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| Photo by Arthur Yeo |
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When: Throughout August. Where: San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, AZ. What: Beginning with spring migration, hummingbirds fly along the San Pedro River en route to their nesting grounds. Up to 14 species stop off at the feeders of the San Pedro House, where staff of the Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory capture and put ID bands on their legs for research before setting them back on their migratory path. A great opportunity to get close-ups of the iridescent, jewel-like birds. Tip: After banding, volunteers give the hummer a sip of nectar and often place one in a visitor’s hand, giving you a chance for tight shots. Bring a friend to “lend a hand.” For Info: www.sabo.org; 520-432-1388.
World’s Largest Outdoor Sale
When: August 2–5. Where: Along Highway 127, from Covington, KY, to Gadsden, AL. What: Stretching 450 miles through four states, the Highway 127 Corridor Sale was originally conceived to draw traffic off the interstates in the south. All along Highway 127 and its side roads, from sunrise to sunset, vendors sell antiques, knickknacks, home-grown produce, you name it. In addition to great flea-market shots, photograph the scenic beauty of pastoral roads and locals hanging out in their front yards. Tip: Traffic crawls along Highway 127 during the event, and restaurants and stores in many towns have been known to run low on food. Stock up on snacks and bottled water. For Info: www.127sale.com; 800-327-3945.
Sturgis 67th Annual Motorcycle Rally
When: August 6–12. Where: Sturgis, SD. What: The biggest, wildest, craziest motorcycle rally in the United States, Sturgis still generates enough of a mainstream audience for photographers to mingle without fear that their lens will be smashed in a bar fight. Decked-out Harleys and choppers, with equally colorful riders, make for quite a spectacle. Tip: Among the competitions is the “Ugliest Bike” contest, which draws eyesores outrageous enough to look good on camera. For the human element, don’t miss the Lady’s World Championship Pickle Lickin’ Contest. For Info: www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com; 605-720-0800.
49th Annual Chicago Air & Water Show
When: August 18–19. Where: Chicago, IL. What: The largest free spectacle of its kind, the Chicago Air & Water Show takes over the waterfront on Lake Michigan with dazzling stunts and displays both above and below. Expect parachute teams, wave riders, and U.S. Navy Blue Angels or Air Force Thunderbirds soaring through the air in formation. Tip: While the events are visible all along the shore of Lake Michigan (Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street Beach), North Avenue Beach has the best shooting opportunities. Get there early; more than 2 million people attend! For Info: www.cityofchicago.org.
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