santa clara ranch

I recently spent two days and three nights at the Santa Clara Ranch. The Ranch is set up primarily for photographers and birders. Since this was my first visit, I was required to hire a guide. I also stayed at the Guesthouse on the Ranch during my stay.My guide went above and beyond the call of duty. I expected him to get me set up in the blind and perhaps share some information about the local wildlife. Instead, things started off by my guide meeting me at a convenient location so that I could follow him to the Ranch so that I wouldn't have any trouble finding the remote location. Then, my guide spent the next couple of days driving me to the blinds, setting up perches for the birds, helping me get set up, shooting the entire time with me...he was basically a guide 24/7!The Guesthouse was surprisingly comfortable for being in such a remote location. The diversity of wildlife is amazing...and the guide helps to ensure that they will be approaching the water holes so they can be photographed. In my short time there during the off-season, I saw at least 15 different types of birds...including some raptors.The price is reasonable considering the guide, the lodging and the photography opportunities. I highly recommend it for any photographers who are interested in captring images of animals in the wild.