Naturalist Journeys, LLC

We're blown away by the incredible wildlife encounters Guide of the Year, Steve Grace, narrates in his trip report from our most recent Guyana tour. Here's a particularly magical moment along the Burro Burro River: "Finally, we reached a viewing spot across the river from the Harpy Eagle nest. Positioned at a respectful distance, we set up scopes and telephoto lenses. In the nest, a fuzzy white chick sat quietly, its downy feathers and large eyes lending it an endearing appearance that captivated us all. After waiting for nearly two hours, the mother appeared, swooping in with a suddenness that electrified the scene. She began feeding the chick, carefully tearing strips of meat from a stash in the nest and placing them in the chick’s beak. The chick, waiting patiently to be fed, offered us a glimpse into the care and caution this species invests in its young. In the wild, the male hunts, bringing food back to the nest while the larger and stronger female remains vigilant, guarding the chick and watching from nearby trees for potential threats. The Harpy Eagle is a rare wonder, one of the largest and most powerful eagles in the world, playing a vital role in its rainforest ecosystem by hunting prey like monkeys and sloths in the canopy. With its feathered crown, intense gaze, and talons rivaling the claws of a grizzly bear, the Harpy Eagle embodies the ferocious beauty of the Amazon. Our encounter with this powerful yet elusive bird left us all awed and grateful for this extraordinary experience in the heart of Guyana’s wilderness." Read the full trip report here:https://www.naturalistjourneys.com/pdf/trip-reports/1267-202410-south_america-guyana-trip_report.pdf Travel to Guyana with Steve Grace: https://www.naturalistjourneys.com/tours/2025/02/27/guyana-unspoiled-wilderness • • • #guyana #southamerica #harpyeagle #wildlifetour #birdwatching #birdphotography #biodiversity #naturalistjourneys #ecotourism #grouptravel

Magical moments in the Rio Grande Valley! Traveling with a guide is always worth it. They know where to go, what to look for, and how to make your birding experience truly special. A huge thank you to guide Bryan Calk for sharing this gorgeous footage of a Green Jay taking a dip. Join us in South Texas this spring to discover the incredible birds and wildlife of the Rio Grande Valley. South Texas Birding & Nature | March 12 - 20, 2025 w/ Lena Moser • • • #texas #riograndevalley #wildlifetour #birdwatching #birdphotography #biodiversity #naturalistjourneys #ecotourism #grouptravel

The Spot vs. The Shot! Our guides aren’t afraid to get down in the dirt—literally—to help you find the bird! Traveling with a guide is always worth it. They know where to go, what to look for, and how to make your birding experience truly special. A huge thank you to guide Bryan Calk for sharing the final results of his photo op! Join us in South Texas and let our guides show you the magic of the Rio Grande Valley. South Texas Birding & Nature | March 12 - 20, 2025 w/ Lena Moser https://www.naturalistjourneys.com/tours/2025/03/12/south-texas-birding-nature 📸 Green Jay footage by Bryan Calk • • • #texas #riograndevalley #wildlifetour #birdwatching #birdphotography #biodiversity #naturalistjourneys #ecotourism #grouptravel

The incredible wildlife and seabird richness of the Southern Ocean is calling! Our Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctic Peninsula cruise is a wildlife lover’s dream come true. Kick off the new year with the trip of a lifetime, visit our website to learn more! The Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica | January 4 - 22, 2025 w/ John Carlson • • • #antarctica #antarcticcruise #southernocean #penguins #whalewatching #wildlifecruise #wildlifetour #birdwatching #birdphotography #biodiversity #naturalistjourneys #ecotourism #grouptravel

Take a look at this stunning Bohemian Waxwing feeding on a winter tree! While many might think birding is just for the warmer months, winter offers a unique and magical experience all its own. Winter birding provides the chance to see unique species like owls, enjoy clear views with fewer crowds and witness special behaviors against the breathtaking backdrop of snow-covered landscapes. Join us for a winter birding adventure in Minnesota alongside guide Bryan Calk. Visit our website to learn more! Minnesota: Winter Owling Tour | Feb. 2 - 7, 2025 • • • #birdwatching #birding #minnesotawildlife #winterbirding #birdphotography #naturetour #greatlakes #lakesuperior #owls

