * EUR4,255 * AUD7,045
Single Supplement: USD670 * GBP530 * EUR620 * AUD1,027
USA - Montana & Wyoming: Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem I 2023 - June 2023
USA - Arizona: Southeast Specialties & Nightbirds 2023 - May 2023
USA - Texas: Spring Migration & Hill Country 2023 - April 2023
USA - Colorado: Prairie Chickens, Grouse & More 2023 - April 2023
USA - Texas: Winter: Whooping Cranes and the Lower Rio Grande 2023 - February 2023
USA - Arizona: Southeast Specialties, Monsoon Breeders & Hummingbirds 2022 - August 2022
USA - Arizona: Southeast Specialties & Nightbirds 2022 - May 2022
USA - Florida: Spring Migration & Specialities 2022 - April 2022
USA - Texas: Spring Migration & Hill Country 2022 - April 2022
USA - Colorado: Prairie Chickens, Grouse & More 2022 - April 2022
USA - Montana & Wyoming: Greater Yellowstone in Winter 2022 - February 2022
USA - Texas: Winter: Whooping Cranes and the Lower Rio Grande 2022 - February 2022
USA - Texas: Winter: Whooping Cranes and the Lower Rio Grande II 2021 - December 2021
USA - California: Southern Specialties 2021 - December 2021
USA - Arizona: Hummingbird Migration, Monsoon Breeders & Night Birds II 2021 - August 2021
USA - Arizona: Hummingbird Migration, Monsoon Breeders & Night Birds I 2021 - August 2021
USA - Arizona: Southeast Specialties & Nightbirds 2021 - May 2021
USA - Texas: Hill Country Specialties and Wildlife 2021 - April 2021
USA - Texas: Migration Spectacle along the Upper Texas Coast 2021 - April 2021
USA - Texas: Spring Migration & Hill Country 2021 - April 2021