Magical moments in the forests of Mexico🦋 Over 20-million Monarchs make their amazing yearly migration of more than 2000 miles to a small area in the mountains in the highland pine forests of Mexico. Each year, a special generation of these extraordinary butterflies discover the same place. It’s a marvel of nature that is not to be missed! Discover Mexico’s Birds & Butterflies with us this February, visit our website to learn more. Mexico’s Birds & Butterflies | Feb. 17 - 24, 2025 • • • #mexico #birdingmexico #monarchbutterflies #monarchmigration #birdwatching #wildlifetour #ecotourism

Discover the awe-inspiring Dalmatian Pelican on our bird-watching tour along the Black Sea Coast! These giants, the largest pelican breed, boast a wingspan of up to 11.5 feet (3.5 meters) and are among the largest flying birds. Once endangered, their populations have been rebounding thanks to dedicated conservation efforts. Join us to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat this September. Sept. 20 - 29, 2024 w/ Gerard Gorman • • • #pelicans #romania #bulgaria #blackseacoast #europeanbirds #birding #birdwatching #wildlifetour

Have you watched our newest Safari Preview? Embark on a wild journey in the heart of East Africa on our Kenya Wildlife Safari. Click the link in our bio or visit our YouTube channel to learn more! Featured Destinations: Nairobi National Park, Lake Baringo, Kakamega Forest, Lake Nakuru National Park, Maasai Mara National Reserve Kenya Wildlife Safari | September 8 - 22, 2024 with Greg Smith • • • • • #kenya #kenyasafari #nairobinationalpark #maasaimara #africansafari #naturephotography #birdwatching #wildlifesafari #wildlifetour #ecotourism #elephants #giraffe

Did you know that the protected islands and bays within Michigan’s Isle Royale National Park are the site of one of the most important breeding areas for Common Loon on the Great Lakes? Loons need large lakes like Lake Superior to accommodate powerful diving and lengthy takeoffs. In September, loon parents fly off to warmer areas of the country, leaving their three-month old chicks to make the instinctive journey on their own. We visit Michigan’s Isle Royale National Park just before Common Loons make their way south for the winter. Visit our website to learn more about our tours in Michigan’s largest wilderness area. Michigan’s Isle Royale & Keweenaw Peninsula | August 20 - 28, 2024 https://www.naturalistjourneys.com/tours/2024/08/20/michigan-s-isle-royale-keweenaw-peninsula • • • #michiganwildlife #isleroyale #greatlakes #commonloon #loons #birdwatching #birding #naturephotography #wildlifetour #upperpeninsulamichigan #BiodiversityConservation

Claim the last two spots on our classic Japan: Birding & Nature tour in January 2025! This wildly popular tour features countless highlights, however a group favorite is always watching Blakiston's Fish-Owl feeding just outside the lodge. Blakiston's Fish-Owl are the largest owl species in the world and classified as endangered. Click the link to learn more and secure your spot: https://www.naturalistjourneys.com/tours/2025/01/07/japan-birding-nature 📸 Video by Peg Abbott during our Japan: Birding & Nature tour in 2023 #japan #japantravel #owls #birdwatching #ecotourism #naturelovers #birdphotography

Experience the refreshing autumn breeze, tranquil surroundings, and diverse wildlife of Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone in the Fall is a photographer’s paradise with vibrant foliage, migratory birds, and bustling animals readying for winter! Seize the chance to explore Yellowstone’s dynamic beauty this fall. Visit our website to learn more! • • • #yellowstone #yellowstonenps #exploretheusa #nationalparks #grizzlybear #owls #elk #birdwatching #ecotourism #wildlifetour #naturephotography

Dreamy morning in Mana Pools National Park 🐘 Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime African Safari into the wild landscapes of Zambia & Zimbabwe this July. This NEW! tour was curated by founder and lead guide, Peg Abbott and includes time at over five iconic national parks and wildlife reserves. Cross the Zambezi River and experience a truly wild Africa. Visit our website to learn more! • • • #africa #africansafari #zambia #zimbabwe #manapoolsnationalpark #southluangwa #kafuenationalpark #bvumbamountains #birdwatching #wildlifephotography #naturephotography #ecotourism #sustainabletravel #elephant #luxurysafari